Guy St-Jean talks trash

Dear Seeker,

When I returned to Cornwall in 2011, one of the issues that bothered me the most is how people treat waste.

We say that we want to grow and be better as a community but if we are to attract newcomers to Cornwall, we must clean up our act!

Take a walk around some of our neighbourhoods and you will see how dirty the city is becoming and the lack of respect that some have for our community.

On any given day, you will see sofas, furniture, un-collapsed boxes, mattresses, opened garbage bags and so much more…

The city has designated days for waste pickup and we have bylaws in place to ensure that residents respect the policies put in place. Unfortunately it is one thing to pass a motion of amending a new bylaw but it is another to enforce them. I am also sensitive to helping those in need who cannot afford to pay for certain removals.

When the bylaw says that trash should not be put to the curb before 7pm the night before pick up and you see trash on someone’s lawn for days, sometimes weeks and even months! – That is totally unacceptable. People need to be held responsible for their actions and we need to implement stricter regulations.

I am proud of my city and I respect my property and I would like to see people treat what is ours with a little more respect leading by example and cleaning up our neighbourhoods we will send a positive message to our neighbours and to those thinking of choosing Cornwall to call home.

-Guy St. Jean
Cornwall City Council Candidate