Council again grounds compost

Mayor’s attempt to revive issue fails to gain support

SUMMERLAND — Councillors have once again rejected the regional district’s proposal to locate a compost facility at the Summerland landfill.

“I think we’ve had a discussion of the pros and cons. In principle this is a bad idea and more information isn’t going to change that,” Coun. Doug Holmes said Tuesday.

A standing-room-only crowd watched as Mayor Peter Waterman used the authority granted to him by the Community Charter to bring the issue back to the table.

In a 6-1 vote on Oct. 23, council approved a resolution made by Coun. Richard Barkwill to inform the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen that Summerland is not interested in investigating the possibility further. Waterman cast the lone opposing vote.

Waterman’s request for reconsideration negated the Oct. 23 decision, chief administrative office Linda Tynan explained Tuesday.

“Before council renders a decision on any topic or issue, I feel strongly that the topic should come with a full staff report plus other relevant information and full discussion by council,” Waterman said Tuesday.

Waterman explained that the RDOS proposal had the potential of improving the operations of the current landfill and upgrading the quality of roads leading to it.

Tuesday, Coun. Toni Boot made a resolution to give the RDOS access to the landfill to conduct studies in order to have her questions about traffic, safety and the possibility of a transfer station in Penticton answered. Waterman seconded the motion.

The location of the proposed compost site, which would have resulted in increased truck traffic going through the town to and from the landfill, was the core issue for council.

“This is not a good idea,” said Coun. Erin Carlson.

She also said she would consider another site in Summerland not necessitating travel through the community.

“Traffic is the problem,” Coun. Janet Peake said.

She said each community has a responsibility to look after its own waste.

“I don’t believe it is our responsibility to take it (waste from other areas) through our community,” Peake said.

“I have full confidence that the RDOS will find another location and, when they do, Summerland and all the communities in the area will benefit,” Coun. Erin Trainer said.

Waterman said traffic and a transfer station was something RDOS could have addressed. Following considerable discussion, Boot’s motion was defeated 4-2 with Boot and Waterman casting the supporting votes.

Holmes then made the motion originally made by Barkwill on Oct. 23 to reject the regional district’s proposal. Peake seconded the motion which was approved 5-1.

The majority of the audience applauded the decision. However, not everyone in attendance agreed.

At the end of the meeting, Summerland resident Jeannette McLachlan thanked Waterman for bringing the issue back for reconsideration, because she thought council did not have enough information to make an informed decision. Earlier, Kathy Smith presented a petition opposing the compost facility bearing 694 signatures.