To: Larry Dunn
President, CEO & Director
HarbourEdge Mortgage Investment Trust
ldunn@harbouredge.com
We, Abbecombec Ocean Village community members (lot owners and residents), are very concerned about the waste disposal (garbage) arrangement and its overall situation and are demanding that HarbourEdge Mortgage Investment Trust remedy this situation. This is a private, gated community that is currently managed by Harbour Edge Mortgage Investment Trust. The contact for our community with HarbourEdge is Alan Riddell, CPA, CGA.
There is a history of complaints which have been communicated to Mr. Riddell relating to the garbage system and residents have been asking for improvements to be made to the ongoing waste disposal situation within Abbecombec Ocean Village. To date, Mr. Riddell on behalf of HarbourEdge, has not been forthcoming to assist with a solution or to resolve the situation. Today, the garbage structure remains a priority for the residents, and we are asking through this electronic petition (see Appendix C) to have HarbourEdge take responsibility as the management company to resolve the grievances brought forth by the residents and improve the current system of waste disposal to support the overall well-being of the Community.
Our community has natural beauty and fresh resources that attract families to our area. We utilize the oceanfront, trails, and roads to walk, run, bike and enjoy with our children and pets. We want our community to maintain its beauty and the current circumstances related to our waste disposal framework is not in alignment with our community values.
The following outline our concerns with the garbage system in our community (see Appendix B for pictures):
The garbage bins are located on a private lot (see Appendix A) that is intended to be sold by HarbourEdge. HarbourEdge has suggested that the community purchase this lot for garbage disposal, however our community stance is that it is HarbourEdge’s responsibility to provide a location for garbage disposal. A community cannot exist without proper garbage facilities that are properly located and maintained. Community growth will place added pressure on garbage disposal, and it is imperative that the location fits with the community requirements. A community cannot exist without a garbage facility and HRM is unable to collect curbside. As the management structure, it is HarbourEdge’s responsibility to ensure there is appropriate waste disposal structures in place for the community.
As noted above, the current location may not be sustainable as it is a building lot. In addition, the proximity to the road and the fact that there are gates open for trucks and vehicles of all kinds to enter (construction, garbage, privately owned vehicles…), provides the opportunity for anyone to illegally dump at our private community. As a result, the community residents become responsible for garbage and waste that is not their own.
We cannot be responsible for what others illegally place in our garbage, nor should we have to be responsible for its clean up. The construction companies working within Abbecombec often use the location to dump construction waste. One such company is JonesCo who own lots and build within the subdivision. Any illegal dumping or dumping of waste that is not suitable for normal garbage collection creates issues for residents who have normal household waste to place in the bins. All the homes get water from wells and clean water is critical for our health and well-being. HarbourEdge has responsibility for any environmental issues that affect our community due to this current waste disposal problem.
The garbage is often overflowing within days of pick up. This is due to wind, animals, and the amount of waste put in the bins that shouldn’t be there. The blowing debris is strewn across the roadway, into the wooded area and is particularly difficult to pick up, clean up and manage when it is in the elements. The mess is unfathomable, and residents are left to clean it up. The residents do not accept responsibility for the poor, inappropriate and unsafe conditions that HarbourEdge has created for the community. It has become a cost and effort on the part of the residents. Residents should not have to spend free time cleaning up the garbage area. Instead, residents should be enjoying the natural surroundings the private community provides to them. Resident’s time nor the expenses are reimbursed by HarbourEdge.
Due to the overflow, unsafe environment and dirtiness, some residents have been forced to take their garbage to their places of work, a relative’s home or other locations to rid garbage that should be easily placed at our own facilities.
Many residents fear going to the garbage alone. Fear should not be a part of any community. It is dark early in the winter and the bins are not easy to access since they are not appropriately built or designed to be accessed for all people. The bins are old and worn and have had to be adjusted so animals cannot access them. Many people have been faced with animals inside the bins and bears being near the bins at the time of drop-off.
Residents are unable to comply with Halifax Regional Municipality by-laws to dispose of food waste properly as the bins are turned over and ravaged by animals. This leaves food waste everywhere for someone to clean up. Residents have been placing food waste in with garbage to dispose in a covered bin which is against HRM by-laws. Complaints regarding the current garbage system have been placed with HRM.
Proper garbage bins, food waste bins and a recycle area is required for our residents to safely dispose of garbage. It should be an area that is properly designed and accessible by only our residents and not by illegal dumpers or animals. Proper signage and a camera should be installed so that the system can be properly monitored and evaluated.
Our elderly residents and persons with disabilities have a very difficult time taking their garbage to the current set-up. A design that meets everyone’s requirements, with the appropriate entry and roadway to access, should exist.
When illegal dumpers and animals can access the garbage area, it is unsafe for our residents to comfortably dispose of garbage. HarbourEdge is leaving it up to ordinary citizens to monitor who dumps garbage and altercations can take place. Residents should not manage an unacceptable waste disposal system; it will likely lead to personal injury.
The gate and road leading to the gate from the garbage area is not part of the Abbecombec Ocean Village, and not controlled by the residents. That gate should not be open and accessible to the community. Residents want the main entrance widened so all vehicles must go through that area to enter the community. A telephone line must be installed so visitors must contact a homeowner to gain access through the main gate. This would ensure the current gate (to the garbage) is closed, locked, and not used by unauthorized persons/companies.
Residents demand that HarbourEdge provide the land and develop an appropriate community garbage disposal facility which includes fencing, signage and appropriate bins for its residents to access the garbage safely. HarbourEdge must ensure the garbage facility is appropriately maintained (road/snow), has a working camera and contains at least 3 garbage bins, 4 green bins and a recycling area.
Location of current garbage placement – PID 40558017
Pictures of garbage issues
Please Note:
Thanks. Contact me at stan@abbecombec.ca if you still have a problem.