The Town of Ladysmith is inviting residents to weigh in on its large item disposal program following a curbside collection event this spring that drew both praise and frustration.
The annual service, often called Spring Clean-Up, is delivered by the town’s contractor Waste Connections. The program allows households to place bulky items such as couches, washers and stoves at the curb for pickup. This year’s collection took place April 22 to 28.
The online survey is open from Aug. 21 at 9 a.m. until Sept. 5 at 9 p.m. through Let’s Talk Ladysmith at letstalk.ladysmith.ca. Residents must create an account on the platform to participate.
Councillor Ray Gourlay introduced the motion at the May 6 Ladysmith council meeting. He said many residents raised concerns about the program. Items that should have been collected were sometimes missed, while some residents set out ineligible items that remained at the curb long after the service ended.
The town is now reviewing the program and is gathering public feedback to determine whether changes are needed or if the service should continue.
“A lot of people really want the program, but it also caused a lot of frustration,” Gourlay said. “Let’s hear from the community so that we can make an informed decision going forward.”
Councillor Marsh Stevens said the program has become difficult to manage, noting, “We’ve got an epidemic of putting everything out and hoping they pick it up.” He suggested the town pair a survey with more education about what items are eligible along with staff input on the program.
Town staff reported at a May 13 committee of the whole meeting that some residents felt forgotten when items were left at the curb, though the contractor did return to collect a few missed pieces. To address concerns, the town added a second round of collection. Staff also committed to bringing council options based on how other municipalities handle large item disposal.
Feedback collected will be presented to council and guide future decisions on whether to continue or revise the program.
“Spring Clean-Up provides residents with an opportunity to responsibly dispose of larger items that aren’t collected through regular curbside service,” said Nicholas Pescod, the town’s communications and engagement specialist. “We want to hear from the community about how the program is working and where it could be improved.”
