Photo caption: Alain D’Aoust, on behalf of the Social Development Council, together with Scott Porter, the City’s Parks and Recreation Manager, gave an eloquent presentation on edible landscapes, supported by a series of informative and visually attractive slides.

Garbage Change is Coming?

Seeker Coverage of the City Council Meetings by Neil Macmillan

The big news from the Cornwall City Council meeting of January 14, was the likelihood of new recycling and curbside garbage procedures as of April 1.

Following a request for proposals (RFP), it is almost certain that Cornwall will be awarding a $24-million, seven-year contract to a new garbage pickup company: Environmental 360 Solutions from Pickering Ontario. This will naturally mean that most employees of the current garbage contractor, HGC Management Inc. will lose their jobs. Around a dozen of these employees were very visible at the back of the Council Chambers, sporting their yellow security vests.

Partly because of this concern, some Council members were not comfortable with approving the awarding of the new contract right away because they felt they needed more time to study the related report from City officials. After vigorous discussion, a majority of Council members agreed to defer the decision to the next Council meeting in two weeks.

In other proceedings, Cornwall City Council:

• Unanimously adopted a proposal from the Social Development Council to undertake an edible landscape project around the bandshell in Lamoureux Park by donating space, partial funding for the first year the project, and preparation of the beds by City staff.
• In response to a petition, requested a report from City Administration on the recent bus route changes.
• Did not approve the hiring of consultant to explore the reintroduction of electoral wards in the City of Cornwall.
• Accepted greetings from local MPP Jim McDonnell with some concern about reduced provincial government funding down the road.

Cornwall City Council appears to be functioning well under new Mayor Bernadette Clement, although she indicated once or twice during the meeting that she was – literally – finding the weight of the chain of office too heavy!