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Ask us if we want garbage pickup?

The upcoming home show is again scheduled for May, with an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 visitors.

Editor, The News:

We could have garbage pickup and save money (Letters, March 13).

The upcoming home show is again scheduled for May, with an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 visitors.

In my presentation before to council in January, I suggested that, if the district is going to have a booth at the home show this year, this would be a perfect opportunity to conduct a free survey of taxpayers and collect factual information that could help gauge how the local citizens really feel about having an independent, district-wide garbage collection service.

I am confident there are at least a couple of councillors who would be willing to donate their time to conduct this survey and allow the people to decide if they want or do not want a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, independent garbage collection service.

Mayor Ernie Daykin has been quoted that a garbage collection service would cost taxpayers $275-$350 annually. But it doesn’t add up.

As a taxpayer, I would not vote in favor of a tax hike if the numbers are what Mr. Daykin is telling us. Nobody would.

Why is everything so inflated and cost more to do business in Maple Ridge than any other community around us?  In my presentation, I cross-referenced what the cost would approximately be to the taxpayers for an independent garbage collection service and the price point was considerably less than what Mayor Daykin is telling the citizens of Maple Ridge.

Not everyone is as diligent as the next person when it comes to recycling or garbage disposal. If council and staff feel there is no public interest in a district garbage collection service, then this proposed survey would give them a clear indication if what the taxpayers want.

Todd Oliver

Maple Ridge