Consultation sessions set to go

By Kate Harries WaterWatch
Simcoe County’s second and final round of consultation sessions on its proposed solid waste management strategy are to be held next week. 
At yesterday’s county council meeting, Tiny Mayor Peggy Breckenridge asked whether the recommendations outlined in Stantec’s ‘Phase2-Task F-Final Analysis’ report is what will be going out to next week’s consultation meetings (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, see link below.
Environmental Services Director Rob McCullough confirmed that it would be, with some additional financial information. The report is not final, he said. It is to be finalized by the end of May and presented to council in June.
McCullough also told council that Simcoe County is not having the recently reported problems experienced by Toronto in disposing of its recyclables. It does not collect Styrofoam, so was not affected by the closing of the Canadian Polystyrene Recycling Association. There continue to be a number of paper processors, he said, adding that “we only allow materials in our Blue Box that we have stable, long-term, multiple markets for.”
Tay Mayor Scott Warnock asked about the possibility of inviting Markham representatives to explain to Simcoe County how they increased their diversion rate (to 73 per cent in 2009; Stantec is recommending the county aim for 70 per cent in the short term, 76 per cent in 20 years).
McCullough said the county has been trying to find out how Markham calculates its rate, by going onto the town’s website. They do intend to contact Markham staff. Details of meetings – nb, the information sessions open at 4:30, the actual meetings start at 6.