BRAMPTON – The City of Brampton's Works and Transportation Department will begin its annual Leaf Vacuum Program on Monday, Oct. 16, running until Friday, Dec. 8, weather permitting.

This service, in partnership with the Region of Peel, is provided to residential neighbourhoods 30 years or older with a high volume of leaves.During the collection period, crews will vacuum leaves a minimum of three times. The leaf vacuum schedule may vary depending on the weather and quantity of leaves in your area.

To inform residents the Leaf Vacuum Program is coming their way, City staff will place signs at key entrances into qualifying residential neighbourhhoods. Leaf vacuum updates will be posted on the City's website at www.brampton.ca/roadworks. For more information, residents may also contact the Works and Transportation Department at 905-874-2500.

To ensure the efficient collection of leaves, please take the time to rake only leaves to the boulevard near the curb, not wood, rocks, brush or brick. Residents should also keep leaves away from trees, street signs, fire hydrants, catch basins and other obstacles, such as electrical boxes. Residents are also requested to park vehicles in their driveway during the collection period.

"This year's program has been expanded to meet the needs of the City, said City Councillor Bob Callahan, Chair of the City's Works and Transportation Committee. "All homes on City streets, 30 years and older, will now receive the service."

Leaves may also be placed back from the curb in open, rigid, reusable containers, bushel baskets or paper yard waste bags for pick up by the Region of Peel on your regular weekly waste collection day. Residents are reminded not to use plastic bags or recycling boxes.

The Region of Peel's Yard Waste Program ends Friday, Dec.1, 2006. Following this date, bagged leaves must be dropped off at one of the Region's Community Recycling Centres. A drop-off fee will apply. For further information, contact the Region of Peel's WASTELINE at 905-791-9499 or visit www.region.peel.on.ca/pw/waste.