Waste management in Smiths Falls is projected to go up over 20% next year.
Staff recommended council extend their existing contracts with Glenview Iron and Metal for 2026 with the rate increases.
Director of Public Works & Utilities Paul McMunn warned of the tender process some councillors floated to try and find a cheaper alternative.
Councillor Chris McGuire questioned that reasoning.
McGuire did acknowledge there’s little time for the tender process for this year as the contract starts January 1st, so for continuity of services GIM makes sense.
McMunn and his staff feel strongly this is the most cost effective option and is on par with increases in other municipalities.
GIM charges a per-stop fee which is $5.17 in 2025, increasing to $6.39 in 2026. The disposal fee per tonne is also increasing by $10 in 2026 to $138.
In his report, McMunn wrote there’s 4,251 stops for residential garbage collection, and the disposal tipping fees at the Moose Creek landfill increased by 14% last year, which up until the end of this year, GIM has been eating on their end.
As a dollar figure, the projected overall budget increase, which includes commercial business collection, is $163,852.56 – 20.63% more than 2025, but when factoring in bag tag sales and other cost recovery, the increase could be reduced to 9.3%.
The town’s been with GIM since 2014, and Councillor Jay Brennan attested to their service.
The recommendation was later brought to council later in the night and passed, with McGuire the lone opponent.
Story by Grant Deme