The Chilliwack
Progress Wednesday
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Lacing up to find a cure for diabetes.
Clay 2015 promises a vibrant show.
BC High School Track and Field finals
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FVRD looks at organic waste plan
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Jessica Peters The Progress Organic waste could eventually be banned from all garbage cans in the Fraser Valley, but new rules wouldn’t be put in place until after a lengthy consultation process. That process is about to begin, and a full plan could be in place by the end of this year, said FVRD chair Sharon Gaetz. “We’re really early in the process of exploring organic program for FVRD,” she said. “Over the next few months we’re going to do some pre-consultation work.” The FVRD isn’t aware of “any other jurisdiction that’s undertaken a pre-consultation process for an organics diversion program,” she added. Fraser Valley Regional District staffer Stacey Barker presented a brief overview to the board recently to explain the process. Barker said it’s the first step in a large leap toward reducing waste in landfills. “This is a significant endeavor to accomplish,” Barker said, and for the multi-year plan “this is the first baby step.” The proposed FVRD Organics Disposal Ban would eventually apply to all households and businesses. The plan is in response to a growing movement toward removing food waste from other waste products. “It’s the number one comment we’ve received from the public,” she said: “’When are we going to have food waste come out of our garbage?’” There is no solid timeframe yet, as that will depend on the results of the upcoming consultation process. Gaetz said it’s bound to be a well-received program, based on what the FVRD has heard so far. Continued: WASTE/ p10
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Terrance Roopsingh uses a ‘selfie stick’ to capture a shot of his classmates prior to Sardis secondary’s commencement ceremony on Friday at Prospera Centre. For more grad photos, see page 3. GREG KNILL/ PROGRESS
Trail work starts in the Eastern Hillsides Jennifer Feinberg The Progress A community forest is being transformed into a wilderness park high above Chilliwack with a vast network of recreational trails. Trail work on the Community Forest Park Project kicked off last Sunday in the Eastern Hillsides, with Chilliwack Park Society volunteers roughing in the first 400 metres of trails. Park Society spokesperson Marc Greidanus said the idea behind the project is encouraging
outdoor physical activity. The trails will be for hiking, running, mountain biking, dog walking and horseback riding, to dovetail with future development eyed for the hillsides. “It’s exciting to be wandering around the forest and marking future trails,” Greidanus said. A beginner trail of 2.5 km will be wide and gradual, accessible to all fitness levels. The moderate trail at 7 km will feature slightly steeper grades, and looping options. “We are a collaborative organi-
zation,” he noted about the newly minted Chilliwack Park Society. “The overall goal is community involvement and protecting green spaces.” They made a point of getting all local stakeholders on board, right from the outset. “The community is really coming together to make this happen,” Greidanus noted. “People bring their own passion, their way of doing things and perspectives to it. It’s also a little overwhelming in that it’s a lot of work, but it’s very exciting.”
It’s gone from casual discussions about trail-building among friends, to building a truly collaborative and inclusive partnership. It’s in the early stages so far with long-term options including multi-use trails, trailhead parking, picnic facilities, scenic views, and interpretive elements. The Park Society has partnered with City of Chilliwack and FV Mountain Bikers Association, and had discussions with FVRD and Ministry of Forests. Partnerships are also being forged with Cheam Continued: TRAIL/ p10
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