MattersEnvironmentFirst seen Jul 21, 2025Last discussed Oct 5, 2026
Waste management contract scope
The City is exploring a contractor-run residential curbside garbage collection service, with the contractor handling equipment, customer service and household billing. Staff were directed to negotiate a request for proposals with Colwood for a possible phased rollout in 2027; participation options and treatment of larger strata buildings remain key questions for residents.
Where it stands: Staff report received and negotiations directed Jun 15, 2026; a possible 2027 rollout remains under consideration.
Background
Earlier and later steps of the same initiative.
Dec 16, 2025
Residential and public waste collection
The city plans to collect public garbage bins more often, replace some bins and study whether to contract residential curbside garbage pickup for homes with one to four units. The report estimates up to $245,000 in short-term city costs for the increased bin service, replacements and study; no household charge or curbside service rollout is set out.
Sep 28, 2026 – Oct 5, 2026
Residential garbage and organics collection
Langford will provide contracted garbage and organics pickup for residential properties with up to six dwelling units; each 120-litre bin costs $140 per year, with 3% annual increases starting in 2028. The city expects coordinated collection to reduce truck traffic and nuisances and cost residents less on average than separate private subscriptions.
Timeline
Every time this matter appeared in council records, newest first.
- A residentOpposes · Mandatory garbage collection bylaw
Asks council to reconsider and table the garbage proposal ahead of the municipal election. - N. JoelOpposes · Mandatory garbage collection bylaw
Opposes the collection proposal, arguing condo and townhouse residents are not affected and public-opinion figures show broad opposition. - Tanya SunshineSupports · Coordinated garbage collection
Supports evaluating coordinated collection for potential savings and environmental benefits, while urging fair pricing and consideration for households facing added costs. - A residentOpposes · Mandatory garbage collection bylaw
Asks council to table the bylaw until the incoming council can review undisclosed terms, yard-waste provisions, public opposition, and mandatory costs. - A residentOpposes · Municipal waste bylaw
States: Cites public-comment counts showing 18 of 21 speakers opposed the waste bylaw, emphasizing limited support. - W. BowersOpposes · Mandatory garbage collection bylaw
Opposes mandatory collection and asks council to pause adoption until after the election so residents and the incoming council can reconsider. - A residentSupports · Municipal garbage collection
Supports municipal garbage collection and urges council to proceed, citing neighborhood backing and prior councils' approval of contracts before elections.
- A residentOpposes · Mandatory garbage collection bylaw
Staff report received; negotiations with Colwood directed for possible 2027 service
Council received the staff report and consultant analysis on a possible municipally contracted curbside collection model and directed staff to proceed to a negotiated NRFP with Colwood for a possible 2027 phased rollout.
Discussion
Council and public questioned opt-out/opt-in options, treatment of strata >6 units, billing mechanisms, potential cost savings, and timing relative to the election. Staff and consultants confirmed modelling assumptions (universal participation for dwellings up to six units) and recommended a negotiated NRFP; the City of Colwood will participate in the NRFP on a non-binding basis.
Decision: Received the Waste Management NRFP Scope staff report for information.
Passed 6–0
- Chris FoxallConcerned · Parking minimums
Warns that reducing parking could leave residents without needed spaces, while supporting shared parking and lower housing costs. - Lisa FoxallConcerned · Waste management and parking
Calls for more frequent public-bin pickups and warns parking limits and paid parking could hurt local businesses. - M. WignallOpposes · Waste management and parking
Opposes municipal garbage collection and reduced parking requirements, urging more frequent pickups and retaining parking until future demand is clear. - N. JoelOpposes · Parking and waste management
Opposes reduced parking and municipal garbage collection, citing parking shortages and arguing competition keeps waste costs down. - Wendy HobbsOpposes · Waste management
Urges more frequent public-bin pickups instead of municipal collection, citing household costs, effects on workers, and residents' choice. - L. PlompMixed · Parking and waste management
Questions parking-study assumptions and accessibility impacts, and asks for a consultant review of municipal garbage collection costs. - A residentOpposes · Waste management
Opposes mandatory garbage service and added taxpayer costs, urging more frequent public-bin pickups and preserving household choice. - Tanya SunshineSupports · Waste management
Supports a municipally contracted garbage service, citing cost efficiency, effectiveness, and fewer trucks on the road. - D. StrongerSupports · Rowils Crescent variance
Supports the requested variances, citing staff and committee review and proposed covenants limiting units and securing access and future road rights-of-way.
- Chris FoxallConcerned · Parking minimums
- Wendy Hawes (Luxton Highway)Opposes · Waste collection
Opposes municipal garbage collection, citing tax burdens, harm to private businesses, and a need to prioritize policing and public safety. - M. Wignall (Langford)Opposes · Waste collection
Opposes municipal waste collection, arguing the city should schedule more frequent pickups and avoid costly competition with private contractors.
- Wendy Hawes (Luxton Highway)Opposes · Waste collection