Junction Triangle

Email update regarding the opening of Campbell park for garbage from Adam Giambrone:

"Dear Residents,

I am writing to inform you that the City of Toronto will be opening a temporary garbage drop-off site at Campbell Park in our community, effective tomorrow, July 16th, 2009.

Campbell Park is located one block south of Dupont, one block east of Symington. This temporary drop-off site is being opened at this time because other drop-off sites are now full. This site will be open for residents to make drop-offs between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., seven days a week. The Campbell Park site will only stay open until it has reached a safe capacity, as determined by the Medical Officer of Health. This site will be located on a hard concrete surface within the outdoor skating rink area at the park, which will help ensure that this site is contained and can be easily cleaned once the labour disruption has ended.

I realize this news is upsetting to local residents, particularly those in the immediate vicinity of this site. Let me be clear that I do not want to see, nor does anyone want to see, temporary garbage drop off sites open up in our local parks. I have discussed your concerns about having one of these temporary sites in our neighbourhood with senior management. However, the current labour disruption has created extraordinary circumstances and these temporary sites are necessary to contain the garbage until the labour disruption is over and to ensure that proper health precautions can be taken to protect the public. The alternative would be for more and more garbage to build up in front of our homes, on our streets, in our laneways, and our other public spaces, with no possibility of ensuring pest control measures are taken, or any other public health precautions.

As most of you know, the City has now opened temporary drop-off sites like this one at a number of locations around the city for the duration of the labour disruption. All these sites, including at Campbell, have received approval from the provincial Ministry of the Environment for use as temporary garbage storage sites. Inspectors from Toronto Public Health monitor the sites on a daily basis. The locations will also be provided with professional pest and odour controls.

Pest control includes spraying and traps. The chemical in the spray is the same one used in shampoos to treat head lice and is half the concentration found in the shampoo. The sprays are quick-drying and are broken down by exposure to sunlight. The spray is applied directly to the garbage on site and there is minimal drifting of the spray. The bait in the traps is secured in locked, anchored and tamper-proof stations.

Toronto Public Health, Solid Waste Management and the pest control company are ensuring pest control measures are applied as safely as possible to protect the health of residents and pets. More information on the measures being use for pest control is available on the City's website at www.toronto.ca/labour-relations/pesticide-odour-control.htm.

When bringing waste to any drop-off site, the public should combine Green Bin materials with other garbage and ensure it is double-bagged and securely tied. Residents can also help elderly and disabled neighbours by offering to take their garbage to a drop-off site.

I appreciate the public's continued patience during this labour disruption. It has been an extremely difficult situation for everyone. Negotiations between the City and the two unions are continuing daily and are making progress. I hope that the situation will soon be resolved fairly for all parties and that the City services our community counts on can resume.

For any questions you may have, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 416-392-7012 or at councillor_giambrone@toronto.ca. My staff and I are working every day during the labour disruption and will be happy to assist you with your questions and concerns. You can also access a complete copy, updated daily, of the City of Toronto Contingency Plan during the labour disruption at www.toronto.ca/labour-relations.

Yours truly,

Adam Giambrone
Toronto City Councillor
Ward 18-Davenport"