Community Mailboxes — How Safe is My Direct Mail?

Canada Post’s implementation of community mailboxes has come with a gust of direct mail concerns. In addition to accessibility complications (aforementioned in our “Community Mailboxes and Accessibility” blog entry), Canadian mail recipients are also voicing safety concerns.

How safe is my direct mail?

In a letter to the editor of durhamregion.com, Ajax resident Matt Tesluk shares his experience with community mailboxes:

“I have grown up knowing only the community mailbox system, and I can assure the writers that their concerns are completely unfounded. While it is true that there will be cars stopping in front of the mailboxes, there will not be “hundreds” as is suggested. Most people walk to the mailboxes, or stop at them when running errands. This means the traffic will be no higher in the area than it is now. The boxes will be on a sidewalk so there will be no danger to pedestrians in the area.”

Tesluk also writes that parcel delivery will continue securely, as parcels that require signatures will still be delivered to your home. If you are absent at the time of home delivery, the parcel will be delivered to the nearest post office, as per usual. For smaller parcels that do not require signatures, Tesluk explains:

“[Parcels] will be placed in one of the larger boxes in the CMB, and the key for that box will be placed in your box to use when you normally collect your mail. In reality, this means no more schlepping than a normal visit to the mailbox.”

Tesluk concludes that vandalism depends on the neighbourhood, as does any amount of crime. He assures that he has not seen more than a small, easily-cleanable tag in his 31 years. Community mailboxes promote neighbour-to-neighbour interaction and, according to Tesluk, will prove successful and secure when given a chance.

Read Matt Tesluk’s letter to the editor Opinion post here:
http://www.durhamregion.com/opinion-story/5272837-community-mailboxes-pose-no-threats/