Compost facility rejected a 2nd time in Summerland

Proposal for compost facility at town’s landfill sunk by concerns about increased traffic

SUMMERLAND — For the second time, Summerland council has resoundingly said “no” to the regional district’s proposal to locate a compost facility at the Summerland landfill.

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

In a 6-1 vote on Oct. 23, council approved a resolution by Coun. Richard Barkwill that Summerland inform the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen it was not interested in investigating the possibility further. Waterman cast the lone opposing vote. “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 the RDOS proposal had the potential of improving the operations of the landfill and upgrading the quality of roads leading to it.

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

“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.

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.

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

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

Boot’s motion was defeated 4-2. Holmes then made the motion to again reject the regional district’s proposal.

Peake seconded the motion, which was approved in a 5-1 vote with Waterman in opposition. The majority of the audience applauded. 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 the council did not have enough information to make an informed decision.

Earlier, Kathy Smith presented a petition bearing the signatures of 694 people opposed to the compost facility.