Occupation of Canada Post proposed mailbox sites in London begins

For Immediate Release Canada Post reneges on Commitment to City Council and Londoners by greenlighting the installation of SSMBs (Self-Serve Mailboxes) -- members of the grassroots organisation Londoners4door2door are Occupying an SSMB site at Cavendish near Wharncliffe.

Despite a public promise by manager Andrew Paterson not to install SSMBs until there is a report back to City Council, Canada Post has given the go-ahead to sub-contractors installing SSMBs in the Kensington neighbourhood of London (including Cavendish, Wyatt, Walnut and Forward ave.). This in spite of widespread concern from thousands of London citizens, who unable to get help from Conservative MPs Susan Truppe and Ed Holder, have petitioned the city of London to make their concerns heard.

There have been serious issues with SSMBs across Canada and the sites in London show evidence of the same hurried implementation without regard for citizens concerns about safety, resulting in the installation of SSMBs in unsafe locations -- such as directly across from driveways and in no parking zones. "Just yesterday we spoke with a man whose mother is a senior and she is very anxious about having to go to collect her mail. We spoke with other Londoners who are very unhappy with Canada Post and want to retain door to door mail delivery," states Wendy Goldsmith with Londoners4door2door. "One of the new sites in Whitehills is located on a bus route, which adds to the traffic hazards." "Cavendish and the Forward Ave. area has been canvassed by Londoners4door2door since January of this year and residents are very supportive of keeping their door to door mail delivery," says David Heap. "Canada Post has failed to show due diligence regarding the locations of the sites. We are committed to defending our community spaces against this corporate steamroller." Municpal ratepayers are also concerned that that Canada Post does not pay for the massive cost downloads resulting from SSMBs such as litter and snow removal, and does not provide sound accommodations for seniors and others with mobility issues. Londoners4door2door, currently occupying a site at Cavendish near Wharncliffe, is demanding due process from MPs and Canada Post. We expect to be protecting more community spaces starting tomorrow (Friday) morning, if you can help please contact us ASAP: Wendy Goldsmith 519-281-3978 David Heap 519-859-3579