(JENNIFER STAHN / iNFOnews.ca)
October 28, 2015 - 8:30 AM
KAMLOOPS - Garbage and recycling collection in back alleys might soon be changed in Kamloops, leaving residents with the possibility of pushing their carts to just one side of the alley, or all the way out to the street instead.
Some city garbage collection routes are not only inefficient, but have become unsafe, streets and environmental services manager Glen Farrow told council this week.
Referring specifically to downtown core and North Shore neighbourhoods, Farrow said the narrow and overgrown lanes have caused garbage trucks to scrape past fences, buildings or even cars, resulting in damaged property.
He also said many of these narrow alleys force drivers to back in and reverse down the lane in order to carry out pick-ups. Lanes are not maintained by the city during the winter, causing additional safety concerns.
Farrow said possible solutions include eliminating collection in certain back lanes or requesting all garbage carts to be placed on only one side of a lane. Council could also authorize the purchase of new garbage trucks at a cost of $300,000 or hiring additional staff, estimated at $100,000.
Both Mayor Peter Milobar and Coun. Ken Christian said whatever solution is chosen, there will inevitably be unhappy residents.
“People of Kamloops are looking for efficiencies from their local government,” Christian said, adding whatever council decides, they have to stand behind their decision when changes were actually implemented.
Council asked city staff to prepare a full report on the issue of garbage collection in laneways before any changes are decided on.
To contact a reporter for this story, email Dana Reynolds at dreynolds@infonews.ca or call 250-819-6089. To contact an editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
News from © iNFOnews, 2015