Early each weekday morning, while much of the city is just waking up, a four-person crew is already pounding the pavement in downtown Lloydminster.
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Launched on June 8, the City of Lloydminster’s Clean City Team was created to maintain a dedicated presence focused on keeping the downtown core safe, clean and welcoming.
Operating Monday to Friday starting at 7 a.m., team members patrol sidewalks, alleys and public spaces to remove litter and safely dispose of hazards, including discarded sharps.
For team members Jacob and Riley, the job has evolved into much more than basic maintenance.
“The most rewarding part has been the people who stop to say nice things and thank us while we are working downtown,” Jacob said, noting that local appreciation began within the first two weeks of launch after cleaning an alleyway behind a local business.
Riley echoed that sentiment, noting that positive community feedback gives the work a deeper sense of purpose.
“When I look for a job, I look for one that I can find meaning in,” Riley said. “In this case, I find meaning knowing downtown is safer and more inviting because of the work we do.”
Local businesses have taken notice. Quietude Massage Therapy & Wellness recently praised the initiative on social media, thanking the workers for their frequent presence around their premises.
Beyond garbage collection, team members report a recent decrease in discarded sharps and overall litter downtown. The daily foot patrols have also given the crew a fresh perspective on the city’s core, highlighting local murals and artwork that often go unnoticed by passersby.
The City of Lloydminster has invested approximately $26,000 into the program to date to support the four-person team’s seasonal efforts downtown and citywide.
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