Jonathan Weissman is a Vancouverite who, like so many, loves Stanley Park.
He walks the vast network of trails as many as four times a week. But not just to enjoy nature, but to restore it.
Weissman has taken it upon himself to clean up the copious mounds of trash that litter the many homeless camps that exists among the trees. Since he started his cleanup mission, he has collected more than 100 bags full of discarded clothes, packaging, shoes, and drug paraphernalia. He says he has complained to the city about the mess and that they have not done much to aid in the cleanup. But acting parks operations director Howard Normann says workers are doing their best.
“It is an ongoing challenge. We have roving crews and park rangers go down the trails on a regular basis looking for encampments or people who have dumped things. We can come back to the same spot the morning after a cleanup, and the same amount of garbage will be there.”
Another challenge is the fact that only four park rangers are on the job this time of year, and they have to look after 230 parks. When they do dismantle a homeless camp and haul out the garbage, they come specially equipped to do so.
“This is something we do year-round. It is a constant battle because there are no gates on Stanley Park,” said Chad Cowles, Vancouver Park Board superintendent.
But Weissman says he is careful and determined to continue hauling away the trash that clutters the park. He is even inviting others to join him this Sunday – weather permitting.
Those interested in joining him are invited to email cleanupstanley@gmail.com.
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