INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES AND COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY
SERVICES
D’INFRASTRUCTURE ET VIABILITE DES COLLECTIVITES
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
SERVICES ENVIRONMENTAUX
1. SOLID WASTE COLLECTION SERVICE LEVEL REVIEW
EXAMEN DES
NIVEAUX DE SERVICE POUR LE PROGRAMME DE COLLECTE DES DÉCHETS SOLIDES
Chair McRae began by thanking staff who worked
diligently on this item. She welcomed
Dixon Weir, General Manager of Environmental Services who provided an overview of the
report and recommendations by means of a PowerPoint presentation, a copy of which is held on file with the City
Clerk.
In response to a
request for clarification by Chair McRae regarding the urgency of this report,
Mr. Weir indicated the existing contract expires in May 2012 and in order to
undertake the complicated tendering and procurement process required, staff
asked that this issue be dealt with by Committee and Council as quickly as
possible.
The Committee
received written submissions from the following residents:
·
Carol Essenburg, resident
·
Ron Ogoniek, Old Ottawa South
resident
·
Olivia Nixon, Carp resident
·
Ray Moffatt, Carp resident
·
Paulina
Vasquez Barrot, Rideau-Vanier resident
·
Jill Bryan, Greely resident
·
Nancy
Wiles, Bridlewood resident
·
Tina
Spadola, resident
Following the
presentation, the Committee heard from the following public delegations:
Bill Toms, Member of
the Environmental Advisory Committee spoke in support of this item. A copy of the advisory committee’s
PowerPoint presentation and supporting documentation is held on with the City
Clerk.
Responding to a question from Councillor
Harder, Mr. Toms explained the “Pay-As-You-Throw” system and how Belleville
residents showed resistance when this program began but adjusted and complied
over time.
Duncan Bury, resident of the Kitchissippi ward, spoke in support of the
report. He supported the two-stream
recycling proposal (alternate week blue and black box pick-up). He emphasized that this is not a drop in
service, but rather a change in service.
He was confident Ottawa residents would adjust to the change as they did
with the blue bin program, noting other municipalities have been
successful. He concluded that the
proposal provides for environmental and financial benefits.
Councillor Harder asked the delegate what the
City did wrong as opposed to the success it had with the blue and black bin
rollouts. Mr. Bury suggested that
garbage pick-up should have been reduced to weekly when the green bin was
launched, and that the rollout should have occurred long before fifteen years
after the blue bin launch.
Constance Hudak, President, Ottawa Chapter,
Canadian Condo Institute (CCI)
clarified that the federation representing condo owners is significant as it is
comprised of approximately 30,000 units.
She focussed on the implementation and roll out of the green bin, noting
the CCI is not against the green bin per say but felt it should have been
rolled out as a pilot project to multi-residential town homes and low-rise
residences as well as high-rise units.
The CCI feels that one year is not long enough to identify and implement
the variety of solutions required for structural problems such as space
requirements. Time and money will be
required from individual condo owners to make these changes, which could
include legal fees, construction costs to expand the garbage pads and make
other physical changes to the condo sites and buildings, which could also be
extremely difficult for some of the older towers.
In response to various questions from
Councillors, Ms. Hudak stated the following:
·
She
personally lives in a condo unit with a garage and ample space afforded, much
like a single family home, so she can use the green bin program as well as the
blue and black bins. This is not the
case with many condo units.
·
Two years
are required to accommodate the changes and correct the physical barriers that would
prevent participation in the program.
·
The CCI
has existed for several years as an educational group but became an advocacy
group about seven months ago. Property
managers have been working on this file with the City.
·
She was
not always the president of the CCI and cannot speak to their past practices or
comment on why they would not have prepared for the green bin rollout since
discussions began in 1995. She could only say that the CCI was not in an
advocacy role at that time. Based on
input from and recent discussions with other condominium institutes, the CCI
realized that they need to take action and voice suggestions and concerns.
·
With
respect to the membership of the working group that is being formed to work on
condo issues related to green bin usage, she suggested it include high-rise
condo/rental representatives, CCI property managers and individual condo
owners.
·
In terms
of advice about developments that are showing resistance, Ms. Hudak said she
did not have sufficient knowledge of legal requirements to comment, but she
noted that most owners want to participate - it is simply a matter of
insufficient space. She noted there are
requirements around building codes, electrical work, elevators, and so on and
questioned whether perhaps there should be a basic requirement square feet
allotted for waste control and management per x number of residents.
