The Town of Qualicum Beach has allocated $250,000 in their latest financial plan to replace an aging garbage truck, opting for a traditional combustion engine instead of going electric. (RDN)

By Jordan Davidson

classic gas

Qualicum Beach decides not to go electric for new garbage truck

Mar 22, 2025 | 5:58 AM

QUALICUM BEACH — A new garbage truck is on its way to serve the residents of Qualicum Beach with the Town deciding to go with a traditional internal combustion engine over an electric vehicle.

During the Wednesday, March 19 special council meeting, councillors accepted a report for information on replacing one of two aging garbage trucks which have reached the end of their working life.

Manager of operations Chris Stanger said while they looked at electric options, they went with the staff recommendation to buy a gas or diesel-powered residential garbage truck.

“In the mid-sized vehicles, it’s still in the very early stages, and that’s probably one of our biggest concerns is it’s not been a proven fact, especially for a vehicle like the garbage truck.”

Issues with the electric vehicle also included a lack of right-hand steering options and a significantly taller cab height, with concerns on accessibility and ergonomics, with workers having to get in and out of the cab frequently while on their routes.

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“The vehicles that we got just now are a lot lower to the ground, it’s so much easier because they’re getting in and out constantly, like every five minutes, in and out of that vehicle to go to a garbage can,” said Stanger.

Of the two trucks which need to be replaced, one is 13 years old with over 209,000 kilometres, and the other is 11 years old with 146,000 kilometres.

While both are in “very poor working condition”, according to the Town, only a single new truck will be acquired, reducing the fleet by one, which is sufficient for the Town’s current garbage needs.

Stanger said since the Town only collects residential garbage off the streets, they would only require one vehicle.

“There are a lot of push to get more electric vehicles but sometimes it may not be the right time or for the right equipment,” agreed mayor Teunis Westbroek.

The new garbage truck already included a capital expenditure provision of $250,000 to address the replacement in their 2025-2029 financial plan, which was adopted at the same March 19 meeting.

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