Clean Green Beautiful North Bay (CGB) has big plans heading into its third year.
The beautification group is coming off a 2020 that saw over 8,000 trees planted, along with over 7,000 biodegradable litter bags given out.
Hariett Madigan, Chair of CGB, says she isn’t surprised how well the community took to the group’s goal.
“We had a vision of where we wanted to go, but I’m just pleasantly surprised, and also not surprised because I know our community can get engaged when they can do little things,” she said.
This year, CGB plans to expand its outreach by having six “litter buster” teams clean up “hotspot” neighbourhoods around the city. Last year, there was one team.
“Hopefully, other people from that neighbourhood will join in as well,” Madigan noted.
Local high schools also have the chance to get involved with CGB. Each of the five secondary schools in the area has a chance to receive up to $1,000 toward a beautification project. Students can also volunteer with CGB to receive their community service hours.
Madigan and CGB are also hoping to use 2021 to prepare North Bay for the Communities in Bloom competition. The contest pins similar-sized municipalities against each other, getting judged on their respective beauty initiatives.
As a founder of the North Bay Heritage Gardeners, Madigan took part in the contest 20 years ago where the city had success.
“Things have changed, the community has improved and stepped up on many different levels,” Madigan said.
CGB also plans to keep the city’s storm sewers clean along with working towards providing walking tours to showcase North Bay’s beauty.
Even though there are higher expectations for CGB this year, Madigan is confident the city will rise to the challenge.
“When neighbours come together to make good things happen, it’s a ripple effect,” she noted.
Madigan says there have already been 800 biodegradable litter bags ordered through CGB in the first week they were made available.
To get involved, click here.
