Spring cleaning is a dirty job. A lot of trash builds up under the snow of a long winter in city parks, schoolyards and community spaces.
Fortunately, residents in Ottawa are eager to rise to the challenge.
Thousands of community groups, neighbourhood associations and individuals have signed up for the Spring Cleaning the Capital campaign.
During the official launch of the campaign Thursday, River Ward Councillor Maria McRae said the projects are as simple as getting together with a group and collecting trash in parks, schoolyards and roadways.
Lindsay Morris, who is cleaning Bellevue Manor Park with husband Michael and children Morgan, 3, and Zackery, 4, said it was a good opportunity to do something good for the community.
This is the 16th year for the cleaning program. Last year, more than 67,000 people took part in 1,200 projects that collected 116,000 kg of litter.
Volunteers can register at ottawa.ca/clean or by calling 3-1-1.
