Couchiching is looking to create a new landfill site north of Frog Creek to not only handle accumulating waste at its current dump, but to maximize potential use of land.
Christine Jourdain, economic development officer for Couchiching First Nations, said yesterday that consultant Neegan Burnside Engineering and Environmental Ltd. has been evaluating options for the disposal of waste for the reserve for the next 20 years as the current site is “at capacity right now.”
She noted the band has been considering moving the landfill from the site currently located on Frog Creek Road (on the way to the new Heron Landing Golf Course) to the north side of Frog Creek, closer to the Fort Frances Airport.
Jourdain said the move is not only necessary, but would be beneficial as the current landfill property would be freed up, yielding sand and rock fill that could be used for the golf course or any other projects requiring such materials.
The new site also could mean a second access route between the north and south sides of Frog Creek, which Jourdain said is important to consider as part of the community’s emergency plan.
On Monday night, Fort Frances town council referred a request from Neegan Burnside Engineering and Environmental Ltd., on behalf of Couchiching First Nation, regarding the disposal of solid waste from the reserve to the Fort Frances municipal landfill to the Operations and Facilities executive committee.
Jourdain noted the request was more a pre-condition to obtain funding than an earnest request to utilize the town’s services and landfill site.
“We would like to keep it local,” she said, adding that ideally, the waste pick-up and disposal operation would continue to be run by Couchiching employees.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
