Council to consider transfer site when Oso dump closes

Craig Bakay | Feb 12, 2020

The future of the Oso dump is back on the table pending more information after Central Frontenac Council’s regular meeting Tuesday evening in Sharbot Lake.

Public Works Manager Tyson Myers’ report recommended the landfill simply be closed when its life runs out in about four years.

“If we opt to just close it in four years, is there an option to reconsider down the road?” asked Coun. Bill MacDonald. “There are a lot of strong feelings out there.

“We have to look at a transfer station.”

“I’m reporting on a cost basis only,” Myers said. “I need you guys’ feedback on the politics of it.”

Meyers said.

The estimated total closure cost in year 1 is $440,000. If it were to be operated as a transfer station, the cost would be $525,000 for a seasonally (summer) operated site or $540,000 to operate year round, Meyers said in his report.

Either way, he said, the consultants overseeing the shut down need to know now, as the requirements for either type of change are quite different.

“I can’t agree with that option (total closure),” said Coun. Nicki Gowdy. “People in Arden are still bitter about their site being closed down and this would cause a lot of hard feelings.”

In 2019, there were on average 51 vehicles per day at Oso, 56 vehicles per day at Olden and 28 at Hinchinbrooke. About 60 per cent of the total traffic at Oso is from May 1 to Nov. 1.

Coun. Sherry Whan asked if an incinerator was an option and Dep. Mayor Tom Dewey asked if mining the site for scrap metal had been explored.

Meyers said he’d come back to the next Council meeting with answers to those questions.

“I too have concerns with totally closing it (as opposed to making Oso a transfer station),” said Mayor Frances Smith. “With 40 per cent of the people using it, if you come from the far end of the Township, Mountain Grove can be a long drive.”

Red grant application

Council approved a plan to apply for Provincial Rural Economic Development Program funding to piggyback on the Townships roadwork plans for Elizabeth Street in Sharbot Lake. The plan would result in direct physical improvement connected to Elizabeth Street renewal such as public art, streetscaping and signage.

If successful, this would provide for a $100,000 budget with $50,000 coming from the RED program, $43,000 coming from the Township, $2,000 and staff support coming from Frontenac County and $5,000 from the Sharbot Lake Business Group Inc.

SALT thanks premature?

Representing Seniors And Law Enforcement Together(SALT) , Bill Bowick told Council “force once, I’m not here to asking for anything, I’m here to express thanks.”

Bowick was thanking the Township for its donation of $1,000, which helps pay for the meal at S.A.L.T. talks.

“Our budget is just draft,” said Mayor Frances Smith. “But it is in there.

“The pressure will be on now to approve it.”