Filthy Edmonton

[soycd]

Drove through Yellowhead Trail, the Sherwood Park Freeway, Fox Drive and Whitemud Drive this weekend.

One word: FILTHY

It's utterly disgusting the garbage laying everywhere. I understand when the snow melts what is left behind is the grime of the sand over the course of the winter. But, my God, there is a tremendous amount of garbage strewn/laying in the ditches.

I bet there is less garbage in the ditches on the way to the Cloverbar Landfill.

[Medwards]

Originally Posted by soycd

Drove through Yellowhead Trail, the Sherwood Park Freeway, Fox Drive and Whitemud Drive this weekend.

One word: FILTHY

It's utterly disgusting the garbage laying everywhere. I understand when the snow melts what is left behind is the grime of the sand over the course of the winter. But, my God, there is a tremendous amount of garbage strewn/laying in the ditches.

I bet there is less garbage in the ditches on the way to the Cloverbar Landfill.

this is a complaint I hear every year between when the snow melts, and the clean crews start there work. Drive these same stretches in July and let me know if you have the same opinion.
It don't help matters at all right now with everything being S- - t Brown either.

[Brentk]

It is gross, but it is something that is going to happen around here at this time of year it highlighted.

[grish]

I have heard the same explanation year after year. Yes, I understand that when snow melts all that stuff that was tossed out of the cars surfaces and the road looks filthy.

This explanation is often given with a hint of acceptance. I think we should keep our city clean year round. That means 365 day a year not after the snow melts and the clean up crews have a chance to do their work.

Perhaps litter bylaws should be enforced better particularly in winter. A clean-up crew could do a surface sweep a few times in winter as well. Sure you would not get stuff burried under the snow. But garbage does not get covered up immediately after it was thrown.

[murman]

Originally Posted by soycd

Drove through Yellowhead Trail, the Sherwood Park Freeway, Fox Drive and Whitemud Drive this weekend.

One word: FILTHY

It's utterly disgusting the garbage laying everywhere. I understand when the snow melts what is left behind is the grime of the sand over the course of the winter. But, my God, there is a tremendous amount of garbage strewn/laying in the ditches.

I bet there is less garbage in the ditches on the way to the Cloverbar Landfill.

I was in E-town this past weekend, was going to keep my fool mouth shut for once, but was there a nuclear explosion at the dump, 'cause it looks like litter was strewn for miles around the city.

I thought the 401 in Toronto deservedly earned that city the moniker of "world's largest inhabited landfill", but maybe another city is working hard to earn that title...

Three words: "prison work crew".

The excuse "yeah it's like that every year when things start to melt" gets tiring very quickly.

[chilcootin]

Excuses, excuses................Just got back to Calgary after spending the weekend in Edmonton and was really curious to see if Calgary was as filthy with litter after the snow has melted as I had noticed in Edmonton.......All I will say is that it is even close......Edmonton is a pigsty while Calgary overall still looks fairly clean......And before you jump all over me with your Calgary hate, I am actually from Edmonton originally and plan on moving back there........I love Edmonton but when are we going to take responsibility for ourselves that E-town is an ugly, crap-hole on so many fronts........It always amazes that Edmontonians get so bent out of shape when somebody ignores or disses their city (or doesn't want to live there - e.g., Prongers) and reveals its huge inferiority complex; however, instead of looking at the situation realistically and taking responsibility for our dirtiness, crappy architecture and urban design, lack of urbanism, overabudance of strip malls/malls/big-box store, etc., we shoot the messenger and cry foul.......Anyways, I digress..........

[DebraW]

[quote="murman
I was in E-town this past weekend, was going to keep my fool mouth shut for once, but was there a nuclear explosion at the dump, 'cause it looks like litter was strewn for miles around the city.
[/quote]

You were here in Edmonton last weekend?!?!?! And there was no parade?

Good points by the way yes the garbage is disgusting and I agree that the "... every year excuse is tiring and is an EXCUSE...not a solution.

[Medwards]

[quote=djgirl]

Originally Posted by "murman
I was in E-town this past weekend, was going to keep my fool mouth shut for once, but was there a nuclear explosion at the dump, 'cause it looks like litter was strewn for miles around the city.
[/quote

You were here in Edmonton last weekend?!?!?! And there was no parade?

Good points by the way yes the garbage is disgusting and I agree that the "... every year excuse is tiring and is an EXCUSE...not a solution.

