Dear Editor:
Should Summerland have different hours for the collection of garbage in winter and summer?
I pose this question because of the change in days and hours for the pick up of my garbage.
I was informed of the change of day but I was not informed of the change of time. Previously, my time for the pick up of garbage was from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., but never before 9 a.m.
I have missed the garbage pick up twice now and so have 10 individual properties in my area.
I phoned the garbage collection office to inquire what time the truck came by. I was told their schedule for this area started at 7 a.m.
I pointed out that the previous night of one pick up the weather had been at its worst. If I was to meet the scheduled time of 7 a.m. it would entail my being outside in a snowstorm, shovelling snow and snowbanks left by the municipal plough at 6:30 a.m. in darkness. Not forgetting my winter boots, toque and gloves. Unreasonable.
I expected to receive a sympathetic ear, especially when I pointed out all the other properties which had also missed the garbage truck. I was told, “You were given notice to have your garbage ready on the curb at 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
I further asked that in light of all the properties which had missed the pickup, which I had previously counted as 10, would the truck be returning to pick up from those properties. I was met with an emphatic no and a repeat of the readiness of garbage at the curb at 7 a.m.
Is it acceptable that people of all ages, working or pensioners, be expected or forced to go out in the dark at 6:30 a.m. to get their garbage ready for pick up? In winter, many times the house occupant is faced with snow and snowbanks to clear before reaching the curb.
In my opinion, winter collection hours for garbage and summer collection hours for garbage should be different.
Lesley Price
Summerland