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LETTER: Decision on waste collection will hurt small businesses

Our small businesses here in Guelph need help as many have struggled throughout the pandemic, says letter writer
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GuelphToday received the following letter about the city's decision to stop collecting garbage from many churches and small businesses.

The decision made by our municipal government regarding waste collection for small businesses seems unnecessary and detrimental to these groups.

These small businesses were disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic compared to larger stores in the area. The resurgence of these small businesses should be assisted by the municipal government. The $5 million liability insurance that owners would need to continue with regular municipal garbage disposal seems unnecessary and unjust. As pointed out in the article by Carl Visser, the garbagemen never step on the actual property of the owner as the garbage is placed on the curb for pickup.

The alternative option for these businesses would be to keep a dumpster on the property; this option, however, comes with flaws. These small businesses have limited land area for a dumpster and would require multiple in order to properly sort their waste. Not to mention the additional cost and unsightliness of these dumpsters could potentially harm the businesses in question.

Our small businesses here in Guelph need help as many have struggled throughout the pandemic. The decisions made by our municipal government should be beneficial towards these groups.

Kyle Emslie
Guelph