The City of Prince George is trying to tidy up illegal dumping once and for all.
Mayor and council discussed the issue at the regular council meeting on Sept. 17, when Coun. Brian Skakun suggested the city work with the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George (RDFFG) and other key stakeholders like the Spruce City Wildlife Association to come up with a solution. (The RDFFG faces similar challenges around illegal dumping.)
Skakun said illegal dumping, which is the dumping of waste on public or private property instead of using an authorized method such as curbside collection or a transfer station, has been reported in areas around the city, specifically near Foothills and Tyner boulevards.
“I think this is a really complex issue,” he said. “I’m just looking at a holistic approach of how we can tackle this and be successful.”
The solutions council discussed included reopening the Quinn Street transfer station, which stopped accepting waste in 2013, as well as possibly increasing fines for people who are caught dumping.
“I think we need to be exploring all of the options for mitigating this issue,” said Coun. Murry Krause, adding he thinks it’s a challenge when many people in the city are spending time trying to reduce waste and recycle.
“I look forward to seeing the solutions and I think that will include considering the Quinn Street transfer station,” said Coun. Terri McConnachie.
Mayor Lyn Hall noted if the motion passes, the city would need to have a conversation with the regional district before the issue returns to council and solutions can be discussed.
Council voted unanimously to ask the regional district to work with the city and to consider re-opening the Quinn Street transfer station.
