There really is no easy way to say this: The dumping of garbage on Wantage Road is getting out of hand and is a definite eyesore.
This weekend we took a trip up Mount Hays to see how far we could go, take some pictures and let the dogs have a bit of a run. Before we even got to the mountain, just a bit past the fish hatchery, there was a bit of garbage on the side of the road. Then, just before you start the ascent to Mount Hays, there was a pretty ridiculous pile of garbage that has no right being there.
Among the items were couches, dressers, some old kids chairs, bags and pretty much anything else you can think of. That was the pile. In the background there was more garbage bags and other miscellaneous items.
It’s an embarrassment, especially as it is right by the newly completed Mount Hays Connector Trail, and the people who decide to dump out there should be ashamed of themselves.
Prince Rupert has a perfectly good landfill, and if you can take the time to drive your truck down a pot-hole filled back road there should be no problem in taking the extra step of going to the garbage dump or working out a way of getting the garbage taken care of at your residence.
This is nothing new, it’s an ongoing problem, and part of that is because there isn’t a solution that seems viable. The City can’t put a gate up on the road because (as I understand it) the access road is owned by someone else, and frankly I hope a gate doesn’t go on the road as that is another lost recreational opportunity. And then there is the problem of people simply dumping elsewhere in the community if the road is gated. And the bylaw officer only has so many resources to deal with all the issues taking place in the community, so that is out too.
The City doesn’t have the money at the moment, but I would love to see a camera set-up in the area to catch the people who are doing this and fine them the maximum amount allowed by the law.
Right now there is no consequence to dump on Wantage Road while it ruins it for the rest of us. There must be a way to punish, and harshly so, the irresponsible, uncaring people who dump on Wantage Road.