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Eco-depots open in North Thompson Valley

The $15 million project has involved the reconfiguration of 16 sites within the TNRD into a system of eco-depots
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Dignitaries cut the ribbon to officially open the Clearwater Eco-Depot on Wednesday

The government of Canada, province of British Columbia and Thompson-Nicola Regional District officially celebrated the grand opening of the Louis Creek and Clearwater eco-depots on Wednesday, Aug. 21.

“Our government recognizes the importance of modern and reliable infrastructure services for our communities,” said Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo. “By investing in project like this, we are improving services for residents of the Thompson-Nicola Regional District while supporting jobs, growth and long-term prosperity.”

The $15 million project has involved the reconfiguration of 16 sites within the TNRD into a system of eco-depots that will provide full recycling services to more than 41,000 residents. Two-thirds of the funding has been provided through the joint federal-provincial Building Canada Fund – Communities Component, and the remainder from the TNRD.

“As a long time resident of this region, I know that our significant growth has had an impact on infrastructure like waste management,” said Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Terry Lake. “The Louis Creek and Clearwater eco-depots are great examples of how we are taking long term proactive action to protect the environment while making waste disposal more economical for residents.”

The Louis Creek and Clearwater eco-depots are part of the TNRD's ongoing efforts to work towards more environmentally friendly ways of solid-waste management by helping residents divert more waste from landfills. The improved service is being developed in response to the need to manage the region's increasing amount of waste, extend the life of the TNRD's remaining landfills, protect the environment and keep a lid on taxes.

“As a regional government covering more than 45,000 square kilometers, providing services in a financially sustainable manner can be a challenge,” said TNRD chair Randy Murray. “Federal contributions and intra-jurisdictional partnerships are vital to maintain the viability of rural communities.”

 

The Canada-British Columbia Building Canada Fund – Communities Component is a federal-provincial program that addresses the unique infrastructure needs of both rural and urban communities with populations less than 100,000.