Editor:
Re: Multi-family, commercial waste collection to remain private, Jan. 19
I was dismayed watching White Rock council make their final decision on multi-family garbage and recycling pickup.
In December 2014 it was decided by council to cancel the pickup of garbage for multi-family home owners in White Rock. The decision was not made public until March of 2015 when it was revealed in a letter by a home owner to the Peace Arch News. If the council members at that time cared at all about the residents in multi-family homes, they would have and should have sent a letter to all the home owners explaining why and how this decision was made. Even now, the home owners in multi-family homes have not received any communication regarding this issue.
The issue of cost was brought up at the meeting of Jan. 16, 2023. City staff talked about their inability to gather enough information about the present cost of garbage pickup of multi-family homes. That information is readily available from multi-family home owners. However, obviously the White Rock city council and staff have not learned in the past eight years how to communicate with the city’s home owners.
Operations manager Jim Gordon explained he would contact the garbage companies and suggest they reduce the number of trucks on the roads in White Rock. There is a lane behind my building on Thrift Avenue. Thirteen garbage trucks drive along the lane each week. How many trucks does the City consider to be acceptable?
City council’s decision to stay with the status quo closes the door on any involvement in this issue in the future. This opens the door for garbage pickup companies to charge as much as they want for their service. Council’s decision will cost multi-family homeowners more money tomorrow and in the future.
During the election campaign, the majority of candidates publicly stated they would fight to overturn the previous council’s decision, which now appears to be “say anything to get elected.”
It is little wonder that voters are disillusioned leading to a dismal turnout for elections.
Is this really the best way for council to begin their term in office?
Ian Routledge, White Rock