Motorists are urged to slow down on Saturday as thousands of volunteers clean Alberta highways during the province's annual roadside cleanup.
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The Government of Alberta says the cleanup will run from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 3, with May 10 as a backup in case of poor weather. Volunteers will collect roadside litter to raise funds for nonprofit organizations as part of the 49th annual highway cleanup.
"On May 3, let's come together to keep Alberta's highways clean and safe for everyone," said Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors. "A genuine thank you to all the volunteers participating in this year's annual highway cleanup. Your time and effort make a real difference and create a cleaner, safer Alberta one highway at a time."
Groups such as 4-H Clubs, the St. Albert Junior Forest Wardens, Friends of Kananaskis Country, the Calgary Nepalese Community Association, sports teams and other nonprofits will earn $100 per kilometre of highway cleaned.
In 2024, more than 19,000 volunteers cleaned 13,000 kilometres of Alberta roads, and the province contributed $1.2 million to 728 participating organizations.
Volunteers must be at least nine years old, complete a safety training program, and — if under 15 — be supervised by an adult.
In a separate statement, the Alberta RCMP said the province-wide cleanup is scheduled from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and urged motorists to drive with caution.
"The Alberta RCMP asks motorists to slow down in marked cleanup areas and to be aware of added foot-traffic," the agency said. "There will be added patrols across provincial highways to enforce traffic safety and prevent speeding in these areas."
According to the RCMP, the campaign will involve more than 12,000 participants, including 8,000 children from 4-H Clubs, Junior Forest Wardens and other youth groups. Participants will wear safety vests, with caution posters placed beside cleanup areas.
In Airdrie, more than 70 volunteers will clean a 15-kilometre stretch of the QEII, from just north of Highway 566 to the city's northern boundary. Volunteer Airdrie is coordinating the effort and confirmed all positions have been filled.
Crews will work in two shifts: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Children aged 9 to 14 must be supervised at a 1:2 adult-to-child ratio, while those aged 15 to 17 may participate alone with parental approval. All volunteers are required to complete training videos, a knowledge quiz and a liability waiver before arrival.
In 2024, Airdrie participants collected 110 bags of litter along 11 kilometres of highway. This year's goal is to complete the full 15 kilometres.
All volunteers must wear long pants, closed-toed shoes, gloves, sunscreen, hats and safety vests. Alcohol and drug use is prohibited. Any injuries or safety concerns must be reported to a Volunteer Airdrie representative.
Cleanup zones will be marked with caution signage. Officers will monitor foot traffic and enforce speed limits in affected areas.
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