Regina group cleaning up North Central alley by alley
A small but mighty group of volunteers is working to clean up garbage in North Central Regina, one alley at a time.
Brayan Hill lives in the neighbourhood and has been trying to get the initiative off the ground for quite some time but said the difference maker this year has been garbage bins provided through the City of Regina.
“We’re trying to get something going in the community to get more people out to help and to get the community looking better and safer for those who live in it,” Hill said.
In addition to the bins, they’ve also had donations of tools and gloves. The weekend of April 6, a group of about 13 people were able to get through three alleyways, with the help of a Bobcat.
“We’ve found all sorts of treasures from televisions, couches, dolls, everything,” Hill said, adding that needles are also a consistent sight, a side effect of a lingering addictions crisis. “Some [alleys] look worse than others, but just trying to start at one and move from there.”
About a half dozen people are present at the group’s most recent cleanup on Saturday, ranging from a man who has lived in North Central since 1979 to a teacher who’s new to the city and looking for a way to help out.
The scrapes and shuffles of shovels, rakes, and trash being loaded into bins is a near constant, occasionally broken up by someone who lives nearby stopping to say hi, sometimes lending a hand even if only for a few minutes.
Much of the garbage the group picks up has built up over the winter, but societal issues that can contribute to the problem year-round like homelessness, addiction and poverty will require longer term solutions.
Hill added now that the cleanup initiative is getting off the ground, she’s been getting more messages about alleys that could use some TLC.
“If our slogan is ‘I Love Regina,’ we have to love all parts of it,” Hill said.
The cleanups typically happen weekly. Anyone is welcome to join in. Hill said she eventually hopes to get an “Adopt an Alley” program going in the neighbourhood.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
New analysis of Beethoven's hair reveals possible cause of mysterious ailments, scientists say
High levels of lead detected in authenticated locks of Ludwig van Beethoven's hair suggest that the composer had lead poisoning, which may have contributed to ailments he endured over the course of his life, including deafness, according to new research.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.