Ward 1 neighbourhoods are beautiful. But residents can help see more attention is given to the damaged cable boxes, graffiti and litter.
Cleaning up is pretty easy when people tune in and speak up.
I'm not sure why there are so many broken cable boxes... here are just a couple pictures of ones I called in to Service Oshawa recently. I wrote asking for clarification on the process because in 2020 Council approved changes to the Boulevard By-law.
See copy of motion below and note that City staff were to direct the Utility Service Providers to initiate a proactive approach that would ensure they maintain their utility pedestals and plants, including dealing with graffiti, damage and vandalism.
City Operations staff were were to initiate a proactive patrol to identify damaged utility fixtures on the boulevard and report issues to the applicable agencies for resolution and if not resolved, engage with Municipal Law Enforcement for the issuance of Administrative Monetary Penalties.
Here's staff's reply, indicating the process they follow:
I then asked for a tracking of the number of complaints from residents and the number of unresolved complaints that MLE has issued AMPs and what is the charge to the Utility Service Providers for failure to follow up? I will try and report back when I receive this information.
To raise awareness, this post is to point out that residents can and should be reporting broken or leaning cable boxes and graffiti too to Service Oshawa. Simply dial 905 436-3311 and ask for Service Oshawa, or email service@oshawa.ca.
About debris, when putting up my campaign signs, over the weekend of Sept 24 and 25 -one month before election day - it was surprising how much litter there was, especially around the bus stops on Grandview St N. and Coldstream around Ritson and also around Walmart, as well as by numerous Community Mail Boxes. I picked up enough to fill 3 large black garbage bags. I just could not install any of my election signs and ignore the litter around. It is something some may be oblivious to. But for those who see it and clean it up on their walks around the neighbourhood, I want to give you a big THANK YOU!
Cleaning up is pretty easy when people tune in and speak up.
I'm not sure why there are so many broken cable boxes... here are just a couple pictures of ones I called in to Service Oshawa recently. I wrote asking for clarification on the process because in 2020 Council approved changes to the Boulevard By-law.
See copy of motion below and note that City staff were to direct the Utility Service Providers to initiate a proactive approach that would ensure they maintain their utility pedestals and plants, including dealing with graffiti, damage and vandalism.
City Operations staff were were to initiate a proactive patrol to identify damaged utility fixtures on the boulevard and report issues to the applicable agencies for resolution and if not resolved, engage with Municipal Law Enforcement for the issuance of Administrative Monetary Penalties.
Here's staff's reply, indicating the process they follow:
- Service Oshawa sends a service request to Roads Patrol in Operations to investigate, identify utility company ownership and then forwards the issue to the utility company for their action.
- Each quarter, Roads Patrol Technicians inspect/audit all utility boxes within the road allowance. All damages are recorded and then a comprehensive list is sent to the applicable utility company for their action to repair as per the boulevard by-law.
- When Roads Patrol completes their next quarter inspection/audit and comes across a box (still not repaired that was identified in the previous audit) that location is sent to MLE to issue an AMP (administrative monetary penalty) and/or an order to comply.
I then asked for a tracking of the number of complaints from residents and the number of unresolved complaints that MLE has issued AMPs and what is the charge to the Utility Service Providers for failure to follow up? I will try and report back when I receive this information.
To raise awareness, this post is to point out that residents can and should be reporting broken or leaning cable boxes and graffiti too to Service Oshawa. Simply dial 905 436-3311 and ask for Service Oshawa, or email service@oshawa.ca.
About debris, when putting up my campaign signs, over the weekend of Sept 24 and 25 -one month before election day - it was surprising how much litter there was, especially around the bus stops on Grandview St N. and Coldstream around Ritson and also around Walmart, as well as by numerous Community Mail Boxes. I picked up enough to fill 3 large black garbage bags. I just could not install any of my election signs and ignore the litter around. It is something some may be oblivious to. But for those who see it and clean it up on their walks around the neighbourhood, I want to give you a big THANK YOU!
