New landfill contract could prompt higher bag tag/landfill fees in Fort Frances

The cost of bag tags in Fort Frances could double in the near future.

It is because the contract allowing Tom Veert Contracting to run the landfill is doubling.

Town council agreed to a new five-year agreement costing in excess of $2.2 million over the next five years.

The town paid over $1.1 million in the current contract that expires at the end of this month.

Councillor Mike Behan says accepting Tom Veert’s bid was likely the town’s best option.

“Look at the other bid, and it’s over $9.4 million for the five years,” says Behan.

“So $2.2 million looks pretty good compared to that. And I agree with the Administration’s view that we should not be going in-house with this because of the extra costs involved.”

A report from Administration noted that taking back operations would have required additional employees and new equipment.

As part of the agreement, the contractor is responsible for managing the landfill pile, including spreading covering materials, separation of wastes and conducting prescribed burns as per Ministry regulations.

It is also responsible for the maintenance of the site and access roads within.

In its renewal bid, Tom Veert Contracting noted that the contract price has not increased in over a decade.

It also cited the need to replace equipment.

Taxpayers will likely be required to offset the increase by paying higher bag tag and landfill fees.

Bag tags now cost $2.50 each.

Environmental Supervisor Craig Miller says it is possible they could double in price, as well.

“Because the landfill is intended to be operated as a cost-neutral entity,” says Miller.

“Over the years, it has operated with a slight surplus….And we’d like to keep it that way if possible.”

Those user fees are being looked at, with final recommendations to be presented to council in the near future.