Councillors sniff at proposed garbage changes

Due to privacy and odour concerns, the Town of Niagara-onthe-Lake has turned up its nose at changes proposed for Niagara Region’s next garbage contract.

The Region is seeking input from the lower- tier communities on waste management services that include the curbside collection of garbage, recycling, organics and scrap metal. A new contract will be awarded in 2020 when the current deal expires.

In an effort to divert more organics and recyclable materials from garbage bags, the Region is recommending that garbage pickup be changed from weekly to every other week and clear bags be used to replace the opaque bags currently used by most households. Organics and recycling collection would continue on a weekly basis.

At the town’s operations committee meeting Monday, staff recommended that the proposed contract changes be endorsed by council except for the elimination of scrap metal pickup.

Staff also supported the continuation of enhanced garbage collection for businesses in the heritage district with a change in pickup times to 10 a.m. from 9 a.m.

Staff reported that several Ontario municipalities are participating in programs with garbage collection every two weeks and have saved between $200,000 and $12 million on their annual contracts. Niagara-on-the-Lake now pays the Region $1.5 million a year for waste management.

However, staff noted that the cost of the town’s next contract with the Region will likely increase regardless of the proposed service reductions due to inflation and wages.

Coun. Clare Cameron objected to the forced use of clear plastic bags for garbage and biweekly pickups.

“My preference is to see positive reinforcement rather than something that forces behaviour changes,” she said, adding that with families like hers with small children, “diapers don’t stop.”

“Clear bags would be an unpleasant experience (for the neighbourhood),” she said.

Cameron also had privacy concerns with clear bags. She pointed out that the population is aging and there are incontinence products in the trash.

Coun. Erwin Wiens said the farming community also needs weekly pickups for the waste from their businesses along with the garbage generated by migrant workers.

A motion to reject the use of clear bags and biweekly pickups narrowly passed on a vote of 5-4. Councillors also requested that the Region find an alternative service delivery for scrap metal pickup.

A final decision will be made by council next week.

The lower-tier municipalities have until Feb. 20 to provide feedback. A request for proposals will go out this year and the new collection contract will take effect in 2021.