A concerted effort by the Central Coast Regional District has resulted in a windfall for the Bella Coola Valley.
The CCRD has learned it will receive $2.3 million from the ministry of municipal affairs to help with capital and improvement projects at the landfill and its eventual closure and post-closure costs.
CCRD chair Jayme Kennedy said the funding will allow the CCRD to optimize the landfill’s footprint, ensuring compliance with new regulations and potentially postponing closure and associated costs.
Kennedy described the CCRD’s efforts as extensive, with letters sent to key stakeholders including the Minister of Municipal Affairs, the Premier, the Ministry of Environment and MLA Jennifer Rice.
“We also engaged in productive discussions during the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Conference, leading to additional meetings with representatives from relevant ministries,” she noted, adding the funding is a testament to the dedication of the board and staff.
She also said the CCRD appreciated the support of MLA Rice and the CCRD looks forward to utilizing the resources effectively to address the challenges and ensure a sustainable future for the region.
Activities will include landfill closure, including deposits to the reserve already established by bylaw for landfill closure, landfill development, expansion and airspace optimization projects, initiatives included in the 2017 Solid Waste Management Plan, initiatives to comply with the new landfill operational certificate and related costs, noted CCRD deputy corporate officer Erin Nevison in a report for the March 28 board meeting.
“In 2023, the CCRD began an advocacy campaign to request approximately $3.5 million dollars to optimize the landfill’s footprint, ensuring compliance with the new regulations and potentially postponing the closure and associated costs,” his reported stated.
A letter from Tara Faganello, assistant deputy minister of municipal affairs, to the CCRD confirming the funding noted to ensure transparency, the CCRD is required to provide annual and final reporting.
Nevison said the CCRD operates the Thorsen Creek Waste and Recycling Centre (TCWRC), which provides recycling and waste disposal services for a limited number of hours twice a week.
“However, the cost of operating and maintaining the facility, as well as preparing for its eventual closure, far exceeds the current funding streams provided by the CCRD and the Nuxalk Nation.”
READ MORE: CCRD makes ‘heartfelt plea’ for $5M for landfill closure, post-closure costs
Don’t miss out on reading the latest local, provincial and national news offered at superfastbody. Sign up for our free newsletter right to your email here.
