The Automotive Recyclers Association of Atlantic Canada held its largest convention with over 100 auto recyclers from across Canada, featuring keynote speakers discussing operational management, talent development, and industry collaboration to address future challenges in the automotive recycling sector.
- Over 100 auto recyclers from British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic provinces attended ARAAC's record-breaking convention on August 21-22.
- Keynote speaker Dan Snyder, owner of a nine-location operation with 300+ employees, discussed employee autonomy, talent development, and corporate succession planning.
- Technical presentations showcased new software tools from PMR, Power-DB, and Car-Part.com to improve recycling yard efficiency.
- Industry leaders emphasized multi-regional collaboration as essential to navigating regulatory challenges and shifting vehicle technologies.
- Newco Metal & Auto Recycling's $27-million shredding facility demonstrated the circular economy's final stage for end-of-life vehicles and scrap metal processing.
More than 100 auto recyclers from across the country gathered here Aug. 21-22 for the Automotive Recyclers Association of Atlantic Canada's annual convention, drawing what organizers called its largest turnout yet.
Delegates travelled from British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec and all four Atlantic provinces for the two-day event at the JAG Hotel on George Street West.
Keynote speaker Dan Snyder, owner of Snyder's Certified Truck & Auto Parts in Holland, Tex., detailed the management of a nine-location operation with more than 300 employees that processes hundreds of vehicles daily. His address, titled "Thriving into the Future... What Will it Take?," focused on employee autonomy, talent development, operational resilience and corporate succession planning.
Bernard Davis, the MHA for Virginia Waters-Pleasantville and Deputy Opposition House Leader in the Newfoundland legislature, addressed the convention as a guest speaker. Davis, who has held 11 cabinet portfolios over a three-term career including environment and tourism, highlighted the intersection of those sectors with automotive recycling.
Technical presentations from PMR, Power-DB and Car-Part.com outlined new software tools designed to improve automotive recycling yard efficiency.Wally Dingman, executive director of Auto Recyclers of Canada (ARC), delivered an industry update detailing national and international regulatory issues alongside current marketing campaigns aimed at raising public awareness of automotive recycling.
A panel featuring Tom Charlton of British Columbia, Jeremy Swanson of Saskatchewan, and Ontario's Derek Nissen and Corey Earl joined Snyder to discuss recruitment, sales development and inter-provincial operational collaboration.
Fletcher noted that the cross-regional attendance underscored a distinct professional network. in an email, he said the level of collaboration and cooperation in this panel was an example of the powerful positive relationships within the industry, describing the business model transparency as something very unique to auto recycling.
The convention concluded with operational tours of Newco Metal & Auto Recycling and its sister company, A1 Automotive, which is one of three association members operating in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Newco operates a $27-million industrial shredding facility that processes end-of-life vehicles and scrap metal across the province. Fletcher described the site visit as a look at one of the last steps in the circular economy for vehicles.
Devon Field, who was re-elected to the regional association board and nominated to a seat on the national ARC board, hosted the delegation at the A1 Automotive facility.
The event included a networking forum on George Street. Dingman, reflecting on the frontline discussions, indicated that direct operator feedback remains central to national advocacy strategy.
"A sincere thank you to all of the recyclers who made the trip, and to the sponsors and exhibitors whose support makes events like this possible," Dingman said. "And to our Newfoundland hosts — thank you for the genuine East Coast hospitality."
The ARC executive director added that current operational discussions are guiding how the association approaches shifting vehicle technologies."
For me, one of the best parts was reconnecting with old friends and making fast friends with so many others," Dingman said. "Having spent most of my life in this industry, first as a recycler and now representing recyclers through ARC, I really appreciated the conversations — hearing what is happening in yards, the challenges people are facing, and the opportunities they see ahead. You are my people."
Dingman noted that the current economic landscape requires closer multi-regional integration."So many positives came out of this convention," Dingman said. "Good conversations, new ideas, stronger relationships and a real willingness to work together. Our industry has plenty of challenges ahead, but we also have tremendous opportunities. Collaboration and cooperation are the path forward. When recyclers, associations, suppliers and industry partners get in the same room and openly share ideas, we all get better. Proud to represent this industry and even more optimistic about where we can take it together."
