PORT McNEILL — The first day of waste collection on Malcolm Island was not entirely uneventful, but the recently approved service is officially up and running.
As well, site preparation has begun on the waste transfer station and recycling depot, the Regional District of Mount Waddington board was informed during its regular meeting Jan. 18.
“There were some hiccups,” operations manager Patrick Donaghy said of the first day of garbage pickup on Malcolm Island, Jan. 11. “I guess some people waited until the last second to get their bins out to the street and the trucks went by first. But I also heard some very positive comments and got a nice letter. It made it all worthwhile reading that.”
The service, contracted through Fox’s Disposal, was approved late last year after more than a year of debate between groups of supporters and opponents. Trash that previously would have gone to the island’s illegal dump is now hauled to 7 Mile Landfill.
Membership renewed
After a brief debate, the board voted to renew the District’s membership in the Coastal Community Network at a cost of $2,023.06.
The CCN works to “promote the sustainable economic and social well-being of B.C.’s coastal communities” through meetings with government, commercial and service organization representatives, CCN board chair Ken McRae wrote in a letter requesting the renewal.
“It seems this board is heavy on Port Alberni (members),” Area A director Heidi Soltau said. “Why are we paying $2,023 to be a member?”
“The simple answer is, we get more than that in return,” said Regional District board chair Al Huddlestan, who also sits on the CCN board. Huddlestan estimated the Regional District would receive about $15,000 through CCN in the coming year.
Big year for transit
Mount Waddington Transit saw ridership and revenue for 2010 increased by 38 per cent over 2009 levels, and ended the year by setting a monthy revenue record of $6,400 for December.
Total ridership for the year was 26,500 riders and total revenue was $63,500, though Donaghy reported much of the increase in income was offset by an increase in maintenance costs.
Woss fire chief
The board voted to approve the appointment of Brad Galeazzi to the position of Fire Chief of the Woss Volunteer Fire Department.