Residents say Midtown alley garbage bin situation ‘out of control’

Oct 17, 2017 | 6:00 PM

“Disgusting headaches” are how some Midtown residents describe the alleyway garbage bins in their neighbourhood.

Packed in Monday’s city council agenda were numerous photos of overflowing, burning or knocked over bins. Some resident letters called the bins a “real problem” plaguing their streets.

“There is no accountability to clean this mess up,” one resident said. 

Letters in the agenda read how residents have reached out countless times requesting help or rollout bins. Residents present at Monday’s meeting said the issue is not centred around bin size, per say, but rather a need to hold the problem people to account.

“This problem needs to get solved… This is ridiculous,” Coun. Ted Zurakowski said. 

Administration acknowledged the issue has been around for “a long time.” But to impliment roll out bins throughout the whole city would cost upwards of $230,000. A phased-in approached was preferred with priority given to the critical neighbourhoods for many members on council, as budgeting a large sum of money could be difficult to find in a budget already pared thin.

“We don’t need to budget those large dollars to accomplish something that is before us tonight,” Zurakowski added. “ I think we can solve this problem… on a one or two block area [first] then take a look [at the city as a whole]… but this problem will be solved.”

Other councillors said the issue was not limited to Midtown, though admitted it was probably the worst area. Coun. Dennis Nowoselsky said a number of similar abuse issues arose in the East Hill area. He said speaking to the problem homes and “getting involved” was key.

“I was down in Midtown and the photos are very vivid, and it’s sad,” he added. “If we target, we can address the couple areas because a lot of the city is good.”

Canvassing particular areas to gauge interest in roll-out bins again was discussed as an option. Some councillors pointed out for seniors, apartment blocks and multi-family residences, a rolling bin might not work. Everyone agreed on a need to hold individuals accountable across the city.

Wanting to move on the matter, Coun. Evert Botha desired to see a report on the agenda by council’s next gathering. City staff said this would be doable and councillors carried the motion to examine the situation.

 

tyler.marr@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JournoMarr