New Video Keeps Issue of Illegal Dumping in Focus 

Duncan, BC –. Illegal dumping has become a significant issue within the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD). Last spring the CVRD launched a campaign to highlight the problem of illegal dumping in the region, with a focus on the Hillcrest Road area – a hotspot for illegal dumping.

“The campaign created a conversation in the community about the issue on Hillcrest Road and the problem in general,” explains Chair Jon Lefebure. “It’s a conversation we need to continue to have in our communities.”

Though the campaign is considered a success, Lefebure reminds residents “there is still much work to be done to tackle the issue in our region, and we need to continue to work collaboratively to address dumping within CVRD.”

‘The campaign efforts, which focused on increasing bylaw enforcement in the Hillcrest area and providing more education about the scale of the problem, led to a significant reduction in offences,” explains Robert Blackmore, Manager Bylaw Enforcement and Building Inspections. “The amount of offences has remained low throughout this past year.”

As part of an ongoing effort to keep illegal dumping offences down, the CVRD has partnered with the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities to develop a public education video. The video offers an overview of the issue and reminds residents how to report the crime.

Residents who witness illegal dumping should document as much information about violators and their vehicles as possible. This information should be reported to the Ministry of Environment’s 24-hour hotline (RAPP line) at 1.877.952.7277 (#7277 from cellphones). Anyone caught will be subjected to a $2,000 fine.

To see the new video and find more information about illegal dumping, visit www.cvrd.bc.ca/Illegal-Dumping

About Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities (AVICC)

The AVICC is a body formed for the purpose of representing in one organization the various municipalities, regional districts and other local governments of Vancouver Island, Sunshine Coast, Powell River, Central Coast and North Coast. It is one of five area associations of local governments within BC, operating under the umbrella of the Union of BC Municipalities.