Those residents impacted by Boundary flood won’t pay tipping fees

Given the extraordinary circumstances and wide-spread flooding damages to individuals, families and small businesses as a result of the recent flooding in the Boundary region, the Province of BC will cover tipping fees related to disposal of flood damaged materials.

Those affected by flooding will not have to pay when bringing flood debris to local waste facility.

Residents must present identification to waste facility staff that shows proof of name and address to confirm residence in a flood affected area.

Facility staff will verify that the waste is flood impacted debris and confirm origin of waste, as well as document the weight and volume. Facilities will compile the transactions and send an invoice for the total amount to the Province for reimbursement.

Hours at the Grand Forks Landfill have been extended from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

Other waste facilities across the RDKB will follow their regular hours listed at rdkb.com.

Demolition or construction debris must go to a Class 1 landfill: either in Grand Forks or in Greenwood.

All other debris can go to any waste facility across the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary.

Flood waste should be separated as follows:

o   Clean wood – branches, sticks, trees, clean dimensional lumber -material that will be chipped and composted.

o   Fridges/Freezers – If the contents can be cleaned out, that’s great. If not, please secure the door/lid with tape or rope.

o   Metal – appliances (fridges & freezers separate), furniture, toys and other metal.

o   Hazardous materials: Please separate paint cans, batteries, propane tanks, tires and hazardous sprays.

o   The Rest: This includes carpets, underlay, rugs, books, mattresses, furniture, insulation, drywall, clothes and plastic items.

The Province and Regional District of Kootenay Boundary have agreed to an “aggregate billing process” to streamline the entire transaction process and not place an onerous up-front cash burden on individuals, families and small businesses.

It is important to note, that the fees are not being waived. Applicable fees will be consolidated by the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary and then submitted to the Province for reimbursement.

The Province of BC has committed to supporting and working with the Regional District and the community and people of Grand Forks throughout the recovery process.

The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary is launching its Boundary Flood Resilience Centre to help all victims of the 2018 catastrophic floods in the Boundary region. It will open at the Grand Forks Curling Rink on Saturday, May 26th at 9:00 a.m.  The Red Cross and EOC will mark the opening with a community pancake breakfast at the Curling Rink starting at 8:00 a.m.

For more information: Frances Maika, EOC Public Information Officer 250-231-3172 (cell) fmaika@rdkb.com

The City is planning a power outage to a portion of downtown as on the map below 8:00 to approximately 18:00 on April 12. We are upgrading sections of the power line. Notices will be hand delivered to the affected properties. Thank you for your patience. Please contact City Hall with any questions – (250) 442-8266 | email.

Looking to prepare for an outage?

• Turn up your heat before the start of the outage.
• Turn off or unplug appliances or equipment. Sensitive equipment, electronics and appliances should be unplugged during an outage and re-plugged after power has been restored.
• Preserve heat, where possible. Close blinds or curtains and avoid opening doors to keep heat from escaping. Do not use outdoor barbeques, kerosene or camping heaters indoors as they emit carbon monoxide.
• Stay warm by dressing in layers and bringing out extra blankets.
• Get social! Make plans to visit friends or family in another area.