Bashaw is switching from a manual to an automated waste pick up system after Can Pak offered the carts free to the town.
Bashaw council, during its regular meeting Jan. 4, voted in favour of switching and having Can Pak supply all homes and businesses in town with 65-gallon waste carts, which hold five to seven garbage bags.
“The automated tote system is a much cleaner method of collection due to the waste being stored and contained,” said Mark Pedersen President of Can Pak.
“This improves the towns’ appearance and is also a safer method because of the reduction of workplace injuries.”
Although no date has been set for Bashaw to start the new system, Pederson said Can Pak can switch the town “rather quickly” and it would only take a day or two to deliver the carts.
There is no extra cost to residents for the carts and are supplied to the town as part of its existing contract with Can Pak.
Garbage pick up will continue weekly and in the alleys. Council hasn’t decided, however, whether to make the cart pick up on one side of the alley or both.
Bashaw Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) in a phone interview Jan. 5, said “Council is more in favour of having it on one side and not go through the alley twice.”
Pick up on one side of the alley would reduce labour costs to the town.
Coun. Darren Pearson was in favour of the carts being on one side.
“To me it makes sense that they are all on one side. It’s stupid to make two trips on both sides.”
Community group funding
Bashaw council voted in favour of providing Bashaw Youth Foundation (BYF) and Bashaw and District Support Services (BDSS) with $15,000 and $45,829 respectively in funding for 2018 but may provide more later this year.
The $60,829 total for these two groups comes from: the province ($24,554); Town of Bashaw ($6,139); and Camrose County ($30,136).
“Our contribution to both of those services isn’t a lot,” said Coun. Lynn Schultz. “When you look at what BDSS does and compare it to what everyone else is giving it makes you wonder if we are supporting them as good as we should.”
Coun. Rob McDonald suggested that council approve providing the two groups with the budgeted amount now and give more later.
“We can approve that based on numbers from last year and see what we have in the budget to top it up later.”
Coun. Rosella Peterman agreed.
“That sounds like a good idea.”
Likewise, Coun. Pearson concurred.
“I like that idea.”
Rescue unit funding
Council approved $5,900 for additional equipment for Bashaw’s rescue unit that was ordered with the money coming from various sources.
The town has received about $2,800 in donations after the initial payment of the truck was given to Camrose County. The town will use these donations and $3,100 from fire department reserves for the remaining balance.
According to Bashaw Fire Chief Mike Andraitz, the additional $5,900 in equipment for the rescue unit includes: 12,000-pound winch, high power off-road mounted LED lighting push bar, additional shelves, extra electrical outlet and 12 V DC power outlet.
Lisa Joy
ECA Review
