The city of Port Coquitlam will be looking to members of the community to help cleanup some of its streets, parks and trails.
Staff are proposing an adopt-a-street program, which would allow residents to take charge of a given area to ensure that it is safe and well-maintained.
"The emphasis is increasing the sense of community that we have," said Larry Wheeler, the acting director of parks and recreation with the city of PoCo. "It allows people to feel a greater sense of ownership in their public properties."
The report states that the initiative would benefit the community by promoting physical activity and encouraging greater social interaction between residents. It also increases residents' connection with their natural environment, Wheeler said.
One issue that came up during the development of the proposal has to do with how the adopt-a-street program would impact paid unionized staff members.
Wheeler said discussions have taken place to ensure that the work that is being conducted by volunteers goes beyond what the city already offers in the way of maintenance to its parks and trails.
"We like to see it as added value," Wheeler said. "Staff will still continue to do the work that they do and this would be over and above."
CUPE Local 498, which represents city staff in Port Coquitlam, has endorsed the program, said the staff report.
Council is expected to vote on the report at a meeting next month. If the proposal is successful, it would be open to all volunteers, including businesses, community organizations, schools, families or individuals who complete the application process.
