St. Barnabas Church is “warning” that there could be shocking consequences for those who dump trash at the site.
Roxee Forrest, associate warden at the church in the Brow of the Hill neighbourhood, said people have been dumping assorted items at the church – and it’s got to stop.
“It comes in the middle of the night. We’ve had two or three mattresses, a huge old china cabinet with broken doors,” she said. “It’s really a costly thing.”
The City of New Westminster can arrange to pick up the items such as mattresses and furniture for a small fee.
“It’s not just us, it’s happening to everybody,” Forrest said. “People do it because they don’t know what to do with it or they don’t have the money to pay for it.”
On one occasion, someone dropped off a car seat at the church – not a car seat for a child, but an actual seat from the back of a motor vehicle.
Rev. Emilie Smith has created a tongue-in-cheek sign from God that she hopes will deter people from dumping unwanted items at the church – as it could have electrifying consequences. “Do not drop your crap here … Management of St. Barnabas Church not responsible for lightening bolts,” states the sign.
It’s not the first time priests at St. Barnabas have taken action regarding the dumping of garbage at the church. A former priest at the church opened a garbage bag, found an address, went to that location and asked the person to come and kindly collect their garbage.
According to the city’s website, many property owners are faced with the high cost and burden of disposing of items that have been illegally dumped on unsuspecting property owners. The city’s bylaw includes a $200 fine and/or other enforcement action for individuals who are caught illegally dumping items.
Anyone wanting more information or witnessing someone illegally dumping items in New Westminster – and surviving any potential lightning strikes – can report the incident to engineering operations at 604-526-4691.
