Update: After speaking with Loraas Enviromental Services on December 3, 2018, it was clarified that those wishing to use the new landfill are able to do so, including all waste hauling companies and individuals. Becker and the Village of Flaxcombe have also reiterated their satisfaction with the services provided by Lorras Enviromental Services within the Village. 

 

The new landfill was created by the Western Regional Landfill Inc. which is comprised of 19 municipalities, one of which didn’t volunteer their support. Shane Becker, Mayor of The Village of Flaxcombe, said he didn’t feel he had a choice but to participate in WRLI.

The cost associated with starting the new landfill was estimated at $3.75 million, a price tag that would be split between the 19 municipalities, or founding members. Flaxcombe’s contribution to the organization came in just over $40,000, albeit, which is substantially less than other communities, was still a steep request for a village of less than 150 people.

Becker stated that after improvements done to the village, including new culverts to prevent flooding and grading of the streets, this number wasn’t something he was prepared to spend, especially considering Becker already had waste management in place.

The new landfill however, will be operated by Loraas Enviromental Services and Becker was told his company he had been using wouldn’t be able to operate through the new landfill. “I didn’t feel like I had a choice in the matter, it was sign on the line or pay the increased existing company to haul our waste farther, or pay the increased dumping rates at the new landfill,” said Becker.

Residents in Flaxcombe came home to new waste and recycling bins as Becker signed on the dotted line and moved forward with the project. “I don’t think its a bad idea and the people that live here seem to like the curbside pick up, it was the fact that our village hardly had a choice given our current system was no longer cost effective because of the distance they would have to travel after the new landfill opened up,” said Becker.

Becker, who has been the Mayor for the last three years said he has had a keen interest in keeping Flaxcombe as it’s own village with it’s own council members in order to better serve the people that live there. He said it was unfortunate how the village’s new waste system was implemented and will assess how to move forward with spending on other projects and maintenance.

“At the end of the day, Flaxcombe’s waste and recycling is taken care of and that’s the main concern,” said Becker.

**Update