Emokhare Paul Anthony
Daily Herald
It’s that time of year again for Prince Albert residents, businesses, and community groups to think about pitching in.
The City of Prince Albert’s annual Pitch-In week began on Monday as the City provided three locations where residents were encouraged to drop off unwanted items or recyclables for free.
Ward 7 Coun. Dawn Kilmer was among the city officials out promoting Community Clean-Up and Pitch-In week, which continues until Saturday. She said the event helps people manage a busy spring cleaning season.
“It quickens the process,” she said. “Having those three (drop-off) areas helps teach people about recycling … so it’s kind of two-fold.
Kilmer said the Kinsmen Water Park site has seen a steady increase in the number of people taking part. Originally she and her husband worked long hours making sure there were volunteers on site. Now, she said, there are more than 30 volunteers willing to help out with the Kinsmen site alone.
“It’s important to have this kind of week year after year,” she said.
Community clean-up events are planned at three locations, so residents are encouraged to bring items to any of the following areas: Kinsmen Water Park Parking Lot – 1st Ave West and 28th Street, Corner of 6th Avenue East and 10 Street East and PAGC Cultural Centre (Parkland Hall) – 1511 9 Ave West. The areas are open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. each day.
This year has a new event as well. There is a community cleanup event being held specifically on Second Avenue, with a community barbecue to follow.
Kilmer said this is the first time they’ve held a targeted cleanup event for a specific area. She said there has been considerable effort to clean up the avenue in the past, but not like this.
“Second Avenue is unfortunately for some people the only way that they get to see Prince Albert,” she said. “They don’t recognize that a block each direction they get to see a beautiful parks, fantastic people and a really good community. Just touching up Second Avenue … really helps in promoting what a great community we are,” she said.
Kilmer said the idea of hosting a community barbecue is to inspire people and just to say a little thank you for helping out.
“We’ve gone through COVID, we separated for a bit and we just have to remind people to see each other and take a minute to say hello and continue building that strong community, “Kilmer said.
–with files from Jason Kerr/Daily Herald