·
In terms
of the space issue, she clarified that if regular waste is only picked up every
two weeks a larger garbage pad would be required and it could lead to problems
with odour, insects, rodents, etc.
Chair McRae asked Mr. Weir to provide some
clarity about the roll out for multi-residential garden homes. He replied that the green bin implementation
program, which identified the various phases, was tabled and approved by
Council in 2009. Single family homes
were in phase 1 and the rollout is currently in phase 2. He acknowledged there is a need to develop an
implementation plan for unique situations.
Councillor Wilkinson inquired about the cost of
group bins. Mr. Weir indicated that
staff provides the bins. Marilyn
Journeaux, Manager, Solid Waste Services, explained that the City provides one
pickup weekly and any additional pickup would be paid by the condos.
Chair McRae asked staff to clarify the
difference between curbside pick-up and garbage pads. Ms. Journeaux explained that most collection
occurs curbside. A pad is simply a
centralized collection area where some buildings/units place blue and black
boxes, regular garbage and/or green bins for pick-up. In terms of condos, Ms. Journeaux indicated
they would use large metal bins that are picked up weekly. She noted there will be a pilot project for
green bins at some of those locations and the roll out to condos will occur
gradually in other areas of the City. In
terms of the tax base, Ms. Journeaux noted it is less expensive for the
container, at a cost of $47/yr/unit as opposed to a single family home, which
has an annual rate of $91 per year. So moving to containers would save taxpayers.
John Dickie, Eastern Outaouais Landlord
Organization (EOLO)
distributed flyers that EOLO distributes to tenants and residents to educate
people about cost savings. He supported
Option B of the staff report, which he said would allow the City to move
forward with an educational program that should enhance organic
collection.
Marilyn Watters, a condominium owner, advised that of the 31
units in her condo, three residents use the greenbin. Given that there are no garages, green bins
are stored on the front step. She
suggested the City is saving money through condos such as hers, which is a
one-stop for 31 units. She stated the
existing contract for waste should be extended to allow condos to find
solutions.
Chair McRae noted there are two sizes of green
bins and that the ‘baby bins’ were made available in Phase 2 of the
rollout. She asked Ms. Journeaux whether
any garden homes without garages are successfully using the green bins. Ms. Journeaux indicated there are a
number.
The Chair inquired whether Ms. Journeaux has
been meeting with staff and property management on the rollout process. She responded in the affirmative. It was
noted that the working group will formalize the relationship with property
managers.
Paul Sweeney, Condo Management Group, advised that he manages 159 condos, 47 of
which are high or low-rise. He said he
has no issue with the green bin but is concerned with the implementation to
high-rise buildings.
Chair McRae clarified that the rollout to
high-rises was not being discussed during this meeting. Mr. Sweeney indicated he was aware of that
but wanted Council to be aware of his concern.
He noted there are many issues that need to be discussed and said he
would be willing to participate with the working group to ensure it is not
rolled out without a proper consultation process. He questioned where the pilot sites would be
and suggested staff visit his condo on Diamond Road to see if this location
could be part of pilot.
At the Chair’s request, Ms. Journeaux undertook
to follow up with Mr. Sweeney to discuss his offer to pilot.
Councillor Thompson suggested that
representatives from the Waste Collection group be part of the working group.
The Chair agreed that he could along with legal and finance staff. The committee approved this as a direction to
staff.
Andrew Van Iterson, Ecology Ottawa, thanked Committee for taking steps towards
environmental sustainability. He
supported the staff report, noting that many municipalities are currently doing
it and more will follow. A copy of his
presentation is held on file with the City Clerk.
Roger Shier, Greely resident, spoke in support of the staff report. He stated that he had lived in Guelph, which
has had an organics program for some time.
He realized that there may be reluctance from some residents to the
change but felt they would soon adjust.
He did not believe this to be a reduction in service. He stated that costs will continue to be a
challenge if this is not implemented and if Council stays with the status quo. He suggested that compliance be
mandatory.
Councillor Thompson remarked that many
residents do not support bi-weekly pick up and spoke to his experiences with
the village of Osgoode and his knowledge of other cities that have organics
programs bit also have weekly garbage pick-up.
