qathet Regional District (qRD) board has approved a hybrid public and private staffing model for management and operations of the resource-recovery centre (RRC).
The board gave approval for the staffing model at the February 25 regional board meeting.
According to a media release from the regional district, in 2016, qRD, with the support of City of Powell River and Tla’amin Nation, was successful in receiving a $6 million grant to remediate the former incinerator site on Marine Avenue and to develop a RRC on the site, as well as revert unused land to a community amenity. This waste management facility that is currently under development will provide the community with opportunities to reuse, upcycle and recycle the majority of its waste, while providing an option to dispose of those portions of the waste stream that cannot be diverted, according to the release.
“We have come a long way from the days of shipping everything to the landfill,” stated regional district board chair Patrick Brabazon. “Our solid waste management service is heavily scrutinized due to ever increasing provincial and federal standards, including the provincial energy step code for local governments. Utilizing a comprehensive staffing model that engages solid waste management experts, and provides qRD oversight, ensures the operation of the resource-recovery centre will remain fiscally responsible to taxpayers.”
Under the hybrid model, a contracted site supervisor will manage privately contracted equipment operators and recycling attendants, the release stated. Site oversight will be provided by qRD to ensure taxpayer dollars and user fees are properly managed. RRC operations will require the addition of four new positions, including a manager of environmental services, a diversion specialist, and two RRC scale house attendants.
Manager of asset management and strategic initiatives Mike Wall stated that private waste management businesses have been keen collaborators throughout the development of solid waste management plans and ongoing waste diversion initiatives.
“The qRD has built and fostered strong working relationships with those in the private waste management sector,” stated Wall, “and we are keen to continue working with these experts as RRC operations move forward.”
Chief administrative officer Al Radke stated that the approved hybrid model offers both flexibility and accountability.
“Working in combination with private contractors who have the experience, capacity, equipment, skills and training necessary for recycling and transfer station operations, will result in a sustainable, forward thinking solution as we continue to implement our regional solid waste management goals of zero waste,” stated Radke.
According to the release, qRD remains committed to implementing goals and priorities outlined in the solid waste management plant.
