50th Annual Pathway and River Cleanup
Annual Pathway and River Cleanup aims to inspire citizens to keep Calgary clean year round
Over 2,900 registered volunteers are helping to pick up garbage this morning as part of the 50th annual Pathway and River Cleanup. Together, they will remove litter in every quadrant of the city, including parks, green spaces and nearly 200 kilometres of pathways and river banks.
The event is held each spring to remove debris that accumulates over the winter. It also serves to remind Calgarians of the importance of caring for our parks and green spaces.
“The Pathway and River Cleanup highlights the importance of caring for our environment,” says Maggie Nelson, volunteer program advisor with The City of Calgary. “The PRC is significant not only as a litter-pick up event, but as an important reminder that we have a responsibility to keep Calgary clean year-round – not just one day of the year. If our environment is clean and healthy, our city is healthy also.”
Event volunteers were required to register by April 10 to allow for group assignments and safety training. This year’s participants include nonprofit organizations, community associations, local businesses and City staff. For many, the cleanup has become an annual tradition among friends and coworkers in giving back.
“Our group has been participating for about 16 years,” says John McDermid, leader for the Crescent Heights Community Association volunteer group. “We continue to support the Pathway and River Cleanup year after year because our cleanup area is like the front yard of our community. We take pride in keeping our natural environment healthy and clean.”
The Pathway and River Cleanup concludes at 12 p.m. today. Calgarians can see live updates and photos from the event by searching #yyccleans. Thank you to our hard working volunteers and our presenting sponsor ConocoPhillips Canada for supporting this year’s cleanup!
The City encourages Calgarians to volunteer with The City of Calgary year round. There are a variety of opportunities available! Visit us online at calgary.ca and search Volunteer with City of Calgary for more information.
To learn more about the Pathway and River Cleanup, visit calgary.ca/pathwayandrivercleanup.
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