Video catches worker blowing garbage into street in east end Montreal neighbourhood
Social media is awash with criticism after a video showing a worker blowing garbage into the street was shared on Facebook.
The video was taken by a resident in the Tétreaultville neighbourhood in Montreal's east end Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough on Thursday morning.
In the video, a worker is seen using his sidewalk blower to propel bags of recycling, which had been put out by residents for their weekly pick-up, into Hochelaga Street.
The video has caused outrage on the neighbourhood's local Facebook group, with some calling the incident "a disgrace."
"This way of doing things is discouraging and sends a very bad message to citizens who respect the collection schedule only to see their garbage bags ripped open by clean-up crews," said Julien Hénault-Ratelle, city councillor for Tétreaultville on behalf of official opposition party Ensemble Montréal. "It's a reflection of the mediocre level of cleanliness services offered to Montrealers by Projet Montréal."
Nevertheless, borough officials are calling it an "isolated error," according to Noovo Info.
The borough says it has called the private contractor, Groupe Banco, who employs the worker.
"[The contractor] confirms that this was an isolated error on the part of the operator, who did not properly adjust the engine speed of his machine and made a mistake in planning his route," the borough told Noovo Info by e-mail.
The borough says it will also remind its sub-contractors that sidewalk blowers must not be used on collection days.
Clean-up operations normally happen when curbside parking is prohibited to limit the risk of vehicle damage.
Residents who notice any discrepancies are invited to contact 311 or use the Montreal Resident Services application to file a report.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Judge in Trump's hush money trial threatened to throw witness out of court for behavior on stand
Michael Cohen testified Monday that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from his ex-boss Donald Trump’s company, an admission defence lawyers hope to use to undermine Cohen’s credibility.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
McGill says pro-Palestinian protest outside senior administrator's home 'crosses the line'
McGill University has denounced a pro-Palestinian protest held Sunday outside the home of one of its senior administrators.
Red Lobster probes 'endless shrimp' losses after bankruptcy filing
U.S.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Florida court after securing $100 million in financing commitments from its existing lenders, the company said on Sunday.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
Microsoft's AI chatbot will 'recall' everything you do on a PC
Microsoft wants laptop users to get so comfortable with its artificial intelligence chatbot that it will remember everything you're doing on your computer and help figure out what you want to do next.
Judge cites error, will reopen sentencing hearing for man who attacked Nancy Pelosi's husband
A federal judge will reopen the sentencing hearing for the man who broke into Nancy Pelosi's San Francisco home and bludgeoned her husband with a hammer after the judge failed to allow him to speak during his court appearance last week.
Woman, 35, in critical condition after her truck collided with a Via Rail train near Montreal
A 35-year-old woman is in critical condition after the pick-up truck she was driving was struck by a Via Rail passenger train Monday morning in Quebec's Monteregie region.