Storm Cleanup Update: Thank You Ward 6

Following last week’s severe storm, I want to thank residents for their patience, kindness, and incredible community spirit as cleanup efforts continue across Ward 6 and throughout Newmarket.

I have received an update from Town staff that crews have already addressed more than 200 damaged trees on Town property across Ward 6. Crews continue to work through the remaining areas and will get to all impacted Town-owned trees as quickly and safely as possible.

The Town has also provided the following update regarding yard waste collection:

“We were notified today that GFL is prepared to handle additional volumes of yard waste during next week’s regular scheduled collection in Ward 6.

Residents are asked to set yard waste on the boulevard within acceptable yard waste size and weight dimensions to ensure the safety of collectors. This will also ensure that the work can get done in a timely manner and that collection will not be impacted by size and weight challenges.

Should GFL not be able to finish the yard waste collection, they will send trucks back to complete the work the following day.”

To help crews safely and efficiently collect the additional storm debris, residents are kindly reminded to follow the regular yard waste guidelines:

Please do not overfill yard waste containers.
Each container or bundle must not exceed 22 kg (50 lbs).

Accepted yard waste includes:

  • Leaves, shrubbery, brush and tree trimmings

  • Branches, twigs and cuttings that are:

    • Tied securely in bundles using jute or cotton twine (no metal or plastic)

    • Less than 1.2 m (4 ft.) long

    • Less than 0.6 m (2 ft.) wide

    • Individual branches less than 10 cm (4 in.) in diameter

Items that cannot be collected as yard waste include:

  • Grass clippings, thatch, rocks, stumps, dirt, soil, sod and root balls

  • Kitchen scraps or food waste

  • Flower pots/trays

  • Animal waste

  • Driveway or road sweepings

  • Painted or treated wood

  • Garbage

  • Loose branches, twigs and cuttings that are not securely bundled

  • Oversized branches that exceed the collection requirements

Trees on Private Property

Fallen trees and branches located on private property remain the responsibility of the homeowner.

To support residents following the storm, trees damaged by the storm that are considered hazardous may be removed without applying for a private tree permit. The Town is asking residents to provide information about any damaged trees removed so records can be maintained.

More information is available here:
https://bit.ly/4h0wI2m

Reporting Storm Damage on Town Property

If you notice fallen trees or large branches in parks, trails, boulevards, or other Town-owned areas, please report them:

Email: info@newmarket.ca
Phone: 905-895-5193 (press 3 for after-hours service)

A sincere thank you to our Town crews, contractors, GFL teams, and residents who have stepped up to support one another. From checking on neighbours to helping clear debris, Ward 6 has once again shown the incredible community spirit that makes Newmarket such a special place to call home.

with gratitude,

Kelly Broome
Councillor Ward 6

Kelly BroomeComment