A proposed cleanup program is being pitched to encourage social clubs and community groups to work with the municipality to keep Moose Jaw neat, tidy and free of litter.
There is currently no program that deals with groups wanting to help with litter control, while city administration has to review each request separately, explained city manager Jim Puffalt. Therefore, city hall might not be supporting as many groups as it should, while it is likely charging groups to dispose of litter at the landfill even though they have volunteered to keep the community clean.
“It is important because we’re a tourist town and we want to ensure that people know that (eliminating) litter and keeping the city tidy is important,” Puffalt told city council during its June 10 executive committee meeting.
The proposed community cleanup program could include designated areas within the municipality, with groups invited to adopt an area to maintain, he continued. City council could create a week in the spring and fall where community groups would be asked to support the efforts of city workers to keep Moose Jaw clean.
Groups would notify city hall of an area they want to adopt and would then receive recognition for their cleanup efforts. The municipality would provide garbage bags and would waive landfill fees to the participating groups; weights would still be recorded.
City staff and councillors would also be able to participate in the cleanup events for areas that have been adopted.
“I think this is a great idea,” said Coun. Chris Warren. Neighbourhood associations, he added, would love to see a program like this that also provides a sense of community spirit.
Many service clubs and groups do this annually and city hall doesn’t always know about it, said Coun. Crystal Froese.
She thought this proposal was a great way to bring organizations together. She also thought that through this plan, city council and administration could create an initiative where visitors and residents are encouraged to carry out their waste when they visit parks.
“When we (South Hill Community Association) cleaned up Tatawaw Park, we found a lot of fast food containers,” she added. “That would be from people going down and probably having lunch there, but not finding a garbage can or taking things with (them) …
“I think this is a fantastic way to get everyone together on the same page.”
Council then approved a recommendation to have city administration create a community cleanup program.
The next executive committee meeting is June 24.
