Mayor seeks to privatize waste in Iqaluit
Considering agreement with Qikiqtaaluk Corp. to provide local solution
Michele LeTourneau
Northern News Services
Monday, April 10, 2017
IQALUIT
The City of Iqaluit is hoping to finally implement a 2013 Solid Waste Management Plan by turning the job over to the Qikiqtaaluk Corporation.
A memorandum of understanding signed by the two parties will allow them to "explore options." These options include the creation of a new landfill site, the closure and rehabilitation of the current landfill site, and potential construction of a new solid waste management facility, according to a news release.
"Partnering with Qikiqtaaluk Corporation (QC) and its subsidiary company Qikiqtaaluk Environmental could allow the city to offer a superior level of waste management services to residents," stated Iqaluit Mayor Madeleine Redfern.
The city has long struggled with waste management.
After it failed to submit a plan by deadline back in 2010 and its water licence expired in summer 2012, it faced hefty fines. Waste management is included in water licences –- the Nunavut Water Board issues the licences, while Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada inspectors oversee compliance.
Then came the summer of fire at the stressed landfill in 2014.
Dubbed "dumpcano" by residents, the price tag for extinguishment came in at almost $3 million.
The city was finally issued a 10-year water licence in mid-June 2016.
QC president Harry Flaherty stated Qikiqtaaluk Environmental would be "exploring ways to position Iqaluit as a leader in Northern waste management practices."
Hiring locally-trained staff to run operations would be a priority, he stated.
The landfill has been near or at capacity for several years.
Last week it stated it has been "reviewing options for replacement over the past few years that would meet the current and future solid waste needs of residents."
According to a city factsheet, there is no cost attached at this point.
"Costs will not be known until a review is completed, and expenditures are identified and confirmed," states the one-page document.
That review period is expected to take a few weeks.
If both organizations are able to agree on the terms and conditions to implement the solid waste management plan, a contract could be awarded after the review period.
Qikiqtaaluk Environmental is a partnership between the Inuit-owned birthright development corporation and Sanexen Environmental Services Inc.
