Clean Sweep Fall 2021

NIAGARA FALLS, ON - The Park in the City Committee hosts their annual Fall Community Clean Sweep Day on Saturday, October 16 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.  The event kicks off at the MacBain Community Centre Park before volunteers disperse across the city to collect litter from parks, trails, walkways, boulevards and along main roads.

Twice a year, civic-minded volunteers join the committee in a concerted effort to make Niagara Falls a cleaner, more beautiful place to live, work and play. The spring event held on May 8 was attended by over 100 volunteers across the city. The event is popular among students looking to earn community service hours and groups looking for team-building opportunities.

Volunteers are once again encouraged to stick with their household members, however schools, church groups, social clubs and businesses are welcome to register teams. COVID-19 precautions are expected to be followed by all participants.

Everyone can help keep our public spaces clean year round by minimizing trash brought into these areas, securing loose items set out on their waste collection days, and by taking a few extra steps to the next trash bin when the nearest bin is full.  Full bins can be reported by email or phone to the Municipal Service Centre (905) 356-1355, any time.

Sharps (broken glass, needles, etc.) and other potentially hazardous finds should be reported, along with their location, to the City's Municipal Service Centre for safe collection and disposal. Illegal dumping can be reported through the Niagara Region's website and left for trained staff to collect as these items, and their locations, may also pose health and safety hazards.

CLEAN SWEEP SAFETY RULES

• The event is limited to fair weather and daylight hours on Oct 16
• Participants under 14 must be accompanied by an adult and submit a waiver signed by their parent/guardian.
• Be respectful: do not trespass on private property; do not disturb others, wildlife, nests, dens, etc.
• Put safety first: do not enter catch basins, sewers, ponds, streams, rivers, ditches or other potentially hazardous areas; do not attempt to collect large, heavy, sharp or otherwise potentially dangerous items. Report these to the City for staff to address safely.
• Follow Public Health guidelines for physical distancing, hand washing, and monitoring yourself for symptoms of COVID-19 before and after the event. If you're not well, stay home (and get tested).
• Dress for the weather and wear brightly coloured clothing, closed-toe shoes, and non-porous gloves.
• Bags and gloves (adult fit) will be provided.
• Leave tied bags at the entrance/roadside for collection by City staff after the event. Do not block entrances, driveways, sidewalks, etc.
• Email the City with the location of filled bags and report the location of any hazards you observe.