A few days before the Christmas holidays, collection of the garbage from our bins in the Clubhouse park ceased.
Upon further investigation, we were informed by the City that the garbage bins located on our LOC (License of Operation, the park land we lease from the City) had been "donated" to our community association in 2016. This was the first I had heard of that.
Since 2016, somebody was collecting our garbage. I suspect that it was the contractor working for the City who was unaware that the City was no longer going to collect our garbage on the LOC. This contractor had been collecting our garbage for years and probably assumed that it would be strange for the City to stop collecting the garbage from the bins in the SAME park.
A few days before Christmas 2019, we experienced FULL bins. This was the first indication that it was EPRA responsibility to collect the garbage. The City has collected the garbage in our LOC Park for over 50 years. It took us by surprise that they would stop providing this service.
I asked the City to collect the overflowing garbage from the bins prior to Christmas, and they obliged. Since I have been unsuccessful in resolving the issue since Christmas, the bins are overflowing once again.
My attempts have been:
Contacting the Contractor who collects the garbage container at the playground adjacent to our LOC, however, they are unable to assist because it would be a "breach of contract".
I contacted the Contractor that the City used previously, however, they no longer work in the area and it is not financially lucrative to come to this area of the City.
I have contacted smaller companies that collect garbage, however, I've been told that they are unable to collect garbage that contains "animal products" (dog waste). Regulation stipulates that no animal products can be disposed in the landfills. Given that our containers are 80% dog waste, these companies are not an option.
I've gone back to the City to request their assistance. They offered to collect our garbage for $50 each time, however, will only do this for two garbage cans and when we get our new cans, bringing the total to 4, they will not be able to accommodate that many.
We are now investigating the possibility of moving the garbage bins onto the City owned land. The City will pick up at these locations without charge. One can be moved to the corner of 8th and 34th near the toboggan hill. I am waiting to hear where the other can be moved to.
As for the donation that Valentine Volvo made to purchase us 4 new garbage cans and 1 recycle container; we will wait to see if we can move forward with this or not??
I will keep you informed as I hear more from the City. In the meantime, please use the garbage can near the playground to deposit your dog waste. This one is on City land and will have collection services.
