Garbage. That seemed to be the topic most on people’s minds during an all candidates’ forum held in Vavenby Community Hall Wednesday night.
Local residents wanted to know what is going to happen to the Vavenby transfer station - especially when Thompson-Nicola Regional District opens an eco-depot in Clearwater. They wanted to know what could be done about people leaving garbage along nearby logging roads. And they wanted to know what the two candidates would do about unsightly premises caused by one property owner leaving old washing machines and other trash in his yard.
Tim Pennell, the incumbent TNRD director for Wells Gray Country (Area A) faced off against challenger Cheryl Thomas during the forum. Despite the snowy conditions there were about two dozen in the audience, including at least a couple from a community in Area A other than Vavenby (Blackpool).
Replying to a question about closing the Vavenby transfer station from Marg Taylor, Tim Pennell said the regional district had plans to close the station before he took office three years ago. Instead, the services there have been enhanced at the station. More services make it more viable, he felt.
Cheryl Thomas said she had served three years on the TNRD’s solid waste management advisory committee.
“I know that trash is a big concern in this Valley,” she said.
She noted that the regional district spends 38 per cent of its budget on garbage.
Dorothy Schulte asked if there were any plans to stop people from dumping garbage along logging roads.
“Illegal dumping really pisses me off, to put it bluntly,” said Pennell.
He has GPSed various dumpsites that people have told him about, and passed the information on to the regional district. He got the Challengers to help clean up some sites. Pennell also got eco-cards so volunteers at the Vavenby Thrift Shop would be able to dispose of without charge waste that some people have “donated” to them.
He said the federal government recently gave its approval for funding for the TNRD’s eco-depot system, including the one planned for Clearwater. Having that option might help, he felt.
“My solution is education, education, education,” said Cheryl Thomas. She echoed Pennell’s hope that the eco-depot would help the situation, once it becomes operational.
The eco-depot would have a composting facility, she noted. Her personal worry was that there might not be a facility to dispose of septic tank effluent.
Joe Short asked what could be done about an unsightly premise in Vavenby. He had complained to the TNRD but had been told the problem was overgrown vegetation, which the regional district could do nothing about.
In fact there were old washing machines and other debris on the property, he said. The vegetation only hides it. Children play in the yard and there is a fire hazard, Short felt.
Pennell replied that he is familiar with the situation. The owner lives in Alberta and does not seem cooperative. Possibly a community group could take on the project, if the trespassing problem could be overcome.
Thomas also felt action by a community group could be a solution. Metals can be sold as scrap to raise money, she pointed out.