Rural Roadside Garbage Collection
Between June 3 and July 5, 2021 an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) was held to seek elector approval for the establishment of three rural roadside garbage and recycling collection services.
Background
The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) proposed the establishment of rural roadside garbage and recycling collection services in 11 neighbourhoods throughout Electoral Areas A, B and C. This proposal followed a strong response from the community to a survey in summer/fall 2020 that showed support in many areas. Bylaw No. 648, 649 and 650 would authorize the CVRD to establish services for the roadside collection and disposal of garbage and recyclable materials within the service areas. The services would provide a convenient waste management program for residents that support increased waste diversion, reduced greenhouse gas emissions as well as reductions in the long-term costs of the Comox Valley Waste Management Centre landfill. The services were proposed to be fully funded through utility fees estimated to a maximum of $250 annually. A property tax would not be used to recover any of the costs for this service with the final utility fees being confirmed following a public procurement process for a collection contractor(s).
Results
| Number of Eligible Electors | 10% Threshold (Eligible elector) | Elector Response Forms Accepted | Percent of Elector Response Forms | |
| Bylaw No. 648, Northern | 3,370 | 337 | 410 | 12.17% |
| Bylaw No. 649, Central | 10,678 | 1,067 | 1,630 | 15.27% |
| Bylaw No. 650, Southern | 2,361 | 236 | 370 | 15.67% |
In order for the CVRD to proceed with the final adoption of Bylaw No. 648, 649 and 650, less than 10 per cent of the electors in the service area would have had to submit an elector response form. The results of these and other AAPs were confirmed in the July 8, 2021 news release.
In July of 2021 the CVRD Board of Directors resolved to not proceed with an assent vote (referendum) for the initiatives, rescinded each of the proposed bylaws and directed staff to undertake further investigation regarding waste management options within the electoral areas.