City officials and representatives from MWM Environmental welcomed residents to an open house information session Tuesday evening, providing crucial details about the new automated waste collection system launching August 1st.
The event, held at the Prairie Fusion Arts and Entertainment Centre, aimed to educate homeowners, landlords, and renters on the transition from the current manual pickup to the new cart-based system, addressing questions and easing concerns ahead of the rollout.
City officials offering insight
City Councillors Preston Meier, Terrie Porter, and Faron Nicholls were present, actively engaging with residents and discussing the upcoming changes alongside staff and contractor representatives. The session also offered printed information packages and direct access to experts.
Shawn Samels, Municipal Sales Consultant for contractor MWM Environmental, outlines the practical steps for residents.
"We wanted to help educate residents and let them know what to expect with the cart rollout, which will start on Monday," Samels explains, "The zones are all going to stay the same as what it's been in the past, so we'll start with Zone 1 and work our way through the five zones of rolling out the carts."
He reconfirmed that the first automated pickups for Zone 1 begin August 1st.
Samels also highlighted information resources, noting, "You'll find your calendar, which zone you're in, the zoning map, and then a trash brochure which will lay out the dos and the don'ts of the trash pickup."
He added that the carts will need to be out in their designated pickup location by 7:00AM, and that the ReCollect app is available for schedules and reminders.
Addressing resident concerns
Paul Ziesmann, Superintendent of Public Works for the City, reported strong resident engagement.
"It's been wonderful," Ziesmann says regarding the turnout and dialogue, "First wave of people coming in had some really valid questions that needed to be asked, and I think for the most part, a lot of people got the answers that they were looking for."
He identified a key topic that came up as a result of resident feedback, stating, "Some of the most common questions that I heard today were in regards to snow removal and what that may look like and how it may affect our solid waste program. The city will be looking at the meeting and discussing the policy in the future, and we'll be looking at amending that policy prior to the snow season later this year."
Placement challenges, especially near parked cars, were also frequent. "They may be asked to actually push that cart out a little bit further so it's easy to pick up," Ziesmann advises.
He estimated attendance surpassed 100 people early in the event.
Jocelynn Lequier-Jobin, Director of Operations for the City, provided further detail on winter operations planning.
"Currently, we try and clear streets the day after garbage day," she says, adding that, "Knowing that these carts are going to be going up to the curb, we are planning to review that and come up with an alternate plan so that the snow will be cleared before you're having to put out your cart."
She also addressed feedback on the 360-litre cart size, noting, "Some people felt they're too big; we decided to go with a bigger cart to accommodate larger families. But some people would much prefer to have a smaller cart, so it's something we're going to consider for the future."
Lequier-Jobin clarified, however, that this potential option wouldn't be immediate, and if implemented, would likely arrive in 2026.
System recap and moving forward
The new system replaces the current method where residents use their own bins or bags, including the extra bag tag program.
Starting late July, households will receive a 360-litre black cart. Automated trucks will only collect waste inside this City-issued cart with the lid fully closed; no extra bags or bins will be taken.
Unused solid waste tags can be returned for a refund until September 30, 2025. Four annual bulky waste pickups (April, July, September, December) are being introduced at no extra charge.
Lequier-Jobin acknowledged the transition requires adjustment but expressed optimism. "We had a great turnout, lots of good questions. I'd say most of the people are happy to switch to the new system, but there are little logistical things that people have concerns about. So there will be a little bit of growing pains. We're just encouraging everyone to call the contractor or call the city if there are things that they're not really sure about to make sure it goes smoothly for everyone."
Residents can find detailed information, including their zone map and calendar, via the QR code on their new cart, at the MWM Environmental website, at City Hall, the Operations Department, or Service for Seniors. The City’s FAQ page also provides ongoing updates.
Cart deliveries begin next week, starting with Zone 1.
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