Toronto city manager Chris Murray says hopefully it never happens, but in the case of a strike by indoor and outdoor staff, he wants the public to know the city's contingency plan is out.
Detailing what services will continue and which will be suspended Thursday, Murray said while it's not engaging in hiring scab labour, it should have enough staff for all the services it wants to continue.
"More than anything else we want to be very transparent of where we're at," he said. "We've been working on that plan for some time."
A possible strike could begin as of 12:01 a.m. next Thursday.
Emergency services will not be impacted.
Some of the biggest impacts will include:
• Suspension of garbage, recycling and organics collection east of Yonge Street, as well as parks and litter bins (possible delays west of Yonge.
• Closure and cancellation of programming and event permits at all City recreation centres, greenhouses and conservatories, pools, arenas and outdoor ice rinks, fitness centres and ski hills
• Limited access to civic centres including Metro Hall and City Hall
• Suspension of non-emergency Toronto Animal Services operations, and reduced animal shelter locations and hours
• Suspension or longer wait times for many City administrative services.
For garbage, the city will have seven transfer locations set up:
24/7
Bermondsey, 188 Bermondsey Rd.
Ingram, 50 Ingram Dr.
7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily:
Commissioners, 400 Commissioners St.
Disco, 120 Disco Rd.
Dufferin, 35 Vanley Cres.
Scarborough, 1 Transfer Place
Victoria Park, 3350 Victoria Park Ave.
In the case of a prolonged strike, 11 temporary sites will also be set up.
The effect on civic centres will also mean that council meetings will be suspended.
One of the unique effects of this year's strike is that parents and families have been utilizing recreational programs during ongoing teachers strikes.
Jamie Romoff, general manager of Parks, Forestry and Recreation, said unfortunately all recreation centres will be closed, but some programs will continue where they run through TDSB and TCDSB schools.
"We'll be offering as many programs as we can through those locations," she said.