Doug McCallum promises crackdown on illegal dumping if elected

Former Surrey mayor Doug McCallum says he would pursue a crackdown on illegal dumping if he and his Safe Surrey Coalition council candidates are elected on Oct. 17.

In a Sept. 8 news release, McCallum said he would introduce a motion at the inaugural council meeting for what he called the toughest illegal-dumping rules in B.C. Under the proposal, a company caught illegally dumping within city limits would lose its business licence and be barred from operating in Surrey for 10 years.

McCallum said anyone caught illegally dumping would receive a $10,000 fine every time, rather than a fine of up to $10,000. City of Surrey would install cameras at known dumping hotspots and use drone technology to identify those responsible.

The Safe Surrey Coalition release says illegal dumping is a citywide problem in alleyways, forests and rural roads. Construction demolition material, mattresses and renovation debris repeatedly appear at the same street corners, it says.

The release notes that City of Surrey offers free junk-disposal programs, including pickup of up to six large items a year for each household and drop-off of up to 100 kilograms of garbage. McCallum said those services leave no excuse for people to dump items such as old couches near places where children play.

McCallum said the recurring locations are well known and that cameras and drones would help track trucks and the companies behind illegal dumping.

Coun. Doug Elford, who lives in Newton and is seeking re-election, said residents in his neighbourhood deal with the effects of illegal dumping daily, including couches on boulevards, construction waste in back lanes and garbage beside bus stops where seniors wait each morning. He said cameras and drones would help ensure dumpers are caught, while a 10-year operating ban would deter future dumping.