COVID-19 forces delayed openings of landfill, hazardous waste depot and Pointe des Chenes campground

Spring openings of a number of municipal public works facilities and services are expected to be delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Susan Hamilton Beach, director of public works, is recommending that the opening of the household hazardous waste depot at 402 Fifth Line East, originally slated for April 14, won't happen until May 11 at the earliest.

"This facility requires public interaction and contractor service for transport and disposal," Hamilton Beach says.

"Anticipating two weeks time for adequate set-up, training and announcements, a public notice will be provided."

The city landfill was set to open to the public on Saturdays starting April 11, but Hamilton Beach is asking that be delayed until at least May 11. 

"Currently, the landfill remains open to the public each weekday for the receipt of degrading household waste – deemed for essential use only," Hamilton Beach says in a report to Mayor Provenzano and members of the City Council.

"Residents should not be using the landfill services for construction waste or spring cleaning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Scheduling of the sixth day (ie. Saturdays) may occur once staffing levels are restored. Approximately, two weeks public notice will be provided."

City Council is expected to approve the COVID-19 measures tonight.

Collection of leaf and yard waste, scheduled to start May 4, will also be delayed until May 11 at the earliest, under the resolution going to City Council.

"As this is dependent on sufficient staffing levels in the public works operations division, it is planned that two weeks public notice will be provided," Hamilton Beach says.

The city-owned Pointe Des Chenes day park and campground was supposed to open to campers around May 16, but that will also be postponed.

"The commissioning of the water system for the comfort stations is required prior to the opening date, originally planned for the first week of May. There are also operational improvements to the water system being designed, which will require a four-to-six week period of time at normal operational levels."

Operational staff for public works and the PUC (water plant operators) will do our best to attend to those matters required at this facility, however, it cannot be the priority of staff during the time of the pandemic. Staff will consider all of these needs, and will commit to a future announcement regarding the opening date."

Today's City Council meeting will be conducted by teleconference and closed to the public under emergency legislation allowing municipal councils and committees to meet electronically.

SooToday is currently livestreaming the proceedings here.