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From bear-proof garbage bins to an extensive recycling program, the organizers of the 樱桃视频Valley Music Festival (SVMF) are aiming to make this year鈥檚 event almost litter-proof.
鈥淥bviously we have learned some lessons,鈥� SVMF executive director Paul Runnals told District of 樱桃视频council at Committee of the Whole on May 27.
Those lessons came in the form of complaints after the 2013 festival, when garbage was scattered over the then-campgrounds 鈥� the fields at Brennan Park Recreation Centre. One big difference this time around is a 24-hour crew that has been hired to target waste on the festival site and surrounding area throughout the three-day event, from Aug. 8 to 10.听
Last year鈥檚 waste management data was used to establish projections for waste volumes at the 2014 festival, Runnals said. At each waste station there will be a 鈥淕reen Team鈥� volunteer who will help ensure the garbage goes into the right stream 鈥� trash, recyclables and compost. There will be no on-site trinket or flyer handouts, Runnals said. Festival vendors and sponsors have been handed sustainability guidelines that all companies are required to sign off on, Runnals said.听
鈥淲e aim to divert a minimum of 50 per cent of waste that is going to the landfill,鈥� he said, noting festival organizers鈥� long-term goal is achieving zero waste.听
The festival is working with 樱桃视频charities to explore the opportunity of raising money by helping with on-site recycling initiatives, Runnals noted.听
SVMF organizers aim to return the festival grounds to the district鈥檚 satisfaction by Aug. 14.听
Ticket sales are on track, Runnals said. Organizers anticipate Sunday, the last day of the festival, will be the first day to sell out. That day international superstar rapper Eminem will hit the stage.
鈥淲e are still projecting to hit 35,000 people,鈥� he said.听
The festival鈥檚 planning seems to be miles better than last year, Coun. Patricia Heinztman said.听
鈥淚 look forward to seeing how it works,鈥� she said.听
