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Sicamous council considers kitchen alternative to 91Ƶrat drive-thrus91Ƶ

District exploring a FoodCycler appliance pilot program
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Sicamous council is considering taking part in a FoodCycler food waste diversion pilot program that would be 100 per cent grant funded, but have a small cost to residents. (File photo)

The District of Sicamous is exploring a FoodCycler pilot program pending community interest.

The organization Food Cycle Science pitched the program to council, explaining that it reduces greenhouse gas emissions and food waste in landfills by converting it to a nutrient-rich by-product that is basically soil. Chief financial officer Bianca Colonna explained that it91Ƶs a composting unit people can have in their kitchens.

The program would be 100 per cent grant funded, with the district getting approximately $60,000 each year from the Local Government Climate Action Incentive Program for green initiatives. As this diverts waste from the landfill, it91Ƶs applicable, explained Colonna during the Nov. 22 district finance committee meeting.

For the 100-household pilot program, the district would order 50 of the smaller units, and 5o of the larger ones, for a total cost of $33,900. They would subsidize the cost to residents at $100, regardless of the unit size, with participants then paying $150 to $300 depending on which they choose as the best choice for their household needs. With the district recouping those amounts, it91Ƶs net cost would be $11,400.

In researching the program, Colonna reached out to other communities that participated, with Tumbler Ridge reporting great results.

91ƵSo far it91Ƶs going over extremely well in Tumbler Ridge. The community has really embraced it,91Ƶ she said, but added, however, that Dawson Creek didn91Ƶt have as much success a few years ago as the initiative didn91Ƶt fit their community at that time.

As the FoodCyclers would negate the need for outdoor compost bins, which Coun. Bob Evans described as 91Ƶbasically rat drive-thrus,91Ƶ council was generally supportive of the initiative.

91ƵRight now we are facing a growing rat population and it is because of our compost and what rats like. It91Ƶs not a problem, but it91Ƶs growing and compost attracts them,91Ƶ Mayor Colleen Anderson said. 91ƵSo I91Ƶm in favour of this.91Ƶ

Coun. Pam Beech also pointed out that as a 91Ƶcondo living community,91Ƶ this provides a compatible, food waste solution for those residents.

Coun. Ian Baillie, however, was the lone opponent to the program, citing the risk element.

91ƵI91Ƶm not a huge fan of this. I look at this from a business perspective and we91Ƶre taking all the risk,91Ƶ said Baillie. We91Ƶre buying 100 units up front, then basically have to sell it on the company91Ƶs behalf. It91Ƶs a great deal for the company, I just don91Ƶt know if it91Ƶs a great deal for us91Ƶ we91Ƶre out there basically marketing their machine.91Ƶ

He added that if the company would be willing to take back any unsold units at cost, he would be in favour of the programs as that removes the risk to the district.

With the majority of council in support of implementing the pilot program, it will come back to regular council on Dec. 13 for a resolution to enter into the agreement, with Colonna contacting the company regarding unit returns if necessary.

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About the Author: Heather Black

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