SRD staff are currently preparing a bylaw that will reduce the residential waste collection charge on Cortes Island from $112 to $86, effective this year. This change has been in development since last year, originating from a shift in the SRD’s administrative policy. 

Staff estimate that $121 per user is required to fully fund the service, so the shortfall this year will be approximately $25,000. However, the service currently possesses $103,000 in reserves to cover such gaps. 

At the April 28, 2026 Board meeting, Regional Director Mark Vonesch expressed his support for the move, stating:

“I just want to remark on the low cost and appreciate staff for working with our local contractor to do this. Efficient use of government resources to get services done is really important, and I am glad to see this part of it. Thank you.”

Solid waste collection on Cortes Island is performed by VEM Contracting. There are currently 681 registered users. While residents are not required to put out garbage for collection, every household on Cortes Island contributes to the service through their property taxes. 

Links of Interest:

• Articles about, or mentioning, curb-side garbage pick-up on Cortes Island
• Articles about, or mentioning, VEM Contracting
• Articles about, or mentioning, the Cortes Waste Management Centre

Top image credit: VEM Contracting also picks up plastics – AI image generated by Gemini

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