Christmas may still be months away, but Region of Waterloo councillors are already looking at big changes to how real trees are handled once the holiday season wraps up. On Tuesday the Sustainability, Infrastructure, and Development Committee voted 13 to 1 to scrap the usual curbside Christmas tree collection, opting instead to transition to a charity donation-based pickup model. The move aims to trim significant municipal costs. The Region of Waterloo currently spends $540,000 every year to collect natural trees, even though participation has dropped to less than three per cent of local households - roughly 3,900 trees total, according to a staff report. “How is about 3,900 trees costing us $540,000 a year?” asked Regional Coun. Natasha Salonen during the debate. Despite the high cost per tree, the decision was not made without pushback from councillors. “We’re also saying to the public, ‘we’re taking this service away from you. You’re going to have to figure it out or pay for it, and we’re also raising your taxes’,” said Regional Coun. Doug Craig. Regional Coun. Jan Liggett echoed those concerns, adding that fewer real trees could shift community habits. “Kids are going to grow up with the artificial trees, and they’re going to think that that’s the way to go... We just keep losing our traditions, and I’m very uncomfortable with that,” said Liggett. To fill the gap, the region is modeling its new strategy after Guelph’s successful Trees for Tots program, run by the Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington. “We didn’t just throw a dart at a blank sheet of paper to come up with this. There actually is a model that works,” said Regional Chair Karen Redman. In Guelph’s model, volunteers collect trees directly from curbs in exchange for a donation. Residents give what they can and the city initiative usually collects from $5 up to $500. “Since 2013, when the event began, this year we’re projected to raise $1 million,” said Jodi Carreiro of Trees for Tots. Amanda Kavchak from the organization added that the event “raises a lot of critical funds for children and gives back to the community,” with collected trees chipped and reused in local trail projects. The region plans to partner with the Family and Children’s Services Foundation to replicate the charity framework. “It is part of that circular economy,” said Regional Coun. Colleen James. “At a time when we know non-profits and charities are struggling, how we can partner is critical for their future sustainability as well.” For residents who choose not to donate to the charity pickup, alternative free options will remain available. “You would have the option of calling the foundation, you would have the option of putting it out on the bulk item day, or you could drop it off at the landfill site,” said Darshpreet Bhatti, Chief Administrative Officer for the Region of Waterloo. While staff have not set an official suggested donation amount for Waterloo Region yet, Guelph’s program uses a $15 baseline while remaining flexible for residents unable to pay. “In my opinion, it’s a win for everybody,” said Regional Coun. Sue Foxton. The committee’s recommendation will go before full regional council for a final vote on Sept. 23. If passed, the new charity partnership could take effect in the upcoming holiday season.