The solution is to start sending all the people that Litter to Vancouver. That way its in Murmans backyard, and not ours.

[edmowl]

Does Calgary do something different than Edmonton?

Certianly it's a rotten time of year with the poo piles next to al the roads. Quite depressing really.

Bit I can't really see how you stop people littering. you can't have a bylaw prerson on every corner

[murman]

[quote=djgirl]

Originally Posted by "murman
I was in E-town this past weekend, was going to keep my fool mouth shut for once, but was there a nuclear explosion at the dump, 'cause it looks like litter was strewn for miles around the city.
[/quote

You were here in Edmonton last weekend?!?!?! And there was no parade?

No parade. But there seemed to be an awful lot of people with pitchforks and axes just outside the edge of my peripheral vision!

[murman]

[quote=feepa]

Originally Posted by djgirl

The solution is to start sending all the people that Litter to Vancouver. That way its in Murmans backyard, and not ours.

Is it any consolation that I took my recycling back with me? (How "Vancouver" is THAT!)

[RichardS]

I see littered areas in Calgary too durnig spring, don't kid yourself...

What I notice is not people littering per se (unless it is one of those darned smokers throwing lit cigarettes out because they don't want to dirty their ashtrays ), but I see it more in the overflowing garbage cans without lids. One wind, and voila, instant garbage tornado.
..or one cat tearing apart a garbage bad...add wind...

...or better yet the WM and Laidlaw trucks hauling garbage...add wind from driving...again...

Maybe I am a little too old, but that Pitch In campaign of the 70's still rings true, bring it back.

[IanO]

i honestly feel like Edmontonians just dont care much of the time...i have never seen so many people throw stuff from cars, trucks, walking etc.

But yes...regardless of the time of yr, work crews should be out doing what they can....and i know not everywhere can be looked after, but the following HAS TO BE:

-major roadways (yellow, gateway/cal tr, whitemud, 75st, 170st, etc.)

-downtown - the actual "downtown" area should have no excuse for having garbage on it. A crew of 2-4 people should be dedicated to removal of litter etc. from this area.

- whyte ave - huge tourist zone, huge nightlife.......clean it.

-around WEM.


when my dad was in Beijing a few times he noticed how clean everything was and finally asked how they do it....

"we only clean what visitors will see"

sure it doesnt solve the overall problem, but it gives a much better impression of the city.

[Coco]

The city is filthy, and it's not just because it's spring and it's not just because the snow has melted to reaveal all of the litter. Yes, the wind whips garbage out of full containers (another thing that must be addressed), but some areas are in dire need of clean-up 24-7, 365 days a year. For instance, walk down 102 Street by the Starlite and the Chicago Pizza (and the parking lot beside those businesses) anytime. What will you see? Not just LOADS of litter and cigarette butts, but broken glass, spit, and a number of substances including vomit and urine.... I tell you, I have to watch where I walk on those sidewalks, year-round.

How does that appear to visitors who are renting cars from the car rental shop on that street, and walking to Commerce from Edmonton House? What's their impression? As a former tourist of this city, I can tell you-- it's not good.

Something must be done. So what can we do? Well, aside from picking up litter, the sidewalks downtown need to be powerwashed at least 6 months of the year. The amount of spit and other various liquid substances on our sidewalks is disgusting! Edmonton downtown should be sparkling during the summer, and as much as possible during the winter, too. If we are so proud of our city, we need to ensure that we keep it as clean as humanly possible.

[IanO]

we need a winter version of the city clean up day

[chilcootin]

The difference between Calgary, Vancouver, and other cities I have lived in and Edmonton is their cultural mindsets. These cities "think" they are first class cities, want to be first class cities and as such, act accordingly. Whereas Edmonton gives some platitudes about being a first class city, but still has the mindset of Vegreville or as I like to call Edmonton, the "world's biggest small town"......Look at every time any public funds are allocated for public projects such as Churchill Square, Art Gallery, RAM, etc., (and just wait for downtown arena debate) the locals revolt and are up in arms because as you know there are potholes to be filled, snow to be cleared, and overpasses to be built because we all know, a filled pothole makes a city world class.......This mindset translates to everything in Edmonton where by and large, the public really doesn't give a crap about how Edmonton looks and doesn't demand it from our public officials in terms of spending money on clean up and beautification. Unless, Edmontonians start to take a little pride in their city and stop littering and allocate more resources to clean up the city other than Mendels' little clean up crews, not much is going to change....Anyways, I digress.......

