Port Hardy, British Columbia, August 15, 2011 – Mount Waddington Regional District is nearing completion of three new solid waste transfer stations in Woss, Winter Harbour and Malcolm Island. The new waste transfer stations, which also include recycling facilities, were fully funded through $300,000 from the federal Gas Tax Fund.
“Canada's Gas Tax Fund supports environmentally sustainable municipal infrastructure that contributes to cleaner air, cleaner water and reduced greenhouse gas emissions,” said the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development and MP, Vancouver Island North, on behalf of Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. “These new facilities will play an important role in the region’s long-term waste disposal plan.”
The new waste transfer stations will provide facilities in communities that previously relied on informal sites for solid waste disposal. The new transfer stations/recycling depots, when fully functional, will provide the communities of Woss, Winter Harbour and Malcolm Island with a one-stop recycling drop for over 40 different types of items from television sets to cardboard to household chemicals.
“Having the Gas Tax money was vital for getting this problem fixed as Woss could not afford to build this structure on its own,” said Director Dave Rushton, Mount Waddington Regional District.
The new transfer stations/recycling depots will dramatically reduce illegal dumping within the Regional District while also providing recycling options that were previously unavailable in these remote communities.
“I commend Mount Waddington Regional District for taking this important step forward. Designated solid waste management facilities are an essential part of sustainable and environmentally-friendly communities where B.C. families can enjoy a great quality of life,” said Ida Chong, B.C. Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development. “These transfer stations allow the region to manage waste effectively over the long term, helping to reduce environmental impacts and preserve the beauty of the area. It’s always gratifying to have projects like this come to fruition and to see gas tax dollars in action.”
The Gas Tax Fund is a tripartite agreement between Canada, British Columbia and UBCM that delivers infrastructure funding to local governments primarily for capital projects that lead to cleaner air, cleaner water or reduced greenhouse gas emissions. UBCM administers the Gas Tax Fund in B.C. in collaboration with Canada and British Columbia.
“One of the challenges facing communities is the gap between necessary infrastructure improvements and capacity to fund these locally,” said UBCM President Barbara Steele. “By transferring federal revenues directly to local governments, the Gas Tax Fund is expanding and upgrading infrastructure in every region of BC.”
For further information on the Government of Canada’s infrastructure investments in British Columbia, visit www.creatingjobs.gc.ca. To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
For more information:
Vanessa Schneider
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Jeff Rud
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250-953-3677
Paul Taylor
Relationships and Communications Advisor
UBCM
250-356-2938
Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148
Or Toll-Free 1-877-250-7154
Patrick Donaghy
Operations Manager
Regional District of Mount Waddington
(250) 956-3301
