Residents of Regina, particularly in the North Central neighborhood, are concerned about the growing piles of garbage in their community. Matthew Wesley, who has been working to clean up North Central for nine years, expressed frustration at the amount of trash in the area, which includes needles, glass, diapers, rotten food, and dangerous items like nails sticking out of wood and old furniture. Wesley noted that most of the garbage found in the back alleys is not from residents of North Central but is illegally dumped by people from other communities.
The North Central Community Association (NCCA) and Regina city councillors acknowledged the issue of illegal dumping in North Central and are planning a community cleanup through their ‘Renew’ program once the ground thaws. However, Pat Faulconbridge, the executive director of the NCCA, mentioned that even after cleanups, the problem quickly resurfaces, with the alleys looking the same within a few weeks. Faulconbridge also highlighted the stigma surrounding North Central and encouraged residents to volunteer and help clean up the community rather than sharing images of the garbage.
Despite the challenges, there are individuals who care for the community and are dedicated to keeping it clean, like Matthew Wesley. However, Wesley pointed out that the work is often thankless, as many people turn a blind eye to the issue of garbage buildup. Faulconbridge emphasized the importance of community involvement and encouraged residents to take pride in their neighborhood and contribute to its cleanliness. She also expressed hope for positive change in the future, as efforts continue to address the garbage problem in North Central.
Overall, the issue of garbage buildup in the North Central neighborhood of Regina is a significant concern for residents and community organizations. Illegal dumping by individuals from other communities adds to the problem, resulting in piles of trash in back alleys and vacant lots. Despite efforts to clean up the area through community programs, the issue persists, and the stigma surrounding North Central remains a challenge. However, there are dedicated individuals like Matthew Wesley and community organizations like the NCCA working to address the problem and engage residents in maintaining a clean and safe environment.
Moving forward, there is a need for continued community involvement, volunteer efforts, and sustainable solutions to tackle the issue of garbage buildup in North Central. By raising awareness, encouraging participation, and fostering a sense of pride in the community, residents can work together to prevent illegal dumping and keep the neighborhood clean. Collaboration between local authorities, community organizations, and residents will be essential in creating a cleaner and healthier environment for all individuals living in North Central and Regina as a whole. Through collective action and ongoing initiatives, positive changes can be made to address the challenges of garbage disposal and improve the quality of life in the North Central neighborhood.
