Canada Post continues to get negative feedback from the District of Mission over its plan to eliminate home delivery in favour of community mailboxes.
Two weeks after meeting with Canada Post Corporation (CPC) officials, council has decided to send a letter to the federal government to express its “disappointment” with the manner Canada Post has enacted the proposed change.
Coun. Danny Plecas said the CPC officials had “difficulty responding” to the many questions asked of them by council and the public.
He said there was a clear indication that the corporation “fully intends to go ahead with the community mailbox service, and there wasn’t much doubt in my mind that they have no real intention to have any further consultation with the community.”
Plecas said he realizes that the change is going to happen, but felt council should at least express that they are not satisfied with the process of consultation.
“I don’t really expect that in the long run we are going to win out, but at least we can delay the process until such time that they come to their senses and understand the community should be heard first,” said Plecas.
The letter asks Canada Post to cease any further action until it engages in meaningful discussions with the district and residents, ensures the safety of the mail in the proposed community mailboxes, acknowledges cost implications for installing the new mailboxes, compensates the district for any costs and ensures home delivery continues for residents with disabilities.
Coun. Jenny Stevens, who has lost her vision, said it was important to ensure home delivery for people with disabilities. When she asked CPC about it, she was told that elderly or disabled citizens could have a neighbour or relative collect their mail. She said she didn’t want another person collecting her mail.
“That’s my right to maintain my privacy, just like everybody else,” she said.
Coun. Jim Hinds said the CPC representatives didn’t answer questions.
“I don’t think they intend to tell anybody anything. They are just going to implement it and too bad for you.”
The change in delivery is part of the corporation’s five-point plan to reduce operating costs by more than $700 million a year. About 7,700 homes in Mission already receive mail from a community mailbox (CMB), and the change will affect 6,100 addresses. When the conversion in completed later this year, close to 99 per cent of residents will be served by CMBs.
According to CPC officials, consultations are still underway. A toll free number, 1-844-454-3009, has also been set up to address concerns residents may have.