The West Yellowhead Waste Resource Authority or WYWRA welcomed dignitaries, directors and guests to a customer appreciation and official grand opening celebration at their new building last Friday.
WYWRA moved into the brand new building just west of Lashburn in June of 2009 after operating out of a tiny office on Main Street in Maidstone.
"One big asset is that our most aggressive competition is a multinational company whose headquarters are in Houston in comparison to WYWRA whose head office is immediately available in the centre of the region," said chairman Bob Colliar
"We can keep track of the pulse of the membership and have a responsibility because of the membership."
Guests were invited to share lunch and listened to a short program. Plaques were presented to Glen Dow of the RM of Wilton, recognizing the partnership forged between WYWRA and the RM, and to past WYWRA board members. The current directors and staff members were introduced and a ribbon was cut to officially open the building.
There were greetings from MLAs Michael Chisholm and Tim McMillan.
Eleven years have passed since the first meeting to discuss the handling of waste leading up to WYWRA was held. In May of 2001, WYWRA was incorporated as a non-profit corporation and in October 2002 WYWRA began serving four member areas.
WYWRA currently serves 30 member municipalities grouped into six districts.
"During our 2002-2008 years, our lack of finances were limiting our growth and we basically acted as a broker for one local hauler and a multi-national headquartered in Houston, Texas. It was always understood that we needed a partner to make the organization stable.
"In 2008 that partnership became a reality when we signed our agreement to partner with the RM of Wilton," said Colliar in his speech.
"At the end of the day we have WYWRA providing the logistics for waste management and recycling and the RM of Wilton providing a transfer destination and the commitment to work together," said Glen Dow of the RM of Wilton.
"It is an example of co-operation between partner municipalities, towns and villages in a large geographic area to provide something that was badly needed for a long time," said MLA Michael Chisholm.
"Initiative was taken, need was outlined, a study done and a huge project was undertaken. All participants contributed financially and time wise and they saw it through. It shows the initiative of the Saskatchewan people can accomplish great things and it doesn't have to be dependant on government."
The new WYWRA building and yard has room for the big trucks and lots of the bright yellow bins so easy to recognize throughout the region. The office is bright and spacious with room for staff and board meetings.
"We still have goals to expand," said Colliar, and now they have even more resources to reach out for their goals.
