Assiniboia - The Department of Highways recently contacted the Town of Assiniboia, looking for a space to lease while construction began on their new facility. The Town felt it would be a good fit for the Department of Highways to lease the building of the former Assiniboia Rubber Recycling Plant.
One of the priorities of the newly elected council was the clean up the former property of the Assiniboia Rubber Recycling Plant (or Tire Plant as it is commonly known). The Town was in communication with the Tire Stewardship of Saskatchewan (TSS) and the Provincial Government to work together to complete this project.
The role of TSS is to work towards a scrap tire free Saskatchewan and manage the collection, recycling and processing of scrap tires into more environmentally friendly products. TSS was set up by tire retailers, which are mandated by legislation to set up and operate a recycling program and use the fee collected from the tires to operate the program. The province has many ‘legacy tires’ from past years that still need to be collected Assiniboia was one of the province’s largest piles, and that was the largest part of the cleanup of the grounds. The Ministry of Environment provided funding and support to the Town of Assiniboia to assist in the removal of the tires. TSS hired local contractor to work on clean up of plant.
After only a few months, the majority of scrap tire had been removed to an area close to town with the written approval of the Ministry of Environment. Tires not shredded, were shipped to Saskatoon for processing and scrap metal dealt with as well.
The abandoned used tires posed a health risk to the community and a risk to the environment. Scrap tires before they are recycled can capture water and create an environment for pests such as rats and mosquitos. Also a pile of tires, if they catch fire, can burn intensely give the material and the availability of oxygen to fuel the fire, and produce toxic smoke.
Town’s future plan is to put the building up for sale to hopefully a prospective buyer to establish a new or existing business in our community. The Department of Highways will lease the building until the completion of their new facility, located just on the outskirts of Assiniboia.
The Town of Assiniboia prides itself in its ability to work with many businesses/corporations and all levels of government to ensure the success, safety and growth of their community.
