Returning once again since being put on hold in 2010 after Weyburn was declared the winner, it was announced by Councillor Kellie Sidloski during Monday night's meeting of Weyburn City Council: the Golden Garbage Can competition will commence.
"It's been a 15 year-hiatus, but we are bringing back the Golden Garbage Can. It's a friendly competition between Estevan and Weyburn, a chance to showcase our communities and show off some great spots we have in each city."
"Next week we are leading into Wey-Clean Week, which is a great head start for Weyburn, leading into the Golden Garbage Can."
She said the GGC is ultimately a campaign to promote a residential cleanup in both communities.
"If it's pulling weeds, cleaning up garbage, litter, planting flowers, every little effort counts."
The winner will be crowned following a tour of both communities on June 9th by a panel of five judges.
"We do just really want to focus on the community, what we can do to spruce things up and showcase what we have."
"We have the golden garbage can from years back. I did a little research as it was a new initiative for me and it actually dates back to 1956. So it is a long-time little rivalry between the two cities."
Sidloski said with Estevan's recent downtown revitalization, "I think they could give us a run for our money".
She noted the return of the GGC was in part the result of feedback during the Council campaign in the fall.
"A lot of people said they would love to see the community cleaner, a little more focus on that. So we thought that this was a good way to introduce this back and maybe get a little bit of teamwork amongst everyone in the community and hopefully we can keep that Golden Garbage Can in our possession."
Sidloski said the initiative was particularly important to two past Weyburn City Councillors, Nancy Styles and Dick Michel. Both were advocates for a cleaner Weyburn.
"It's just about coming together. Let's have some fun. Let's show how much pride we take in our community. We can make a big difference and maybe even bring home the can. So... let the friendly competition begin."
