Saanich council has decided to put off the implementation of yard and garden waste drop-off fees.
Coun. Susan Brice brought forward a motion at the April 15 council meeting to postpone the measure until the impacts of the district’s new biodiversity strategy can be reviewed.
“Saanich is committed to understanding, protecting and supporting green space and trees on both public and private property,” Brice said introducing the motion. “After the review, we may decide that a fee-for-service at the yard and garden waste drop-off does not enhance that objective.”
Along with the new fees, the postponed proposal included providing larger containers for curb-side pickup of yard and garden waste.
Mayor Dean Murdock wanted to make sure that portion continued to advance.
Councillors voted to split the measure, so district staff can proceed with the plan to order larger bins, while putting off the creation of drop-off fees.
The idea going forward is that the district can offer the larger bins, then get an idea of how much yard and garden waste is still being dropped off and act accordingly.
“What we’re hoping to determine is the impact that has on the use of the drop-off as a service,” Murdock said in an interview on Monday (April 22). “Does that reduce the amount of use at drop-off?”
Murdock said he is not sure yet how much more money these larger bins will cost residents versus the smaller ones, adding that the new bins are on order.
People will be able to opt for a larger or smaller bin and be charged accordingly.
“It’s certainly much more convenient for residents,” he said at the council meeting.
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