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County takes a look at New Tec request on yard waste pickup

June 21, 2013   ·   0 Comments

New Tecumseth’s request to implement a yard waste assistance program is heading to county staff for review and a report which will likely come back later this summer.

Simcoe County council’s Corporate Services committee recommended the preparation of a report at last week’s meeting.

New Tecumseth council asked the county to allow to continue offering the program which has helped seniors and people with disabilities since 2009. New Tecumseth would be paying for the total cost of the program.

136 locations in the town received the service which allows residents to rake or blow their leaves to the street where it has been collected by local public works staff and sent to county waste facilities.

County staff in their report last week their opposition to changing the direction of the county waste program which has increased the number of pickups of leafs collected in bags during the spring and fall months. “As there are a number of alternatives available which would provide assistance to the limited number of residents impacted, staff recommends that the current direction of provision of uniform waste collection services be maintained and that the Town of New Tecumseth be advised of this,” was the conclusion of the report from senior waste staff. They suggested that alternatives including high schools volunteering their time or the Community Home Assistance to Seniors program could rake and fill bags for those requiring the service.

Tiny deputy mayor George Lawrence said that his township had similar program which had created problems for township staff and council. “It got pretty messy. Who is a senior? Who is handicapped?”

A similar request was heard from Tay township regarding its request to continue a large item pickup at the township’s cost.

Lawrence urged county council not “to wander off the trail  and stick to our direction.”

By Richard Blanchard

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