The Comox Valley Regional District has trashed its plans to introduce rural roadside garbage and recycling collection service after some residents rejected the idea.
The rural roadside collection service, which was announced earlier in the spring, won’t move forward following the results of a Unified Alternative Approval (AAP) process which saw more than ten per cent of eligible electors oppose the idea, according to a CVRD press release.
Under the alternative approval process, the proposal could only proceed if the district received less than 10 per cent of votes opposing the idea. Those who supported the idea were not required to vote under the APP process.
Had the proposed service been approved, it would have seen roadside waste collection service introduced in a number into three service areas — Area A, Area B, Area C — within the regional district. Those three service areas included the Fanny Bay, Union Bay, Lazo Road, Dove Creek, Little River, Black Creek, and Saratoga and Miracle Beach areas as well as others.
While the CVRD could hold a referendum to pursue the service, they say will be taking time to “reflect on what has been shared with [them]” before moving forward with any other plans regarding the service.
“We want to thank rural residents for taking the time, not only to express their concerns through the AAP process, but throughout our community engagement efforts as well,” said Marc Rutten, general manager of engineering with the CVRD in the press release. “We heard a wide range of perspectives on this topic, and responded to hundreds of questions from engaged citizens, both for and against the proposed service.”
Some of those questions and comments from residents included concerns of costs associated with the proposed service.
The district also says they will continue to work with rural communities on solutions to keep waste out of their landfill and expand recycling and composting.
The board decision and engagement report can be viewed on the CVRD’s website by clicking here.
CHEK News