He said he would follow up with Mr. Shier offline to discuss the
matter further with respect to Guelph. Mr. Shier provided details about their
program and the use of clear blue and green bags. He said it is a matter of habit and attitude
and becomes daily routine but he reiterated his suggestion that compliance be
mandatory.
Councillor Harder asked staff whether the clear
blue and green bags model was considered for Ottawa. Ms. Journeaux indicated there was no interest
from the public. Mr. Weir added that
Orgaworld does not have the capability to receive those types of bags.
The Chair remarked that the messaging on
allowable materials hasn’t been clear in this program. Ms. Journeaux replied that the Ministry has indicated
there are no changes forthcoming in terms of allowable biodegradable
materials. The Chair stressed the
importance of determining exactly what kind of containers (bags/wrappings) can
be used in the green bin and educating the public on that. Mr. Weir remarked that increased education is
a key component to make this program a success and is included in the estimate
and the implementation program.
Heather Parker, a stay-at-home mom, advised that she uses a
full size green bin and does not have a garage to store it in but has space at
the rear of her garden home. She
supported the bi-weekly garbage pick-up proposal, noting she had taken part in
the green bins champions program, providing feedback, some of which was
implemented. She said using the green
bin is not an added cost to her as she makes her own liners. She remarked the shortcoming of the program
is that there needs to be more education, noting only 2-3 of her neighbours
participate in the green bin program.
She felt elementary schools should be better educated on the
program.
Chair McRae noted that over 70 schools are
participating in a pilot.
Erwin Fisher supported the report recommendation and suggested that it be
implemented. He also suggested that the
City lobby the province for a deposit return, noting that at least five other
provinces have implemented such a program.
Clarence Dungey spoke as the facility manager for his
condo. He brought his greenbin to show
as an example of the cleanliness and how it does not have to be an attraction
to rodents and insects. He demonstrated
how to use the greenbin and provided several suggested on what to use to hold
organics on a daily basis.
The public delegations portion of the meeting
came to a close and Committee proceeded with questions to staff.
With respect to the greenbin, Councillor
Wilkinson inquired on the possibility of having weekly pick up in the summer
months. Mr. Weir advised that the
approximate cost would be $3 million annually and would result in 50-60 per
cent reduction in objectives at implementation.
Staff searched for best practices and found that only two provinces have
summer programs. He added that it is
difficult to educate residents when there is a change in the schedule. Staff support Option “D” in the report.
Councillor Wilkinson highlighted that people
with arthritic hands have a difficult time unlocking the greenbin and asked if
there was another way to secure the lids.
Mr. Weir suggested using the smaller bin as the lever is easier and more
adept to use. In terms of using a bungee
cord, Mr. Weir suggested that if a bungee cord is used, it should be removed
before putting the bin by the curbside.
Chair reiterated that education is the key to the success of this
project.
Councillor Harder inquired if businesses were
consulted. Mr. Weir advised that
consultation was conducted broadly throughout the board. Councillor Harder suggested consulting with a
group BIAs called “Go BIA”. Chair McRae
suggested striking a working group or rather an ad-hoc committee to work with
business property owners. She asked if
Councillor Harder would be interested in lead this group and work with Mr.
Weir. Councillor Harder agreed.
As Chair McRae noted earlier, Councillor Harder
emphasized the need to educate and requested that information be added
immediately to the City’s website on what waste can be put into the
greenbin. Upon approval, the Councillor
asked if the implementation could be delayed three months (November 2012). On that note, Chair McRae asked if an
extension could be requested without jeopardizing the tendering process. Mr. Weir advised that he would have to meet
with legal services and offered to report back prior to the Council meeting on
April 13, 2011.
Councillor Harder then spoke of “Tag-A-Bag” at
a cost of $28 a year and asked if it can be offered to those who would like to
use it for confidentiality purposes as opposed to using the collection program for diapers and
incontinence products. Mr. Weir proceeded to explain the program for
diapers and incontinence products and also noted that residual waste bi-weekly
pick up has a limit of six bags.
Councillor Harder decided to ask further questions at Council. She concluded that there could be
opportunities that this program worked effectively from the beginning. The Chair was willing to talk to Councillor
Harder offline to clarify and get response to her questions.
