In Calgary, the annual pathway and river cleanup is set to commence on Friday, with thousands of kilograms of garbage anticipated for removal over the next three days. Jim Davis, parks program coordinator with Calgary parks and open spaces, anticipates 2,000 volunteers to cover the 300 kilometers of river pathways. Among the expected discoveries are bicycles and various other discarded items. The genesis of this cleanup effort can be traced back to 1967 when 12-year-old Sandra Crawford discovered a mattress in the Elbow River. Modern volunteers encounter different challenges, including encampments along Nose Creek that are often strewn with garbage and may harbor unseen dangers like drugs and weapons. Bylaw officers have been summoned to address these encampments. Davis emphasizes that volunteers are instructed to maintain a safe distance from encampments and contact designated authorities like 311 or the Alpha House encampment team if necessary. Volunteers receive specialized tools and training to handle potential hazards encountered along the pathway. During Friday morning’s cleanup, a needle was swiftly discovered and reported. Volunteers are instructed to mark the location with a hazard flag and notify Alpha House, which can geo-locate and retrieve the needle safely. Amber Brown, a seasoned cleanup volunteer, highlights the importance of contributing to the community. She enjoys participating in the cleanup efforts, which involve working alongside friends and colleagues to enhance the parkland for public enjoyment. First-time volunteer Chinyelu Obasi emphasizes the significance of taking pride in one’s surroundings. She believes the cleanup initiative fosters a sense of community and contributes to a cleaner and safer environment for all.
Thousands of Kilograms of Garbage Expected in Calgary’s Annual Pathway and River Cleanup
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