An eco depot that could rival facilities across Canada is what one Nelson City Councillor envisions for the area. After the news of Pacific Insight’s upcoming closure, Councillor Janice Morrison has suggested the concept could fit the space.
She explains its main principal: “People can come to one stop and hear about all of the things that are out there that are going to eventually help with climate change and the things that are going on globally, and we can be a leader.”
Part of the concept is geared towards education, for example on composting, all type of waste, and even eco save programs. One thing that’s also missing locally that Concillor Morrison highlights is a repair centre. She suggest people could bring thing in to get fixed and then be able to re-sell them, which also helps keep them out of the landfill. Having the depot close to the Grohman Narrows Transfer Station is another bonus for the idea. She also mentions an oil recovery program.
This comes as Nelson City Council have been discussing a household hazardous waste program at the Nelson Leafs Recycling Depot. Although council granted a one year bylaw exemption which would allow the program to go ahead, Councillor Morrison highlights that it is meant to be temporary.
“This kind of use down there isn’t something that we see in the OCP (Official Community Plan). It’s just the fact that we don’t want it to become permanent down there.”