[IanO]

Originally Posted by chilcootin

The difference between Calgary, Vancouver, and other cities I have lived in and Edmonton is their cultural mindsets. These cities "think" they are first class cities, want to be first class cities and as such, act accordingly. Whereas Edmonton gives some platitudes about being a first class city, but still has the mindset of Vegreville or as I like to call Edmonton, the "world's biggest small town"......Look at every time any public funds are allocated for public projects such as Churchill Square, Art Gallery, RAM, etc., (and just wait for downtown arena debate) the locals revolt and are up in arms because as you know there are potholes to be filled, snow to be cleared, and overpasses to be built because we all know, a filled pothole makes a city world class.......This mindset translates to everything in Edmonton where by and large, the public really doesn't give a crap about how Edmonton looks and doesn't demand it from our public officials in terms of spending money on clean up and beautification. Unless, Edmontonians start to take a little pride in their city and stop littering and allocate more resources to clean up the city other than Mendels' little clean up crews, not much is going to change....Anyways, I digress.......

finally changing a bit, but still very true...

Edmonton needs to recognize it is not 250,000 people anymore.

[murman]

Originally Posted by Coco

Something must be done. So what can we do? Well, aside from picking up litter, the sidewalks downtown need to be powerwashed at least 6 months of the year.

DAILY. Last time I was in Paris, the local neightbourhood got a good powerwash every night.

[IanO]

Originally Posted by murman

DAILY. Last time I was in Paris, the local neightbourhood got a good powerwash every night.

Men in green

[DebraW]

Originally Posted by murman

DAILY. Last time I was in Paris, the local neightbourhood got a good powerwash every night.

^ Of course, they have public loo's on the street and then there are the dogs who do their stuff wherever they want.

Edmonton should powerwash the street esp. downtown, Whyte ave etc. on a regular basis...of course then what would fill the potholes?

[RichardS]

Originally Posted by chilcootin

Look at every time any public funds are allocated for public projects such as Churchill Square, Art Gallery, RAM, etc., (and just wait for downtown arena debate) the locals revolt and are up in arms because as you know there are potholes to be filled, snow to be cleared, and overpasses to be built because we all know, a filled pothole makes a city world class.......

If you don't think that Calgary, Vancouver, et al don't have a huge contingent of people that whine, lament, and complain when museums are funded over traffic concerns such as potholes and snow removal or homeless shelters, you've not been watching closely.

The Sun is the Sun...their readers say the same thing regardless of the city (for Van, the Province). How dare you fund square/museum/gallery/arenaX when there are potholes, homelessness, traffic tie-ups blah blah blah....

The main difference is the lethargic civil service and the apathetic city council here who decided years ago to listen to the loud whiners, where councils and others in the cities you mention turn a deaf ear more often and understand that there is more to a city than a pothole patrol. Plus, these other cities have made potholes a routine effort, not some silly cost cutting measure. Weclome to a government town.

[BDavidson]

I wish it would rain!

[DebraW]

Originally Posted by BDavidson

I wish it would rain!

Your wish was someones command...snow, rain, sleet we have had it all today!

[IanO]

Originally Posted by BDavidson

I wish it would rain!

indeed....a 2 day heavy rain would help SO MUCH

[chilcootin]

If you don't think that Calgary, Vancouver, et al don't have a huge contingent of people that whine, lament, and complain when museums are funded over traffic concerns such as potholes and snow removal or homeless shelters, you've not been watching closely.

The Sun is the Sun...their readers say the same thing regardless of the city (for Van, the Province). How dare you fund square/museum/gallery/arenaX when there are potholes, homelessness, traffic tie-ups blah blah blah....

The main difference is the lethargic civil service and the apathetic city council here who decided years ago to listen to the loud whiners, where councils and others in the cities you mention turn a deaf ear more often and understand that there is more to a city than a pothole patrol. Plus, these other cities have made potholes a routine effort, not some silly cost cutting measure. Weclome to a government town.

I guess it is city council and all the city employess that are doing the littering in the city of Edmonton......and who do you think votes these people in????.............Again, excuses, excuses and Edmontonians passing the buck and not taking responsibility for their city.........And for the record, where did I ever mention or refer to the Sun???......... because I don't read the Sun but amazingly, I still hear all these complaints on a pretty regular basis.........

[RichardS]

Huh?

