Community Mailboxes: Protecting our Public Space - by Councillor Josh Matlow, seconded by Councillor Rachel Chernos Lin

After considerable pushback from residents and municipalities, the government reconsidered and cancelled the plan in 2018. Implementing these new boxes poses a lot of potential issues. The Toronto Star reported that between 2,500 and 11,000 boxes will be needed to replace home delivery. Further complicating matters is that Canada Post requires the boxes to be on concrete slabs and at least 9 metres from an intersection. It will be particularly challenging to even find enough possible locations in dense, older parts of the city. Importantly, the federal government must work with City staff to consider the aesthetic impacts on our neighbourhoods and practical concerns including accessibility, safety, traffic, litter collection, and snow clearing. That's why this motion provides new direction for Staff to engage Canada Post to ensure that Torontonians' needs are considered in the placement of Community Mailboxes should the federal government continue on this path. The accompanying recommendations are taken from PG 5.7, delivered to Planning and Growth Committee on June 3rd, 2015, with minor edits to reflect the current context. This motion is urgent in light of the recent announcement by the Federal Government that they are considering discontinuing Canada Post home mail delivery. Given the potential impacts on Torontonians, it is vital that the City start preparing for this potential outcome.

the specific timelines for implementation; c. the design options for community mailboxes being considered by Canada Post, including any modifications to the standard mailbox format; d. Canada Post's siting guidelines and performance standards for assessing site feasibility; e. a detailed communications plan to inform Toronto residents about the conversion to community mailboxes; and f. a plan for addressing barriers to accessing postal services, including social isolation, literacy, linguistic, cognitive and mobility barriers and ensuring equitable outcomes for all Torontonians. 2. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to offer to work with Canada Post to develop location, siting and design guidelines for community mailboxes, including delivery options for areas where community mailboxes are not feasible. 3. City Council request the City Manager to seek assurance from Canada Post that the City of Toronto will recover incremental costs for any staff services required to support the implementation and operation of community mailboxes in Toronto, which may include: a. community mailbox siting and installation; b. traffic management; c. snow clearing; and d. litter collection.