After twice voting to try and get out of the Fraser Valley Regional District the city of Abbotsford has decided to stay put.
Abbotsford city council passed a motion Monday afternoon to remain in the regional district.
City staff made the recomendation citing cost savings for Abbotsford found within the FVRD's budget as well as the addition of another Director on the regional district's board.
FVRD chair Sharon Gaetz welcomes the news.
"Well I am really pleased to see that they have changed their mind and they have decided to stay with the FVRD I think that we have been able to clearly demonstrate to Abbotsford that the FVRD provides a pretty good bang for the buck, that they are being well served by FVRD."
But Gaetz reveals Abbotsford wasn't alone in trying to opt out of the FVRD.
"Mission was in discussions as well with the FVRD of forming their own regional district. Apparently they recieved word from the ministry that unless other communities came with them, that would be not possible. So I do think now that we will be able to move forward in solidarity and do some good work for the Fraser Valley."
Gaetz says now that the issue has been dealt with the top priority for the municipalities in the regional district is air quality.
The Mayor of Abbotsford says there are more benefits to staying with the Fraser Valley Regional District than if the city were to leave.
Bruce Banman says he is glad the issue has been put to bed with council voting through a motion today.
Banman says now the region can unite to oppose Metro Vancouver's move to garbage incineration.
"Abbotsford by its lone would not be nearly as strong a voice as the Fraser Valley Regional District. So I believe rather than develop smaller and smaller government bodies it is much more efficient to have economies of scale and deal with them together as a group and you also have some benefits."
Banman says the Fraser Valley is not getting a fair shake over the garbage incinerator issue.
"In my opinion no we are not you know the consultation process is far from perfect in my opinion with regards to that...you know...and uh...you know I don't know what to tell you on that.....I ...I ...we...we look for support and direction from the province on that. There was supposed to be better consultation than there currently is."
He says local businesses in Metro Vancouver are also opposed to the idea because of bylaws Banman says would restrict them from taking garbage outside of the region.