If you have noticed any waste issues in the downtown area, the Town of Newmarket wants to hear about it.
The municipality is asking for public feedback on a strategy that will address changing waste needs in the downtown core and how those changes can be part of COVID-19 revitalization efforts.
“Over the years and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the type and quantity of waste being generated along Main Street has significantly changed,” the town said on a feedback website. “To address the evolving needs of effectively and efficiently manage waste in our downtown area, we are developing a comprehensive downtown waste management strategy.”
The municipality said the strategy will assess how much waste is being produced, identify if more of it can be diverted from landfills, recommend sustainability improvements and find ways to increase participation in municipal waste collection programs.
You can give your feedback and share ideas on a website the town has launched. It includes questions such as how to improve the downtown, how you use the area and future ideas you would like to be considered. The website features a map to provide site-specific suggestions.
“We want to learn more about how the downtown is used by our community in order to help us think of long-term solutions to managing waste in this area," the website states.
The municipality has recently made other efforts to change its waste management practices, including stopping the use of single-use plastics at its facilities and events.
The website also asks for feedback on downtown waste infrastructure, and the impact of COVID-19 in the downtown.
“COVID-19 has impacted our day-to-day lives, including waste generation and management," the town said. "Some of the changes brought on by the pandemic include an increase in the use of disposal packaging."
To provide your input, visit engage.mysocialpinpoint.ca/newmarket.
