London City Council calls on Canada Post to halt mailbox installation

From the Report from the Strategic Priorities and Policy, on the agenda for the July 28 City Council meeting:

5. Proposed Implementation of Community Mailboxes by Canada Post

That the following actions be taken with respect to the Canada Post Community Mail Box Program:

a) Canada Post BE REQUESTED to delay further implementation of Community Mailboxes in the City of London until such time as a satisfactory response to the matters referenced in b), c) and d), below, has been received by the Municipal Council:

b) as Canada Post has not had an opportunity to report back to the Municipal Council with respect to the public consultation process undertaken prior to the installation of the community mail boxes being commenced and the need to provide a mechanism for members of the public to express safety concerns with respect to the installation, the Civic Administration BE REQUESTED to advise the Ward Councillors of any safety and operational concerns raised with respect to the proposed location of a community mail box resulting from the submission of an application for a Permit for Approved Works (PAWS); it being noted that Ward Councillors will advise the Civic Administration of any concerns that have come to their attention from members of the public with respect to the location of a community mail box;

c) the Civic Administration BE REQUESTED to make the list of locations submitted through the Permit for Approved Works process available to the public, subject to meeting the requirements of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act;

d) the Civic Administration BE REQUESTED to report back with respect to an Agreement with Canada Post to formalize responsibilities as follows:

 installation of the new Community Mailboxes to be done entirely at Canada Post’s expense;

 Canada Post to be fully responsible for maintenance including snow-clearing and graffiti-removal. Litter pick up would not be provided by Canada Post, however actions would be undertaken such as the distribution of “good-customer” letters encouraging good behaviours where concerns arise;

 Canada Post would not require the City of London to provide lighting nor would the City of London be installing lighting;

 sidewalk locations would be preferred but it is anticipated that this will not be possible within many existing neighbourhoods. Where street-facing Community Mailboxes are necessary, accessible curb cuts would be constructed at the cost of Canada Post;

e) the communication dated June 16, 2015 from Karen D., expressing concern with the Community Mailbox Program, BE RECEIVED.

Motion Passed

YEAS: M. Brown, M. van Holst, B. Armstrong, M. Salih, M. Cassidy, P. Squire, J. Morgan, P. Hubert, A. Hopkins, V. Ridley, H.L. Usher, T. Park, J. Zaifman (13)

Passed unanimously, 13-0.