Workshop on waste issue scheduled for next week

By Kate Harries AWARE Simcoe April 13 2011

Concerned about user-pay for curbside garbage bags? Opposed to clear plastic bags? Interested in why the county wants to end heavy garbage pickup?

You might wish to attend a special workshop on the county’s waste management strategy, scheduled for next Wednesday, April 20, starting at 9 a.m. in the council chambers of the county building in Midhurst. 

The workshop is intended for the benefit of councillors, particularly those who are newly elected and did not enjoy the leadership of former warden Tony Guergis, and former Innisfil deputy mayor Gord Wauchope, the main political movers in getting the strategy adopted, both of whom were soundly defeated in the municipal election last year.

It is unlikely that any citizen participation is being contemplated for next week’s workshop, but it could nevertheless be instructive to see whether the new council is going to feel bound by the vision of the last – a vision that fell well short of the kind of waste diversion targets that Zero Waste Simcoe was pushing for.

At today’s corporate services committee meeting, Midland Deputy Mayor Stephan Kramp questioned whether the workshop, notice of which was posted on the county website today, is being held too soon to allow members of the public an opportunity to attend.

“Is this enough time to inform the public?” Kramp asked, adding that the feedback Midland councillors are getting from citizens is that there is not enough public input as the waste strategy is being implemented.

Kudos to Midland – they’re seeking the public input even if the County isn’t.  There’s a meeting tonight on the bulky waste pickup issue, and a meeting next Monday on user-pay for garbage pickup.

This is a policy that at one time we were told didn’t exist – in any case it hasn’t applied to organics or recyclables. In 2001 council decided that “it remains diligent, practical and responsible to manage one’s own wastes rather than submitting the reliance of external and uncontrolled influences and decisions.”

In a report to the corporate services committee, environmental services director Rob McCullough  recommends rescinding the policy to allow for hauling waste out of county as a short-term option, while long-term options are developed.

The committee voted in favour without any comment or discussion. The decision has to be ratified by county council.

Commenting on a letter from the North Dufferin Agricultural and Community Taskforce (NDACT) regarding a 2,400-acre, 200-foot deep quarry proposed by the Highland Companies, Collingwood Deputy Mayor Rick Lloyd cautioned against getting involved.

If Simcoe meddles in a Dufferin County issue, Dufferin might get involved in Simcoe County business.  “I’d like to stay out of our neighbour’s business as much as possible,” Lloyd said.

The quarry, in the headwaters of five major rivers, including the Nottawasaga, has the potential to impact the drinking water of a million people. About half of Simcoe County falls within the Nottawasaga River watershed.

Most councillors said that they would be content to have staff monitor the situation, which is what planning director Bryan MacKell said he was doing. 

Committee chair Ken Ferguson (Clearview) noted that one issue is the need for an extension of the time period for comment to the Ontario government, which closes April 26. 

MacKell wasn’t aware of that, but Oro-Medonte Deputy Mayor Ralph Hough said the NVCA is requesting a 90-day extension

The committee decided to receive the letter for information – which means no action was taken on requesting that the Ontario government grant an extension for comment, or any related issue.