The council and employees for not doing the SIMPLE things to combat this...that is what I am referring to...not that they litter! ...and the simple things that would make potholes and snow removal non issues....

Edmontonians that I know take their responsibility seriously. Each neighborhood I've lived in has clean up programs. Each neighborhood I've lived in gives a darn. Just because you see litter on the Whitemud doesn't mean that people here don't care. You expect us to get out on the Yellowhead and do this? Not only would the city frown due to liability issues (no hardhats, vests, etc), but this would be dangerous as heck for many. Get real.

The "sun" is a reference to the demographic that writes into that tabliod. These are the very pothole complaining, refund demanding, anti-square ranting people you reference. However, you ignored the folks that were pro-square, and the huge demograpic that is trying to change this. I mention the Sun because if you read the Calgary version, lo and behold, the EXACT SAME complaints you reference as an Edmonton problem appear in Calgary, and Winnipeg, and Toronto, and Ottawa (Van in the Province). So, again, to say that pothole and traffic whiners are in Edmonton is a grossly overexaggerated assumption.

Sure, there are areas of improvment, but to say that one city is better than the other due to some world class thinking is erroneous. I can list off areas of Vancouver that are at best shoddy. Calgary as well. Toronto, don't get me started.

[chilcootin]

I guess it is city council and all the city employess that are doing the littering in the city of Edmonton

RichardS, it a called sarcasm...............And where did I say that "one city is better than the other due to some world class thinking"? Anyways, you have obviously missed the whole point of what I was saying and actually proved my point in typical defensive, knee-jerk Edmonton fashion..........If you just keep telling yourself that you "live in the best city, in the best province, in the best country in the world" like Mayor Smith used to say and do nothing more, it will come true (that was sarcasm again).......

[BDavidson]

Back to the topic.

I wish there were higher standards for cleaning the areas around construction sites. 104 Street Downtown is an absolute mess due to construction.

It would be appropriate for the contractor to be required to clean the surrounding streets every evening.

[Sonic Death Monkey]

Originally Posted by chilcootin

The difference between Calgary, Vancouver, and other cities I have lived in and Edmonton is their cultural mindsets. These cities "think" they are first class cities, want to be first class cities and as such, act accordingly. Whereas Edmonton gives some platitudes about being a first class city, but still has the mindset of Vegreville or as I like to call Edmonton, the "world's biggest small town"......Look at every time any public funds are allocated for public projects such as Churchill Square, Art Gallery, RAM, etc., (and just wait for downtown arena debate) the locals revolt and are up in arms because as you know there are potholes to be filled, snow to be cleared, and overpasses to be built because we all know, a filled pothole makes a city world class.......This mindset translates to everything in Edmonton where by and large, the public really doesn't give a crap about how Edmonton looks and doesn't demand it from our public officials in terms of spending money on clean up and beautification. Unless, Edmontonians start to take a little pride in their city and stop littering and allocate more resources to clean up the city other than Mendels' little clean up crews, not much is going to change....Anyways, I digress.......

I agree with much of your comments. People laud E-town for small-town hospitality, but unfortunately this includes an abundance of small-town thinking and vision.

What we need:
- streetcleaners on Jasper and Whyte every night
- better garbage receptacles that are wind-proof and bum-proof
- ashtrays on the street
- more cops and bylaw officers to slap litterbugs and spitters with hefty fines
- ticket the truck drivers that has crap blowing out of their cargo areas
- an alternative to sand to treat icy roads so that our streets aren't so muddy

[soycd]

Originally Posted by Sonic Death Monkey

I agree with much of your comments. People laud E-town for small-town hospitality, but unfortunately this includes an abundance of small-town thinking and vision.

What we need:
- streetcleaners on Jasper and Whyte every night
- better garbage receptacles that are wind-proof and bum-proof
- ashtrays on the street
- more cops and bylaw officers to slap litterbugs and spitters with hefty fines
- ticket the truck drivers that has crap blowing out of their cargo areas
- an alternative to sand to treat icy roads so that our streets aren't so muddy

Good comments on both of these posts. However, I don't think we can forgo the sand in the winter. We need it for traction.

BTW, what is this I hear about people spitting on the sidewalks? Just is just frickin' disgusting. I know sometimes you have to hork, but for God's sake do it in a garbage can or a paper towel or something. That's as bad as people wiping snot on things. That is frickin' gross.