In response to a question from Councillor Qadri
regarding the estimated savings of $9 million per year was reached, Mr. Weir explained
that staff remodelled the collection routes, assessed the types of vehicles,
the number of tons of materials and the weight of the vehicle.
The Councillor then asked why the City did not
go forward with the greenbin program in 2004.
Mr. Weir indicated that it has been Council’s objective for many years
to increase the diversion upwards of 60 per cent. He added that the primary goal of Council is
to go beyond that to extend the life of Trail Road landfill. The provincial targets and Council’s previous
direction are all part of the rationale of the preferred scenario that is
presented before Committee and Council.
When asked if the City considered incineration, Mr. Weir advised that
they did but the cost is higher ($140 per ton for incinerating as opposed to
the City’s current contract which costs $29 per ton). He noted that consultation and discussion on
incineration will be part of the Solid Waste Master Plan.
Councillor Hubley requested to see the language
in the contract to ensure that the privacy of residents is protected. Marilyn Journeaux, Manager of Solid Waste
Services advised that it is difficult to address complaints without knowing
where the complaints are coming from.
Hana Nader-Merhi, Legal Counsel offered to provide assistance when the
contract is being drafted and will take this into consideration. Councillor Hubley further insisted on being
informed of the language as he was made aware of a complaint that went through
3-1-1 by a resident who was warned to retract their complaint. Mr. Weir noted that this was an inappropriate
way of dealing with this complaint and offered to speak with the Councillor
offline to ensure that this is rectified.
Councillor Hubley reiterated Councillor
Harder’s concerns about privacy issues with incontinence products and asked
staff to walk through the process. Mr.
Weir clarified that residents will self-identify then that information will be
provided to contractors for that area.
Supervisory trucks and/or contract vehicles will pick up the waste in
those areas, which is part of the special pick up program.
Councillor Thompson asked if a chart can be
available prior to Council that would provide comparisons of different cities
that has organics collection. Chair
McRae advised that this information is provided in the Ontario Municipalities
Benchmarking Initiatives report but offered to provide it to him.
In response to a series of questions from
Councillor Thompson, Mr. Weir advised the following:
·
The City
would not discontinue picking up large items such as fridges.
·
There is
no intention of implementing a temporary plan in a certain location to perfect
the recommendations of this report prior to the official implementation of this
program.
·
Education
and information provided to residents will be important to ensure residents are
of the program and make it a success.
·
A strategy
plan is part of the implementation plan, which can be provided to councillors
to help inform residents.
Councillor Thompson concluded that the
“tag-a-bag” program is great if everyone is on side and takes part in the
service.
At this time, the Committee recessed for one
hour. Upon resuming, the Committee
continued asking questions to staff.
Councillor Chernushenko asked if staff were
looking at other municipalities in terms of research and best practices on
recycling programs in condominiums. Mr.
Weir affirmed that they looked at Toronto and Gatineau and both had positive
experiences with these programs.
Councillor Chernushenko noted the importance of a communication plan and
referred to Toronto’s electronic communication plan being funny, simple, easy
and educational. Mr. Weir advised that
there is budget allocated towards a communication strategy and offered to
review Toronto’s plan.
With the question portion of the meeting
concluded, Councillors were asked to present their motions.
Councillor Desroches read the following motion:
WHEREAS
the recommended service level change for 2012 curb-side residential waste
would be consistent throughout the city, resulting in weekly organics
collection year round, no change in blue and black box collection, and
bi-weekly collection of residual waste; and
WHEREAS,
if approved, these service level changes carry potential site plan
impacts;
THEREFORE
BE IT RESOLVED that an internal City working group be established with staff
from Solid Waste Services and Planning and Growth Management to design criteria
for site plan approvals for new low-rise multi-unit and high-rise multi-unit
developments to ensure that they are designed to accommodate 2012 service
levels in consultation with external stakeholders.
Councillor Desroches emphasized the strong
interest from low and high-rise condominiums to ensure the success of this
program and how it can work. With a
current pilot project in place, he would like to work closely with this group
to ensure that it is successful.
In response to a question from Councillor
Fleury, Ms. Journeaux agreed that each apartment building is unique, therefore
staff will have to work with each building individually to ensure the program
fits their needs, although noted that there must be key components that are
consistent, which she believed the Desroches motion addresses this
requirement.
