Homeowner’s rights “violated” by community mailbox placement

April 29, 2015 · 0 Comments

A few weeks ago, a representative from Canada Post interrupted my evening meal to hand me a pamphlet outlining the location of my new Community Mailbox (CMB).
Imagine my shock when he showed me a picture of my own front lawn, just metres from my front door. I immediately objected, telling him that I had not been consulted, but months later, it has become clear to me that Canada Post simply does not care.
After making numerous calls to both Canada Post and the Town of Aurora, it is clear that I am on my own in fighting the placement of this mailbox.
My first call was to the Town, hoping to receive some guidance on how to stop this CMB from being built.
I was told, rather curtly, by the By-law department, that along the road is the Town’s property and that they have no say in the location Canada Post chooses for these boxes.
When I called Canada Post, they told me that the municipality had approved all sites. Both organizations placed blame on the other and passed responsibility—which leaves me on my own.
It is interesting to me to see that, while other cities and Municipalities across Canada have passed by-laws in order to gain control over this process, Aurora has decided to let its citizens sort this out on their own.
The site chosen for this CMB is on the opposite side from the sidewalk, making it inaccessible for anyone with disabilities.
In every way this site is both inappropriate and dangerous, not to mention offensively close to my driveway. In speaking with my neighbours it is clear that Canada Post is the only supporter of this mailbox—there were no consultations with those directly affected.
I am frustrated and upset by this decision and I know that if I do not act quickly, I will come home soon to see this monstrosity on my front lawn.
I hope and pray that Aurora Council acts on this matter and on behalf of its taxpayers, to represent those of us who feel our rights as homeowners are being violated.

Susan Joseph
Aurora