By Times Chronicle Staff
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) Board of Directors authorized a seven-year contract be ratified for curbside and recycling services after much toing and froing. During the regular meeting of the RDOS Board of Directors on Thursday, June 13, 2024, the RDOS Board voted to award the contract to Waste Connections Canada.
A request for proposals (RFP) was issued and the lowest bid was accepted. The curbside and recycling contract, which includes mixed food and yard waste, takes effect July 1, 2025.
Electoral Area A (Rural Osoyoos) will see a 127 per cent increase from $147.30 in 2024 to $337.41 in 2025 while Electoral Area C (Rural Oliver) will go from $162.98 to $383.29, an increase of 135 per cent.
The curb side and recycling services will require the use of bins, which will further impact the rates.
In an effort to reduce user fees, RDOS said staff evaluated other methods of providing the same services at a lower cost. Options included establishing fully automated or semi-automated in-house garbage and recycling services. Due to the short turnaround time, it was determined this option was not viable at this time.
To reduce the impact on customers, the RDOS will transition from annual to quarterly billing. Information about curbside garbage and recycling services will be distributed via RDOS web and social media channels, including the curbside collection web page.