Councillor Fleury inquired if the greenbin
regulations also apply to the blue/black bins, noting the duration the boxes
are located at the curbside. Ms.
Journeaux touched on Property Standards
Act and advised that by 7 pm, all boxes and bins have to be removed.
Councillor Fleury asked about the removal of
furniture and if that service would continue.
Ms. Journeaux confirmed that bulky furniture will continue to be picked
up but noted the continual problem with the university residents is that they
put the furniture by the curbside several days before the weekly pick up. Mr. Weir offered to include this as part of
the Master Plan in terms of long term service delivery.
Councillor Fleury introduced his motion:
WHEREAS in May 2008,
Council approved the level of service for solid waste directing that curb-side
collection continue with weekly garbage collection and alternate weekly blue
box and black box through to 2012 under the existing contracts the City has
with its service providers with the addition of bi-weekly organics collection
from December to March and weekly organics collection from April to November;
and
WHEREAS the recommended
service level change for 2012 curb-side residential waste would be
consistent throughout the City resulting in weekly organics collection year
round, no change in blue and black box collection, and bi-weekly
collection of residual waste; and
WHEREAS organic collection
began January 2010 with approximately 220,000 of approximately 250,000
curb-side collected households receiving green bins to participate in the program
in the initial phase of the roll-out; and
WHEREAS staff continue to
work with owners and landlords of remaining households, both low-rise
multi-units and high-rise multi-units, on implementing an organics solutions at
residential locations that require changes to set out methods or container
types in order to participate in the program on a case-by-case basis, including
high density pilot programs;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED
that in order to better facilitate the transition to the recommended 2012
curb-side waste service level:
a) that staff be directed to
establish a Working Group to work with representatives from condominium
corporations and property managers to implement organics service for these
households, they will be implemented on a case-by-case basis;
b) that the City waive any
internal or administrative fees associated with any onsite changes to existing
developments required to better accommodate 2012 service levels; and
c) that this working group
provide quarterly updates to Council.
Chair McRae asked for feedback from staff on
the motion. Mr. Weir advised that they
are in support of the motion and look forward to working with the working group
and condominium corporations to implement this service. In terms of waiving fees, he advised that
this is a site plan amendment issue and if there are accommodation
requirements, staff will be supportive of any conversion.
Councillor Holmes confirmed that participation
to the program is voluntary for buildings and asked if it will be voluntary for
the residents taking parking in the pilot project. Mr. Weir advised that it is voluntary and
although there are by-laws that will likely be eventually enforced, the key is to
inform and educate residents as much as possible.
In response to a follow up question regarding
the communication plan, Mr. Weir advised that he received a lot of feedback at
the open houses, which will help staff improve the education program that
currently exists. He added that
information is also included in community newspapers and on the City’s website.
Local schools will also be part of the communication plan.
Councillor Desroches asked staff to outline the
impacts to the Trail Road landfill and its capacity. Mr. Weir informed the Committee that in 2010,
Trail Road received 193,000 tons of residential waste with 43,000 tons of
IC&I waste. That consumed 350,000
cubic metres of air space. In response
to a follow up question, Mr. Weir advised that the vertical height is 130
metres at Trail Road.
Councillor Desroches has a fast growing ward
and anticipates that there will be more truck traffic to and from Trail
Road. Mr. Weir advised that the truck
traffic to and from the landfill site is 60 vehicles per day. If this proposal is approved, it will reduce
the number by 15 totalling 46 trucks a day.
Councillor Desroches inquired on the status of
the leachate management plan. Mr. Weir
advised that there is funding for the preliminary design phase. The next step is for staff to request
additional funds for 2012, followed by a capital program in 2014 for the
installation of a treatment system.
In response to a follow up question on
leachate, legal staff advised that the report before committee is not on the
Leachate Management Plan. Chair McRae
appreciated legal’s advice and suggested that questions be limited to the issue
at hand. Councillor Desroches asked how
this would extend the life of Trail Road.
Mr. Weir advised that the ten per cent gain to Trail Road is
significant.
Councillor Desroches asked if staff could
explain the impact on homes that are assessed at higher than $300,000. Ms. Simulik explained that while taxes will
increase, it will be by less if the recommendations are adopted. She explained that on a $600,000 home, the
tax reduction would be $20.00 a year.
