Dryden mayor 'very concerned' about Canada Post changes

About 2,000 residents in Dryden, Ontario are being notified that they're among the next in line to transition from door-to-door service, to community mailboxes. 

Dryden will be one of the first northern Ontario communities to make the change. The mailboxes are expected to start appearing in 2016, says Canada Post.

But the news isn't sitting well with the city's mayor.

"It's pretty well going to be rammed down our throat that we're going to get them whether you like it or not," said Craig Nuttall. 

Residents with postal codes starting with 'P8N' will be the first to make the change.

Canada Post is beginning the transition by asking them to complete a survey, to get their input on matters such as the location of the mailboxes. 

"I think a lot of people are going to say 'not in my backyard,'" said Nuttall.

'How are they going to get their mail?' 

Nuttall said the placement of the mailboxes, maintenance, and snow-clearing are among his biggest concerns. 

He's also worried about the impact on seniors, and those with limited mobility.

"I'm very concerned," he said. "How are they going to get their mail?"

"It's going to be difficult for them."

Nuttall said he plans to keep a close eye on what's happening in Hamilton, where the city and Canada Post are currently locked in a dispute over how much say local governments can have in the installment of the new community mailboxes.

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Canada Post promises 'smooth transition'

A spokesperson for Canada Post says the corporation is making every effort to consult with communities, and is encouraging municipalities and residents to come forward with their concerns.

Anik Losier added that residents with mobility issues will be accommodated.

"We have a team that's dedicated to their cases so that it can work directly with each individual in finding the best possible way to get the mail to them," she said.

Losier said the transition will happen slowly, over the span of 10 or 12 months, in order to ensure a smooth switchover.

"We know that ultimately this is a huge change for everybody and we want to make sure that we walk them through the process," she said.