Due to high volumes of yard waste placed at the curb this week, curbside collection is currently running up to one day behind schedule across the city.
Residents are advised tp ensure material out by 7am on the regular collection day and, if properly packaged and bundled, it will be collected within one day.
Meanwhile, city crews are about half way through the cleanup of downed trees following last month's ice storm - a cleanup that is expected to cost about $500,000.
“Right now staff is focusing on backyards - people with open spaces or parks that they back onto,” explained Dave Friary, director of roads, parks and fleet. “We are removing trees out of backyards, from fences, swimming pools, etc.”
Crews will then shift their efforts to collecting larger trees that have fallen on city boulevards.
“If you have a large limb on the boulevard we certainly will get to it, but it may be a week or so yet.”
It will take approximately 3 to 4 more weeks for cleanup to be completed.
Residents are reminded that city crews will not pick up brush from privately owned trees destroyed or damaged by the ice storm.
Brush should be bundled and placed at the curb for collection or brought to the landfill site at no charge until April 23.
Councillor Bonnie Ainsworth says she has received numerous phone calls from seniors who need help to clean up the storm damage.
"I have quite a few seniors in my ward and things like this are sometimes difficult for older people,” Ainsworth said, adding that she has checked with the school board to confirm that high school students could earn community service hours by helping with yard work.
“Anyone that has problems doing this or would like some help can contact their local high school and get some help and sign off some hours for a student.
“It’s a win-win.”
