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Drivers on the QEII near Airdrie are being urged to slow down Saturday as volunteers — including children — clean along the highway as part of a province-wide litter pickup.
Motorists should expect volunteers and patrols in marked cleanup zones, the Alberta RCMP said in a media release Thursday. The campaign is scheduled for 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 3, with May 10 as a backup in case of weather delays.
"The Alberta RCMP asks motorists to slow down in marked cleanup areas and to be aware of added foot-traffic," the release stated. "There will be added patrols across provincial highways to enforce traffic safety and prevent speeding in these areas."
According to the RCMP, the campaign involves 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 work in two shifts — 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. — along the QEII north of Highway 566 to the city’s northern limit. Volunteer Airdrie is coordinating the effort, with all roles filled.
Children as young as nine will take part. Volunteers 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 prior approval. All participants are required to complete training videos, a knowledge quiz and a liability waiver before arrival.
Last year, Airdrie volunteers collected 110 bags of litter along 11 kilometres of the QEII. This year’s target 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, and any injuries or safety concerns must be reported to a Volunteer Airdrie representative.
Cleanup areas will be clearly marked with caution posters. Officers will monitor foot traffic and enforce speed limits in marked zones throughout the campaign.
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