‘Filled a void in the community:’ popular Parksville recycling program eyes future

“This would not be possible without the support of many wonderful volunteers. They give their time to help with the collection of plastic, glass, and styrofoam packaging, cardboard and paper, and I know many of you attend at a regular basis to bring your stuff, and I appreciate that,” Round told the meeting.

Round said the contract with Recycle BC expires at the end of the year, with renewal talks already taking place to continue operating at the south Parksville site, with Recycle BC desiring a permanent facility.

Located at 223 Mills St, the Parksville Community Centre (PCC) first opened in May of 2022, and is home to numerous community groups. (PCC on Facebook)

Round said they’re currently raising money to buy the PCC on Mills St. after their current two-year lease expires, with an agreement in principle established with the owners.

Round said ideally the Mills St. site could accept other hard-to-recycle, non-curbside items which can’t be accepted at the pop-up location on Industrial Way.

The Centre contains nine large rooms, a boardroom, and multiple offices, and is used for childcare spaces, programs run by Mid-Island Elder College, and hosts weekly gatherings from groups such as the Parksville Rotary Club, Weight Watchers, Girl Guides and more.

Round said purchasing the PCC would provide an enhanced amount of security for several valued local organizations.

“To ensure it stays as a community centre that continues to provide the community with a gathering space that is sorely needed in our community now, and well into the future.”

He said about $150,000 has already been raised to purchase the PCC, with another $300-600,000 required to make the purchase a reality.

While they’re not asking the City for funding, Round said they certainly wouldn’t turn down any if it were offered.

“What we are asking for is cooperation between our society and the City of Parksville to help us be even more successful, and that we are able to ensure the PCC, and Parksville Recycle Depot remain an important asset for the citizens of Parksville to continue to enjoy.”

Household plastic, foam, glass products, and paper and cardboard products acceptable for curbside blue bins are all accepted free of charge at the pop-up recycling depot serving the Parksville Qualicum Beach area since 2023. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Coun. Mary Biel said the space is well-used and is clearly in high demand, keeping in pace with the needs of their growing community.

“I really appreciate what the Society has done and it’s really a testament to the enthusiasm, but also to the need. There’s a real demonstrated need in the community….pop-up is written on my home calendar for every other week….that has really filled a void in the community as well.”

Between the end of February 2020 and May 2023, there was no Oceanside area location to dispose of core post-use recycling items, with the closest depots being in Nanaimo, Port Alberni or Courtenay.

Opening in 2023, the pop-up recycling depot proved to be an immediate hit, with talk of making it a permanent location starting within months of the service launching.

More details on the pop-up depot, including a schedule, can be found at parksvillecentre.ca.

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by Jordan Davidson

‘Filled a void in the community:’ popular Parksville recycling program eyes future

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