ST-LAZARE BACKS OFF ON LEAF PICKUP FEE
We have realized the population is not ready for such drastic measures, so we brought it back to the way it was.
Residents of St-Lazare will continue to enjoy free leaf pickup this fall, after city council backed away from plans to charge a fee.
“I’m sure the public will be very happy with the changes that are coming,” said Mayor Robert Grimaudo, referring to the new plans for the popular service.
Pickup of dead leaves, pine needles and garden waste will be available within the urban perimeter, which includes most of the residential sector, from Nov. 5-26. A map on the city’s website shows the areas eligible for green-waste collection.
Earlier this year, the city had announced a $25 fee for each leaf collection, one in spring and one in fall. Many residents reacted with outrage, complaining that they didn’t have the ability to manage composting or mulching their leaves.
“Council is a green council and attempted to encourage its residents to think outside the box and try to reuse and keep leaves on their property as much as possible,” said District 2 councillor Pamela Tremblay. “We have realized the population is not ready for such drastic measures, so we brought it back to the way it was.”
The leaf collection fee was a failed attempt at compromise between council’s environmentally-friendly ideals and residents’ frustrations with tree policies in the area.
In 2015, council had announced it would stop leaf collection altogether, but was forced to reconsider after hearing from outraged homeowners who had already bagged up leaves in anticipation of the abruptly cancelled spring collection. Reinstating pickup with the addition of a $25 fee was intended to encourage people to manage their own leaves, but instead sparked a new wave of anger.
“We underestimated the capacity of leaves that some people have to deal with,” said Tremblay, who represents the Saddlebrook area, known for large lots with many leafy trees.
St-Lazare is also known for its restrictive rules around treecutting. Residents are required to apply for a permit to cut any trees with a diameter of 3 centimetres or more, whether dead or alive. Treetopping is also forbidden, and can result in fines of up to $5,000.
Grimaudo insisted that the town would continue to encourage residents to choose more environmentally-friendly ways of managing their leaves.
“Leaves are not garbage,” he said.