At its first meeting in 2018, the Ottawa Valley Waste Management Board re-elected Laurentian Valley Mayor Steve Bennett as Chair and Petawawa Deputy Mayor Tom Mohns as Vice-Chair. Both are familiar with the position as this will be Mayor Bennett’s fifteenth year as Chair and Deputy Mayor Mohns’ thirteenth year as Vice-Chair.
The Board is responsible to operate and manage the Ottawa Valley Waste Recovery Centre on behalf of the Partner Municipalities; the Town of Petawawa, City of Pembroke, Township of Laurentian Valley and Township of North Algona Wilberforce. The Waste Management Board is made up of a Council member from each Partner Municipality.
The Waste Recovery Centre is responsible for providing the Municipalities with waste processing services for recycling, organics, construction and demolition materials, landfill, hazardous waste and electronic waste.
Joining Mayor Bennett and Deputy Mayor Mohns on the Board is Pembroke Councillor Andrew Plummer, serving his fourth term and North Algona Wilberforce Councillor Melvin Berndt who is serving his third term on the Board.
“Laurentian Valley is proud to be the host Municipality for this award winning facility. We provide an important service that includes innovative and local waste management solutions for the community.” Comments Mayor Bennett.
The Board meets regularly to review tonnage and finance reports, corporate policies and provide direction to staff. At its February meeting, the Board approved the Centre’s 2018 Budget.
Deputy Mayor Mohns acknowledges the Centre’s successes and some of its upcoming challenges. “As a Board, we have seen many changes over the years. We know it was a challenge to balance this year’s Budget due to uncertainties in the worldwide recycling markets. We’ve seen that staff prioritize projects without risking health and safety and continue to ensure environmental standards are met or exceeded. It’s a pleasure to be part of such a dynamic operation.”
