Duane Hicks
The “Fight the Blight” campaign is underway but the town would like more helping hands for the town-wide clean-up portion coming up next week.
This week, town residents have been able to put out bags of garbage—without needing bag tags—on their usual garbage collection days.
There also will be two free tipping days at the local landfill this weekend (May 14-15).
The dump will be open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. both days.
If residents are unable to get their unwanted items to the landfill themselves, town staff and community volunteers will be picking up remaining junk during the town-wide clean-up next week (May 16-19).
And that’s where more help is needed.
“We’re very busy next week,” said town bylaw officer Arlene Byrnes. “We’ve had a big response to this.
“People are very excited,” she added.
“Everybody’s back lanes or front yards are starting to filling up,” noted bylaw officer Patrick Briere.
“Lots of stuff to haul away.”
Residents who want their items picked up next week can call the town at 274-5323 or e-mail town@fort-frances.com
This way, the town knows who to send where and what to expect when they get there (i.e., fridges, tree branches, tires, etc.)
Those with derelict vehicles can contact the town or call North Auto (274-7243), which will come and tow away the vehicle free of charge.
The town, meanwhile, has seen a decent response in terms of volunteers but always could use more.
Gillons’ Insurance has offered two trucks and seven volunteers while George Armstrong Co. Ltd. has offered use of a tandem truck.
La Place Rendez-Vous has donated its maintenance staff and a truck for a day-and-a-half, and several individual residents also have offered their time.
Both of the local trailer courts are taking care of their own areas while the local DSSAB is cleaning up its own properties.
The town will be giving landfill passes to the volunteers next week so the dump attendants know who they are.
But more helping hands are needed for the town-wide clean-up portion next week.
To volunteer, call the town at 274-5323.