[rant]You know....it doesn't matter where you are (socio-economic or geographical) - society is becoming more rude and self-centered with the passing of each generation.

A few years ago I scarfed down a meal from Rotten Ronnies at Capilano Mall. I aimlessly watched traffic on 101st Ave. while consuming my ever-tastey Big Mac (yum yum! hahaha!) and watched a fellow eat his meal a couple of stalls down from me. When he was finished he tossed the empty fry and burger boxes out of his window. I couldn't believe what I just witnessed.

I got out of my truck and sauntered over to his car. I asked him politely WHY he would toss his garbage onto the ground when a garbage can was no more than 20' away. He looked me square in the eyes and replied, "I didn't throw anything out the window".

Seriously, I had to restrain myself from opening his door and hauling him out of his car and forcing his head to the ground to show him what I was talkng about and telling him.......

Oh what's the use. I looked HIM squarely in the eyes, called him an asshat and walked away.[/rant]

This rant is due in part to my short list of pet peeves:
- liars
- thieves
- vandals

[DebraW]

Originally Posted by soycd

Good comments on both of these posts. However, I don't think we can forgo the sand in the winter. We need it for traction.

BTW, what is this I hear about people spitting on the sidewalks? Just is just frickin' disgusting. I know sometimes you have to hork, but for God's sake do it in a garbage can or a paper towel or something. That's as bad as people wiping snot on things. That is frickin' gross.

[rant]You know....it doesn't matter where you are (socio-economic or geographical) - society is becoming more rude and self-centered with the passing of each generation.

A few years ago I scarfed down a meal from Rotten Ronnies at Capilano Mall. I aimlessly watched traffic on 101st Ave. while consuming my ever-tastey Big Mac (yum yum! hahaha!) and watched a fellow eat his meal a couple of stalls down from me. When he was finished he tossed the empty fry and burger boxes out of his window. I couldn't believe what I just witnessed.

I got out of my truck and sauntered over to his car. I asked him politely WHY he would toss his garbage onto the ground when a garbage can was no more than 20' away. He looked me square in the eyes and replied, "I didn't throw anything out the window".

Seriously, I had to restrain myself from opening his door and hauling him out of his car and forcing his head to the ground to show him what I was talkng about and telling him.......

Oh what's the use. I looked HIM squarely in the eyes, called him an asshat and walked away.[/rant]

This rant is due in part to my short list of pet peeves:
- liars
- thieves
- vandals

^Good points...

I will have to remember as-hat! It is like my "Holy Friday" that I got from Newfie buddies!

[IanO]

Originally Posted by BDavidson

Back to the topic.

I wish there were higher standards for cleaning the areas around construction sites. 104 Street Downtown is an absolute mess due to construction.

It would be appropriate for the contractor to be required to clean the surrounding streets every evening.

i do know clark builders has a decent policy on this...not sure about graham.

[soycd]

Originally Posted by IanO

i do know clark builders has a decent policy on this...not sure about graham.

Site cleanliness is a safety item and is usually outlined in the General Conditions of the Contract between the General Contractor and the Owner.

A call to the Owner outlining the mess should garner some action.

[Titanium48]

Originally Posted by Sonic Death Monkey

What we need:
- streetcleaners on Jasper and Whyte every night

Cleaning early on saturday and sunday mornings and once midweek would probably be sufficient.

Originally Posted by Sonic Death Monkey

- better garbage receptacles that are wind-proof and bum-proof

Or at least have more of them and ensure they are emptied when full. I have no problem with street people making a few bucks off of those too lazy to recycle their cans and bottles.

Originally Posted by Sonic Death Monkey

- ashtrays on the street

I'd like to see a ban on smoking in all public places (indoors or out), with the exception of specifically licenced "smoke bars" with filtered negative pressure ventilation systems.

Originally Posted by Sonic Death Monkey

- an alternative to sand to treat icy roads so that our streets aren't so muddy

How about scraping the snow off and hauling it away?

[RichardS]

Originally Posted by Titanium48

How about scraping the snow off and hauling it away?

Is there a cost comparison?

Can this be done as fast as applying sand?

[Doug]

Its nice to see that so many people are upset about this problem. This is something that has concerned me for many years. I agree that our city is filthy in the spring and it is not acceptable.

I encourage everyone to get involved with the CAPITAL CITY CLEANUP CAMPAIGN and let your city counselor's know how upset you are. This is a problem we all need to address and we all need to do our part.

