Although there is no certainty of achieving triplemajority support for the county’s takeover of household solid waste (HSW) management, Dufferin County Council will proceed with third reading of the enabling bylaw tonight.

The triple majority vote is defined as: a majority of the lower tier municipalities, representing more than half the electors in the county; and a majority of votes at county council.

At least half the lower tier approves the amended bylaw, but the negative vote by East Garafraxa council means the municipal councils in favour do not represent more than half the electors.

Amaranth was to have a final vote on its choice at a special meeting Wednesday night but indications were that it would favour the county takeover.

Orangeville, which has at least close to half the county’s electorate, has yet to vote and will not do so until Monday night.

Although this may have cast doubt on the validity of tonight’s county council vote, Public Works Director Trevor Lewis said he has a legal opinion that the county need not have all municipal votes at the time of third reading.

The Orangeville vote, although coming late, would be counted for the purpose of the triple majority.

The bylaw would give Dufferin the authority to collect and dispose of HSW in addition to organics, hazardous and recyclables.

The townships of Amaranth, Melancthon and Mulmur and the Town of Mono would retain ownership of their dumps.

Mr. Lewis is in communication with the Ministry of Environment to clarify how the certificates of approval of the four landfills would apply with the county’s assumption of waste management.