A Moment with the Mayor: Time to Pitch In!

That time of year has arrived in Lloydminster when we start to see what winter and snow have been hiding since January.  We start to see litter and garbage, broken branches and leaves, trash and other debris that was hidden by the clean white that snow is.  As a community, we have the opportunity to join in and work together as a family, friends, neighbours, co-workers or even as individuals to clean up and get everything ready to turn green.  The Pitch-In campaign has been running for 57 years and we can all participate.

The week of April 29- May 5 is Pitch in Week across Canada.  Canadians are invited to help clean up our properties, parks and trails.  Spring weather is very motivating to clean the inside of our homes and garages as well as yards and gardens.  It seems everyone has things they want to dispose of: old batteries, used motor oil, paints or other household chemicals.  There is a great opportunity on the horizon for you.  Saturday, May 4 at the Agricultural Exhibition Grounds from 10 – 2 p.m., we have the Annual Household Hazardous Waste Roundup which is back with a new name: Household Recycling Roundup. Follow the signs when you arrive and check out lloydminster.ca/communitycleanup for more information.  If you need free pick-up, please call 639-840-3993 before 6 p.m. on Friday, May 3, to arrange.

As a homeowner, Pitch In Week is an excellent opportunity to deal with yard, trees and other items you may have collected over time.  For those looking to gain some volunteer hours, checking with neighbours can be a great way to contribute.  The great news is when we all work together the city looks better.

It is an absolute pleasure to join our school students each year and go out and pick up around the various school playgrounds to kick off the week.  I have also been invited to help with some non-profits as they pitch in, and together, we tidy up our city.  It is great to see business groups also help out.  Pitch In Week is scheduled so that we can get ahead of the grass growing and camouflaging the litter. I look forward to working together with you to Pitch In and make a difference.

Mayor Gerald S. Aalbers
City of Lloydminster