Councillor C. Michaud has given notice to introduce the following motion for consideration this date:
"WHEREAS The Region of Waterloo proudly partners with local municipalities, Adopt-A-Road program, the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO), and others to promote waste reduction and litter prevention across the region, through the cure for litter program;
WHEREAS the Region of Waterloo is the service provider for Grand River Transit as well as the service provider for waste management;
WHEREAS the Region of Waterloo has expressed their commitment to curing litter, but during the 2022 budget process approved the removal of 240 garbage receptacles from the Grand River Transit (GRT) stops to achieve an in-year cost savings of $60,000 and an annual cost saving of $180,000. for 2023 and beyond;
WHEREAS the Region of Waterloo’s decision to remove the garbage receptacles at GRT stops does provide financial cost savings, the financial savings are arguably not off-setting the adverse impacts on the environment and do not support the Region’s commitment to curing litter;
WHEREAS the volume of pedestrian activity at and around Grand River Transit stops, would warrant waste receptacles to help manage litter within our Cities; and,
WHEREAS the average distance someone will carry garbage before littering is 12 paces and GRT Stops are high pedestrian traffic locations;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Kitchener request the Region of Waterloo to reinstall and manage garage receptacles at the GRT Stop locations to promote litter prevention, environmental leadership and respond to the needs of our community;
THEREFORE IT FINALLY BE RESOLVED that this resolution be shared with all other municipalities with the Region of Waterloo."