October 11, 2000

City asks homeowners to cooperate
in Fall leaves clean-up

During the current labour dispute, the City of Vancouver is asking for the assistance and cooperation of Vancouver homeowners and residents to help clear the fallen leaves from catchbasins and street gutters.

"At this time of year leaves are falling from the many trees that line Vancouver streets. Leaf removal is normally a major undertaking for the City’s Engineering Services Department," noted Dave Rudberg, General Manager of Engineering. "Unfortunately, during the current strike, the City does not have the staff available to clean up the leaves. In the event of rain, this could lead to a serious flooding problem as the fallen leaves collect in the street gutters and block drains."

To minimize problems, the City is asking homeowners to help out by doing the following:

· Clear the gutters and drains on your street regularly by raking any accumulation of leaves up onto the boulevard (i.e., the area between the curb and the sidewalk).

· In case of heavy rain, clear the gutters and drains again since water running off the street will carry more leaves into the gutters.

· Do not rake leaves from the boulevard or from your own property onto the street. Leaves should be collected and composted on site or bagged for later pick-up using large, clear plastic bags or kraft paper bags. These bags are available at most local nursery, hardware, grocery and drug stores.

Leaves left on the street can also cause slippery driving conditions in wet weather. The City advises extra caution for motorists when driving in these conditions.

Once the labour dispute is resolved, information on the resumption of yard trimmings collection and leaf clearing programs will be posted on the City’s Web site.

Meanwhile, if water does not drain through your street catchbasin even after all leaves have been cleared, please call the City of Vancouver at 323-7650 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, and 606-2676 after hours and weekends.

 

For more information contact: Catherine Clement, 873-7270

 

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(c) 2000 City of Vancouver