For the next month I would not want any visitors coming to this city due to the large amount of litter and dirt.

We all need to do our part and change the attitudes of many people in this city. I'm tired of living in (what looks like a third world city) for March and April every year.

[Barry N]

Enrollment info for Capital City Clean-up can be found here:..........

http://edmonton.ca/portal/server.pt/...y+Clean+Up.htm

[24karat]

Originally Posted by Doug

For the next month I would not want any visitors coming to this city due to the large amount of litter and dirt.

The visitors who come in on Gateway Blvd. see a huge amount of litter up against the refinery's chainlink fence at 23rd avenue. It's my guess that the litter has blown in from South Edmonton Common during the autumn and winter, but no one has taken the time and effort to clean it up.

[Doug]

I think there are a couple of things the city can do to cut down on the amount of litter and filth:

1. Take away the filthy windrows. They contain a lot of litter and look terrible. It is not good enough to let them melt naturally.
2. Get the retailers to haul away their large piles of snow they leave in their parking lots. They are also full of garbage and all of that garbage ends up in our neighbourhoods once the piles of snow melt.
3. Enforce the litter bylaw. I was in a meeting several months ago with a supervisor from city bylaw and he could count on one hand how many littering tickets the city hands out on a yearly basis. Can you tell?
4. More public pressure on the litter bugs. If you see someone litter say somehing. Eventually it will not be acceptable to throw your McDonalds bags out the window.

[Sonic Death Monkey]

Originally Posted by Doug

4. More public pressure on the litter bugs. If you see someone litter say somehing. Eventually it will not be acceptable to throw your McDonalds bags out the window.

Easier said than done. Most people won't do this because who knows what kind of person the litterbug is. You may end up with a knife in the throat cos' you was disrespectin' da bro.

[LindseyT]

I'm I the only one who would much rather see the city spend money on running a couple street sweepers around the city and clean up filthy snowbanks on major throughfares than sending a snowplow down my street?

[kcantor]

Originally Posted by LindseyT

I'm I the only one who would much rather see the city spend money on running a couple street sweepers around the city and clean up filthy snowbanks on major throughfares than sending a snowplow down my street?

No, you're not.

[psiebold1]

Originally Posted by IanO

indeed....a 2 day heavy rain would help SO MUCH

The streets would flood - only because the storm drains are placed higher than they should be.

[psiebold1]

Walked around Jasper and Whyte. Noticed that Whyte was much dirtier than Jasper. We're not talking mud - we're talking about strewn paper. There was so much of it laying around that I stopped picking up stuff very quickly.

[Winnipegboy]

Walking in my buddies back lane the other day, and came across several dirty condoms. The funny thing is that I also saw this same thing just off of Whyte. It must be that time of year here in the city of Champions.

[Sonic Death Monkey]

Originally Posted by Titanium48

Or at least have more of them and ensure they are emptied when full. I have no problem with street people making a few bucks off of those too lazy to recycle their cans and bottles.

The problem is that many of them are tossing garbage out of the bins and onto the streets to get at their precious drinking containers.

What Vancouver has in their downtown are bum-proof garbage receptables with can/bottle holders on top. It'd like to see those here on Jasper and Whyte Aves.

[Stacy]

While on this topic and seeing the rants in this space about filthiness, I couldn't help but see a recent survey on http://www.edmontonlife.ca on the issue.

[RichardS]

Originally Posted by Sonic Death Monkey

The problem is that many of them are tossing garbage out of the bins and onto the streets to get at their precious drinking containers.

...and before anyone jumps on SDM for this statement, I saw it yet again this afternoon...in front of Telus Plaza.

[grish]

is an appropriate response to that is placing recylcing bins for pop cans next to the regular garbage bins? this city prides itself for recylcing initiatives. why not this one?

[ralph60]

I think the best thing to do with recyclables is set them on top of newspaper boxes or beside garbage cans. This way the bottle pickers don't have to root through the trash. An empty bottle or can set out like this is usually picked up within a couple minutes if you are downtown or Whyte.

[MylesC]

Originally Posted by grish

is an appropriate response to that is placing recylcing bins for pop cans next to the regular garbage bins? this city prides itself for recylcing initiatives. why not this one?

I'd go for that and they have started that on campus. However, people still rummage through the regular trash as well.

Even in the garbage bins behind our building some people make huge messes going through the garbage when most of the bottles, etc, end up in the giant blue recycle bin.