Councillor Hume asked staff if they considered
providing weekly service, how much it would cost. Mr. Weir advised that they did not review
that option as no other municipalities are providing that. In response to a follow up question, Mr. Weir
informed Committee that residents can dispose of additional garbage at Trail
Road.
Councillor Moffatt believed that the Nanos
report identifies consistency of service across the City. Issues such as remote roads, condominiums,
and the diaper program were amongst some of the issues by the public. He highlighted that the biggest concern he
heard was a different program in rural areas.
By listening to the public and learning about the issues, he felt that
Option “D” was the best solution. He
felt Option D was the best option.
He read the following motion:
WHEREAS the total amount of
waste generated in the City of Ottawa averages approximately 1,000,000 tonnes
per year; and
WHEREAS between 30% to 40% is this waste is from the residential sector
and 60% to 70% from the IC&I sector (including C&D Waste); and
WHEREAS residential waste
diversion in Ottawa increased from 35 per cent in 2009 to 44 per cent in 2010
with the introduction of the green bin organics diversion program; and
WHEREAS the City’s ability
to direct and control the overall IC&I waste management system is minimal;
and;
WHEREAS Council is active in its efforts to promote waste diversion and on
11 April 2007, the City of Ottawa passed a motion to lobby the Province to:
·
increase province-wide enforcement of existing regulations on the
IC&I sector; and
·
establish a Task Force to formulate integrated waste management
strategies for areas within the Province of Ontario; and
WHEREAS on August 28th,
2008, Ottawa City Council approved a recommendation to request the Association
of Municipalities of Ontario to engage the Government of Ontario in discussions
to increase waste diversion in the IC&I sector to reach 60 per cent, also
approved a recommendation to ask the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to
engage the Federal Government in discussions over reducing packaging material
and converting packaging material into recyclable material; and
WHEREAS on 14 April 2009
Council approved the IC&I Waste Diversion Strategy "Diversion
2015" (ACS2009-ICS-SWS-0004) which included a target of 60% diversion of
the IC&I waste stream, based on 2007 quantities, from disposal by 2015;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED
that staff reengage the Government of Ontario in discussions to increase waste
diversion in the IC&I sector and promote extended producer responsibility
(EPR); and
THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that this update include the status of any Federation of Canadian
Municipalities recommendations to engage the Federal Government on reducing
packaging material and convert packaging material into recyclable material; and
THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that this motion be sent to the City Clerks of all Ontario
municipalities to be distributed to their respective members of Council with an
invitation to join the City of Ottawa in its efforts to reduce packaging.
Chair McRae asked why cardboard was accepted at Trail Road and
wondered if the City can prevent them from accepting cardboard. Ms. Journeaux advised that the cost is double
for tipping fees.
Councillor Holmes read her motion:
That staff at the Trail Road landfill site be directed to refuse
cardboard, subject to adding proper bins at the entrance of the Trail Road
site.
Chair McRae highlighted the many
questions regarding recycling trucks that will be ordered. Mr. Weir explained that they are looking at
coke collection type models and splitting those vehicles 60/40 to accommodate
organics on one side and recyclables on the other. As for the alternate weeks, organics will be
collected on one side, and fiber on the other.
He noted that this will be a time efficiency gain for the drivers.
In response to a follow up question from Chair McRae regarding
collection, Ms. Journeaux advised that communities over 5,000 are required
to have waste diversion programs. She
added that the City sold for over $8 million last year for materials from the
blue/black boxes.
Chair McRae in reference to tag-a-bag, she asked if the special
products service and the notion of buying a bag that could be picked up weekly
would that be considered a two-tier service.
Mr. Weir responded affirmatively, but added that staff did not think it
was essential with the proposal that is before Committee and Council.
Councillor Chernushenko praised staff and Chair McRae for putting in
so much time on this issue. Ultimately,
he noted that it is Council’s responsibility to look at the environmental
impacts and make a decision. He felt
that the communication piece is most important for the success of this project
and concluded that he is in full support of this report.
Councillor Desroches followed up on his motion that calls for a
working group with the planning group. As
with all members of the Committee, he heard from the public and looks forward
to working with the group. Councillor
Holmes commented on the site plan and suggested adding a friendly amendment to the
motion to include a timeframe of when to report back to Committee. Councillor Desroches accepted the amendment.
