THOSE OPPOSED to the Kitimat-Stikine regional district’s planned new dump at Forceman Ridge just off Hwy37 South between Terrace and Kitimat shouldn’t assume it is a foregone conclusion, says one regional district director.
Doug McLeod, who represents the area in which the nearly $6 million facility would be located, says there’s still time for those who oppose the location to speak out.
That’s because the plan, which would involve the closure of the City of Terrace dump and converting the Thornhill one to a transfer station and recycling centre, hasn’t been completely endorsed by the regional district board, he said.
Speaking the day after the federal government said it would put nearly $5 million into Forceman Ridge and a new facility for the Hazeltons, McLeod also said opposition isn’t just a matter of people living in the area not wanting the new dump in close proximity.
Pointing to petitions opposing the Forceman Ridge location, McLeod said those who signed come from across the region.
“Look at the addresses,” said McLeod of one 593-signature petition, given to the regional district in December 2011.
Just over half of those who signed – 314 – came from Kitimat, one was from Kitamaat Village, 225 from Terrace, one from Gitanmaax, one from Kitsumkalum, 46 from Lakelse Lake, four from Prince Rupert and one from Smithers.
Another petition, this one containing 220 signatures from Prince Rupert, was from “Lakelse Lake property owners and from the general public,” said McLeod.
That petition was done last November.