Voting process opened for removal of parkland for organic waste facility

The City of Burnaby has formally begun an alternative approval process (AAP) for residents who wish to oppose a controversial organic waste facility that would see 21 acres of parkland undedicated.

If approved, the GRO facility would be located on what is currently undeveloped parkland at Fraser Foreshore Park—taking up about 12% of the park.

Those who wish to oppose the project must send in an Elector Response Form to City Hall, either by mail or in-person, by April 28.

If the city receives less than 16,250 submissions voting against the project (10% of the city’s electorate) by April 28, then council may proceed with the project.

While the form itself is available for download from the city’s website, there is no option to send in your vote electronically. You must print the form, fill it out, and then send it by mail or drop it off in person.

You can also pick up printed copies of the form at the legislative services department at Burnaby City Hall and at all four Burnaby Public Library locations.

Those who wish to support the project don’t need to take any action. Not participating in the process is counted as being in favour of the project.

The proposed facility would be used to convert organic waste into high-quality soil that could be used by residents, community gardeners, and local farms. According to the city, the facility also has the potential to generate renewable natural gas to heat 5,000 homes per year and process up to 150,000 tonnes of organic waste from Burnaby and the Metro Vancouver region.

The project has seen vocal opposition from some members of the community due to the environmental impacts of building the facility on dedicated parkland.

— With files from Simran Singh.