In the spring of 2006, a citizen addressed himself to our office to contest the fact that, in Arrondissement de Pierrefonds–Roxboro, the buildings with more than 8 dwellings did not benefit from municipal recycling programs. This request was based on section 24 a) of the Montréal Charter of Rights and Responsibilities in which Ville de Montréal committed to promote waste reduction, re-use and recycling.
Our investigation confirmed that, in 6 boroughs of Montréal, recycling was not offered to buildings of 9 dwellings or more: Lachine, L’Île-Bizard–Sainte-Geneviève, Montréal-Nord, Pierrefonds–Roxboro, Saint-Laurent and Saint-Léonard. We discussed this situation with municipal representatives who explained that this situation was due, mainly, to the lack of funds.
After her intervention, the Ombudsman de Montréal received confirmation that Ville de Montréal was working on a project aiming to improve the collection of recyclable materials in apartment buildings. Resolutions were in the process of being prepared for approval by the City Council and the Agglomeration Council, with regard to:
- Provide to buildings of more than 8 dwellings, recycling containers for paper, glass, plastic and metal in sufficient number given the number of dwellings in the said building; and
- Additional funding, for this purpose.
As for Arrondissement de Pierrefonds–Roxboro, until recycling containers are made available in each apartments building, it has installed three recycling bells on its territory, where citizens can bring their recyclable materials. The borough also committed to progressively implement an Éco-quartier program.
In light of the above, the Ombudsman de Montréal ended her intervention in this particular file while maintaining regular follow-ups on this recycling issue.
The Executive Committee of Ville de Montréal has, since, approved that 2 million dollars to be spent, over a 2 year period, to promote more specifically recycling in buildings of 9 dwellings or more.
As to the Pierrefonds–Roxboro Éco-quartier program, it should be submitted to the Borough Council in early 2007 and, if all goes according to plans, buildings of more than 8 dwellings located in the borough should benefit from a recycling collection service, as soon as 2008.
