A group of concerned Torontonians led by Ontario deputy premier George Smitherman are out in city parks cleaning up garbage strewn on the streets because of the civic workers strike.
Members of "One Toronto" say they are targeting "hot spots" that need garbage clean-up the most. They cleaned up everywhere from Broadview Avenue and Danforth Avenue Wellesley Street and Yonge Street, Queen Street West and Spadina Avenue, and Finch Avenue and Yonge Street.
They're encouraging residents to step in and pick up the trash. The move has upset some striking CUPE workers but Smitherman insists he's not wading into the labour dispute. He says he's simply trying to show the pride he feels as a Toronto resident.
Meanwhile, the city strike is close to the one month mark, and Toronto Mayor David Miller is vowing to 'pursue every legal remedy' to allow residents to cross picket lines without harassment.
As for talks with CUPE Locals 79 and 416 the mayor is continuing to express impatience. He says negotiations will continue through the weekend but admits they're moving at a snail's pace.
The strike is now in its 27th day and garbage is starting to pile up in some parts of downtown. Tourists visiting the city are taking notice.
Next week, striking workers will lose their second paycheque since the dispute started. Officials say the 23 temporary dumping sites open across the city are almost half full.
If the strike lingers, more will open later in the week.
