Just what exactly did county waste committee vote for?

By Kate Harries AWARE Simcoe January 26 2012

Ramara Mayor Bill Duffy is pushing for Simcoe County to have its very own incinerator. 

That’s what Duffy says the waste sub-committee he chairs recommended after hearing presentations from Barrie, Orillia, Peel Region and Dufferin County. 

But is that what the sub-committee voted for at its November 18 meeting? 

Dufferin County is planning a $75 million energy from waste plant near Shelburne which needs 70,000-90,000 tonnes of waste a year. Dufferin produces only 10,000-15,000 tonnes and is looking to its neighbours for garbage feedstock.

Duffy believes the county would be better off building its own facility.

“We all supported a made-in-Simcoe solution,” Duffy told county council Tuesday in describing his sub-committee’s discussion.

“Rather than be partners with Dufferin, the committee decided that we should show leadership and bring forward a solution of energy from waste in Simcoe County.”

A recommendation to that effect, proposed by Tiny Deputy Mayor George Lawrence, was initially seconded by Adjala-Tosorontio Deputy Mayor Mary Small-Brett, but on reflection she withdrew and Clearview Mayor Ken Ferguson seconded. Only four committee members were present, Warden Cal Patterson and Deputy Warden Harry Hughes having left early.

Further changes were made leading to considerable confusion so after the meeting, AWARE Simcoe asked the county clerk’s office for a copy of the recommendation,

It states: 

“THAT staff be authorized to investigate partnership opportunities with area municipalities to develop a solution for the future of waste disposal / processing in this region.”

There’s nothing new in that recommendation, which will be considered by the corporate services committee meeting February 14, and then by county council on March 1.