Torontonians fanned out across parks and other public places Saturday to pick up litter as part of city hall’s Clean Toronto Together campaign.
Mayor Rob Ford led the charge at the lakefront Colonel Samuel Smith Park in Etobicoke, where dozens of people gathered to pick up trash and give a new coat of paint to graffiti-covered picnic tables and utility boxes.
Ford described it as a fun, enjoyable experience that builds community spirit and pride while ridding public spaces of litter and graffiti.
"Having a clean city is very important," Ford told CP24 reporter Jackie Crandles.
Ford said the event also spares taxpayers' dollars because the work is done by volunteers and the products, including garbage bags, are donated by sponsors.
Organized cleanups were held in a dozen places, including Sunnyside Beach, Monarch Park and Earlscourt Park, on Saturday, a day after schools, businesses and community groups held their own events.
Last year, volunteers collected more than 6,000 tonnes of litter and covered or removed 8,000 square metres of graffiti.
Ford expects the campaign to eclipse those figures this year.
"People hate litter, people hate graffiti. It depreciates the value of everyone’s property," Ford said.
CP24 is a media sponsor of Clean Toronto Together.
Earth Day events
Because Earth Day is on Monday, people will be picking up trash and taking part in awareness-building events throughout the week.
On Sunday, people are invited to Todmorden Mills Heritage Site at 67 Pottery Rd. for Earth Day in the Valley, where they can create environmentally-friendly artwork and learn about owls.
There will also be tours of the Wildflower Preserve to teach people about the natural habitats of the Don Valley and the impact of industrialization, according to organizers.
The event is free.
Also on Sunday, employees of Toronto Hydro and the City of Toronto are teaming up with LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests) volunteers to plant more than 300 trees and shrubs in Milliken Park.
@ChrisKitching is on Twitter. For instant breaking news, follow @CP24 on Twitter.
