Trash is seen near McCutcheon Drive Trail. The city is encouraging a community clean-up for Earth Day. (Photo Courtesy Ross Lavigne)

By Chris Brown

Community clean-up for Earth Day

Taking care of the planet starts in your own community, says city parks technician

Apr 19, 2022 | 4:19 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The City of Medicine Hat wants Earth Day to be a week-long event and is encouraging people to take part in a community clean-up this month.

“It’s all about that stewardship and just taking care of the planet and that starts usually in your own community. Something that’s achievable, you know, right next door,” says Jeff Quinlan, City of Medicine Hat parks technician. “I think we all appreciate the parks system here and the beautiful natural areas that we have to enjoy and this is a way for us all to just contribute in our own way and just pick up some of that trash.”

Residents can pick up everything they’ll need, including plastic gloves, from the parks office at 88 Kipling St. SE or can use their own supplies. Staff will also hand out garbage bags and gloves at this weekend’s Home & Leisure Show.

People could choose to clean up their own neighbourhood and the city has also identified areas that often don’t get the attention they need. Quinlan says most of those are the non-irrigated, uncut environmental areas around the city, adding the Southeast Hill trail and Ajax Coulee are two of those areas.

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Volunteers are asked to fill out the online form indicating which area they’ll focus on, as well as how many people will be assisting.

Quinlan says people are asked to take the garbage home with them if they can but if you encounter large items or have several bags to contact the parks department.

On April 30 a recognition barbecue will take place at the parks office and Quinlan says they may do one last cleanup push that day if some areas still need it.

To encourage participation throughout the week there will be contests to win hanging baskets and seed packets. Complete the form at medicinehat.ca/earthday to be entered.

The theme for Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22, this year is Invest in Our Planet.