Iqaluit comes together for city cleanup
Annual cleanup held Friday brings out community to pick up garbage
Iqalummiut pick up garbage at the end of Sivumugiaq Street as a part of Iqaluit’s annual community cleanup day. (Photo by David Lochead)
Don Kunuk gets out every year to help clean up Iqaluit.
“I’ve been doing this for a long time,” Kunuk said as he picked up garbage near the Northmart store Friday during the City of Iqaluit’s annual cleanup.
Every spring, Iqalummiut take part in the cleanup to get rid of garbage that accumulated in public areas over the winter.
Bags, gloves and other supplies were given out at the Iqaluit library and Iqalummiut went around town picking up garbage. Bags of the collected garbage were then put on the side of the road for city staff to pick up throughout the day.
Friday happened to be a beautiful day as well, with clear skies and people wearing T-shirts.
“It’s hot,” Kunuk said.
Friday morning’s temperature was about 5 C, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Employees from the Government of Nunavut and other organizations were also encouraged to take time off work to assist in the cleanup.
“People love the outdoors, we have a beautiful day and you really don’t have to twist people’s arms to get them out of their office,” city spokesperson Kent Driscoll said.
“If there’s a community group out there, they’re out here picking up trash.”
While Mayor Solomon Awa has participated in the cleanup before, this was his first as an organizer.
“I’m very happy that people are showing up to this event,” Awa said.
The cleanup was scheduled to run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a volunteer cookout at the library from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Thank you to all who participated. How would the city look like without the volunteers. The city clearly doesn’t do anything, even though it should take on this responsibility. Maybe start with the simple task like emptying the very few garbage bins you have made available. It’s a shame and it’s getting worse. City of Iqaluit, wake up! Maybe one day you cannot count on the the residents who clean up your shit. Also, install more garbage bins.
While I agree there needs to be A LOT more trash cans throughout the city, I wouldn’t be so harsh. They are a key organizer in this event that takes months to get together and make happen.
We need more waste bins. In all the neighbourhoods. If there is a bin, people will use it. It’s simple as that. You will never stop chronic litterers but you can definitely reduce the waste significantly by putting more bins thoughout the city and make sure the garbage people empty them regularly.
There are only a few working garbage trucks, and they can only do so much everyday. Short staffed also..
Why not have more community services requirements for prisoners, delinquents and or litterbugs.