A decision to fund an extensive communication plan has been approved by Duncan City Council as the city plans to transition to automated waste collection.
According to a staff report, the city ordered a new collection truck two years ago, and now that it’s finally delivered, they need to implement a transition manual as they get ready to bring the new system online.
They say $12,000 has been allotted to fund the new plan, which is already in use and will include extensive data on what residents will need and all necessary information as the transition takes place.
“A communications plan has been prepared to ensure the city delivers robust information to residents to support the transition to automate solid waste collection,” they say. “The plan includes detailed information on key messages and communication methods that’ll be used to support the transition to automated collection services.”
Information has already been shared with residents across the region since 2023 after council said they decided to purchase the automated truck, and so far, the idea of being fully automated is catching on across the region.
“The Cowichan Valley Regional District, the Municipality of North Cowichan, and the City of Duncan are all expanding or moving to automated solid waste collection this spring and summer,” they say. “This shared timeline will help drive public awareness but is also likely to create some confusion as solid waste services vary between the three jurisdictions.
“Not all residents are aware of the jurisdiction in which they live, and what details apply to them.”
They say the proposed communications plan will hit on issues relating to scheduling and routes and the benefits of the new system.
They add, changes to the collection schedule won’t be impacted as a result of the change.
