The start of the program saw fewer calls than anticipated, therefore starting in August collection was offered twice a month to all collection zones, as opposed to once a month collection. Calls increased to an average of approximately 20 per week.

Following the flood clean up, bulk collection was re-instated. It seemed logical to expect the requests for bulk collection to decrease as many bulk items were collected during the flood clean up. However, following the re-instatement of the program on October 6th, 2017, calls remained on average at 20 per week.

Administration could find no opportunity for subsidy that could be applied to this service for low income earners. However, the program was set up so that any community partner wishing to assist a resident in need could do so by paying the user fee for any registered collection. Payment can be made through 311 or Community Care Centers.

Nonetheless, the fee for service has certainly been one of the more common complaints of the program. At the time the program was developed, many assumptions were made, such as; contractor costs, tipping fees and the expected use of the program. The budget for the program was established in 2017 as approved by Council based on Administrations preliminary assumptions and projections. All of the budget projections for the revenue and expenses associated with the program have proven to be higher than actuals and in fact, the overall net budget of $37,000 that was approved by City Council to fund the program is actually showing a surplus of approximately $30,000 as at Oct 31/17.

As a result, Administration has included a 2018 Budget submission to adjust the bulk collection program budget (2018-0146: Residential Bulk Collection Program Budget Adjustment) to be more reflective of expected actual results. The adjustment recommended by Administration includes a reduction of the user fee from $20 per item to $10 per item. The loss in revenue created by the reduced user fee would be offset by a surplus in contracted service and tipping fee costs. There is no budgetary impact to the reduced user fee overall. This budget issue reducing the user fee from $20 to $10 is being recommended by Administration in the 2018 Operating Budget.

Alternatively, Council retains the option to eliminate the program completely as included in 2018 budget submission 2018-0144, Elimination of Residential Bulk Collection Program. Although the initial uptake of the program has been much less than anticipated, Administration cautions that the data available for the 2018 budget development options is reflective of only 5 months of operation and is not sufficient to draw conclusions on the success of the program. Therefore, while this budget issue is presented, it is not being recommended in the 2018 Operating Budget by Administration.

Risk Analysis:

There is a significant risk that should the user fee not be adjusted, the program will result in a surplus, and the participation will remain low. This could result in minimal impact on illegal dumping.