(rdnewsNOW/ Ian Gustafson)

By Ian Gustafson

Community clean up

Mayor and council take part in Green Deer Cleanup Campaign

May 2, 2025 | 11:54 AM

Ken Johnston said it was a bittersweet moment taking part in his final Green Deer Spring Cleanup Campaign as Mayor of Red Deer.

On Friday morning, he along with city councillors Dianne Wyntjes, Lawrence Lee, and Victor Doerksen picked up garbage at the Gary W. Harris Celebration Plaza and surrounding area.

Johnston said it’s important they lead by example.

“It’s my last as a public servant but it certainly won’t be my last as a citizen,” Johnston said. “It’s always been a privilege to come down and just put a little shine on the areas we’ve been around.”

The Green Dear Spring Cleanup Campaign runs from March 21 and May 31 and during that time, residents are encouraged to help clean up their community by picking up litter and garbage.

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Put on by the Waskasoo Environmental Education Society, those wanting can take part by filling out an online registration form to receive free litter cleanup supplies. It also enters you in for a chance to win prizes.

“I’m always impressed when community associations will send in pictures of the cleanups they’ve done around their neighbourhoods,” Johnston added. “This is an event that brings citizens right into the core of their neighbourhoods so it’s a terrific event.”

The Mayor explained council has always promoted Red Deer as a safe and inviting city. That’s why it’s so important to maintain it’s cleanliness.

“I think the important part of it for citizens is you’re never too old to take a look at your block and do a little yourself. There’s nothing like volunteering to clean your city that brings out civic pride, that’s for sure,” Johnston said.