[All] Blue Dot & Waste management update

[Louisette Lanteigne]

Hi folks
Went to Regional Council this morning and showed support for the Blue Dot movement. Tonight they are presenting a motion to secure the endorsement of the Region for a Declaration for a Healthy Environment. The group hopes to secure a letter of resolution by June 3rd in time for Canadian Environmental Rights Week. They are also encouraging the area's cities and townships to join on. The Region has worked in collaboration with the group and this will help to send the message to both Provincial and Federal levels that Canadians want a Healthy Environment and the goal is to see that objective enshrined in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Support for this is unanimous. Ken Seiling voiced that the policy is still subject to interpretation. He doesn't want municipal issues like back yard fires to invoke the fact they supported this particular resolution etc.  so that is basically why the Region helped to review and reword some of the motion. The Blue Dot folks said the wording changed was actually redundant and in their view, they ended up with an improved policy so they had no issues with the Region's position at all. 
Also at Regional Council, there were three delegates who spoke up against the proposed waste management programs. Here is what they stated:First delegate stated limiting folks to two bags per week or four every two weeks is not diverting trash if it keeps status quo. They supported a one bag limit per week. They also didn't like green bin saying it was smelly an inconvenient. He said it's easier just to toss the trash, especially in winter. Second delegate also spoke up against Green Bin programs and the proposed waste management plans saying that we pay for the service already via taxes. Why should we pay more on top of that?Third delegate stated if the bags are not see through how can we be sure they are not throwing away recyclable trash? They should use clear garbage bags as a means to secure compliance. A similar strategy was used by her cottage in Muskoka and it worked effectively.  She raised concerns of diapers and sanitary products and how these things can really cause smells, especially if it is hot in the summer. Two week disposals might not work well for that so exemptions might be needed. She was concerned about raccoons and rats and leakage of fluids.  She said she doesn't see many green bins in use but Council members reminded this delegate that some folks use their own composts instead of green bins as a means of diverting organic materials. Also concern was voiced it may lead to more illegal dumping but staff clarified that most of that is commercial waste, not residential wastes.
A resolution was called asking for an exemption on trash during the busy move in move out times with the Universities and the Region is going to consider that. 
The vote to support the Waste Management program was made and all were in favor with the exemption of one council member. The council supported it because it involves less trucks, longer landfill life and is a money saver. The region will work more with the community, particularly the schools in an effort to raise more support and use of the Green Bin Program. 
 Staff gave the date: March 6, 2017 for implementation of the new waste collection policy. 

Have a good one everybody!
Lulu :0)



  
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