INNISFAIL - The town will sign a new one-year contract with Waste Management Canada that will provide continued curbside garbage and commercial pickup at a cost of $575,051.
The new contract will be begin next month after the old one with Waste Management Canada expires. The company, which was competing for the new contract against seven other proposals, has been servicing the community since 2002.
Council was asked by administration at its Feb. 13 regular meeting to approve a recommendation to sign on for three years but there was concern about moving too quickly into automation, which according to the company's proposal, could be provided in the second year of the contract.
Administration in its report to council noted there should be public consultation and input over automated service, adding there was a cost of purchasing new, specialized bins,
"I am a huge proponent for automation. What I am not comfortable with is signing on for three years. I really have a problem with that," said Coun. Mark Kemball.
"If they would do a one-year (contract) I think we could do our due diligence in a year."
A company representative told council the firm would be "flexible" with the new contract and would agree to a one-year term.
The issue of future automation will be reviewed near the conclusion of the new one-year contract.
