Bylaw officers will be out in full force until the end of April inspecting back alleys in the town to ensure that garbage is placed properly at residences and the general area is cleanly, as part of the Community Standards Bylaw and The Garbage Bylaw.
Mayor of Bonnyville, Gene Sobolewski explains what the bylaw officers are enforcing, “the back alleys, particularly where the garbage containers are, that they’re kept a little tidy and clean.” Mayor Sobolewski explains the town received some complaints regarding residents’ back-allies, some complainers have even brought in photographic proof of the mess, “there were some that we’ve seen pictures of and we have issued tickets.”
Mayor Sobolewski says bylaw officers will visit the site in question and issue warnings, “if you see a little orange card that’s on your door, that means the officer has been there and taken a picture.” Mayor Sobolewski instructs that would be a good time to clean up because, “the next time the officer shows up he’s issuing a substantial ticket.” Part of the problem is the mess can block the alleyway for vehicles and make it hard on the town employees to pick up the garbage.
Bonnyville is moving towards a front curb-side pickup system, says Mayor Sobolewski, who notes that the town has received a lot of inquiries about the systems, prompting the town to leave a sample container at the town office for anyone wanting to try it for themselves. The town will have it available says Mayor Sobolewski, “we’re going to put some weight in it so it’ll feel like the real thing, and we encourage people to move it around, open it and really get a feel for what it’s like.”
Mayor Sobolewski says the town plans to host an Open House in the near future so residents can try out the containers and Councillors can answer any questions or concerns residents may have. The new front curbside garbage pickup system is expected to be implemented within the year, with some areas of Bonnyville already practicing it.