Registration is now open – Visit Ottawa.ca
This year marks the 28th year of Cleaning the Capital, a popular City of Ottawa program that leverages corporate sponsorship and resident engagement to help keep our city clean and green. Since the program’s inception, over 1,400,000 volunteers have participated in over 23,000 cleanup projects in communities across the city, removing approximately 1,700,000 kilograms of waste from our public spaces.
Sponsorship Changes
GLAD (Clorox of Canada Ltd.) has recently advised that they will not be providing municipalities with monetary contributions moving forward. The program will continue to be sponsored by Giant Tiger, 1-800-GOTJUNK, ROMCO and the National Capital Commission.
It is expected that the Spring and Fall 2021 campaigns will proceed on a significantly reduced budget while program staff explore options for a new title sponsor.
COVID-19 Considerations
Effective February 16th, Ottawa moved into “Orange-Restrict” status in the COVID-19 Provincial Response Framework. The stay-at-home order was lifted, and the new status allowed the City to resume some of our in-person services and programs. Likewise, program staff have liaised with our partners in Ottawa Public Health to ensure cleanup projects follow the recommended public health measures and safety guidance.
Beyond emphasizing health and safety guidance to those who register and lead cleanup projects – eg: the importance of self-screening, physical distancing, wearing masks, washing/sanitizing hands and limiting groups to the applicable gathering limits outlined in the provincial response framework – the City will not be holding a dedicated Capital Cleanup Weekend, nor loaning tools such as pickers and safety vests. Further, due to reduced budget, leaf and yard waste bags will only be provided upon request, and while supplies last.
Key Spring campaign information:
March 15: Early-bird registration begins
April 15 to May 15: Cleaning the Capital Spring Campaign
April 22 Earth Day
May 15: Last day to register
May 31: Deadline to complete projects and submit cleanup project
Participants can register their cleanup projects by using the online registration form available at ottawa.ca/clean or by calling 613-580-2424, extension 13458. An interactive map on the City website will show the locations chosen for cleanups.
Cleanup kits, which include garbage bags and gloves, will be made available for pick-up by registrants at one of seven City of Ottawa facilities across the city. Upon request, graffiti removal kits can also be provided.
