We have a choice. Stop wasting energy in our municipalities and deal with the climate crisis, or continue hoping that after many years of 3Rs and landfill, we will suddenly turn things around. As Mark Carney recently said, “Once society has set a goal, it is profitable to be part of the solution and terminal to remain part of the problem.”Identify a new landfill site
Ottawa Council recently voted to explore incineration technologies as a solution to the rapidly filling Trail Road landfill. It is also mulling whether to adopt a bag tag system to encourage residents to reduce waste. Bag tags are a short-term Band-Aid. In addition, it is prudent to explore incineration technologies, although cautiously, with an eye to identifying emerging ways of capturing and scrubbing toxins so that they are not released.
What is missing in developing options to address Ottawa’s waste management is to also search for and identify a location for Ottawa’s next landfill. This challenge is significant, and may require a dedicated a task force. If council continues to avoid dealing with it, the risk isIf safe incineration technology does not emerge in a timely way, and the city has not laid the groundwork for a future landfill, residents will be cornered into adopting a waste solution that may harm our health.
Exploring new landfill options is an essential pillar to the city’s 2024 Solid Waste Master Plan. All it takes is for one councillor to make a motion, and council to direct that this important work be started now.Article contentThere is certainly an argument for removing misbehaving councillors for bad behaviour. But blocking them from running for re-election for two terms is arbitrary and a step too far. The voters can decide if the penalty is sufficient and when it’s time to reboot.