Norman Lee, Director of Waste Management, provided an overview of the criteria for assessment, the advantages and disadvantages, and implementation timelines related to the suite of options for townhouse waste collection.
Norman Lee stated that the Committee’s endorsement is required for the following three-step revised consultation plan to inform townhouse residents, Boards of Directors and/or Property Managers of the waste collection service options:
- Step 1 – Engage the Board of Directors to understand the decision-making process at the complex.
- Step 2 – Engage the residents to explain the options available for the complex.
- Step 3 – Work with each resident to select cart sizes and prepare for transition.
Members of the Committee and other Regional Councillors present discussed and raised questions regarding: the implications of the decisions and rules of townhouse boards of directors or property management on waste collection options; municipal property standards; direct engagement with the residents on townhouse waste collection options; a potential tool kit to educate residents on options and benefits of waste diversion; a threshold to help determine which option would be fully supported by the residents from the townhouse complexes; the inclusion of an education component regarding the transition of the Blue Box Program to full producer responsibility; the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on staffing resources, community education and outreach; the consultation materials for the three-step consultation plan for Committee’s consideration prior to Regional Council’s approval; the waste diversion targets of the Region of Peel; and the timing of the new waste collection contract anticipated to commence in 2024.
Councillor Saito noted the importance of direct consultation with residents on waste collection options for all townhouse complexes in the Region. She stated that convenience and ease of use afforded to consumers for waste collection options would encourage greater resident participation and help to meet the Region’s diversion target rates.
Councillor Mahoney requested that the communication plan provide a clear explanation that the townhouse boards and property management makes the final decision for their respective townhouse complexes, not the Region of Peel. The communication plan should also clarify that the implementation timelines for the townhouses waste collection options align with the new waste collection contract anticipated to commence in 2024. He suggested that the Ward Councillors be included in the meetings with the townhouse board and/or property management.
Councillor Fortini stated that he continues to receive concerns from his constituents regarding their preference to use carts at townhouse complexes and concerns that decisions are made at townhouse complexes by the condominium management.
Councillor Mahoney requested that staff report back to a future meeting of the Waste Management Strategic Advisory Committee with information on the consultation materials for the three-step communication plan for townhouse waste collection options to be provided to residents.