Could Weekly Garbage Pickup Help Reduce Minnow Lake's Rat Problem and Prevent a Public Health Crisis? Full podcast: https://lovethenorth.ca/article/261019-mcintosh-mayor-fixing-sudbury-garbage Rats in backyards, garbage piling up, and residents concerned about what could happen as the problem spreads. Is Greater Sudbury's every-other-week garbage collection contributing to the problem? In this episode of Love the North, mayoral candidate Michael McIntosh explains why restoring weekly garbage pickup is one of the main reasons he entered the mayoral race. McIntosh points to the growing rat concerns in Minnow Lake and questions whether leaving household garbage sitting for up to two weeks is creating unnecessary risks. Rats are attracted to accessible food, water and shelter. Improperly stored household garbage can provide a food source, allowing rodents to thrive near homes and businesses. More frequent garbage collection could reduce the time waste sits on properties, particularly for seniors, apartment residents and families without secure storage space. But would weekly pickup actually reduce the rat population? Greater Sudbury already collects food scraps through its weekly Green Cart program. Properly securing garbage, removing food sources, maintaining properties and addressing existing infestations are also essential. McIntosh argues that reliable garbage collection isn't simply about convenience. It's about cleanliness, quality of life, public health and the impression our city makes on residents, visitors and potential investors. The question is whether the potential benefits of weekly collection justify the additional municipal cost, and how much it would contribute to controlling the infestation. Should Greater Sudbury reconsider its garbage collection schedule as part of a broader rat prevention strategy? #LoveTheNorth #GreaterSudbury #MinnowLake #RatInfestation #GarbageCollection #PublicHeath