The Cariboo Regional District is releasing the final results from its consultation with area residents on eight waste reduction initiatives that were proposed as part of an updated Solid Waste Management Plan. Residents were able to weigh in on proposals to: establish reuse and diversion centres; expand access to multi-unit building recycling; increase commercial recycling; food waste prevention and diversion; establishing landfill disposal bans; expanding user pay; and modifying rural refuse sites.
What we learned:
Just over 1,900 residents participated in the survey which was available this spring. Overall support for six out of seven initiatives ranged from 56% to 80%. The proposal to expand user pay systems was the least popular option, with 52% of respondents indicating some level of support, 7% who were unsure, and 41% opposed.
In addition to the seven region-wide initiatives, nineteen rural communities were asked about proposals to establish rural curbside collection services in their neighbourhoods.
Nine communities were not in favour of the proposed curbside collection service, and will not be included in future implementation plans. The communities include 93 Mile, Ranchettes-Horse Lake-Lone Butte, Pine Valley, Commodore Heights-168 Mile, Fox Mountain, Flett Subdivision, North Lake Side-Lexington, Esler, and River Park Road-Hilborn Road-Quesnel-Hixon Road.
Four areas were in favor of the service, including South Lakeside, Red Bluff, 103 Mile, and Dog Creek Road. Pending approval of the updated Solid Waste Management Plan, these communities would be included in plans to implement the service.
The remaining six areas had moderate support, ranging between 55% and 75% endorsement for the new service. However, because participation levels were 10% or below, further engagement and consideration will be required and will take place during the implementation of the Solid Waste Management Plan. These communities include West Fraser Road, Rich Bar-Dragon Lake-Kersley, Bouchie Lake-Bouchie Creek-Pinnacles Park, Barlow Creek-Ten Mile Lake, 105 Mile, and Buffalo-Gateway.
What we will do with residents’ contributions:
The CRD’s Solid Waste Advisory Committee will review the results and comments from the consultation survey to assess regional support for the proposed waste reduction initiatives. Once this review is completed, the Advisory Committee will make recommendations to the CRD Board on which initiatives to include in the updated Solid Waste Management Plan.
A draft of the updated plan will be released in Fall 2023 and will be presented to the Municipal Councils for the District of 100 Mile House, City of Quesnel, District of Wells, and City of Williams Lake before being presented to the Regional District’s Board of Directors for approval. If approved by the Board, the plan would be submitted by the end of the year to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy for review and approval.
The Solid Waste Management Plan will set forth waste management objectives to be achieved through the implementation of the waste reduction initiatives in the final plan. These initiatives will be implemented over the next ten years, meaning some services will be initiated sooner than others, while others will be subject to further consideration and planning prior to implementation.
How do I stay informed?
To stay informed and receive the latest plan updates, “subscribe” to our Solid Waste Management Page at the bottom of the project web page, www.cariboord.ca/swmp. Residents, partners, and other interested parties can also subscribe to regular updates through the CRD’s website at www.cariboord.ca/subscribe. You can also contact the Solid Waste Management Division at 1-800-665-1636.
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