Timmins councillors want to clean up the city

At the base of a brand new restaurant in Timmins is a section of land covered in litter.

"The shear volume of trash that’s behind me just tells us about the greater community and what trash is just existing in the community," said Kristin Murray, Timmins councillor.

Timmins city councillor Kristin Murray stands at the side of a city road littered with trash. Nov. 19/23 (Lydia Chubak/CTV Northern Ontario)

"I think you know there’s not trash cans around for people to dispose of items, so I just think about how we can do a better job at keeping our community clean."

It's eyesores like that that councillor Kristin Murray said makes the city less appealing to visitors.

"By way of us having a community that’s cleaner, we’ll feel safe and prideful," said Murray.

At a recent council meeting, Murray suggested it plan for a broader community cleanup in addition to the traditional spring curb side special garbage pickup.

"I think a series of things need to happen: people’s mentality around trash and litter needs to change a little bit in terms of how they dispose of items," Murray said.

"I think us, you know, making it a priority about keeping our community clean has to be there as well. And those, you know, in position of power really allocating the resources to be able to continue to keep our community very clean.”

Councillor Bill Gvozdanovic agreed with Murray and supported her request.

"I mean if you take a look at our city, our city is a mess," said Gvozdanovic.

"There’s areas that need attention right here in Schumacher, it's a prime example, it’s never ending.

He suggested a couple of solutions, including setting an example as elected officials.

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"I think we have to enforce our property standards bylaws, number one," said Gvozdanovic.

"I brought that forward, they are now strengthened ... and I think we just got to lead as elected officials. I have garbage bags and gloves I get from public works in my van and I’ll pick it up myself."

Some volunteer community cleanups happen throughout the city from time to time and it's Murray's and Gvozdanovic's hope that more people -- including organizations, individuals and businesses -- will all get on board to clean up the city and keep it that way.