Councillor Fleury concluded that the greenbin program has been
appreciated with many residents. He
believed that educating and providing information to residents is the key to
the success of this change. He is in
full support of this report.
Councillor Hume reminded members that this item has been before Committee
several times. He briefly spoke of the
City of Durham and their investment in building an incineration program. The Councillor indicated that this is an
opportunity for Council to do what constituents have been telling them to do
and be a part of what other municipalities are doing. He concluded that he is in full support of this
report but noted his one regret of not pushing this program forward many years
ago.
Councillor Moffatt highlighted that as a new Councillor, it was
difficult having to deal with an important issue like this. By weighing the pros and cons, he reflected
on why some people were opposed to it and he believed that they oppose the
contract. He personally felt that the
issue was about how money is spent and by approving this program, residents
will be rewarded through a reduction in their taxes.
Chair McRae concluded by thanking her colleagues and in particular,
she acknowledged staff for working tirelessly for many days and nights. She saw how staff are dedicated to the City and
it should be acknowledged. On the
report, the Chair fully supported the staff recommendation, although agreed
that it should have been looked at in 2008.
She looks forward to working with condominiums, builders and developers
to ensure that these they find solutions as to what works for everyone. She concluded that the next frontier will be to
address the packaging issue and would like staff to report back in the near
future with solutions for clam shell plastics.
Moved by S. Desroches,
WHEREAS
the recommended service level change for 2012 curb-side residential waste
would be consistent throughout the city, resulting in weekly organics
collection year round, no change in blue and black box collection, and
bi-weekly collection of residual waste; and
WHEREAS,
if approved, these service level changes carry potential site plan
impacts; and
THEREFORE
BE IT RESOLVED that an internal City working group be established within 6
months with staff from Solid Waste Services and Planning and Growth Management
to design criteria for site plan approvals for new low-rise multi-unit and
high-rise multi-unit developments to ensure that they are designed to
accommodate 2012 service levels in consultation with external stakeholders.
CARRIED
Moved by M. Fleury,
WHEREAS
in May 2008, Council approved the level of service for solid waste directing
that curb-side collection continue with weekly garbage collection and alternate
weekly blue box and black box through to 2012 under the existing contracts the
City has with its service providers with the addition of bi-weekly organics
collection from December to March and weekly organics collection from April to
November; and
WHEREAS
the recommended service level change for 2012 curb-side residential waste
would be consistent throughout the City resulting in weekly organics
collection year round, no change in blue and black box collection, and
bi-weekly collection of residual waste; and
WHEREAS
organic collection began January 2010 with approximately 220,000 of approximately
250,000 curb-side collected households receiving green bins to participate in
the program in the initial phase of the roll-out; and
WHEREAS
staff continue to work with owners and landlords of remaining households, both
low-rise multi-units and high-rise multi-units, on implementing an organics
solutions at residential locations that require changes to set out methods or
container types in order to participate in the program on a case-by-case basis,
including high density pilot programs;
THEREFORE
BE IT RESOLVED that in order to better facilitate the transition to the
recommended 2012 curb-side waste service level:
a)
that staff be directed to establish a Working
Group to work with representatives from condominium corporations and property
managers to implement organics service for these households, they will be
implemented on a case-by-case basis;
b)
that the City waive any internal or
administrative fees associated with any onsite changes to existing developments
required to better accommodate 2012 service levels; and
c)
that this working group provide quarterly
updates to Council.