In this case, it's really one or two people that cause the problems. Most of the guys who go through the garbage are pretty careful, get their stuff, and move on. When I was talking to one guy he even said he'd sweep up if we left a broom back there for him.

[ChrisD]

Originally Posted by RichardS

I see littered areas in Calgary too durnig spring, don't kid yourself...

I am not even going to get into this. I was in Calgary this past weekend and yes there was spring thaw garbage, some potholes and dusty roads from the gravel.

Of course we all have to do our part to keep our city clean, but Edmonton is NOT the only city with this issue.

[RichardS]

...and the "clean St Albert" myth...yes I said MYTH!!!

I have pictures, aka proof. Garbage strewn along St Albert Road, piled high sand dunes on Boudreaux, roads in Grandin with craters, unshovelled sidewalks that are now rinks, etc.

You know, typical spring. Again, anyone who singles out Edmonton alone needs to wake up.

[grish]

Originally Posted by RichardS

...and the "clean St Albert" myth...yes I said MYTH!!!

I have pictures, aka proof. Garbage strewn along St Albert Road, piled high sand dunes on Boudreaux, roads in Grandin with craters, unshovelled sidewalks that are now rinks, etc.

You know, typical spring. Again, anyone who singles out Edmonton alone needs to wake up.

that's probably all those junkies from edmonton inflitrating St. Heaven using the (gasp) roads and public transport! They should consider building a wall like the one separating the US and Mexico.

[RichardS]

HAHA...they are the ones that put the bicycles in the Sturgeon...

[Doug]

Yes spring is a dirty time in any northern city but lets not use it as an excuse. The amount of litter is unacceptable whether we are a northern city or not. We need to take more pride and start cleaning up after ourselves. For most of the year we are a dirty city and that needs to change.

[travis]

And people need to stop comparing our city's cleanliness to European cities. I don't know how many times i've heard people say that our city is actually quite clean because their European relatives/friends say so. I think the bar should be set a little higher (for city cleanliness at least).

[RichardS]

Originally Posted by Doug

Yes spring is a dirty time in any northern city but lets not use it as an excuse.

I don't think anyone is...

What is being said here is that other cities are also experiencing this during the melt. No excuses as this litter is unacceptable, no matter where you live.

[Doug]

The city will look better in the next few weeks. The city starts the annual cleanup and sweeping on April 10 but it is tough to look at the dirt and litter between the time the snow melts and when the cleanup begins. With the World Curling Championships coming here in the next few weeks I hope the city cleans Wayne Gretzky Drive and the area around Rexall Place....its looking pretty bad right now.

[E-Town Crusader]

Originally Posted by 24karat

The visitors who come in on Gateway Blvd. see a huge amount of litter up against the refinery's chainlink fence at 23rd avenue. It's my guess that the litter has blown in from South Edmonton Common during the autumn and winter, but no one has taken the time and effort to clean it up.

I called the city today to complain about the litter there.

Here are some city of Edmonton contact numbers.

Litter- Roads & Sidewalks 496-1700
Litter- Overflowing Garbage Cans 496-5678

[Doug]

I would encourage everyone that is concerned about litter in a particular area to give the city a call. They are pretty good about coming out and cleaning it up once a complainant has been filed. The only way the city will increase funding for litter pick up is if they receive calls.

[ShermanT]

Originally Posted by Doug

I would encourage everyone that is concerned about litter in a particular area to give the city a call. They are pretty good about coming out and cleaning it up once a complainant has been filed. The only way the city will increase funding for litter pick up is if they receive calls.

Awesome. This is something we can all DO for this city at this very moment. Everyone that has posted in this thread should have those numbers that E-Town Crusader has posted on their cellphones and call when they see something. It may seem small but if everyone who posted here also did their part in calling, I'm sure it could make some difference. If everyone who reads this thread also called, I'm sure it could start something bigger.

[MikeK]

Just before I got back to my condo this afternoon from running some errands, I noticed someone whom I think is a neighbour who lives on my floor picking up some trash from the sidewalk just to clean it up. It goes to show that there are people in this city who do care about how clean this city is, not just us C2E forumers.

[metro]

A few weeks ago I complained via email to the citizens' action centre about the abysmal state of Jasper Ave between 107 and 109 st with regards to litter. A representative from the city called me back and said if anyone ever notices a "garbage emergency" on a city street or sidewalk they can call 496-1700 and the city will send a crew out to take care of it. I think it is the same number as the complaint line for potholes.

