Cornwall Ontario — The City of Cornwall is once again asking residents, businesses, schools and community groups to show their civic pride by taking part in the annual Spring Clean-Up Challenge. 

Running from April 20th to 27th, the Spring Clean-Up Challenge encourages community members to get involved in the City’s clean-up efforts by forming teams and cleaning up parks and public spaces. 

Several groups have already signed up to participate in the Challenge (via www.Cornwall.ca), and more teams are expected to register in the coming days. In addition, various City Departments will also be participating. Last year, 25 groups and individuals and 6 schools participated, with more than one tonne of garbage being collected.

“This is a great opportunity to show our community pride and make our City look even better,” said Mayor Bob Kilger. 

To help launch the Challenge, a kick-off event will be held on Saturday, April 20th in the east parking lot of the Cornwall Civic Complex (near the Curling Centre), from 9 am to 1 pm. If the weather is unfavourable, the event will be held on April 27th.

The kick-off will feature a number of events and activities including:

– Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Cornwall and FCM Recycling will be on hand to collect residents’ electronic waste free of charge
– The Agape Centre will be on site to collect gently used items
– The Kinsmen Club of Cornwall will be hosting a fundraiser BBQ on site
– Residents will be able to visit information booths for the Cornwall and District Horticultural Society, Raisin Region Conservation Authority, St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences, the Ministry of the Environment and the City of Cornwall Environmental Services Division.

Cleaning kits consisting of garbage bags, gloves and leaf and yard waste bags will be available for participating teams during the kick-off event. Bins will be placed in the east parking lot throughout the week for teams to dispose of the litter they collect.

Earth Week is a great time to start composting at home! City of Cornwall composters will be available for pick up at the Ministry of the Environment office located at 113 Amelia Street at a cost of $50 (including tax) throughout the week of April 20th to 27th. Payment can be made by cheque (to the City of Cornwall) or by cash. A City of Cornwall purchase receipt will be given. Ministry staff will also be participating in the Challenge.

For additional information or to register a team, please visit the City website (www.Cornwall.ca) and click on the Spring Clean-Up Challenge logo on the homepage. 

The Spring Clean-Up Challenge coincides with Earth Day on April 22nd, and it has been registered as an official Earth Day event with Earth Day Canada (www.EarthDay.ca).