The hours of operation of the Wetaskiwin landfill could potentially be changed on the direction of city council.
During council’s Feb. 26 meeting three readings were passed to change the operation’s year-round from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Coun. Patricia MacQuarrie felt those hours would not be adequate to meet the needs of the community and suggested an amendment for the summer hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
“Perhaps during the winter 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. might still be sufficient,” said MacQuarrie. However, she felt cutting the hours short early during the summer would limit access for people looking to go after work.
Coun. Alan Hilgartner mentioned with the city’s garbage pickup service residents should not need to use the dump after 4 p.m., or they could go on the weekend. “I don’t see why we need to change it in the summer.”
Coun. Wayne Neilson says one argument against the later hours is work-alone issues.
“I think it’s more of a personal sense of security,” said director of engineering and development Sue Howard.
When council attempted to take the bylaw to a third and final vote, which must have a unanimous vote it if is to be done in the same meeting as the other readings, MacQuarrie was opposed. “I completely understand how it works better for our staff but I don’t think it works better for the community as a whole.”
The matter will be brought back to council March 12.