Illegal dumping in Woodstock results in council voting for staff report

The alley behind the former Hakim Optical store is a regular spot for illegal dumping in the downtown core. This photo was taken on Aug. 25. (Lee Griffi Photo)

Lee Griffi, Editor

Woodstock City Council has voted to have staff compile a report on illegal garbage dumping in the city, but any changes to the system would need to be approved at the Oxford County level.

At that meeting, staff presented six potential strategies to improve waste-system compliance, public cleanliness and service coordination. The report, which was passed unanimously, will set out to summarize the issue of illegal dumping in the City of Woodstock, identify jurisdictional and operational considerations, and present potential strategies to improve waste system compliance, public cleanliness and service coordination.

Oxford County collects revenue from bag tags because the county fully funds the cost of curbside collection. There are three providers (Emterra, South-West Oxford and City of Woodstock) and illegal dumping and any bylaw enforcement is handled by the lower-tier municipalities, or by the county if occurring along a county road.

The county’s Director of Public Works, Melissa Abercrombie, said tipping fees pay for the daily operation of the waste management facility site and reserve contributions.

“Reserve funds are to replace the landfill when required. Increasing waste diversion helps push off the need for a new landfill and does decrease the annual contribution required to reserve.”

The city’s director of public works said some of the strategies will take some time to flesh out and report back to council.

“We see value in that so we can detail out more of what’s proposed. We can continue to engage with the county and with other stakeholders and the process and report back to council with those solutions,” explained Jeff Molenhuis.

Coun. Kate Leatherbarrow, council’s representative on the Downtown BIA, said that organization has played a role in cleaning up the core over the summer.

“There was a partnership with the Women’s Employment Centre where the BIA received a grant of $2,000 so they now have a woman joining Gary (the BIA’s current cleanup employee) with cleaning and waste removal.”

She added there has been a noticeable difference in the cleanliness of the downtown core as a result, and the issue is a high priority for the BIA.

Coun. Bernia Martin said she supported the multi-prong approach of the report.

“We can’t just do education. We can’t just do enforcement. We can’t just enhance the level of service. I believe we have to go at this from as many possible angles to curb the behaviour.”

She added the strategies did seem to be focused on the city’s downtown and doesn’t want to lose focus on parks, trailheads and public spaces where there is also a dumping problem.

Coun. Deb Tait wanted to make it very clear the city can make all the recommendations it wants, but the county is in charge of the garbage system. She added the illegal dumping problem is getting out of control, even outside of the downtown core, something she blames on the $3 bag tag cost.

“I am on the trails so much and all the dumping down there is really unfortunate. All the dumping down there, it is disgusting. We have beautiful trails, and our parks department is phenomenal. There are a lot of people who volunteer, and they do pick it up, but it is costing us a lot of money. I still think it goes back to the bag tags.”

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Council directed staff to report back on six strategies, including the associated cost implications. The Downtown Woodstock BIA had also submitted correspondence supporting some of the proposed strategies.

They are:

1. Ask Oxford County to restore the higher level of downtown waste service previously provided.

2. Work with Oxford County on waste-related bylaw enforcement and updating the bylaw regarding improper disposal.

3. Explore a joint rapid-cleanup program with the Downtown Woodstock BIA.

4. Examine options and costs for improving public garbage cans and private waste bins.

5. Partner with Oxford County on education and outreach regarding downtown waste rules.

6. Clarify responsibilities and service levels with Oxford County and secure appropriate funding for waste-management costs.

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Mayor Jerry Acchione revealed some alarming statistics on the seriousness of the dumping issue.

“There was a three-week audit with 1,900 total data points collected and 880 of those were untagged bags, just to show you the extent of the issue.”

A report by Oxford County staff does not support enhancing the level of service in the Woodstock Downtown at this time. Instead, staff recommend first implementing an enhanced promotion and education program and focused bylaw enforcement, to help address the identified issues and assess their effectiveness.

“Should a future increase in service levels be contemplated, it would require Oxford County Council consideration and approval. As previously noted, any associated costs could be accommodated within the existing annual waste collection budget or funded through an area-specific rate,” the report said.