TOWNSHIP OF ESQUIMALT STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: July 7, 2025 Report No. EPW-25-012
TO: Council
FROM: Joel Clary, Director of Engineering & Public Works
SUBJECT: Bus Stop Level of Service and Procurement of Used Curbster
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council approve the purchase of a used curbster and necessary repairs in the amount of $35,000, as described in Staff Report EPW-25-012.
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The purpose of this report is to inform Council of an opportunity to enhance the level of service provided at bus stops and parks through the early acquisition of a used curbster (small garbage truck), and to seek Council’s approval to proceed with the purchase.
BACKGROUND:
Public garbage collection at bus stops is currently performed using one of the two large garbage trucks used for residential collection. Typically, this occurs at the end of the day by the second garbage worker using the spare large garbage truck when the other worker takes the day’s garbage to Hartland Landfill. This approach limits both frequency and efficiency, and requires manually lifting of the waste vertically out of the enclosures and overhead into the large garbage truck. Overhead lifting increases risk of injury to workers.
Another challenge at bus stops is general cleanliness. Overflowing garbage bins contribute to this, driven by multiple factors including high usage, infrequent emptying, and the improper dumping of household waste. During periods of wet weather, bins can become even heavier due to water ingress, compounding the safety risks to workers. The current bin enclosures are open at the top, allowing rainwater to collect in the bins. To address this, holes have been drilled in the bottom of the enclosures for drainage; however, this allows dirty water to escape and stain the surrounding surfaces.
In addition to waste-related issues, graffiti on the bus shelters and benches has increased in recent years. Due to other demands on staff, the capacity to maintain cleanliness at bus stops has diminished over time.
To address these challenges and improve both service levels and work safety, a multi-year public garbage enclosure program was introduced in the 2025 - 2029 Financial Plan. This program includes the following components:
• Installation of metal enclosures that limit the size of waste deposited at bus stops and in parks.
• Use of residential-sized carts within enclosures to allow for mechanical lifting and emptying.
• Acquisition of a curbster (small garbage truck) to service bus stops and parks more effectively.
• Addition of 0.5 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) in Public Works to support increased collection and general maintenance at bus stops.
The gradual rollout of this program is scheduled to begin in 2026 and continue through 2029, with a total estimated cost of $815,000. This includes approximately $565,000 for the purchase and installation of garbage enclosures and bins, and $250,000 for the acquisition of a new curbster. Initially, the program would use existing staff and resources (around 5 hours/week). Over time, it is anticipated that the full enclosure program would grow into a full FTE, with 0.5 FTE funded through existing Parks auxiliary budget and 0.5 FTE added to Public Works, as identified in the Workforce Plan.
The use of enclosures and smaller collection vehicles is consistent with the approach City of Victoria and District of Saanich have been implementing. An example of Victoria’s enclosures and curbster is provided in Attachment 1.
Recently, the Township was informed that a used curbster is available for purchase from the District of Saanich at a cost of $25,000. The vehicle is approximately 12 years old and has 250,000 km on a diesel engine. While the mileage sounds high, this isn’t a concern for a diesel vehicle that has been regularly serviced by Saanich’s mechanics. The Township’s Mechanic Supervisor and Manager of Public Works went to Saanich and inspected the vehicle. Based on their assessment, the curbster should provide another five years of service with approximately $10,000 of emissions and minor body work, making the total cost $35,000.
ANALYSIS:
Staff recommend purchasing the used curbster currently available from Saanich as a cost-effective opportunity to pilot and refine the enclosure program in advance of its full-scale rollout. The purchase of the used curbster allows staff to explore the level of service and resources needed to improve cleanliness at bus stops. Specifically, the used curbster would support the following service improvements:
• Increased Collection Frequency: The smaller and more maneuverable size of the curbster enables more efficient access to bus stops and parks. This would allow for more frequent emptying of garbage bins, reducing overflow issues and improving cleanliness at public sites.
• Pilot of Enclosure-Free Bins: Staff propose piloting the use of residential bins without enclosures at select locations (10-15 sites) to evaluate operational effectiveness. These bins can be mechanically lifted by the curbster, significantly reducing the manual handling risks to staff. A pilot site has already been installed in front of 1312 Craigflower Road, where persistent illegal dumping had occurred.
• Operational Flexibility: Beyond servicing bus stops initially, the curbster could be utilized for residential collection support and to access tight locations that are a challenge for the large truck.
• Future Service Expansion: With additional outfitting, the curbster could be equipped for power washing and graffiti removal, creating opportunities to address cleanliness and maintenance needs at bus stops concurrently with garbage collection.
By procuring the used curbster at this time, the Township can begin incrementally increasing the level of service at bus stops without the full investment. This approach allows staff to evaluate and fine tune the program, helping to determine the appropriate resources and infrastructure needed to support a sustainable increase in service levels at bus stops.
OPTIONS:
1. That Council approve the purchase of a used curbster and necessary repairs in the amount of $35,000, as described in Staff Report EPW-25-012.
2. That Council provide alternative direction to staff.
3. That Council request further information from staff.
COUNCIL PRIORITY:
Good Governance & Organizational Excellence
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The 2025-2029 financial plan currently includes the scheduled purchase of a new curbster in 2027 with $250,000 to be funded from the Machinery and Equipment Reserve Fund. With the approval to purchase a used curbster, $35,000 will be required this year and the 2027 request will be removed. Future financial plans will be updated to reflect the scheduled replacement of the used curbster in 2030, when it is expected to be nearing the end of its useful life.
COMMUNICATIONS/ENGAGEMENT:
No community engagement has been completed for this procurement.
TIMELINES & NEXT STEPS:
If approved, staff will work directly with District of Saanich staff for the procurement of the used curbster.
REPORT REVIEWED BY:
1. Ian Irvine, Director of Finance, Reviewed
2. Deb Hopkins, Director of Corporate Services, Reviewed
3. Dan Horan, Chief Administrative Officer, Concurrence
LIST OF ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1 - City of Victoria Garbage Enclosure and Curbster Example