e-Waste
The city of Castlegar is partnering with Waste Management to host a free one day electronic recycling drop-off event. All e-waste items will be taken to the Return-It depot in Trail or to Teck Cominco to be recycled responsibly.
"It's a one time deal," said councillor Russ Hearne. "We're going to try it out and see what happens. It's an opportunity for people to get rid of their old tvs and old computers that are sitting downstairs not being used. It's an opportunity to get it out of your closet."
Currently, Castlegar does not have any program for dealing with e-waste. Residents have to take their e-waste to either Nelson and Trail to dispose of.
"We're setting up some bins to allow people to dispose of computers, tvs, vcrs, old outdated electronics, rather than throw them into the landfill," said Hearne.
The Return-it Depot in Castlegar accepts bottles and cans but no e-waste.
"We've been asking for expanded service for two years and haven't made any headway," said councillor Kevin Chernoff.
The e-waste day will take place at the Pioneer Arena parking lot on Saturday, April 28 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Changes to Duty and Tax Free Limits
Council voted on Monday to send a resolution to the UBCM (Union of British Columbia Municipalities) regarding the changes to the duty and tax free limits.
The changes, which are part of the new federal budget which was announced on April 10, includes increases in the amount of goods Canadian citizens can bring back from the U.S.
"My concern is that people can go across the border - they used to be able to go across the border for 48 hours and spend $400 each," said councillor Dan Rye. "Now they go for 48 hours and can spend $800 each. Together that's $1,600. That's all money being taken out of our communities. There are a lot of communities along the border. All that money that goes out isn't helping the economy of Canada. We have small business that are struggling throughout the province and this isn't helping at all."
Rye said council is hoping the UBCM will be able to have some influence on the federal government.
"I'm hoping it gets the attention and with UBCM's clout they can put a little pressure on," said Rye. "I wouldn't be surprised if this isn't the only recommendation or resolution to come forward on this. I just think all this money leaving the country isn't helping our social policies here. We need to have the money stay here."