qathet Regional District's (qRD) board has made the decision to cancel the request for proposal process for an organics processing facility in the region.
At the April 26 regional board meeting, after the in camera session, an announcement was made by Electoral Area C director and regional board chair Clay Brander that the process had been cancelled.
In a written statement following the meeting, Brander stated that there were two proponents for the request for proposals, and both have been notified about the decision.
“The board has also decided to end negotiations with the preferred proponent,” stated Brander. “The reason for this was that we felt that a mutually acceptable agreement could not be reached within a reasonable amount of time. The preferred proponent has been informed of this decision as well.”
Brander stated that organics diversion is an important aspect of the regional solid waste management service and the regional district wants to assure residents that it will continue to be delivered at current service levels.
Brander stated that food scraps and yard waste can be dropped off for free at three locations. Smaller household loads (under 50 litres or 20 pounds) can be brought to the Tla’amin Recycling Depot (near the Salish Centre) Tuesday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm. Smaller household loads (under 50 litres or 20 pounds) can be brought to the Town Centre Recycling Depot (in the parking lot behind Rona) Monday through to Saturday, 8 am to 5:30 pm.
Larger loads can be delivered to Sunshine Disposal and Recycling (4484 Franklin Avenue) Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm only. Brander stated that the maximum load size is two yards.
“It is our understanding that the City of Powell River is continuing to offer its organics collection pilot program,” stated Brander. “If there are any questions about this program, please direct them to the city.”
Green Waste Company facility manager Dan Buckland confirmed that his company was the preferred proponent. When asked if he could comment further on the regional district’s initiative, Buckland said he could not at this time (May 1) because the company was awaiting more information.
Buckland had been on hand at two regional district meetings as a delegation to describe Green Waste Company’s planned organics facility at a site near Duck Lake in Electoral Area B.
