I know it might not feel like it, but spring is around the corner, and with it the resulting spring melt. When all that snow melts it can reveal a lot of litter which has built up over the long winter months.
The City uses many tools as part of our Capital City Clean Up program but there are many things you can do to help. One of the most helpful is reporting litter and graffiti. The easiest and most effective way to report litter or graffiti is to use Edmonton’s 311 service. You can call 311, email [email protected] or you can use Edmonton’s 311 app on your smartphone. With the City’s new “311 Explorer” you can see the status of your complaint and see other complaints in your area.
There are also lots of different programs the City has so you can help out. You can “Adopt a Block” where you volunteer to pick up litter on your favourite block, park or trail. You can do it on your own, as a family or as part of your weekly walk with friends. It's a great way to exercise. If you see something dangerous, like a used needle, please contact 311. The City offers free graffiti clean-up kits, though please check with the property owner before using them.
While we all want to do our part, but EPCOR transformers require special paint and treatment to remove graffiti. Painting over them with regular paint can require the entire station to be re-surfaced. If you see graffiti on an EPCOR station report it 311.
As a community group, you can apply for a grant for a bin to get rid of large, bulky items in your neighbourhood. Communities can also organize a community mural as a non-profit group and apply for a matching grant. Community murals are a great way to discourage graffiti and to provide beautiful public art.
You can find more information on the Capital City Clean Up at the city's website.
Please feel free to contact me anytime at [email protected] or at 780.496.8146. Follow me on Twitter @ben_hen.