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Niagara Region | Fall 2024 | niagararegion.ca
Fall 2024 Issue
The future of waste is in our hands
We are happy to report that work is well underway with the Waste Management Strategic Plan (the Plan), with phase two engagement starting the week of Sept. 10 and continuing through September.
Phase One Recap
At the beginning of phase one, a series of technical memos were completed. These memos detail Niagara Region’s current state of waste management and look at practices and programs from other municipalities. The memos also explore a variety of themes from Niagara region’s changing demographics to emerging options for waste collection and disposal, and other information that will inform the development of the Plan.
Each phase of the Plan includes public engagement opportunities to ensure the final result is a document that is representative of our community. Throughout May 2024, interested parties (residents, members of the industrial, commercial and institutional sector, and municipal staff) provided valuable feedback that helped shape the vision, goals and guiding principles for waste management over the next 25 years.
Get Involved in Phase Two
Niagara Region is asking for your input again! In phase two we want to know if we are headed in the right direction with the Plan. Through online open houses and a survey, interested parties can provide feedback on various components of the Plan, including:
- The mission statement, vision statement, goals and guiding principles that were developed in phase one
- Potential programs, services and initiatives, including waste disposal options, that will help Niagara Region achieve the plan’s goals
Join the upcoming phase two online public open houses:
The phase two survey is also available online Sept. 10 – 30. You could win one of three $50 Visa gift cards by completing the survey.
Upcoming events and activities
Mark your calendars, Waste Management Services is gearing up for some exciting events and activities this fall!
Sept. 30 - Oct. 5: Fall Compost Giveaway
Niagara residents can get up to three 20 litres bags of compost during regular business hours (while quantities last) at participating distribution sites. In exchange for the compost, residents are asked to donate non-perishable food items or cash in support of select local charities.
Oct. 21 - 26: Waste Reduction Week
Waste Reduction Week is a national campaign that engages Canadians to better understand waste and the actions they can take to divert more waste from disposal and conserve natural resources.
Oct. 28 - Nov. 22: Fall Branch Collection
During fall branch collection residents living in single family homes and apartments with six units or less can place branches out for curbside collection on their regular collection day. Tip: try bundling your branches as you collect them for easy curbside set out.
Gearing up for snowplow season - what you should know
As we prepare for winter road safety and maintenance, we’d like to share some reminders about winter road and snowplow safety.
Watch for blue flashing lights
Blue flashing lights indicate winter maintenance vehicles are hard at work.
Keep a safe distance from snowplows and winter maintenance vehicles
It is important keep your distance and never try to pass a snowplow or winter maintenance vehicle.
- Visibility of drivers can be impacted by blowing snow or the ridge of snow the plow creates (called a wind row)
- Winter maintenance vehicles can make sudden and unexpected stops and turns to avoid obstacles or change routes
- A snowplow may put its plow or wing down at any time and begin clearing snow
Leaving enough room ensures you can slow down or stop suddenly in difficult road conditions behind any vehicle, but especially a snowplow.
Never climb or walk on snowbanks at any time
Do not allow children to play, climb, tunnel under, or slide down snow piles on or near roadways. Snowplow drivers may not be able to see you.
When pedestrians and drivers follow safety precautions around these dangerous pieces of equipment it makes the roads safer for all, and it allows plow drivers to more effectively and efficiently do their work to get roadways moving after a weather event.
Where to recycle your electrical and electronic equipment in Niagara
Back to school is here! Now is the perfect time to recycle old electrical and electronic equipment, also known as e-waste.
Equipment like old computers and phones do not belong in our landfills. Niagara residents can recycle their old equipment free of charge at any Regional drop-off depot. Other sites throughout the region also accept e-waste for recycling, find a location near you on our website or the Niagara Region Waste App.
Before recycling your old equipment at a drop-off depot, consider reusing or donating items in working condition, and remember to clear all devices and equipment of personal or confidential information. If you are not sure how to clear your device consider consulting the manufacturer’s website or reviewing the equipment owner’s manual. You can also consider using third party data erasing software and data shredding apps designed for this purpose.
Plant upgrades result in significant improvement to wastewater treatment
Port Dalhousie Wastewater Treatment Plant has undergone major upgrades recently with the decommissioning of an aging and inefficient mechanical aeration tank and installation of new fine and coarse bubble aeration tanks.
The installation of this new system has resulted in significant improvement in nutrient removal from treated wastewater. Since the commissioning of the new aeration tanks in July 2023, the upgraded plant has seen a 94 to 99 per cent reduction in ammonia in the treated water entering the waterways.
The previous aging aeration system only reduced ammonia between 0 to 8 percent. Port Dalhousie Wastewater Treatment Plant has also remained under all monthly limits for nutrients, solids, and E. coli. Furthermore, our current study has indicated the new system is more energy efficient, resulting in energy cost savings. The design of the aeration tanks has also had a measurable improvement in the resiliency of the system during wet weather conditions that occur with rain or snow melt.
