Metro Vancouver garbage will end up in incinerators in and out of region

BURNABY (NEWS1130) - The vote on what to do with all the waste generated around Metro Vancouver has wrapped up Friday afternoon with a decision to consider a combination of in-and-out-of-region garbage incineration. That means some incinerating could happen within Metro Vancouver proper, and some could be done on Vancouver Island or elsewhere in the province.

There was a lot of flip-flopping and amendments as mayors deliberated the controversial issue, but a vote on whether to incinerate garbage solely within Metro Vancouver proper failed, putting the plans for a $470-million incinerator facility on hold for now.

Port Moody Mayor Joe Trasolini admits there would be some benefits to taxpayers if garbage was burned locally, and there have been improvements in making the practice greener. "The issue with me is not the science, it's more that of the location. Then of course, you have to consider the sensitivity of the airshed that we share with the Fraser Valley."

The Fraser Valley Regional District says they are upset with this decision and will appeal the provincial government to kill any plan that would pollute air in the Valley.

Some critics say incineration may not be as cost effective nor clean burning as Metro Vancouver's chair and some mayors believe it is.

The in-and-out of region option will be sent to Environment Minister Barry Penner for review.