Some local property owners complain they’re being forced to clean up after others, as trash they didn’t create is repeatedly dumped on their properties.

For several weeks, that’s been the case at Holy Ghost Fraternal Aid Society (1230 Main St.), according to two people who spoke on behalf of the organization.

Mike, who did not want his last name published, said Holy Ghost at one point received a City of Winnipeg order to clean up its property due to an abundance of trash dumped around its bins.

It now pays to have its garbage picked up two or three times a month, instead of just once per month, to keep up with the cleanup, he said. “It’s at our cost, so we are basically asked to remove everybody’s garbage at our expense, which is very unfair.”

He said the organization, which offers bingo nights and hall rentals while also doing charity work, has repeatedly had outside garbage dumped on top of or beside its locked garbage and recycling bins.

There’s no clear proof on who is to blame, he noted, adding, however, multiple nearby businesses don’t appear to have their own trash collection bins onsite.

“If you have a business with no bin… are they taking every single piece of garbage away from there by car? I doubt it.”

Cindy, who also did not want her last name published, said Holy Ghost members are frustrated to see others’ trash piling up on a routine basis, which has drawn complaints from neighbours.

“We’re cleaning up everyone else’s garbage… It just is not a fair shake.”

Both argue the city should be able to ensure garbage service standards are met at all businesses — such as requiring trash containers and a minimum level of garbage collection at each site.

Dumping was highlighted as a major concern in the same area in early January, when a large pile of rubbish appeared at a dumpster behind an apartment block at 270 St. John’s Ave. (next to Holy Ghost’s parking lot). The debris sparked multiple media reports, with one resident labelling it a “trash volcano,” as garbage spilled into a back alley and nearby street.

Cindy said that site was cleaned up shortly after the media reports and its garbage bins appear to also have been removed around that point.

Since then, dumping around Holy Ghost’s bins has become much more frequent, she added.

In Winnipeg, businesses have the options to sign up for some city garbage hauling service, depending on the volume of trash they produce, or hire private companies to collect waste, according to the city’s website.

One effort to address the dumping concern is now underway at city hall.

At Monday’s water and waste committee meeting, Coun. Ross Eadie (Mynarski) shepherded a successful motion to have city staff report on proactively inspecting businesses to ensure they have adequate solid waste collection service and appropriate trash containers.

Eadie said multiple businesses in and around Main Street have complained they’ve also fallen victim to dumping from other commercial operations.

“It’s illegal under… the solid waste bylaw, for one entity to take their garbage and dump it into another entity… but you have to have proof (to actually penalize the culprits)… (Some businesses appear) to be doing things that are a violation,” he said.

The councillor said a city order on how best to handle garbage may be enough to ensure more businesses properly dispose of their trash. “At the very least, if we (are) proactive, they can be educated… You have to have garbage service.”

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During the meeting, city officials told councillors inspectors will check on properties of concern while the report is being prepared. The city already frequently inspects some downtown areas where dumping has been previously reported, said Michael Gordichuk, Winnipeg manager of solid waste.

“There have been reports of garbage outside the bins because the bins are full. So we do try to keep an eye on a number of those properties,” said Gordichuk.

The report is due in June.

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @joyanne_pursaga

Joyanne Pursaga
Reporter

Born and raised in Winnipeg, Joyanne loves to tell the stories of this city, especially when politics is involved. Joyanne became the city hall reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press in early 2020.

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