Squamish will be getting a little spring-cleaning in the upcoming week.
Monday marks the start of the national PITCH-IN campaign. Residents will be in the parks, on the streets and downtown with gloves on and garbage bags in hand. Every year, the community promotes respect for the natural environment by cleaning up litter and garbage from urban, rural and wilderness areas, Mayor Rob Kirkham stated in a press release.
"It's about helping our community develop and grow in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner," he said.
The event kicks off with the fastest picker challenge, pitting local media, students and councillors against the clock in the clean up of a specific area. It takes place on Wednesday (April 25) at 3:20 p.m. at Howe Sound Secondary School.
The following day (April 26), it's time for the 20-minute makeover. Citizens will be encouraged to pick up litter around their property for 20 minutes starting at 2 p.m. Organizations, families and businesses can register for the event and mark their haul with PITCH-IN headquarters by calling (604) 815-6868 or online at www.squamish.ca.
On Saturday, April 28, it's the return of the Re-Use-It Fair. This year the event has moved from the parking lot adjacent to the Squamish Adventure Centre to Brennan Park Recreation Centre. Bring all your unwanted and usable items to Brennan Park between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Furniture, appliances, toys, bikes, electronics and other such goods can be dropped off and reclaimed by new owners for free.
If you're looking to make more of a year-round contribution, check out the district's Adopt-a-Trail program. Citizens, schools and youth groups, as well as community and corporate organizations, can "adopt" a specific trail and keep it litter-free throughout the seasons. For more information visit www.adoptatrail.ca or call (604) 815-4962.
