Saskatoon city admin recommends closing Meadowgreen recycling depot due to 'public safety concerns'
Closure and area remediation would cost around $80,000
Saskatoon city administration is recommending the permanent closure of the Meadowgreen recycling depot, located on 22nd St. near Witney Ave.
The recommendation comes after "continuous public safety concerns from illegal dumping, scavenging, nuisance and criminal behaviour," the city said in a news release.
The city recently reduced operating hours at the depot, installed fencing around the site and implemented around-the-clock security surveillance, but to no avail.
"We regret that it has come to this, but ongoing issues have left us with no choice but to recommend permanent closure," Lynne Lacroix, general manager of community services, said in the release.
"The actions of some individuals have led to the possibility of removing a public facility that allows well-intentioned residents to responsibly divert their recycling from the city landfill."
She said the city can no longer commit the resources needed to maintain the site, keep residents safe and uphold the appearance of the adjacent lanes.
The city said it would cost around $80,000 to close the depot and partially remediate the site.
The recommendation will be formally presented to the standing policy committee on planning, development and community services on April 12 and, if approved, could be carried out immediately after the city council meeting on April 26.