Waste station goes forward

Photo: RDOS

A long-awaited waste transfer station on Apex Mountain is finally gaining some momentum.

The $450,148 construction contract was awarded to Greyback Construction at Thursday's Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen meeting. Electoral Area I director Subrina Monteith says the progress is encouraging to her constituents. 

"The community of Apex has been asking for some time for proper garbage control and access to that," Monteith said. "The resort has been doing its best to provide that over the years, but with population densification happening, it's important they have the proper service and access to waste removal."

The project has been in the works for many years, with delays along the way due to higher than estimated construction costs, and years with lack of district staff available to work on the project due to floods and fires. 

Now, Monteith says things are back on track. 

"Fingers crossed, it's expected to be open for this coming ski season," Monteith said. "They gotta do the groundwork first, and then cement work, and then the building, as well as prepare the building."

They also have yet to find someone to operate the facility. 

"There's lots of moving pieces that still could push the timeline back if we come into any hiccups, but it's expected to be operational in November."

Monteith added that the facility will help both the people and the environment at Apex. 

"Because they haven't had an enclosed building, there has been lots of waste that has blown away into the nearby stream," Monteith said. "So having an enclosed building will be good for the environment."