The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen will coordinate a clean-up of Hedley, beginning this summer and fall.
This summer, the regional district will hire a student to locate, catalogue and categorize the types of waste. A map showing the wastes to be removed will then be developed.
Garbage and derelict vehicles will be removed in the spring of 2022.
Most of the clean-up work in the one-time event will take place on Crown lands and right-of-ways.
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The cost of the clean-up work is estimated at $36,000. This includes $5,000 for the collection of garbage and $15,000 for the collection, impounding and disposal of the vehicles.
Landfill tipping fees will be waived for this initiative. The money for this work will come from the Area G Rural Projects Fund.
In a report to the regional district board, Andrew Reeder, manager of operations for the regional district, said the jurisdiction and regulation lies with the provincial government.
The regional district will coordinate efforts with B.C. Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources and Rural Development, B.C. Ministry of transportation and infrastructure, and the RCMP.
A letter will then be sent to all Hedley residents with information about the issues, a public meeting and a survey.
The clean-up work will begin in the spring of 2022, likely in April, Reeder said.
