Unanticipated roll-out costs for Victoria’s backyard garbage and kitchen scraps pick-up means homeowners will pay another $20 each year for the service.
The city needs to cover $225,000 in higher-than-expected costs thanks to faulty garbage trucks and 364 mostly multi-family complexes switching to private garbage collection services.
Staff had recommended a switch to curb side pick-up, which would have meant only a $6 increase per household.
But in a tight 5-4 vote, council opted to stick with the more expensive backyard collection option, citing a need to support seniors and others with mobility issues.
“We really need to build a stronger community if people are worried that no one is going to take out their garbage for them,” said Coun. Lisa Helps, who opposed the increase.
Mayor Dean Fortin, Councillors Marianne Alto, Ben Isitt, Shellie Gudgeon and Pam Madoff voted to keep backyard pickup. Lisa Helps, Charlayne Thornton-Joe, Chris Coleman and Geoff Young were opposed.
