Erwin Pascual, Acting Director, Waste Management, provided an overview of key criteria for the Region of Peel’s Long-Term Financial Planning Strategy and the two public consultation sessions that were held regarding waste user fees. He highlighted the key findings from feedback received at the second round of consultations at which three waste management fee scenarios were presented: 1) tax base only; 2) user fee system; 3) hybrid system (being a combination of 1 and 2). The next steps include financial forecasting for each approach; refining what is involved in the implementation and maintenance of user fees; and, further engagement with residents. Staff intend to provide a final recommendation to Regional Council on the Waste Management Financial Plan in 2023.
In response to a question from Councillor Mullin regarding how the hybrid system would work, Erwin Pascual responded that although there is more consultation and analysis to be done, residents provided feedback that a cart-based system would be best and that a charge would be based on the size of the carts only. With the Hybrid system, some of the cost would stay on the tax base and the remainder would be based on the size of the garbage cart.
In response to a concern raised by Councillor Mullin regarding the Provincial Extended Producer Responsibility legislation, Erwin Pascual responded that Regional staff are reviewing the policy changes and its impacts on the Region of Peel and updates will be brought to the Committee as needed.
Councillor Starr referenced an article form the Toronto Star regarding the amount of garbage mixed in recyclables and inquired how the Region of Peel will approach this. Erwin Pascual responded that during the pandemic, education and enforcement activities that help minimize recycling contamination were put on hold but that this year, a ‘back to basics’ campaign will be launched to reduce contamination and enforcement efforts will also be resumed.