| Mar 22, 2017


As part of its ongoing effort to control the volume of waste entering its sites, Addington Highlands Council considered purchasing a manual lift gate to stop vehicles at the entrance to the Kaladar site in order for waste attendants to be able to inspect the load and ensure township diversion rules are being followed.

The cost of a solar powered automatic lift arm gate came in at almost $5,000. Deputy Mayor Bill Cox asked if one of the cheaper options that was also included in a report by Roads and Waste Supervisor Mark Freeburn would be a better choice.

“What if we move the little hut to the front, narrow the lane-way with some traffic cones, and put up a stop sign. That might be enough,” Cox said.

“We could try that for a year, and see if it works,” said Freeburn.

Freeburn said he will have to determine if the hut can be easily moved, and if so he will make the change.

The life expectancy of the Kaladar dump has been shortened in recent years, which is one of the reasons that the township is now refusing to accept construction waste, but it still accepts furniture.

A resident in attendance at the meeting asked why the township does not collect garbage from people’s homes as they do in  urban areas.

“I’m a senior and I can’t manage those large bags. Why can’t I at least buy my bags at Wallmart” she said. The township requires all household garbage to be dumped in clear bags purchased from the township.

“I’m a senior as well, and by the time we recycle there is not much left to go in the waste pile,” said Reeve Henry Hogg. “Besides picking up garbage would cost way more than we can afford in our waste budget. We can barely afford what it costs to maintain and monitor our sites.

As of April 5, new tipping fees will be in place. Small loads, measuring 1’ x 4’ x 8’ will cost $15, box springs, mattresses, appliances, sofas and carpets will all cost $30, fiberglass boats $100 and a ½ ton load of shingles will cost $35.

3.9 million in construction in 2016
Permits for construction worth an estimated $3.9 million were sold in Addington Highlands last year. That is up by almost $1 million from 2015 and is $135,000 shy of the total for 2014.

Ninety residential permits were sold in the township. The total value of new construction was $2.45 million. $1.4 million worth of additions and renovations were undertaken, and only $53,500 in commercial construction was undertaken.

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