54th annual Pathway & River Cleanup helps keep Calgary green
Starting today, Calgarians will help keep the city green and clean by removing litter from more than 85 locations throughout our parks, pathways and riverbanks. Together, volunteers will clean up more than 200 kilometres of green spaces during the 54th annual Pathway and River Cleanup taking place today through Sunday, Sept. 19.
“Calgarians value the many pathways and rivers in our city and the annual cleanup is an opportunity to ensure these spaces remain safe, accessible and enjoyable,” says Calgary Parks Supervisor Marlis Eaton. “We also encourage Calgarians to maintain stewardship of our parks, pathways and greenspaces year-round by continuing to dispose of litter responsibly.”
The annual Pathway and River Cleanup traditionally takes place on a single day in May but since 2020 has been held in September and spread out over three days due to COVID-19. Health and safety measures taken at the event include:
- Groups are required to clean in cohorts and maintain two metres of physical distancing at all times
- While masks aren’t required, they have been recommended and Calgary Parks will have some available for anyone who needs one
- Hand sanitizer and gloves will be provided to all participants
- Volunteers are asked to stay home if they feel unwell
The annual cleanup would not be possible without the collaboration of Calgary Parks in partnership with The City’s Waste & Recycling Services, Water Services, Calgary Fire Department and Calgary Community Standards, as well as the continued support of ConocoPhillips Canada.
“ConocoPhillips is proud to be the Presenting Sponsor of The City of Calgary’s Parks and River Pathway Cleanup,” said President Bij Agarwal. “Environmental sustainability and stewardship are important to us. All of our ConocoPhillips volunteers are pleased to work together with our fellow Calgarians to keep our city clean and beautiful.”
Many volunteers return year after year to participate in the event which encourages other groups and families to provide some TLC to these important community spaces. “That sense of pride and responsibility for these frequently used amenities is great to see. Stewardship of our city greenspaces is something we want to encourage among Calgarians throughout the year,” said Eaton.
Even if you did not sign up in advance to be part of the Pathway and River Cleanup, you can still get involved by organizing your own family cleanup anytime throughout the year. Pick up free The Litter Cleanup Kits (TLC Kits) while supplies last at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary (2425 9th Avenue S.E.) daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Each kit has cleanup supplies for up to six people. For more information, visit Calgary.ca/TLCkits.
Be green Calgary ambassadors and show your Calgary pride all year long by:
• Always picking up and properly disposing of waste
• Volunteering for cleanup events
• Organizing your own community cleanups
• Encouraging volunteerism with The City of Calgary year round
For more information about upcoming volunteer opportunities, visit us online at calgary.ca and search Volunteer with City of Calgary for more information.