Community rallied to fight that smell 3 Guy Lafleur to visit Richmond 4
the richmond
richmondreview.com
Locks coming off for a good cause 16
REVIEW wednesday, November 28, 2012
City waiting for composter to clear the air
32 PAGEs
Richmond Christmas Fund drive-thru at Lansdowne
Numerous complaints of odour from East Richmond facility that collects organic waste by Matthew Hoekstra Staff Reporter Richmond City Hall is seeking assurance from an East Richmond composting facility that it has a plan to clear the air. In recent weeks local residents have been waking up and smelling the coffee—grinds, and other organic materials— from Harvest Power’s facility near No. 9 Road. The strong odour has generated numerous complaints to Metro Vancouver, which is responsible for air quality in the region. On Monday Robert Gonzalez, the city’s general manager of engineering and public works, told city council that staff have asked for a “definitive plan” for the facility. “We’re looking for some physical improvements to the site to ensure there’s a short-term foreseeable improvements in air quality,” he said. Gonzalez noted an anaerobic digester recently came online, but said it won’t be fully operational until sometime next year. The digester is expected to contain the composting process in a closed-air system. “We’ve been advised by Metro Vancouver that it should have a significant impact on improving air quality,”he said.“It’s a graduated process where they’re increasing the amount of organics it can take.” Gonzalez said the East Richmond facility is taking a lot more material than originally anticipated, as it’s the first facility in the Lower Mainland to accept organics—of which a growing amount is being collected at curbs across the region. Coun. Evelina Halsey-Brandt acknowledged the odour is “quite strong” in many parts of Richmond. She said it’s good residents have bought into the green can program, but a permanent solution for the stink is needed. “We don’t want people for whatever reason, to turn their back on (composting) because of the smell.” The facility is raising a stink just months before the city expands its green waste collection program. In June 2013, all townhouses with blue box service will get curbside green waste pickup, and new wheeled carts and kitchen containers will be distributed to all homeowners where the service is offered. See Page 3
Martin van den Hemel photo The 2nd Annual Richmond Christmas Fund Drive-Thru will be held Thursday morning next to the Lansdowne Station of the Canada Line, from 6 a.m. to noon. Wayne Duzita, Richmond Christmas Fund community chair, and Ryan Luetzen, program director for Volunteer Richmond Information Services, will be among those expected to brave the rain and wind in the forecast. See story, page 11.
Richmond Public Library conducting ‘thorough review’ of donation procedures Library has already recorded 4,000 circulations of the rare Chinese-language books by Matthew Hoekstra Staff Reporter The chair of the Richmond library board acknowledged Monday recent
It’s easy to be green!
media reports critical of the library’s handling of a large donation of Chinese language books. “We are currently conducting a thorough review of our procedures, and are investigating best practices from other libraries and major institutions across Canada,” said Pat Watson at a meeting of council. “The library board is always looking to improve our system so that we’ll be well-equipped to support future donations that contribute so much to
our community.” Dr. Kwok-Chu Lee, also known as Master Lam Chun, donated nearly 47,000 Chinese books to the library earlier this year. The library valued the collection at $1.2 million and issued the donor tax receipts of an equivalent value. In examining the collection for the library, Victoria book dealer Bjarne Tokerud described the books as a “national treasure.” See Page 3
get in the
spirit
this
christmas
+ = Gift with Purchase Code Lansdowne12
120 shops to help you find what you’re looking for this Chrismas. And, for every $150 you spend we will give you a free large box of Purdy’s Hedgehogs. One per customer, while quantities last. Lansdowne Centre: uniques stores, great people. Full contest details available at Customer Service or lansdowne-centre.com.
Sunday, April 22nd
Before you start your shopping this Earth Day, visit Customer Service for• Lansdowne a freeCanada Eco-Bag. It’s• Customer as simple as that! 5300 No. 3 Road in Richmond Line Station Service: 604-270-1344
CONVENIENTLY LOCATED AT NO. 2 RD. & BLUNDELL RD.
Find us at lansdowne-centre.com and on Facebook & Twitter.
One bag per customer, while quantities last.
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