Lack of funding sees agricultural plastics program in McBride come to an end

An agricultural plastics recycling program is ending at the McBride Regional Transfer Station according to the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George. 

It will conclude on June 30th as Cleanfarms the operator of the initiative has not been able to secure additional funding to continue operating the service. 

Ag plastics include things like mulch film, row coverings, tunnels (polytunnels), and greenhouses and are often used for soil fumigation, irrigation systems, plant packaging, and as coverings for crops and soil. 

Agricultural plastics are not covered by the Recycle BC program and will not be accepted when the new depot opens at the community’s transfer station once it re-opens this summer. 

In addition, Community Works Funding will be applied to a pair of projects within the RDFFG. 

• $484,000 will be applied to a project to replace and upgrade instrumentation at the Foothills Boulevard Regional Landfill Gas.  

• The total estimated cost of the project is $891,125 and it includes the equipment with set up and installation on site, commissioning, staff training and safety standard compliance inspections. The remaining $407,125 in costs will come from the Solid Wate operating budget. 

• $24,500 for the McBride Volunteer Fire Department to assist with a project to repair the fire hall floor. 

Lastly, Community Grants in Aid and Recreation Grants in Aid will be provided to:  

Electoral Area A (Salmon River-Lakes) 

• Ness Lake Recreation Commission for $926 for insurance and membership costs 

• Ness Lake Recreation Commission for $1,500 for a Santa breakfast event 

• Nukko Lake Environmental Lake Weed Society for $10,000 for oeprating expenses 

• Salmon Valley Gymkhana Club for $1,924 for insurance 

Electoral Area C (Chilako River-Nechako) 

• Norman Lake Community Association for $864 for trail cameras and a solar panel  

• Beaverly Community Association for $6,857 for insurance  

• Nadsilnich Lake Community Association for $8,500 for operating expenses 

Electoral Area D (Tabor Lake-Stone Creek) 

• Pineview Recreation Commission for $25,100 for an accessible entrance renovation 

Electoral Area F (Willow River-Upper Fraser Valley) 

• Willow River Farmer’s Market Association for $3,200 for programs, events and operating expenses 

Electoral Area G (Crooked River-Parsnip) 

• Mackenzie Search and Resue Society for $19,800 for a storage shelter 

Electoral Area H (Robson Valley-Canoe) 

• Robson Valley Spay and Neuter Society for $4,000 for program expenses