Leaf Pick-Up

The leaves are now falling and I know that some Midlanders are having a tough time adjusting to the County “bag your leaves” collection system.

This is the first year that we have not been allowed to use Town services to help homeowners. Last year, I personally petitioned the County to give Midland residents one more year with curbside vacuuming. The County agreed, but was clear that last year was the only extension. No other municipality in the County of Simcoe got that extra year exemption.

This year, all 16 County municipalities are bagging their leaves. The good news at the County level is that we are saving well over $2 million per year by using a standardized waste collection. Some of those savings reduce the taxes that you pay to the County.

In Midland, many private sector companies are now offering leaf vacuuming services. The Town is also helping out by reimbursing residents for the cost of leaf bags (receipt and proof of residency required).

I recognize that this is a change that residents are unhappy about. I will continue to listen and, if the County collection system continues to cause problems for Midland residents, I will work with my fellow mayors and take your issues/concerns to the County.