Creating sustainable, connected communities takes more than thoughtful design, it takes leadership, collaboration, and a shared commitment to making everyday behaviours easier for the people who live there. That belief sits at the heart of the partnership between the Deveraux Group of Companies and Recycle Everywhere, one that is already reshaping how recycling is understood and embraced across multi-family properties in Manitoba.
Deveraux is one of Canada’s leading developers and rental property managers, widely recognized for building vibrant, inclusive, and environmentally responsible communities. Their approach to community building extends well beyond construction: it’s about resident experience, long-term value, and fostering a culture of belonging and shared responsibility. As Vice President of Marketing & Communications Kate Donahue puts it, “When people feel connected to where they live, they thrive and, so do our communities.”
Why Sustainability Matters Especially in Multi-Family Living
For Deveraux, sustainability is not a corporate initiative; but a core value woven into residents’ daily living experience. Recycling plays a role in that effort. It is practical, visible, and a hands-on way for residents to participate directly in reducing environmental impact and building pride in their community.
But recycling in multi-family buildings comes with unique challenges, shared spaces, varied levels of recycling knowledge, and the risk of contamination. Without the right tools and education, even the most motivated residents can struggle to recycle correctly. Deveraux recognized these barriers and set out to strengthen both the infrastructure and the engagement needed to make recycling truly effective
A Partnership Designed for Impact
Although Deveraux had recycling infrastructure in place, they saw an opportunity to go further to increase participation, reduce contamination, and create a more uniform experience across buildings in Manitoba. That’s where Recycle Everywhere came in.
Together, the organizations helped introduce clear, consistent signage, resident-focused education, and bin systems tailored for multi-family needs. Each resident received their own recycling bin, while buildings were outfitted with visible, multi-language signage, making proper recycling both convenient and intuitive. “The collaboration was incredibly solutions-focused,” says Donahue. “Recycle Everywhere brought expertise, resources, and the tools we needed to take our program to the next level.”
“Recycle Everywhere brought expertise, resources, and the tools we needed to take our program to the next level”
Reaching Residents Where They Are, In 13 Languages
One of the most impressive parts of Deveraux’s rollout was its commitment to accessibility. Recognizing Manitoba’s diverse communities, Deveraux printed educational postcards in 13 languages. Posters in multiple languages are now shared with new residents as part of their welcome package.
This approach ensures that newcomers, long-term residents, and multilingual families all have equal access to clear recycling information, a key step in building inclusive, empowered communities.
Early Results and Resident Response
Although the program is still in its early stages, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Residents are engaging with the materials, staff are reporting smoother communication, and buildings are seeing clearer pathways for recycling success. Donahue notes that while concrete numbers will come with time, “the program has already been well received and we’re optimistic about the benefits ahead.”
Advice to Other Property Managers
For organizations considering a similar initiative, Deveraux’s message is simple: get involved.
“Recycle Everywhere understands the nuances of multi-family living,” Donahue says. “They provide the tools, knowledge, and long-term support to make recycling successful and sustainable.”
Beyond the practical benefits, the partnership reinforces Deveraux’s broader mission: to build communities where residents feel empowered to make a difference, one small, meaningful action at a time.
The collaboration between Deveraux and Recycle Everywhere is a clear example of how property managers and sustainability organizations can work hand-in-hand to create lasting impact. With consistency, accessibility, and a shared vision for change, multi-family properties can become powerful drivers of environmental stewardship.
As Donahue reflects, “Sustainability and community go hand in hand.” And together, we are proving exactly that. Learn more at Recycleeverywhere.ca.
