Extra bag allowance for diapers, incontinence products considered by council

Council voted to receive a memorandum requesting an exemption from the one-bag garbage limit in the city’s urban areas to allow for one additional bag of diapers or incontinence products.

The memorandum was sponsored by Ward 2 Coun. Pat Warren, who told council at the June 2 committee of the whole meeting that the current rule could negatively impact families with young children and some seniors. (The recommendation in the memo only applies to those in the organics program — the urban centres of Lindsay, Bobcaygeon, Fenelon Falls, Omemee — and only applies diapers and incontinence products.)

“I have received quite a few comments and questions about this – especially (from) young families who would be paying extra to have an extra bag, and also seniors who need that extra bag,” Warren told council.

During the meeting, other councillors said they had also heard concerns from residents about the limit and the need for an exemption for diapers and incontinence products.

Ward 5 Coun. Mark Doble said he has received phone calls from residents sharing similar concerns.

“What I was struck by in my conversations with those folks was they understand and they support the goals of what we’re trying to do, but they’re concerned and they’re having to pay upwards of $200 a year more because of their circumstances, and I just don’t think that’s fair,” Doble said.

Ward 3 Coun. Mike Perry said the need for an extra bag to accommodate diapers and incontinence products is an unintended consequence of what is an otherwise positive one-bag limit policy.

“I think this is a classic example of us being responsive to specific needs,” he said.

The recommendation will go to council for consideration at the June 23 regular meeting.