I hope everyone had a fun Halloween. The numbers of trick or treaters were down on my street but we enjoyed seeing those who came.
This past week City Council approved a number of items of interest. I was pleased to see the recommendation of Licensing of Vaping Stores go through unanimously. I did not go to the Emergency and Protective Services Committee meeting that dealt with this because I was at the funeral of Neil Collishaw, a friend and family member who spent his entire life fighting against the misinformation of major tobacco companies as they convinced people that smoking and more recently vaping is not bad for you which could not be further from the truth. Attached is a Globe and Mail article on Neil’s life work in fighting against the need to recognize the damage of second hand smoke.
Council also passed the Poverty Reduction Strategy Report which talks of the importance of focusing on the causes of poverty. This is not a battle that municipalities can do alone. We need commitment from the federal and provincial governments on offering the means for residents to live without struggling to pay the rent and go to a food bank. City Councillors heard loud and clear that food banks are overwhelmed and cannot keep up. Perhaps all of us who can afford to can give over their $200 cheques from the provincial government to help those in need in our community by a donation to your local food bank. I have also attached a report from a Bay Ward community that has residents in need.
Read the Poverty Reduction Strategy Report here: RISE UP: A Collective Impact Approach to Reduce Poverty 2025–2029 (escribemeetings.com)
Read the Foster Farm Family House – Poverty Reduction Strategy below.
There was also a motion to ask staff to investigate implementing a “Bubble” bylaw for protests that would prevent demonstration near vulnerable infrastructure like schools and long term care facilities. The city of Vaughn implemented such a bylaw this past June so it is untested. It is important that the right to freedom of speech is balanced with protecting those who are vulnerable such as children going to school.
The new 3 bag limit on garbage had gone off reasonably well but I did hear from residents on concerns about being tagged because their current garbage bin had an attached lid. I asked our council about allowing these bins and the response was that if residents can remove the lid during pick up service, then they would be allowed. It is possible that attached lids can have removable pins. As well a motion went through to give 6 more months on allowing residents to adjust to the new standards but, for the most part, residents are moving forward on the limits. The purpose of the garbage limit is to encourage recycling and composting of which there is no limit. I also caution residents to ensure that their garbage bins DO NOT EXCEED the 33-pound weight limit. This is a major health and safety concern for those who collect your garbage. Thanks for your cooperation and consideration.
Next week will be a busy one with Lincoln Field Secondary Plan study coming to Planning and Housing Committee along with other major files at the Finance and Corporate Affairs Committee on Affordable Housing and information on the Vacant Unit Tax with new exemptions. Have a great week!
