A resident of the Regina’s North Central neighborhood is voicing his concerns about the buildup of garage and debris left over from the winter. Colin Mowry is eager to get the spring cleaning in his area and is interested to know if other residents feel the same. “I feel like cleaning it up makes North Central feel like more – better of a home. More people will want to walk around and play at the parks,” he said. For a number of years, the North Central Community Association (NCCA) has annually held major operations in the neighborhood. Pat Faulconbridge is the executive director of NCCA. She said although garbage and debris is now visible, residents are advised not to pick it up as it’s likely still frozen to the ground. “We can’t dig it up or pick it up because we need to make sure we’re checking for discarded needles or paraphernalia,” Faulconbridge explained. Faulconbridge continued by saying much of the buildup of large items in back alleys has to do with societal issues such as houselessness. Transient living of residents who move in and leave soon after causes a buildup of large items like mattresses and couches. Other sources of garbage possibly come from outside the neighborhood. “We hear people who live outside of our community come in and dump things like washers and tires,” Faulconbridge added. The next major cleanup is scheduled for May 31. According to organizers, the community building event generally leaves people feeling positive about where they live. Mowry hopes everyone does their part in keeping the city clean. “Don’t just throw your garbage in the alleyway,” he said. “While you’re walking, find a garbage can, it doesn’t even have to be your own.”
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