After the Koocanusa campsite was trashed this past May long weekend Fernie, Elkford, Sparwood and Area B all agreed to help fund a solid waste transfer bin to be located in the Koocanusa Area.
But after an agreement was made between the Regional District of the East Kootenay and the four contributors, Sparwood and Elkford backed out, with both districts defeating their motion to contribute to the capital and annual operating costs of the bin.
“It came to the Regional Board, and Sparwood and Elkford changed their minds and decided they didn’t want to be involved,” Fernie Mayor Mary Giuliano said during the November 10 council meeting.
Fernie, on the other hand stepped up to the plate during the council meeting, passing an official motion to donate an up front fee of $7,400 and an annual operating fee of $1,200 to the project.
“I think that with the amount that’s involved, I believe that we should still do this for that area because it is well used by the entire Elk Valley,” Giuliano noted, adding, “There are many Fernie residents that use Lake Koocanusa.”
Coun. Dan McSkimming agreed with Giuliano’s decision adding, “I think we should still do it but I think they should put on the bins that we’re sponsoring it and the other guys aren’t.”
Fernie council agreed that it was disappointing to hear that Sparwood and Elkford were backing out of their contributions.
“Kudos to you [Giuliano] for stepping up and offering to help a neighbour,” Coun. Randall Macnair commended. “Our residents and visitors have an impact on that part of the regional district. I hope the support is remembered when we come to ask for support for some of our service.”