Littering is a concern in communities across Nova Scotia, and the council of the Region of Queens Municipality has taken steps to support those who do roadside cleanups to reduce litter.
A motion to approve the Solid Waste Community Litter Collection Program was passed at the regular council meeting May 8, says a Region of Queens media release.
The Solid Waste Community Litter Collection Program supports community groups that clean a portion of highway in their community with a grant of $100 per kilometer. Safety supplies, gloves and garbage bags will also be provided.
“Litter is a concern in every corner of Queens, and there are a number of community organizations that conduct litter cleanups in their areas as a community-pride initiative; they have a desire to keep Queens clean and beautiful, and council appreciates and values those efforts,” said Queens Mayor David Dagley in a press release.
“Some groups have registered their cleanup area with Adopt A Highway and commit to two annual litter cleanups. Other groups are not affiliated with an organized litter removal program and do cleanups as needed. Their work to pick up litter makes an impact and is an example to others.”
An ad hoc litter abatement committee, made up of community members, a few Region of Queens staff members and some councilors, has been working on projects that educate residents about litter and the need to reduce, reuse and recycle. The committee brought forward the idea of establishing a program that will allow community organizations to apply to clean up an area and receive financial support in return.
The budget implications of the Solid Waste Community Litter Collection Program are $3,000 for the grants and an additional $2,500 budgeted to cover the gloves, bags and safety supplies.
Incorporated non-profit community organizations or groups within Queens are eligible to apply once per fiscal year for funding and must supply proof from Nova Scotia Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal for their litter cleanup. Funds are available on a first come, first serve basis, at a rate of $100 per kilometer, including both sides of the road, up to a maximum of $300 per year.
Did you know?
Program guidelines and an application form are available by contacting Scott LeBlanc, solid waste management clerk, at 902-354-3455, and it will also be posted on the Region of Queens website at http://www.regionofqueens.com/municipal-services/works/overview
