New Waste Guidelines

    Change is rarely embraced; the pending changes in how recycling will be handled in Abbotsford is a good example. Just when residents think they have become accustomed to a routine regarding their Waste disposal, another change is introduced.

     As a homeowner-resident, I'm not happy about the change either, however, the advantages clearly outweigh the disadvantages - both financially and practically. This doesn't mean that the regiment cannot be refined and improved at some point. You can be assured that staff will carefully examine how residents might be served more effectively, if possible.

    Under the MMBC program, no municipality is able to collect film plastics (shopping bags, bread bags and other plastic wrap) through the curbside collection program. However, MMBC recycling depots do accept film plastics, and residents are encouraged to drop them off at a depot; some of these plastics may also be returned to a local retailer for recycling.

     Under the program, film plastics cannot be collected directly through curbside programs because the plastics mix with other recyclables during collection, are difficult to separate, and can get caught up in equipment during processing. This leads to less film plastics and other materials being recycled. When plastic bags and overwrap are returned to the depot, staff can ensure material is empty, clean and dry and only the correct types of film plastic are included. This ensures North American recycling remanufacturers’ specifications are met, so materials can be recycled locally.

     We know it’s a big change, but we are hoping that residents will collect their plastic bags and bring them to their local recycling depot or retailer.  There is no charge to drop off recycling and many residents already make trips to the depot to bring their refundable containers, batteries, light bulbs, paint and small appliances.

     The City is currently conducting a solid waste master plan, which will review current operations and consider options for changes and enhancements to the program and services we are currently delivering.

     If you have further questions about the new program, please feel free to call Nathan Koning, Senior Engineer, Solid Waste and Environmental Services, 604-557-1465 or nkoning@abbotsford.ca.

Renewing With Urban Infill

     In the recently-adopted Official Community Plan (2016), has determined that 75% of population growth in the immediate future will take place within the existing urban build. In other words, only 25% will take place in newly-developed lands within the urban boundaries.

     To that end, the OCP has provided opportunities for creative thinking by land owners that will not only breath new life into existing residential areas, but will also increase the density of same. City Council is beginning to see the results of that planning in the proposals coming before Council. Today was one such example. The proposal was to convert 7 large lots into a 26-unit residential development, consisting of a 22 single family strata unit development, and 4 fee simple, single family coach home lots. 

The existing neighbourhood on the north side of George Ferguson Way, 

west of Ash St. 

The proposed consolidation into two parcels. 

The policy, under the new OCP, which provides the framework 

for creative redevelopment of existing urban core.

For detailed explanation, the following link will give the reader access to the pertinent section of the OCP: Land Use Plan 

Future two-storey streetscape at George Ferguson and Ash St.

Three-storey units at back, with lane way serving both rows of single-family units.

The full report to Council can be accessed by clicking HERE.