[ reprinted from Toronto Public Space Committee (TPSC)’s December 2008 Mid-Month Mini-Newsletter ]

” Astral Media has begun installing its new street furniture in the past six months, and already there are problems with transit shelters and benches.

Through a Freedom of Information request, we have obtained the contract between Astral and the City.  We’re working on putting together a proper web page for it, but until then you can access it directly (3.2 megabyte PDF).  And here’s the Street Furniture Rollout Schedule. “

In a recent letter, Councillor McConnell writes:

“It is not the intention of the [blue bin] program to force residents to store bins in their front flower gardens. If you cannot reasonably accommodate your blue and/or grey bin, you have a storage and placement issue. … In some cases, permission has been granted to put out recycling in clear plastic bags and garbage in tagged bags rather than bins.”

Phone or email Pam for further advice and assistance. Pam’s letter also advises how to report illegal dumping of garbage.

And according to this press release, “Toronto’s Blue Bin Program has expanded to include plastic shopping bags and foam polystyrene packaging. As of December 9, these items will be collected in the Blue Bin.”