Whereas remote coastal communities in BC are struggling with the accumulation of numerous derelict vehicles; And whereas disposal facilities in coastal communities have limited capacity and a lack of infrastructure to internally manage derelict vehicles or ship to end-markets: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM advocate to the Province of BC for grant funding to be made available for remote communities to undertake cleanup of derelict vehicles.
Ministry of Environment and Parks The ministry recognizes the challenge of derelict vehicles in remote communities, which requires efforts from multiple parties to address. Since the concern was first raised at UBCM, ministry staff have engaged in discussions with the North Coast Regional District, member municipalities, as well as the Indigenous Zero Waste Technical Advisory Group on the topic. The ministry regulates end-of-life vehicle waste through the Vehicle Dismantling and Recycling Industry Environmental Planning Regulation VDR and through the Recycling Regulation that establishes Extended Producer Responsibility EPR programs for prescribed products. The VDR requires vehicle dismantlers or industry associations acting on behalf of their members to develop environmental management plans that demonstrate how they will comply with environmental protection standards under the Environmental Management Act and VDR. Under the Recycling Regulation, specific vehicle components, such as tires, batteries, oil and antifreeze, are regulated, which means there are collection programs and drop off locations available for the proper disposal of these products. Once these items are removed by the vehicle dismantler, they are picked up by the agency and recycled. However, the management of the complete vehicle is not included under an EPR program. Waste management funding has been available to local governments through provincial funding programs such as the Growing Communities Fund. A list of available funding programs can be found on the Provinces Local Government Grants and Transfers website.