WHEREAS closing rural landfills and replacing them with transfer stations is in the best interests of all residents of British Columbia and our shared environment; AND WHEREAS the cost of carrying out these closures places a substantial financial burden on the residents of sparsely populated regional districts: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities request that the Province of British Columbia include the closure of rural landfills and their replacement with transfer stations, as mandated in the Regional Solid Waste Management Plans, as eligible projects under Infrastructure Funding Programs.
Ministry of Community Services Government has made a conscious choice to direct its infrastructure funding to ensure safe drinking water and waste water management throughout British Columbia. Government does not support the idea of using current or any future infrastructure programs to provide capital grants for solid waste facilities. British Columbia is a national leader in ensuring that the solid waste needs of communities are addressed. During the 1990s, regional districts were required to develop solid waste management plans under the former Waste Management Act. All but one regional district now has an approved plan in place. These plans should contain financial provisions for landfill closures, if and when required.