The city will be offering a free, one-day, city-wide pickup of “bulky” items this summer.
That means residents will be able to put furniture, tires, electronics, couches and other large items out at their curb to be picked up – for free.
“It’s almost like an amnesty,” said Coun. Ted Emond, who championed the idea at Monday night’s council committee meeting. “It’s a one-time opportunity.”
The free ‘amnesty’ is counter to what staff had recommended. Greg Preston, the city’s manager of waste management, had suggested a one-time, pay-for-pickup service. Under that plan, residents would have paid $50 to have up to five large items picked up during a one-day blitz; they would have been charged $15 for each additional item.
But Emond favoured the free approach – and was able to garner the support of his colleagues to win the day. The Ward 1 councillor noted residents can take their own items to the waste diversion site or pay someone to do it for them. Initially, he liked the idea of simply maintaining the status quo.
However, he noted that not all citizens are diligent in keeping their property “clear of unsightly large items” and he noted statistics show this is a growing problem. “I believe we need to get the attention of these homeowners.”
Emond said a well-publicized one-day event in June would give these homeowners an opportunity to clean up their property. “My expectation is that this needs to be followed up by more vigorous enforcement of the clear and clear bylaw to ensure those” issues “can’t just continue to exist.”
Coun. Mason Ainsworth spoke against the idea. He thought staff’s recommended plan made more sense.
“This represents a new cost to the taxpayer,” said Ainsworth of the plan that has an estimated price tag of $30,000. The city will have to hire contractors to do the pickup.
But it’s not just the cost. “One of the concerns (expressed by staff) is that some residents would store large items waiting for the next free collection so (this) works against the goal of cleaning properties,” said Ainsworth, who said people should have to pay for the service.
If council committee’s decision is ratified at Monday night’s council meeting, a date, likely in June, would be confirmed and staff would publicize the event to alert residents.
Preston said he expected there would be no limit on the number of bulky items picked up, but noted there would be limitations. He said certain items – such as propane tanks or hazardous waste – could not be picked up, for example.
He also noted that while those without trucks and those facing financial limitations will likely be thankful for the free pickup, citizens must put the items curb-side to be picked up. More details will be released when available.
