Frequently Asked Questions

Mike Del Grande
Councillor Ward 39

GARBAGE & RECYCLING

Q: What are the sizes and costs for Blue Recycling & Gray Garbage bins?

A: For Gray Garbage Bin: http://www.toronto.ca/garbage/single/bins_garbagebinsizes.htm

For Blue Recycling Bin: http://www.toronto.ca/garbage/single/bins_bluebinsizes.htm

If you have extra garbage, you can purchase garbage tags. Each tag costs $3.10 and are sold bundles of five at your local Canadian Tire store in the City.

Q: If my bins are damaged, how can I get a new one?

A: For damaged Gray Garbage or Blue Recycling bins, please call 311 or report online at www.toronto.ca/311 for a replacement.

For damaged Green Bins, residents can get a free replacement at the Scarborough Transfer Station at 1 Transfer Place (SW corner of Markham Road & Nugget Avenue), Tuesday to Friday, 6:00am to 5:30pm and Saturday 6:00am to 12:30pm. New residents are eligible for one free Green Bin if they don't have one (proof of residency within 90 days required). You can also purchase Green Bins at Home Hardware stores, Transfer Stations or at a Community Environment Day event across the City of Toronto.

Q: Where can I drop off large quantities of garbage/waste and hazardous materials?

A: The nearest transfer station is located at 3350 Victoria Park Avenue (south of McNicoll Avenue). You can drop off garbage, recyclables, household hazardous waste, computers and tires. Please consult http://www.toronto.ca/garbage/depots.htm for more information.

NEIGHBOURS

Q: What can I do about a noisy neighbour?

A: According to Chapter 591 of the Municipal Code, (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/municode/1184_591.pdf) loud noise of any kind is prohibited (i.e. loud radios, construction noise, etc.) If you are unable to resolve the matter by talking with your neighbour, contact my office. The City will issue the offending homeowner with a notice advising them of the by-law and requesting their compliance. If the noise continues, the City may pursue legal action in Provincial Offences Court.

Q: My neighbour doesn't maintain the property, what can I do?

A: According to the City's Property Standards By-laws (Municipal Code Chapter 629, http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/municode/1184_629.pdf), all homes must meet minimum standards for safety and tidiness. If a homeowner does not properly maintain his/her property, the City will send a Property Standards Investigator to the home to document infractions. The homeowner will be sent a notice requiring them to make the necessary repairs by a set date. If the homeowner fails to comply, the City may initiate legal action through Provincial Offences Court. Some common by-law infractions include:

Unfinished exterior woodwork and peeling paint
garbage and debris scattered around the property
Broken windows and doors
Dilapidated cars being stored on the property
Long grass and noxious weeds (over 8 inches)

PARKING

Q: How long can I park on the street if there are no signs posted?

A: In the City of Toronto, a three-hour limit exists on public roads where no other parking regulations are posted. Please note that boulevard parking is not allowed.

Q: I am having my driveway paved. Can I park on the street for a few days?

A: The Parking Enforcement Unit of Toronto Police Services, does allow for short duration parking consideration. Residents should contact Parking Enforcement Unit at 416-808-6500 in advance of parking on the road and request that they not receive tickets for the duration while parking on the street.

Q: How can I pay for or appeal a parking ticket?

A: Payment, appeal options and locations are listed on the back of the ticket. For information on outstanding traffic tickets, please call 416-397-TAGS (8247). For full information visit: http://www.toronto.ca/parkingtickets/index.htm

Q: Can I widen and pave my driveway to create extra parking for my family members?

A: The City has a by-law that permits your drive-way to be as wide as your garage (http://www.toronto.ca/zoning/frontyard.htm). The aim is to prevent the wholesale elimination of green space from our residential communities. If Municipal Licensing and Standards staff find evidence that you are parking anywhere in your front yard other than on the legal portion of your driveway, you will receive a Notice of Violation advising you to stop and delineate your driveway from the illegally widened portion or risk repeated fines.

PROPERTY

Q: My basement has flooded because the sewer backed up. Where can I call?

A: Here are the four steps to follow in the event of a flooded basement:

Call 311 immediately, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Call your insurance company as soon as possible and report property damage caused by the flooding.
Be mindful of health and safety when cleaning up your flooded basement.
Consider getting help with flooding clean up. Look in the Yellow Pages under ‘Water Damage Restoration’.
Please consult http://www.toronto.ca/water/sewers/basement_flooding.htm for more information

Q: Do I need permission to cut down a tree on my property?

A: The City's "Private Tree By-law" regulates injury or removal of privately owned trees which measure 30 cm in diameter or more as measured at 1.4 m above ground level. It is unlawful to injure or destroy such trees without first obtaining a permit from Urban Forestry.

Visit: http://www.toronto.ca/trees/private_trees.htm

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