How do I replace a damaged Blue/Green/Garbage Bin?

Some residents may have missed their chance to exchange their city waste collection bins at Community Environment Day this weekend, but there's no need to worry about; there are still a variety of options to replace a broken Green, Blue or Garbage Bin.

The easiest way is to give a telephone call to the City service line at 311. There you can speak with an operator, who will help you set up a Blue/Garbage Bin exchange appointment. Bin appointments generally fall on the same day as your scheduled pick up. Just leave your broken bin out on specified date, and City Staff will come to exchange it for you with a new one free of charge.

If you have a damaged Green Bin or simply can't wait for an appointment date, you may also bring your broken bin to one of several pick-up locations throughout Toronto. These sites are listed on the back of your Collection Calendar, which you should be receiving in the mail in the coming weeks. The closest one to Ward 39 is the Scarborough Transfer Station, at 1 Transfer Place (off of Nugget Avenue just west of Markham Road). Note that bin exchange is not available at the Victoria Park Transfer Station.

Finally, if you would like an additional Green Bin, you can request one at the above locations (fees may apply). Up-sized or additional Blue Bins may also be ordered free of charge through the 311 line. Up-sizing of Garbage Bins is also available, but yearly fees may apply.

If you are experiencing any difficulties with the above and live in Ward 39, feel free to give our office a call at 416-392-1374, and we can help with arranging for a new bin. If you live outside of Ward 39, please call 311 and they will be able to provide you with more information.

Useful links:
Where to get your collection containers

Latest draft of Finch Warden Area Study - Sept 14, 2009

The latest draft of the Finch Warden Area Study can now be found here on our website. The area study is a response to the Malibu Group's proposal to build condominium highrises over Bridlewood Mall, and details an overarching plan for the Bridlewood site as well as the area around it. The report emphasizes a balance of infrastructure support and new housing, as well as beautification and revitalization; and will be presented at a community meeting early October. For more information, visit our page on the Bridlewood project, or the Stand Up Bridletowne! citizen group.

Bicycle Safety (reprinted from newsletter volume 2, issue 1)

Bicycle collisions remain one of the leading causes of danger in our ward, and one of the most preventable. The city of Toronto has an extensive list of laws pertaining to bicycles, and by following them you will not only avoid hefty fines, but you could save lives too. We've taken the time to outline some of these laws previously in our newsletter, which we've reprinted here. A full list of laws and fines can be found here.
(From Volume 2, Issue 1 of our newsletter, which you can find online here, other newsletters can be found in our newsletter archive)

Bicycle safety – or rather, pedestrian safety around bicycles – is a serious concern. I receive numerous calls from people, particularly seniors, who feel very uncomfortable walking in the Ward because of bicycle traffic on our sidewalks.

A bicycle is considered a vehicle under the Provincial Highway Traffic Act. The City also has a by-law that forbids cycling on the sidewalk if your wheels are larger than 24 inches in diameter. A number of noteworthy violations and set fines listed in the Act are:

• Careless driving $ 265
• Disobey stop sign – fail to stop $ 90
• Failure to yield to pedestrian $ 90
• No bell (horn) $ 90

The plain truth is: enforcement is difficult. Cyclists should know that they are liable and can be sued when collisions happen and they are at fault. I would ask everyone who rides a bicycle in our community to respect pedestrians and their right to use the sidewalk in comfort. When riding on local streets, cyclists should ride on the road. When riding along our arterial roads, cyclists riding on the sidewalk should go slowly, use their bell or horn to warn pedestrians and remember to share the sidewalk. At intersections, cyclists should always walk across the road.

As with any accident, if a pedestrian is hit by a bicycle, they should call the Police immediately and report the incident.

'Smarten up' on bike safety: police (The National Post)

Reprinted from The National Post, August 11th, 2009:

"Police say Torontonians need a refresher on bicycle safety after three accidents in the last week left one person dead and two more with life threatening injuries"

Read more...

No charges in fatal bike accident (The Toronto Sun)

Reprinted from The Toronto Sun, August 11th, 2009:

"It was only a matter of time before somebody on a sidewalk would be killed by a speedy cyclist. It's up to us if we want to stop there being more."

Read more...

Toronto on strike: Council approves deal with both unions to end strike (The National Post)

Reprinted from The National Post Blog, July 31st, 2009:

"Councillor Mike Del Grande (Scarborough Agincourt) said he got 500 emails from angry constituents saying vote no.

'I have to represent them,' he said."

See full article for a list of how councillors voted.
Read more...

Councillors to vote on CUPE settlement this Friday

Update from Councillor Del Grande:
I received over 500 e-mail responses and also from door knocking feedback. The vast majority told me to vote NO.

As I represent the majority's desire I did as you instructed me to do.

Dear Neighbour:
Based on recent Media Reports:
1) What are your views on the City settlement between the Mayor and the Unions?
2) Would you entertain more taxes and costs to all Toronto residents to pay for this settlement?
I look forward to your reply by July 30th as Council will be voting on the settlement on July 31st.

Thank you.

Mike Del Grande
Councillor - Ward 39 - Scarborough-Agincourt
City of Toronto
councillor_delgrande@toronto.ca

Pending ratification by CUPE members, council will be meeting this Friday, July 31st, to vote on the labour deal which was reached on Monday. The councillor would like to know your opinion, so please take your time to leave your comments under this post.