BH considers removing Blyth dumping station, rebuilding in a new location
BY SCOTT STEPHENSON
At its Oct. 6 meeting, North Huron Council received a report from Director of Public Works and Facilities Kevin Watson that has the township seriously considering a complete revamp of its RV dumping policy - including the potential capping and closure of the current station on Gypsy Lane in Blyth.
Watson’s report recommends switching over to a more controlled, user-pay system at a new, albeit nearby, location. This would mark a distinct shift away from the township’s long standing model of free, no-questions-asked dumping.
The current dumping station on Gypsy Lane has been offering RV users a free location to dispose of grey and black water waste for years. However, rising usage, complaints from nearby residents and strains on municipal infrastructure have prompted staff to reconsider its operation.
Watson has recommended that the station be capped and closed later this fall. Following its closure, the township would issue a request for proposals (RFP) to construct a new, controlled dumping station elsewhere in the Blyth area, with the intention to reopen in the spring of 2026.
A feasibility study conducted by engineering firm B.M. Ross found that relocating the dumping station close to existing infrastructure would be advantageous. The study identified the community centre lands as a viable location, citing available services and sufficient land for vehicle staging. Two potential sites were outlined: one on Aultman Lane and another on Robert Bell Lane. Both would provide appropriate space and accessible routes to accommodate larger vehicles and camper trailers.
Watson’s report explains that use of the Gypsy Lane station has increased in recent years, particularly during local and regional events. The free service is often advertised as a convenient option in event publications, resulting in frequent congestion and long lineups. During these periods, RVs often line the road, reducing Gypsy Lane to a single lane of traffic and raising safety concerns, especially for emergency vehicle access.
It also points out that the burden of all this dumping activity is beleaguering Blyth’s sewage system. Watson writes that, in the past, the volume of waste has prompted intervention from Veolia staff to monitor and manage overcapacity issues. Since sewage treatment and water services are funded through municipal taxes, the free station has resulted in cost absorption by North Huron taxpayers with no cost recovery mechanism in place.
Despite the issues, Watson acknowledged that an RV dumping station remains a valuable amenity, particularly given the presence of the Blyth Campground. In 2024, the campground recorded approximately 1,130 nights of camping, averaging about 376 individual users. A conservative estimate suggests around 350 campers per season may use the dumping station, not including those coming from outside the campground.
The report outlines potential revenue generation under a user-pay model. At an estimated $25 per pump-out, the township could expect to collect roughly $8,750 annually. With a projected relocation and construction cost of $150,000, the township would be looking at a 17-year return on investment, although this could vary based on usage rates.
The financial impact in the short term will involve costs associated with decommissioning the current site. Should council move forward with the relocation, staff will issue an RFP in line with the township’s procurement policy and return with the results for further direction.
Council has not yet made its final decision regarding a new dumping station, but the stage has been set for potential changes to the service in 2026.