Environmentally friendly Tk’emlups landfill opens

Tk'emlups opened a new and improved landfill this week.

The First Nation's new facility replaces its decades old landfill, which was built with no environmental protection.

The new facility, dubbed Stswékstem, was built over the last three years with the inclusion of a compost facility, according to a Tk'emlups te Secwepemc news release issued today, Jan. 19.

"(It) signifies a major milestone in realizing our responsibility as yecwemínem (caretakers); Tk'emlúpsemc (the people of the confluence) have a responsibility to be stewards of the land,” Kukpi7 (Chief) Rosanne Casimir said in the release.

Tk'emlups partnered with Grassland Organics to build the new facility, where recyclables, garbage and organic waste can be dropped off at 801 Strawberry Hill Lane.

“Having an integrated facility where the community can take recyclables, food waste, yard waste, plus construction waste is unique in Canada. I’m really proud of what we have accomplished through our partnership with Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc and I’m confident this facility will be a model for other communities moving forward,” Grassland Organics CEO Rob Maciak said in the release.

Tk'emlups will be closing its older landfill, which was built in 1960. It's not clear how far along that process is.

More information on the new facility can be found here.

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