City council has made the expansion of the landfill a priority.
“The city’s landfill is rapidly approaching its maximum capacity,” said Richard Pucci, director of operations, to council.
At the meeting, council awarded the Landfill Electrical and Earth Work Project contract to Coast Industrial Construction.
Before work can begin, the leachate (liquid garbage) lagoon must be expanded to accommodate the expansion. The project will begin this year and completed by 2018. The project has been included in the 2017 budget and is funded by the gas tax.
Councillor Barry Cunningham asked about bringing in a trash incinerator that produces energy and revenue for the city instead of pouring millions of dollars into a landfill. “It’s something you see in Europe and they seem to be light years ahead of us,” he said.
“We have done research in the past on it,” Pucci responded, and agreed that they will have the operations department to look into it again. “I know climate-wise our area isn’t the best suited for that type of incinerator.”
Trail Society exemption
A bylaw amendment was proposed for the Kaien Island Trail Enhancement and Recreation Society (KITEARS), the group maintaining the Rushbrook Trail, and who is leasing the 1.5 kilometre section of land from the city for $1 a year.
Council gave the first three readings for the 2018-2019 property tax exemption amendment bylaw. The bylaw must be passed by Oct. 31 to take affect for the 2018 tax year.
Greyhound letter
Councillor Gurvinder Randhawa said he’s heard concerns from people regarding Greyhound planning to cut passenger services to Prince Rupert and other northern B.C. communities.
“Especially in wintertime we do need that service,” Randhawa said.
Mayor Lee Brain said he’s spoken to the Minister of Transportation Claire Trevena and Greyhound. However, the decision rests with the transportation review board.
“We’re monitoring that situation closely,” Brain said.
Council resolved to send a letter to Greyhound.