: Bill Saundercook City Councillor Ward 13 :

FAQ

GARBAGE • RECYCLING • YARD WASTE

Why wasn’t my garbage picked up?
• Missed collections are upsetting, but often there is a good reason for it.
• Take your items to the curb no later than 7 a.m. on collection day and no earlier than 8 p.m. the night before. Place items near the road and make sure they aren’t blocked from the crews’ view by snow banks, parked cars, hedges, etc.
• A maximum of six items will be picked up. Containers must be no larger than 125 litres and weigh no more than 20 kg. Do not tie down garbage can lids. Remove prohibited waste such as hazardous waste, grass clippings, sod, construction/renovation waste (check the collection calendar for proper disposal instructions for these items).
• For more information about waste removal in the City of Toronto call 416-338-2010, log on to www.toronto.ca/recycle or consult your Garbage, Recycling & Green Bin Collection Calendar.

The city crew didn’t pickup my recycling! Who should I call?
• First look in your Blue or Grey Box. Are the materials recyclable? The City of Toronto does not recycle some glass items (dishes, light bulbs, mirrors), plastics (margarine tubs, toys, motor oil jugs), or metal items (coat hangers, pots, batteries, foil wrap).
• Check your calendar for a complete listing of what can be recycled, and how it must be packaged. If you accidentally include a non-recyclable item, remove it and return your boxes to the curb for the next collection date.
• If your boxes were in order, call 416-338-2010 to report a missed pickup. You can also order a calendar with the collection schedule and a quick reference guide to recycling at the above number or by contacting Councillor Saundercook’s office at 416-392-4072.

I have so much yard waste! How can I dispose of it?
• Weekly yard waste collection begins October 19 and runs until December 14 (the last yard waste collection until April 2005).
• Place leaves and plant material in kraft paper yard waste bags or a yard waste box. The City will not collect grass clippings and sod nor yard waste in plastic bags or cardboard boxes. Twigs must be tied in bundles no bigger than 3 feet tall, 4 feet wide and a maximum 44 lbs. If you have more than six items and cannot wait until the following week, residents may take large amounts of yard waste to a Drop-off Depot.
• Call 416-338-2010 or log on to www.toronto.ca/garbage for the depot nearest you. Fees may apply.

ENVIRONMENT & WATER ISSUES

I’ve heard the City of Toronto plants free trees! Is this true?
• Yes, Urban Forestry plants trees on City-owned street allowances fronting residential properties for free! To order your free tree, call 416-338-TREE (8733) or log on to www.toronto.ca/trees
• If you would like a tree planted in your backyard contact LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests) at 416-413-9244 or www.leaftoronto.org Leaf offers Toronto residents subsidized backyard tree planting. Shrubs are also available.

I want to make my home more water efficient. Can the City help me?
• An indoor water efficiency retrofit kit is available from the City for just $15. Each retrofit kit contains 1 spray/massage showerhead, 1 kitchen swivel aerator, 2 bathroom aerators, 2 toilet tank bags, 1 package of leak detection tablets, teflon tape, and installation instructions.
• Homes with electric water heaters save approximately $30 per person per year on combined water and energy bills with a water efficient showerhead.Using the entire kit will save approximately $45 per person.Homes with gas water heaters save $16 and $30 respectively. Kits are available at Toronto City Hall’s Access Toronto desk Monday to Friday, 9 AM – 4 PM or call 416-338-0338.
• For more information log on to www.toronto.ca/water.

HOUSING AND TENANT ISSUES

How do I get repairs done in my building?
• Make your request for repairs in writing and keep a copy for your records. If your landlord does not respond to your request within a reasonable amount of time (24 hours for emergency repairs, 2 weeks for less urgent issues) contact Councillor Saundercook’s office and request a Municipal Licensing and Standards officer inspect your apartment. The officer will need to see your written maintenance request. We also have a helpful booklet that we can mail to you.
• To learn more about your rights as a tenant contact Councillor Saundercook's office at (416) 392-4072

How can I get on the list of subsidized housing?
• To get on the list for subsidized housing, call Toronto Housing Connections at 416-981-6111. They process all requests for the City’s largest subsidized housing provider, the Toronto Community Housing Company. For more information, visit the Housing Connections web site.
• Councillor Saundercook is not able to move people up on the waiting list. The waiting list for subsidized housing is very long. If you are flexible about which building you want to live in, you will move up the list faster. It is also important that you confirm that your application has been received and that it is still on file. It is your responsibility to inform TCHC of any change of address. Call 416-981-6111 to update your file.
My landlord has raised my rent illegally.

Who can help?
• The Tenants Defence Fund was set up by the City of Toronto to assist tenant groups disputing their landlord’s application for an above-guideline rent increase. You can find more information about this by contacting Councillor Saundercook's office at (416) 392-4072.

CHILD CARE

How do I find child care?
• The City of Toronto operates 58 child care centres. These city operated spaces and other child care spaces are listed at www.toronto.ca/children. Search for the centres closest to your neighbourhood using the ward maps. For more assistance in your search call 416-392-3317.
• Subsidies are available for those who qualify. Call 416-392-KIDS (5437) to have an application mailed to you. For more information on child care subsidies log on to www.toronto.ca/children, or contact the Toronto filed office at 55 John St., 10th floor, 416-397-1445, Monday, Tuesday, Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Wednesdays, 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. and Thursdays drop-in from 7:30 a.m. - 4: 30 p.m.

Resources

Our City Guide
This small booklet contains general information about basic City services and programs that would be of interest to new residents to Toronto. Produced by Access Toronto staff in consultation with all departments, it provides key phone numbers and Web site details for the most common information requested from the Access Toronto Call Centre and Information Counters.

Collection Calendars
2007/2008 Garbage, Recycling & Green Bin Collection Calendars.  If you live  north of Annette St. and west of Runnymede Rd., then download "Wednesday 1".  All others should download "Wednesday 2".

2007 / 2008 Fun Guide
It's Toronto's Parks, Forestry and Recreation booklet filled with programs and services for people of all ages. Download here.

Useful Links
City of Toronto
Business Services
Planning Department
Parks and Recreation Department
Toronto Community Housing
Toronto Cycling Committee
Toronto Forms online
Toronto Maps
Toronto Youth Cabinet
Toronto Transit Commission
Toronto Police Service
Toronto Police - 11 Division 
Toronto Fire Services
Access Toronto
City Council
Council meeting dates
Toronto Parks and Trees