Re-leaf on the way? Council asked to spend $60,000 to collect summer leaf, yard waste

When summer collections were halted this year, it cut the amount of composted loam available for fixing boulevards, sports fields and snow-plow damage

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Sault Ste. Marie City Council will be asked Monday to approve $60,000 to bring back summer collection of leaf and yard waste.

Curbside collections were stopped during July, August and September this year, cutting an estimated $55,000 from the municipal budget.

But the decision drew ongoing complaints from residents and also reduced the amount of composted loam available for repairing boulevards, sports fields and snow plow damage.

Last month, City Council voted to review the situation at the urging of Ward 1 Councillor Steve Butland and Ward 2's Susan Myers.

Mike Blanchard, the city's waste management manager, reports that the 310 tonnes of yard waste created during those three months would increase the chances of the product meeting compost standards and also comply with provincial waste management best practices.

Monday's meeting of City Council will be livestreamed on SooToday starting at 4:30 p.m.

Mayor for the Day on Monday will be Keira Berlingieri of St. Basil Elementary School.