FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE
	TO:	Mayor and Members of Council
	FROM:	Stan Bertoia, P.Eng., General Manager, Constuction and Utilities
	PREPARED BY:	Peter Veiga, Waste Management Coordinator
	DATE OF MEETING:	2004-March-22
	SUBJECT:	Waste Management Public Information Meeting

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the Report entitled “Waste Management Public Information Meeting” be received;

AND THAT staff organize a public information meeting in April 2004, at an estimated cost of $1,000, to discuss options for expanding Markham’s waste diversion programs and assist Markham to achieve its waste diversion goals;

AND THAT staff be authorized to develop an electronic medium and conduct focus group discussions, at an estimated cost of $5,000, to obtain public input on the future of Markham’s waste management program including 3-Stream waste management;

AND THAT costs related to this project be absorbed within the 2004 Waste Management Operating budget.

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this report is to notify Council of the proposed public input process concerning Markham’s future waste management program, including 3-stream waste management.

BACKGROUND:

As part of the development of the new 3-stream waste management system, the 3-Stream Implementation Project Team discussed options for gathering public input and agreed that a multi-faceted approach would be most effective. The multi-faceted approach would include the following:

Initial Public Information Meeting

An initial public information meeting to provide residents with an update on waste management issues impacting Markham and the Region. The public information meeting would be advertised town-wide. Information collected will be incorporated into the communication and education program for Markham’s proposed 3-Stream collection system and other future waste management program developments.

Electronic Forum

An electronic forum to gather public input will build on the initial Public Information meeting by providing residents an ongoing ability to submit ideas and comments via the Town’s web site.

Waste management staff has consulted with Corporate Communications and Information Technology staff to confirm that the infrastructure to develop and maintain this electronic forum exists within the Town. The electronic forum could be created and maintained at no additional cost.

Focus Group Discussions

Focus groups are an effective marketing research tool used to qualitatively test specific concepts before the launch of new products and programs. Markham residents, chosen at random, would be asked to test specific issues and concepts such as kitchen organics recycling, plastic bags, carts, and collection frequencies.

Future Public Education Meeting

Subject to Council approving the implementation of the proposed 3-Stream waste management system starting September 2004, staff will incorporate a public education meeting for the Phase 1 residents.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS:

Table #1 outlines the estimated costs of the public information meeting, the electronic forum and the focus group;

TABLE #1

ITEM	DESCRIPTION	COST
Initial Public Meeting	Design, facilitation, refreshments	$1,000
Electronic Forum	Design and maintenance - infrastructure exists	Staff Time
Focus Group	Design, recruitment, facilitation, reporting	$5,000
TOTAL		$6,000

The estimated cost for the items outlined in Table 1 has been included in the 2004 Waste Management Operating Budget. The cost for conducting the 3-Stream communication and education program, including any future public education meetings, will be outlined in a future report.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS:

An effective waste management communication and education program will raise community awareness about waste management issues affecting Markham and help enhance Markham’s environmental leadership position by helping it reach its 60% waste diversion goal.

ENGAGE 21ST CONSIDERATIONS:

An effective waste management communication and education program helps ensure Markham’s position as a quality community with strong community awareness and involvement.

BUSINESS UNITS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:

The Corporate Communications Department will be consulted to advertise the above-noted public information meeting. The Information Technology Services Department will be consulted to develop the electronic waste management forum.

CONCLUSION:

A key component of introducing new waste management programs is the development of communication and education programs that engage the community. The public information meeting and focus groups discussions recommended in this report will help staff design and develop a waste management system, including 3-Stream collection that are fiscally responsible and publicly acceptable.

Stan Bertoia, P.Eng. General Manager of Construction and Utilities

Peter Loukes, P.Eng. Director, Operations and Asset Management

Jim Sales

Commissioner of Community and Fire Services

Q:\Envsrv\WASTE\Reports\2004\3-Stream Public Information Meetings.doc