Joe Pantalone Newsletter

Most recent newsletter from Joe Pantalone's office:

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Dear Neighbours,

As part of our environmental program, the City of Toronto passed Target70 (70% waste diversion by 2010) in June 2007 to divert organics and recyclables away from land fills. Presently, 58% of the garbage created by those in houses and only 13% of these in condos and apartments is being diverted. The replacement of blue boxes with new, wheeled Blue Bins and the introduction of Garbage Bins to our single and multi-unit residential properties (less than 8 units) are part of this initiative.

On June 2nd, Solid Waste Management Services will mail a newsletter explaining the new program and a bin order card to single family homes in the Ward. The order deadline for you to choose your new Garbage Bin is June 19th. You will be offered the choice of four sizes of Garbage Bins and there will be a corresponding fee for each size of Garbage Bin. Delivery of the new Garbage Bins will start in late August 2008 in Ward 19.

In order to help you really understand the Garbage Bin program and ask any questions you may have, I encourage you to visit one of the following information opportunities organized in our community:

• On May 28, 2008 at the Trinity Bellwoods Recreation Centre (155 Crawford Street) from 5:30 to 8:30 pm;
• On June 16, 2008 at the Bob Abate Community Centre gymnasium (485 Montrose Ave) from 6:00 to 8:30 pm.

As for the new blue bins, the new system will work perfectly well for 80% of Toronto, but the other 20% will need special attention to make it work. In order to make the system work for all residents of Ward 19, I have been connecting City officials with residents throughout our ward who require an individualized solution and will continue to do so while the blue bins are being distributed and throughout the upcoming garbage rollout. I know that this will require a significant adjustment for residents but I hope that we can work together to resolve the problems and make the program work. If you would like to trade your blue bin for a smaller one, please call 416-392-BINS (2467).

If you need support with either or both of these programs, please do not hesitate to contact me.

And finally, good news for those residents in the City of Toronto who already receive garbage pick-up in their laneways! In order to make it easier, your garbage, recycling and green bin will be collected in the laneway at the rear of your property on your scheduled collection day from now on. You will receive a flyer from the Solid Waste division with this information. If you have any questions or require more information please call 416-338-2010.

I strongly believe that by working together we can and will make Toronto a better place to live, work, and play. I hope this information is useful to you.

Sincerely,

Joe Pantalone

Deputy Mayor

City of Toronto

416-392-4009

councillor_pantalone@toronto.ca