#contracts

Remote Waste Crisis Needs Solution

šŸ”ļø Idabel Lake's waste bins could lose maintenance services

The Regional District faces a choice: approve an 8% rate increase for bin maintenance, or risk having no waste management at this popular recreation site.

The contractor threatens to walk away without the increase.

  • šŸ› ļø Philip Petit has maintained Idabel Lake's unattended waste bins since 2022

  • ā„ļø Services include site monitoring, snow plowing, and waste transportation to Kelowna

  • 🚧 Current 3-year contract expires August 31, 2025

  • šŸ“Š Increased usage at the remote site requires more frequent collection trips

  • šŸ”ļø Remote location makes finding alternative contractors extremely difficult

$17,000/year
New total cost including the 8% rate increase ($12,000 for maintenance services plus $5,000 for special insurance coverage that RDKB must provide due to insurance companies refusing to cover this remote location)

šŸ› ļø Why this contractor holds all the cards:

• Insurance nightmare: 4 companies refused coverage for this remote site • RDKB pays $5,000/year insurance + $10,000 deductible risk • No other contractors want this challenging location • Service disruption would impact outdoor recreation

Should the Regional District approve the 8% rate increase to maintain waste services at Idabel Lake, or explore alternatives like seasonal service or user fees?

šŸ“… RDKB Board Meeting: August 27, 2025

Staff recommends approving the contract extension. The Board will vote on: • 3-year contract with Philip Petit (Sept 2025 - Aug 2028) • New rates with 8% increase • Authorization to sign insurance agreements

šŸŽ™ļø Attend virtually or in person to share your input