Mississippi Dump Winter Closure

Molly Hartin | Dec 08, 2021

I am saddened by Mayor Higgins’ comments toward our Councillor Fowler and thus, his disregard for the residents who regularly use the Mississippi Site for garbage disposal and recycling. 

Obviously, I missed the consultation with residents before the closure of our Tuesday winter operating hours. Our site was the only one of the 6 sites to be affected by winter closures and reductions.  

To refer to a petition of 56 people as a “wrong” is not my impression of an active democratic process. Higgins had a lot of people, not just 2, who were concerned about Council’s action. To chastise our Councillor is doubling Higgins' disregard for taxpayers in our area. Fowler is elected by us, to represent us.

Stranger things have happened. Not only is our Tuesday access closed to save $2800, but we also now have a newly created position of “helper” for the normal dump attendant. How much does that cost?

I agree with Coun. Wayne Good that all sites have winter and summer hours. No argument here. Strangely, Mississippi was the only one to lose 50% of its winter access. Are most cottagers not back home, thus reducing the need to access other dump sites as well? 

I agree with Coun. Vernon Hermer that Council made a mistake when it changed Mississippi's winter hours, without public consultation, in the first place. 

Solidarity in Council is a pipe dream when a Mayor and other councillors act as despots without consideration of the needs of the population affected. Develop an understanding of democracy and retract your cost savings measures.

I propose that Council cancel the Cloyne Site, Wednesday hours (4), the 506 Site Friday hours (4), and the Plevna Site, Wednesday hours (5.5) and reinstate Mississippi site Tuesday hours (4). That would result in savings of $9450 each and every winter! This is a much more equitable and responsible measure. Council never makes mistakes?

Molly Hartin