A new waste management system is set to roll out in Portage la Prairie, with MWM Environmental leading the transition. Representatives from the company presented their plan to Portage la Prairie City Council on Monday night, outlining how the service will be implemented and how residents will be informed. A highlight of the plan is that residents will be provided with universal bins to store and transport their waste to the curbside.
Councilor Terrie Porter said the presentation was the first of many exchanges planned to ensure a smooth transition.
“It was just a little kickoff to the start of many communications that we're going to have with the public about how the service works,” she said. “Hopefully, if we can stay on top of it all and continue to communicate with all citizens, it will be an easier rollout for everyone.”
MWM Environmental plans to use various methods to keep residents up to date, including QR codes that will direct users to information about the service on their mobile devices. This method will allow for information to be provided in multiple languages. MWM Environmental also spoke of establishing a local office for service inquiries.
Jocelyn Lequier-Jobin, the city’s director of operations, said additional options will be available for those who prefer other forms of communication. “They’re going to provide their contact information, and there will be plenty of information on how the trucks work, including details on their maneuverability in tight spaces,” she said.
The company has already begun assessing different areas of the city, including locations where curbside pickup could be a challenge due to a lack of driveways. Adjustments will be made to accommodate these situations, with coordination between property owners and the city.
Porter noted that while the response to the new service has been largely positive, many residents still have questions. “I’ve had lots of great feedback, but also a lot of questions,” she said. “As I get them, I’ll pass on that information when we communicate. We want to ensure everyone knows how this will work before the rollout.”
The new system is set to begin on August 1, giving the city several months to share information and address concerns. “We’ve got quite a few months to get the word out,” Lequier-Jobin said. “We’re already starting, and we’ll make sure all residents are informed.”
