As mentioned earlier, last week Metro Vancouver consulted with the community after presenting their Draft Integrated Solid Waste and Resource Management Plan. There were a number of City councillors (Harper & McEvoy), Mayor Wright, as well as a number of Voice members and directors (Gavin Palmer and Neil Powell) present. Although this forum was technically a consultation meeting it was very obvious to anyone present that Metro Vancouver was doing their best sales pitch for incinerators/WTE facilities.
After thanking Metro Vancouver for actually having a meeting in New Westminster this time around and for actually consulting with the community, unlike in 2008 when they tried to expropriate the Canfor site in the Braid Industrial area of New Westminster, Neil Powell addressed the panel. He mentioned that the move to ensure recycling be mandatory at multi-family buildings in the region is a positive move. This would be an especially impactful move for New Westminster as we become more and more dense with many new high-rise developments. Powell also expressed concern that if Metro Vancouver goes with the option of building incinerators/WTE facilities that the region would in fact be committing itself to supplying these incinerators/WTE facilities with fuel (garbage) which would mean that there would likely not be as many resources committed to recycling, composting and other zero waste initiatives.
A number of representatives of New Westminster Environmental Partners (NWEP) were also present and had their own questions and concerns. One of the NWEP members, Ms. Jane Armstrong, spoke about the successes of the Glenbrook Zero Waste Challenge. Kudos to all those participating in this challenge and who are an inspiration to the rest of the City. It is encouraging to see that we can reduce our curb-side waste by concerted efforts to recycle and compost at home. Of course, one other huge component of reducing our waste is to be thoughtful about the amount of materials we allow into our homes in the first place.
It is reported that the Sapperton neighbourhood is planning on beginning their own Zero Waste Challenge. Glenbrooke North has certainly set the bar high.
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4 comments:
Wayne Wright has talked to residents that he was looking into the option of an incinerator in New Westminster that would produce heat for an expanded Royal Columbia Hospital. Even though the expanded Royal Columbia comment was later refuted by Fraser Health sometimes I wonder about these visions and comments by the Mayor. The fact that he was there speaks a little to his interest. I am pleased that the community had representatives not in favour of this option present as well. This way we can keep our little dreamer in check!
Be aware, Wright always has several trial balloons up in the air. This is not a bad thing. What is, however,
disconcerting, is that he always seems to be very economical with the truth regarding these issues.
We know from the previous attempt at WTE, the truth simply was not being told.
It seems to be a recurring pattern here.
I have just been directed by a friend to this site. What a great opportunity for discussions.
Real issues. Real opinions.
These are sadly lacking in the MSM.
Keep up the goog work. You will hear more from me!.
I attended the public consultation meeting in Chilliwack, and found that there’s a lot information that’s not being covered by Metro Vancouver, particularly as it relates to air quality, and health impacts. I suggested visiting www.airqualitymatters.ca
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