Community Clean Up Puts Trash In The Bag

A good turnout of volunteers with lots of enthusiasm to go out and get the job done is being credited with the success of last Sunday’s Community Cleanup.

Put on by the Community Clean Up Committee about 100 volunteers went out and picked up litter and garbage from various areas of the city.

“We had groups picking up all over towns,” committe chair Councillor Kim Robinson said about the event., adding “we had Moose Jaw Bobcat out with their 14 foot dump trailer picking up litter collected all over the city and it was heaping. I am happy about the amount of litter picked up.”

Moose Jaw Bobcat picking up litter bags volunteers filled in the Wakamow Valley - City of Moose Jaw photo

On the weather side Councillor Robinson said there was some worry about the potential of cancelling the event because of the heavy rains in the week leading up to the event.

“It wasn’t raining and there was a bit of sun out there. I am pleased with the turnout,” he said.

The age range of people who came out and pitched in to clean up ranged from six years to residents in their late 70’s who pitched in.

“We had the whole gambit of ages who came out to help. I think the only requirement was to be enthusiastic and be a resident of Moose Jaw. It was not just about picking up litter but was a social thing or gathering literally.”

The community clean up saw groups like the South Hill Community Association start picking up litter around Gutheridge Field and then spread into the neighbourhood from there.

South Hill Community Association were out in full force picking up litter - City of Moose Jaw photo

Sandra Stewart led a group of volunteers who picked up litter around the Spring Creek.

While other groups went and picked up litter in such areas as the Manitoba Expressway, 9th Avenue NE, 9th Avenue NW and others.

“As far as accomplishing what we set out to do I think we did that,” he said, going on to admit “I think there is always more we could go and pick up.”

Picking up litter near the former Union Hospital site - City of Moose Jaw photo

Robinson said one of the best things about the day was the community feel and the community pride which were displayed by volunteers at the event.

He said the Committee had plans that go beyond simply picking up litter and trash.

Later this Summer the group intends to go out and paint the wooden sign posts that have become faded or paint peeled off in order to make the entry into the city something more appealing to residents and visitors alike.

In a release Mayor Clive Tolley commended the volunteers and their efforts to help clean up the city.

"“We’re thrilled, but not surprised at the high level of participation from Moose Javians who took time to clean up our city,” said Mayor Clive Tolley. “On behalf of our City Council, thank you to the City’s Community Clean Up committee, the Moose Jaw Co-op, Burns & McDonnell, Co-op Ethanol Complex, Moose Jaw Bobcat and everyone else who played a role in helping make Moose Jaw #NotoriouslyClean. Let’s remember to not litter and keep our city beautiful,” Mayor Tolley said in a statement.