To the editor:

We are single seniors on fixed incomes, living alone in our own homes, each in a different area of West Kelowna. This year, West Kelowna residents pay over three times the cost of last year’s garbage removal fee. And for less service.

In this economic climate, the fee is unreasonable. Additional costs for extra bins and bags with the added $30 collection fee, in order to obtain the level of service we had last year, simply adds insult to injury.

The Regional Waste Reduction office sent out a letter stating the piloted neighbourhoods in 2007 gave a 97 per cent approval rating to this new waste removal system. What neighbourhoods were piloted? This figure doesn’t reflect our experience and survey of residents.

Most put time, effort and funds into the upkeep of their property. Trees, shrubs and flowers are planted that attract birds, bees, butterflies and other creatures. These trees improve air quality, provide privacy and muffle traffic noise. Evergreens shed needles and cones, while the seasonal trees drop leaves. Most plantings require pruning and maintenance.

Residents with evergreens, especially those living in forested areas, gather bags and bags of yard waste in an effort to reduce the fire hazard around their homes. These bags remain by the side of the house until it is rationed into the green bin every second week.

When the spring yard waste pickup begins, the yard waste from autumn is first in the bin. Leaves have fallen long after the last autumn pickup. Nature doesn’t operate on the council’s schedule.

Those who do not own trucks or trailers, nor have the extra funds to hire a waste removal service will soon be disposing of waste in “creative” ways—filling their almost empty garbage container, dropping bags off in back alleys and ditches and using the large dumpsters behind commercial buildings. Is xeriscaping with rocks and gravel the solution? In nature all things are connected. This solution affects pollination and other eco systems.

What was the logic behind council’s decision to implement a costly waste removal system “service” that doesn’t provide adequate service to the average resident on a budget? This council’s removal plan is very discouraging, forcing us to fend for ourselves, thwarting efforts of those who care for their property and the community’s appearance. Disheartened residents require at least one free, unlimited pickup in the spring and autumn to compensate for council’s yard waste fiasco.

Noreen Monroe

and friends,

West Kelowna