Will it or won't it open, and if it does, when will it?
Those are the questions left swirling about the new Squamish Recycle BC hub, that was slated to open in the old Greyhound location on Government Road on June 1.
Those behind the non-profit organization Squamish DOX were hoping to open the new hub at 40446 Government Rd. immediately after the previous Green For Life Environmental, or GFL, depot was scheduled to close on May 31, says Graham Blake.
Blake took over as chair of the board of directors for the non-profit Squamish ReBuild almost two years ago, and he also represents the new non-profit Squamish DOX.
Rebuild is also set to move to the Government Road location eventually.
While GFL extended its timeline for the closure of its recycling depot to June 14, it has since closed.
Blake said it comes down to needing approvals through the municipality.
The District of Squamish told The Squamish Chief its staff is providing guidance to Squamish DOX, on "what steps are necessary to operate a recycling depot at this location."
"The site does not currently permit the proposed uses, and no permits can be issued until either a Temporary Use Permit (TUP) or a rezoning is achieved. If a TUP or rezoning is successful, the applicant would need to apply for and obtain a building permit, business licence, and any other permits required by District bylaws," a spokesperson said.
"We recognize the importance of a central, accessible recycle depot, and we are supporting and advocating for Recycle BC to find an interim solution for Squamish residents while a long-term central depot is being established."
Blake, on the other hand, said that he was confident the matter would be resolved in short order.
"Everyone involved wants this service in operation at the earliest opportunity and are doing their best to make it happen," he said.
Recycle BC told The Squamish Chief that it is in touch with both Squamish DOX and the District and "remains optimistic" that the Squamish DOX hub will open soon.
"Residents continue to have access to robust curbside and multi-family collection programs for containers, paper and cardboard," a spokesperson said in an emailed statement.
The closest Recycle BC full depot locations for Squamish residents are in Whistler (Function Junction Depot at 1001 Lynham Road or Nesters Depot at 8006 Nesters Road) and North Vancouver (North Shore Bottle Depot at 235 Donaghy Ave, North Vancouver Bottle and Return-It Depot at 310 Brooksbank Ave and North Shore Recycling and Waste Centre at 30 Riverside Drive West).
"We thank residents for their commitment to recycling and for their patience," the spokesperson for Recycle BC said.
Blake noted that London Drugs is a convenient location to bring soft plastics, flex packaging and Styrofoam, as well as other recyclables.
The Squamish Landfill also has facilities for recyclables.
"We would also like to remind people to please not leave any materials at the new [Government Road] location prior to its opening. It represents a fire risk and danger to wildlife," Blake said.
*Please note: this story has been updated a couple of times as quotes from the District and Recycle BC were added.
