The Ontario Public Interest Research Group will hold the 33rd annual Speed River clean-up as an anchor for Guelph’s first Two Rivers Festival.
The clean-up is only one of over 20 events being on June 16.
In the past it has attracted hundreds of volunteers who are passionate about the health and beauty of the community, and it has been listed as one of the “110 things to do in Guelph before you die.”
Volunteers take out tonnes of garbage from the Speed and Eramosa Rivers each year.
The focus is removing the most harmful waste from the waterways, especially plastics, which, when broken down, release toxins.
Following the work, volunteers will meet at the McCrae House (108 Water St.) for free food, entertainment, and community displays.
People do not need to register; just meet at the Royal City Park gazebo on June 16 at 11am.
There will be designated sections that are child-friendly and wheelchair accessible.
Currently OPIRG is looking for volunteers willing to participate in very specific tasks that make the event possible, including set-up, take-down and crew leaders.
Crew leaders receive training in how to identify signs of river health and concern and river creatures.
Crew leaders are expected to look out for the well-being of participants and to ensure that garbage is placed in the correct pick up sites.