CARRIED
Moved by S. Moffatt,
WHEREAS
the total amount of waste generated in the City of Ottawa averages
approximately 1,000,000 tonnes per year; and
WHEREAS
between 30% to 40% is this waste is from the residential sector and 60% to 70%
from the IC&I sector (including C&D Waste); and
WHEREAS
residential waste diversion in Ottawa increased from 35 per cent in 2009 to 44
per cent in 2010 with the introduction of the green bin organics diversion
program; and
WHEREAS
the City’s ability to direct and control the overall IC&I waste management
system is minimal; and;
WHEREAS
Council is active in its efforts to promote waste diversion and on 11 April
2007, the City of Ottawa passed a motion to lobby the Province to:
·
increase province-wide enforcement of existing
regulations on the IC&I sector; and
·
establish a Task Force to formulate integrated
waste management strategies for areas within the Province of Ontario; and
WHEREAS
on August 28th, 2008, Ottawa City Council approved a recommendation to request
the Association of Municipalities of Ontario to engage the Government of
Ontario in discussions to increase waste diversion in the IC&I sector to
reach 60 per cent, also approved a recommendation to ask the Federation of
Canadian Municipalities to engage the Federal Government in discussions over
reducing packaging material and converting packaging material into recyclable
material; and
WHEREAS
on 14 April 2009 Council approved the IC&I Waste Diversion Strategy
"Diversion 2015" (ACS2009-ICS-SWS-0004) which included a target of
60% diversion of the IC&I waste stream, based on 2007 quantities, from
disposal by 2015;
THEREFORE
BE IT RESOLVED that staff reengage the Government of Ontario in discussions to
increase waste diversion in the IC&I sector and promote extended producer
responsibility (EPR); and
THEREFORE
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this update include the status of any Federation of
Canadian Municipalities recommendations to engage the Federal Government on
reducing packaging material and convert packaging material into recyclable
material; and
THEREFORE
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this motion be sent to the City Clerks of all
Ontario municipalities to be distributed to their respective members of Council
with an invitation to join the City of Ottawa in its efforts to reduce
packaging.
CARRIED
Moved by D. Holmes,
That staff at the Trail Road landfill site be directed to refuse
cardboard, subject to adding proper bins at the entrance of the Trail Road site.
CARRIED
On the staff recommendation as
amended, the Committee voted as follows:
That the Environment
Committee recommend that Council approve:
1.
That an internal City working
group be established within 6 months with staff from Solid Waste Services and
Planning and Growth Management to design criteria for site plan approvals for
new low-rise multi-unit and high-rise multi-unit developments to ensure that
they are designed to accommodate 2012 service levels in consultation with
external stakeholders, and;
2.
That staff be directed to:
a)
Establish a Working
Group to work with representatives from condominium corporations and property
managers to implement organics service for these households, they will be
implemented on a case-by-case basis;
b)
Waive any internal or administrative fees
associated with any onsite changes to existing developments required to better
accommodate 2012 service levels; and
c)
Require that this working group provide
quarterly updates to Council, and;
3.
That staff re-engage the Government of Ontario
in discussions to increase waste diversion in the IC&I sector and promote
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
This update should include the status of any Federation of Canadian
Municipalities recommendations to engage the Federal Government on reducing
packaging material and convert packaging material into recyclable
material. Also, that the Motion be sent
to the City Clerks of all Ontario municipalities to be distributed to their
respective members of Council with an invitation to join the City of Ottawa in
its efforts to reduce packaging, and;
4.
That staff at the Trail Road
landfill site be directed to refuse cardboard, subject to adding proper bins at
the entrance of the Trail Road site, and;
5.
That the following residential waste curb side collection service
levels commencing June 2012:
a) Uniform curb side
collection service levels across the city, both rural and urban;
b) Weekly Green Bin
collection;
c) Bi-weekly collection of
Blue and Black box on alternating weeks;
d) Bi-weekly residual waste
collection; and
e)
Bi-weekly collection program for diapers and incontinence products,
alternating with the residual waste collection, and;
6.
That the following activities to support the recommended curb side
service levels:
a) Introduction of a Special
Considerations program to accommodate weekly collection of diapers and
incontinence products for weeks without residual waste collection; and
b) Development and
implementation of a promotion and education campaign, and;
7.
Extension of the multi-residential collection contract for one
additional year to incorporate findings from the apartment pilot project for
Green Bins.
CARRIED,
as amended
YEAS (7): Councillors D. Chernushenko, S. Desroches, M. Fleury, D. Holmes,
S. Moffatt, P. Hume, M. McRae
NAYS (1): Councillor A. Hubley
DIRECTION TO STAFF:
·
Mr. Weir
to meet with legal services with respect to the possibility of delaying
implementation for three months and report back prior to the Council meeting on
April 13, 2011.
·
Information
on comparison of different cities, included in the Ontario Municipalities Benchmarking
Initiatives report, be provided to Councillor Thompson prior to the Council
meeting on April 13, 2011.
ADJOURNMENT
LEVÉE DE LA SÉANCE
The meeting was adjourned at 3:40 p.m.
Original Signed By Original
Signed By
Carole Legault Councillor
Maria McRae
_____________________________ _____________________________
Committee Coordinator Chair
