By News Editor Aislinn Cottell
Since 2002, Nanaimo’s Partners in a Cleaner Community Program has been a yearly collaboration between the city and local non-profit organizations to keep Nanaimo a cleaner community, by providing aid and incentive for these groups to hit the streets and help clean up some of the accumulated litter.
This year, the City of Nanaimo is expanding the program. For the first time, they are admitting for-profit businesses applications, although they will not be given the $50/km donation allotted to the not-for-profits.
“We [are welcoming them] because several businesses who want to give back to their community got in touch with me and asked to join in,” said Charlotte Davis, Manager of Sanitation, Recycling and Public Works Administration. “It’s an excellent way to look after our community and, with Earth Day coming up on Saturday, April 22, it’s a great time to get involved. This program is about much more than litter. I look forward to receiving applications from all types of groups.”
A group of at least six people, aged 12 or older, must be appointed by each organization and be able to provide insurance, protective clothing, adult supervision, and transportation. Appointed supervisors will be required to attend a scheduled orientation and safety session provided by the City. Once approved, groups will then be offered opportunities to retrieve litter along community streets during two periods in 2017, once in the spring and once in the fall.
The City will provide safety vests, trash bags, gloves, road safety signs, and collection and disposal of all litter collected. They will also be making signs for each organization and business participating, which will highlight their commitment to making Nanaimo a more environmentally friendly community.
“The Cleaner Community Partnership Program is an excellent example of what the City and the Community can achieve by working together,” said Davis. “The City’s streets are given a good spring clean, and in turn the valuable work of non-profit groups in our community is highlighted and supported.”
Application forms for both non- and for-profit groups are due by March 24. They can be found by visiting nanaimo.ca, emailing Public.WorksInfo@nanaimo.ca, calling 250-758-5222, or dropping in at the Public Works Department at 2020 Labieux Rd.
Aislinn is a third year Bachelor of Arts and Science student majoring in creative writing and minoring in chemistry. New to The Nav team this year, she’s enjoying finding out about all the interesting things happening on campus. Her hobbies include reading, drawing, Netflix, and the copious consumption of coffee.