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Concern Grows Over Illegal Dumping in Calgary
A privately-held plot intended for future development is currently being used as an unofficial landfill, raising concerns among local residents and businesses. The area, located at the intersection of 128th Avenue and Barlow Trail N.E., has become a dumping ground for various kinds of waste.
Shirley Silbernagel, who works nearby, expressed her frustration stating, “Chairs, tables, all kinds of beds and mattresses” litter the site. The sight of discarded items is distressing, with Silbernagel noting, “You have to drive by all this garbage… it’s unsettling. It looks like we’re a dump.” She has even taken to following vehicles filled with waste in an attempt to discourage them from unloading their trash.
Silbernagel’s sentiments were echoed by Tejpal Bhinder of Country Hills Mechanic Shop, who has witnessed the garbage problem expand into the surrounding streets. “For the people who are actually doing that, I don’t know what words I would use for them to be honest,” he commented. Bhinder has observed everything from grocery bags to paint cans being left behind and believes that it reflects poorly on the community.
As the situation deteriorates, residents have turned to social media platforms to document and report instances of illegal dumping. Some community members have also taken it upon themselves to organize clean-up efforts to tackle the growing mess.
Bhinder noted, “I’ve seen a lot of volunteers coming and cleaning up,” yet he remains critical of the situation, asserting, “City vehicles as well, but it’s not what the city should be spending its money on.” His opinion aligns with that of local officials who share similar frustrations. Raj Dhaliwal, the Ward 5 city councillor, described the sight of garbage as “disgusting,” questioning why individuals would choose to misuse the area in such a manner.
Dhaliwal emphasized the lack of respect shown by those who litter, stating, “They have no regard for our bylaws.” He further highlighted that many culprits appear to be contractors improperly disposing of construction waste, choosing to leave materials behind rather than incurring dump fees. “You have loaded up your truck, you’ve loaded up your minivan, just drive another five… six… ten kilometres to a landfill,” he urged.
Given that the dumping largely occurs on private property, the city faces challenges in monitoring these actions, which puts pressure on local resources. “Our tax dollars should be going towards police services and keeping people safe,” Dhaliwal argued, advocating for the redirection of funds toward essential city services rather than ongoing cleanup efforts.
Fines for illegal dumping range from $1,000 to $10,000, depending on the severity, yet if offenders are not fined, the financial burden of cleanup falls upon the city’s budget. Despite a community cleanup organized by Dhaliwal last fall that cleared substantial waste, the issue persists, frustrating those who work in the vicinity.
The city encourages witnesses of illegal dumping to document details, including vehicle license plate numbers, and report the incidents to 311 to initiate investigations.
Source
globalnews.ca