The Quesnel landfill is entering a new era of greater environmental responsibility, improved cost control, and long-term sustainability. A new entrance and weigh scales open in “test mode” Nov. 28. The scales will be in use from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., seven days a week (closed Christmas and New Year’s Day). The recycling and garbage drop-off will remain open 24 hours per day until Jan. 8. Jan. 9 and following, the new operating hours and a new fee structure takes effect. The new system is designed to reward those who recycle and separate their waste. Residents who have less than 350 kilograms of household garbage, and who separate their recycling, will pay no fees. But an individual who wants to throw a mix of garbage, recycling, yard waste and other waste types in one bin will pay by weight ($50 per 1,000 kilograms). The fee structure will be posted at the landfill and at www.quesnel.ca The changes at the landfill are happening because: • It is environmentally responsible. Residents already recycle a great deal of material. It is expected that will continue, as recycling and yard waste disposal will remain free of charge. • It extends the landfill’s life, saving taxpayers money. Today, the expected landfill closure date is 2030. Extending that date reduces how much the City has to put aside for final closure each year, while also providing more time to plan and save for a new landfill. • The our Quesnel sustainability planning process showed there is a desire in the community for projects that consider a wide range of sustainability pillars, such as finances and the environment. • It provides greater control over what is disposed of in the landfill. Hazardous goods, chemicals and electronics can be diverted to appropriate disposal sites. A special edition of the Q-City News will be mailed to all homes and businesses in the V2J postal code next week providing further information. Transit upgrade At its last meeting, council approved upgrading the transit fleet by replacing three aging “Polar” buses with two new “Vicinity” and one “ARBOC” bus. Staff brought forward a revised plan that would see two additional aging Polar buses replaced by two ARBOC vehicles, one year ahead of schedule. The additional cost is $8,000 over three years. It is estimated that cost increase will be offset by savings in maintenance to the older buses. Once complete, the new fleet of buses will be low-floor, easy-entry buses, improving accessibility. Other news The city will provide three loads of gravel for the upcoming Rotary Auction. This falls in line with past practice and costs the city about $600. Council approved the sale of a city-owned property at 1340 Twan Avenue. The city acquired the property at tax sale in 2001, and leased it out until 2012; it is currently vacant. Sealed bids will be accepted at City Hall until 2 p.m. PST on Friday Nov. 23. A local volunteer firefighter will be deployed to either Peru or Panama as part of the Firefighters Without Borders Canada program. It’s an opportunity to share training and experience with a foreign fire service.
Council approved using approximately $1,500 from the volunteer training budget to support the initiative.
A request to create a Community Garden at 325 Lewis Drive (near the skating rink) was approved.
The Climate Action Group, in coordination with the Baker Creek Enhancement Society, made the request, which would see city property used for the initiative. This same group has run a successful garden at Quesnel junior school for the past three years. It provides bags of fresh produce for those in need. Council also approved providing $4,800 to install a water service at the site.
Council approved the city renewing its Building Inspection Agreement with the District of Wells. The new contract expires Dec. 31, 2016. The fee for 2012 was $1,500; that fee will increase by the Consumer Price Index percentage each year.
Important dates
Oct. 27 – Child Development Centre Variety Show Fundraiser
Oct. 27 – Bras Across the Bridge fundraiser
Proclamations
October – Accessible Parking Awareness Month
October – Foster Family Appreciation Month
Oct. 22 – 27 – Child Development Week
Oct. 28 – Nov. 10 – Veterans Days
Nov. 18 – 25 – Restorative Justice Week