Calgary Waste Management Deal Shows Private Sector Solutions
A landmark five-year contract between Calgary and Northstar Clean Technologies demonstrates how market-driven innovation can solve municipal challenges while creating local jobs and economic value.
The Canadian technology company has secured an agreement to process Calgary's waste asphalt shingles at its new commercial facility, beginning April 2026. This partnership represents a practical approach to waste management that benefits taxpayers while supporting local industry.
Private Enterprise Delivers Results
Northstar's Empower Calgary facility, located in Rocky View County, showcases the effectiveness of private sector solutions. The company's proprietary technology can process up to 80,000 tonnes of discarded shingles annually, transforming waste into valuable materials for construction and paving.
Aidan Mills, President and CEO of Northstar, emphasized the economic benefits: "We are very appreciative of the City of Calgary's confidence in Northstar in selecting our Company and our proprietary solution as the winning candidate under their request for proposal."
The facility will employ up to 30 full-time local workers, demonstrating how business innovation creates meaningful employment opportunities for Alberta families.
Proven Technology, Local Benefits
Using Northstar's patented Bitumen Extraction and Separation Technology, the facility recovers liquid asphalt, aggregate, fiber, and limestone for reuse. This approach reduces lifecycle CO₂ emissions by approximately 60 percent while keeping thousands of tonnes of construction materials out of landfills.
The project received over $7.2 million in support from Emissions Reduction Alberta and Alberta Innovates, showing how targeted government investment can leverage private sector expertise to achieve practical results.
Justin Riemer, CEO of ERA, noted: "We saw this as a flagship investment in Alberta's circular economy, a proven technology that cuts emissions, diverts waste and positions the Province as a leader in shingle recycling."
Model for Responsible Growth
This partnership establishes a clear blueprint for other Canadian municipalities seeking cost-effective waste management solutions. Rather than relying on expensive government programs, cities can work with innovative private companies to address environmental challenges while supporting local economic development.
The facility represents Alberta's continued leadership in practical, solutions-driven innovation. By working with established engineering, design, and construction firms from the province, Northstar has created a truly Alberta-made success story.
Chantelle de Jonge, MLA for Chestermere-Strathmore, highlighted the provincial impact: "Alberta is once again proving that environmental responsibility and economic opportunity go hand in hand. The Empower Calgary Facility is a prime example of how local innovation is paving the way across our Province."
This contract positions Northstar to expand similar arrangements across North America, potentially creating a new Canadian export industry while addressing waste management challenges through market-based solutions.