[ChrisD]

/\ People, use this number as much as you can to get their attention.

[ShermanT]

Originally Posted by MikeK

Just before I got back to my condo this afternoon from running some errands, I noticed someone whom I think is a neighbour who lives on my floor picking up some trash from the sidewalk just to clean it up. It goes to show that there are people in this city who do care about how clean this city is, not just us C2E forumers.

Of course there are! That is also a very good sign that although there is a still a ways to go to get the city to where it should be, there is still a sense of responsibility and hope. I would almost suggest trying to get your neighbor onto C2E so that he can find other like minded people

[IanO]

Litter in the river is not only unsightly, it poses environmental concerns that can adversely impact water quality for wildlife, safe drinking water and recreation.

To address the problem, the Capital City Clean Up program will implement a North Saskatchewan River Cleanup pilot program this year.

The pilot will run from May 15 to September 15 to collect material on the river within City of Edmonton boundaries.

Using a jet boat, City of Edmonton crews will, when river water levels allow, remove floating debris that has accumulated in the river, around bridges and close to shore.

Patrol crews will follow federal guidelines to ensure fish and plant habitat is protected.

Although the City of Edmonton greatly appreciates the assistance of volunteers in the Capital City Clean Up program, due to safety and liability concerns, volunteers will not be asked to assist in the North Saskatchewan River Cleanup pilot.

Periodic updates of patrol reports will be posted on this page as they become available.

[ChrisD]

/\ Great initiative.

[chupa]

I would have to agree,but the ironic part was being in Calgary for a meeting and noticing the same thing for the area around the deer foot and YYC airport....I think the good old alberta weather isnt good for any of us.I said to myself ''and Calgarians slam us about dirty???''Cant wait for summer the whole province rocks for looks then.

[Sonic Death Monkey]

Calgarians walk around with rose-coloured glasses and think they live in Utopia On Earth, not realizing that their litter problem can be just as bad.

[RichardS]

...but that goes to show you that attitude is everything...

[KC]

In the recent past I've seen:

- teens or twenties at the front of a McDonald's 'Drive Thru' pitch their previous fast food meal right out across a freshly mowed lawn,

- other 'teens' - also at a McDonalds - dump their containers and wrappers right out their window onto the McDonalds parking lot (since I was parked next to them, I got out and picked up the garbage beside their car - hopefully embarrasing the little urchins),

- a lady open her car door at an intersection and dump a huge pile of cigarette butts out on the road,

a couple weeks ago a middle-aged lady get up from a food court table in WEM and just leave all her garbage there on the table and the next lady with her kids in tow sweep it all onto the floor

and just last week;

- a guy in a pickup going down the road pitching plastic wrappers right out his truck window.

They're all LCDs - Lowest Common Denominators. It's really too bad so many people see nothing wrong with devaluing our city, our neighbourhoods, our properties and our culture.

Anyway, I once suggested to the City to put a couple short fences in one location by WEM to catch the garbage blowing around the corner of a walkway and they did install one right away - and it does catch a lot of the blowing garbage. Maybe more short protruding fences here and there could 'collect' the trash.

[Jeff]

Sighting - exceedingly rare, possibly endangered

Sidewalk power-washing seen this morning – Second Cup/MEC (102 ave & 124 street).

Others?

[LindseyT]

The city has been out sweeping sidewalks and stuff the past couple days on the south side.

[ralph60]

I was reading this article http://www.forbes.com/2007/04/16/wor...6cleanest.html today and I thought I would post the link to ruin everybody's day.
Forbes Magazine looked at 300 cities world wide and came up with the top 25 cleanest cities in the world and Calgary was #1. Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Vancouver were all in the top 25.

Edmonton was not mentioned.

[m0nkyman]

No. Mercer Human Resources did the study. Forbes reported on it. And nobody in Edmonton has paid to be included in their studies.

[Barry N]

Took a drive thru a couple of neighbourhoods surrounding WEM on Sunday morning. Some little sweetheart had removed all the free newspapers from one of the news boxes and proceeded to spread them up one street and down the next every 20 feet or so. In addition they took the time to tip over every transit bench in a 6 block area. Don't even get me started on the garbage that was blowing around the mall.

[Doug]

It's too bad that the pigs in our society are not held more accountable for the mess that they leave behind. You see that type of thing all the time and it gets a little depressing.