Ponoka’s waste management contract with Green For Life (GFL) expires at the end of December.
In preparation for that eventuality planners are looking at community feedback for what residents want and if continuing work with GFL is the best option.
Chris KcKenna, director of operations and property services for the Town of Ponoka, said administration wants to hear from residents. He told council April 10 during the regular meeting that administration requested council’s approval of the public consultation plan.
“It’s been decided to do a whole new plan…but before we do that, we’ve drafted a public consultation for today,” said McKenna.
It’s ready just in time for the Ponoka and District Chamber of Commerce trade fair April 27 and 28 and there will be a public survey, plus on May 10 will be an open house, he said.
Mayor Rick Bonnett voiced some concerns about what’s going to happen with recycling products considering that China’s backed out from taking paper and plastics from North America. Bonnett would like some information on what’s happening with diversion.
“They want 1.5 per cent contamination. That’s almost impossible,” said McKenna.
Coun. Clayton Nelson says the problem in North America is that contamination has to go down, something that’s going to be a long term focus.
The potential of the town running its own recycling and waste management program becomes a concern of cost.
“The maintenance and the cost of these trucks is really prohibitive,” said McKenna.
Council approved the request.
As administration rolls out its community feedback, planners will be looking at public satisfaction, interest on desired programs and will take that input to find a new contract or renew the current contract with GFL, but with changes if desired.
***This story was corrected to point out the open house on the town’s waste management community feedback plan is set for May 10, not May 12 as was printed.***