Springtime in West Nipissing means a few things; french fries are back on the menu, and so is the community clean-up.
Gayle Primeau is the main organizer here in town. Since 2019, she’s been working with Pitch-In Canada / Tim Hortons to kick litter to the curb.
The challenge sees residents adopt an area, street, trail, park or neighbourhood and keep it litter-free until the snow comes back.
Folks fill specially marked bags, issued by Pitch-In Canada, with the litter from the area they adopt and the municipality picks up the bags during regularly scheduled garbage pick up.
“Overall it’s a great success,” says Primeau. “I didn’t know what would happen this year or if people would have the zest to do it again. But as of this morning, we have 153 areas covered. My goal was to reach 148, as we had 147 last year, and we surpassed that goal.”
Primeau says the partnership with the municipality means there is no limit on the Pitch-In bags during regular pick-up times.
Though the community surpassed Primeau’s goal this year, she says there’s more that can be done.
“In Verner, Warren, River Valley or outlying areas I’m sure there are country roads that could use some cleaning,” adds Primeau. “I think that Sturgeon Falls isn’t too, too bad. The major roads are pretty much covered. But I still have some areas that could take some volunteers.”
Primeau is quick to thank everyone involved in the initiative, especially those cleaning up.
“Thank you all of West Nipissing for doing this,” she says. “It takes a community to make a difference. Everyone has a little piece, and together, we can do great stuff.”