It’s always encouraging to hear from civic-minded residents who are working to improve their community.
Neighbourhood associations play a vital role in communicating the wants of specific area’s residents to council.
And the South Hills and Area Neighbourhood Association is no different.
In December, council received a request from SHANA requesting that the city provide garbage collection to South Quesnel residents.
This was the first official request to provide this service in South Quesnel, so Council decided to move ahead.
To better understand the desires of residents, the city is conducting a survey in South Quesnel.
We’re asking if they want to receive garbage collection services from the city.
We’ll be mailing out the surveys during the week of Jan. 28 and ask that people return them to City Hall by 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday Feb. 20.
There are about 805 dwellings that would be serviced in South Quesnel; 225 mobile homes and 580 single family dwellings.
We want to hear from as many of you as possible.
Once the deadline passes, staff will report the results to Council so we can set the next steps.
If we receive several hundreds of responses with a clear opinion expressed, that will make our decision- making process easier. But if we get an underwhelming response, we’ll have to reflect and determine the best way to proceed.
If the decision to provide the service is made, then garbage collection will be provided to all residents – there is no opt-out option. That’s why it’s important that you let us know how you feel.
If we do proceed, we hope to have the system up and running this summer.
Each residence is given a 245-litre wheeled garbage cart. While the schedule is to be determined, residents in South Quesnel would get their garbage picked up once a week.
The cost (including the garbage cart) is $72 (2013 rates). This is reduced by 10 per cent if you pay it prior to the due date (which is noted on the annual utility bills that are mailed out in February). For South Quesnel residents, the cost would be pro-rated for 2013 and sent out on a separate invoice.
By offering this service, we feel we can reduce wait times at the landfills.
And, with fewer people making individual trips to the landfill, we’re reducing our community’s greenhouse gas emissions. Plus it’s a convenience for the folks in South Quesnel.
So, if you want to have your voice heard on this issue, complete the survey that will be mailed to you and return it to the City by e-mail (scan a copy and send to cityhall@quesnel.ca), fax (250-992-2206), regular mail or drop it off at City Hall. If you have questions regarding the survey, you can call City Hall at 250-991-7480.
As Council, we want to hear your voice on this issue.
Regardless of whether you want the service or not, make sure you tell us, so we can make a decision that works for your community.
Do you have any questions for Mayor Sjostrom? Forward them to editor@quesnelobserver.com and the mayor can answer them in her next column.