Editor,

I am writing to express my disappointment about council’s decision to refuse a business licence for Wendyle Jones’ proposed recycling depot (for bottles and cans, etc.)

As Mr. Jones had collected a petition of 1,100 names to date, in favour of the depot, I cannot understand why the village does not want to allow this business to operate.

The location is zoned suitably (commercial/tourism) and is conveniently located in our light industrial area. Mr. Jones has signed a three-year lease for the warehouse (old bulk plant) and is negotiating a contract with Encorp.

Does the village not care about our wishes as voters? Why would you as council see fit to disallow a business in our community that firstly is good for our environment, and secondly, benefits our two major stores that receive recycling products and do not have the room, especially when our community and school organizations are running bottle drives for raising funds. Not to mention the enormous amount of bottles, etc., that appear each year for the Music Fest.

As a volunteer at N.E.S. for the recycling program I was so looking forward to having a convenient, one-stop drop off for all cans, juice boxes, water bottles etc., with no limits.

I know I am not alone in my frustration of living from May to September with two dozen/day limits at Overwaitea, and 10 dozen/day at the L.C.B. The only other option is to drive to Slocan which is our closest recycling facility. The tourists that come through our town each year are also frustrated by the lack of recycling availability and quite often include their recyclables in their garbage which contributes to unnecessary waste in our landfill.

Apparently the O.C.P. was not cited as the reason to refuse Mr. Jones’ proposal. If a plan for a community does not allow to incorporate change then what good is the plan? Why wasn’t a recycling facility part of the plan from the beginning?

I sincerely hope that you as council will reconsider your decision and allow Mr. Jones’ proposal to go through.

Mariette Cann,

Nakusp, B.C.