The city’s environmental advisory committee (EAC) is hoping local residents, schools, businesses and community groups will pitch in this month to help clean up the city.
The week of April 22-29 is Pitch-In Week in Canada. Orillia will get a jumpstart on the campaign Saturday, April 21 with a kick-off event at the city’s waterfront.
“We ask the public to join us at Veterans’ Memorial Park on Lake Couchiching in the morning to check in and take a small portion of the city to help clean up discarded objects like bottles and coffee cups, so that the city looks clean,” said Bob Bowles, who has helped organize local spring cleanups for 19 years. “It’s always nice to at least start off the summer with a clean, green environment.”
Saturday’s event goes from 9 a.m. until noon. Pizza, coffee, hot chocolate and water will be provided, noted Bowles, who thanked the event’s sponsors: Brewery Bay Food Company, the Water Store, Tim Hortons, Kids for Turtles Environmental Education and Pizzaville.
“We will supply garbage bags and gloves,” said Bowles.
The hope is that schools and community groups will join Saturday’s efforts. If any such group would like to clean up a specific area during the event, they are asked to contact EAC member Tyler Hunt at [email protected]
If you are unable to participate Saturday, the EAC encourages groups to create their own events during Pitch-In Week. You can register an event for Pitch-In Week by contacting Robin Cadeau: [email protected] or 705-329-2452. Deadline to register is April 13.
EAC volunteers will arrange for pick-up of the Pitch-In supplies prior to April 21, will provide free bags, and will help co-ordinate the disposal of the material you collect.
“We look forward to lots of people pitching in to help clean up Orillia,” said Bowles.
