The city is getting a spring makeover.
On Wednesday dozens of businesses and organizations across Thunder Bay joined forces, taking 20 minutes out of their day to put a sparkle and shine on their neighbourhood, taking part in EcoSuperior’s 17th annual Spring Up to Clean Up event.
Jennifer Hansen, EcoSuperior’s youth and community outreach co-ordinator said seeing so much enthusiasm, with 8,800 people committing a few minutes to the cause, makes it all worthwhile. “That’s amazing,” she said. “It’s important just for us to take pride in our neighbourhoods and cleaning and spending a little bit of time. We know that our neighbourhood is going to be clean and we can look at it and be proud of what we have,” Hansen said.
Jason Scherband, the city’s solid waste diversion and recycling co-ordinator, said the effort is all about raising awareness in the community and developing a sense of satisfaction with one’s neighbourhood. “It affects things like tourism and the environment, and civic pride as well,” Scherband said. “Response to this year’s 20-minute makeover has been excellent. I think we’re closing in on 100 businesses that are going to be out in full force this morning cleaning up litter around their neighbourhoods.”
Groups and individuals can still sign up for the month-long clean-up and receive free garbage and recycling bags and compete for prizes and public recognition.
Elementary students can enter the litter-free poster contest and a chance to have their design printed and distributed across the city.
Youths and adults are also invited to make anti-littering videos, delivering a message to the community about why tossing your trash in the streets is bad for everyone.
The best of the bunch will be posted on the contest website, www.ecosuperior.org/springup, and qualify for cash prizes, gift certificates from Boston Pizza. The winning videos in each category will also be aired on Thunder Bay Television.
There’s also a Spring Up photo contest open to everyone in Thunder Bay.
City officials also reminded residents the waste curb-side collection is scheduled to take place between May 21 and May 31. Collection dates for each pick-up zone are noted on the garbage collection date calendar distributed to each household.
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