Users can expect improved signage at the Oak Bay dump after a resident complained about non-resident users at the Elgin Road site.
The transfer station adjacent to the public works yard is open to residents with vehicles – bearing a valid Oak Bay decal – to dump trash, recycling and yard and garden waste.
Longtime resident Patrick McAlister is sure district vehicle decals are being used by non-resident businesses and individuals, leaving Oak Bay taxpayers on the hook for cost of processing the materials.
“I can be in there 10 minutes getting rid of my stuff and I”ll see three or more non-decaled vehicles,” said McAlister. “I would suggest it’s the tip of the iceberg.”
The district says staff meet users at the entrance to the transfer station, check decals and ask them what materials they’re disposing of in order to direct them to the appropriate area on site.
“To access the depot, a decal must be shown. The district’s bylaws and policies are clear that to receive a decal, a proof of residency must be shown. A decal is obtained by providing public works staff copies of ICBC paperwork, proving the resident’s vehicle is registered to an address in Oak Bay. If they do not have an Oak Bay address on their ICBC documents, residents can produce proof of ownership of their property through a document like a property tax bill or utility invoice,” the district, told the Oak Bay News in a written response to questions.
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Over the last couple years, McAlister said, he’s watched bylaws and policies set to restrict access to only residents, go unenforced.
He feels many are businesses finding Oak Bay more attractive due to timing – it’s open more often than neighbouring municipal transfer stations – and cost.
“They’re able to reduce the cost of business by their unwarranted access to the Oak Bay depot.”
The depot costs about $200,000 per year to operate. The recycling portion is partially funded – about $50,000 per year – through a credit from Recycle BC.
McAlister would like to see Oak Bay invest in a licence plate reader or similar technology to restrict use by non-residents. The district says it will improve signage and procedures at the site.
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“The district has been made aware of one complaint from a resident regarding the potential of non-residents using the transfer station,” the written response reads. “In response, the district will be implementing improved signage and documenting procedures regarding obtaining resident decals for the depot, to ensure resident-only services are clear to all visitors of the depot.”
While the transfer station is monitored by two staff expected to check for proof of residence, the district at times relies on good faith.
“The district understands that from time to time, a resident may move to a neighbouring community or sell a vehicle with a decal affixed, among other circumstances. In these cases, we rely on the integrity of the customer to not use the transfer station during the duration of the decal’s life, believing the majority of people are honest.”
What has been your experience at the Oak Bay transfer station? Send your letters to newsroom@oakbaynews.com.