Annual Pathway and River Cleanup aims to inspire citizens to keep Calgary clean year round
Over 2,500 registered volunteers are helping to pick up thousands of kilograms of garbage this morning as part of the 49th 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 has accumulated over the winter. It also serves to remind Calgarians of the importance of caring for our parks and green spaces, and encourages them to get involved in keeping our city clean year round.
“The Pathway and River Cleanup gives our city a great spring cleaning but also emphasizes the importance of environmental stewardship,” says Maggie Nelson, volunteer program advisor, City of Calgary. “Through increased participation and awareness of the Pathway and River Cleanup, our goal is to inspire Calgarians to manage their waste responsibly throughout the year.”
Volunteers will be using supplies provided by The City’s The Litter Cleanup Kits (TLC Kits), an initiative introduced in 2014 in partnership with TD Bank Group. TD will be continuing its support of the Pathway and River Cleanup, serving as event sponsor for a second year.
“TD believes in keeping our living spaces green and healthy, and is working to integrate environmental responsibility into every aspect of our business,” says Sean Hopkins, district vice president, Calgary South, TD Branch Banking. “Through our sponsorship of The City’s TLC Kits and the Pathway and River Cleanup, we are able to give back in a meaningful way by helping to protect and enhance Calgary's green spaces.”
Event volunteers were required to register by the end of March 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.
“This will be our group’s eleventh year participating in the cleanup,” says Terry Bell, member of the Dirty Ducks volunteer group. “We consider it our official kickoff to the warm season. We always have lots of laughs and it feels great to be helping make our city even more beautiful. The thanks we get from pathway users make it all worth the effort.”
The Pathway and River Cleanup concludes at 12 p.m. today. Calgarians can see live updates and photos from the event by following @CalgaryParks on Twitter and Instagram (#yyccleans).
Calgarians are encouraged to get involved in keeping our city clean year round by picking up and properly disposing of their litter. They can also organize their own community or school cleanups using The City’s free TLC Kits. Each kit contains enough supplies for 10 people and can be picked up at nine locations across the city. For more information, visit calgary.ca/tlckits.
To learn more about the Pathway and River Cleanup, visit calgary.ca/pathwayandrivercleanup.
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