City Hall
Mayor Launches “Clean City” Spring Initiative
A new initiative encouraging Torontonians to participate in city-wide cleanups launched this week, with the mayor calling it a chance to “refresh our streets and our civic pride.”
By Feather Sand Chronicles Editorial Team | April 26, 2025 at 10:41
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow has unveiled a new city-wide initiative aimed at revitalizing neighbourhoods and promoting civic pride. Dubbed the 'Clean City Spring Initiative,' the campaign calls on residents, businesses, and community organizations to participate in coordinated efforts to clean up streets, parks, and public spaces across the city.
Standing at a press event in Nathan Phillips Square surrounded by volunteers and schoolchildren, the mayor emphasized the importance of environmental stewardship and community collaboration. 'Toronto is our shared home, and it’s time we roll up our sleeves and care for it together,' she said.
The initiative, which launches officially next week, will include organized cleanups, graffiti removal, tree planting, and recycling education drives. Residents can sign up through the city’s online portal to participate in specific events or organize their own in collaboration with municipal support.
City officials confirmed that funding for the program comes from existing environmental and public works budgets. Additional support is being provided by corporate sponsors and nonprofit groups who have pledged supplies, transportation, and refreshments for volunteers.
A unique aspect of the campaign is its focus on youth engagement. Several Toronto District School Board schools have signed on to lead classroom cleanups and litter awareness activities. Teachers say it’s a hands-on way to connect students with real-world civic responsibility.
Residents will also notice new signage and promotional materials throughout the TTC system and on city social media accounts. The campaign is expected to run through the end of June, aligning with Earth Day and Canada’s spring conservation events.
Public Works Commissioner Sandra Singh noted that this year’s initiative builds on pilot programs from previous years, which showed significant community interest but lacked centralized coordination. 'We now have a structure that makes it easy for people to get involved,' she said.
Neighbourhood associations from Scarborough to Etobicoke have already begun planning events. In High Park, local residents have organized a cleanup and composting workshop, while a Chinatown-based nonprofit is arranging a series of weekend events focused on alleyways and laneways.
Participants in the initiative will receive branded gloves, t-shirts, and biodegradable trash bags. The city will also offer limited disposal services to help manage the collected waste and recyclables at designated drop-off sites.
Critics have expressed cautious support, noting that long-term cleanliness will depend on ongoing maintenance and waste management reforms. 'It’s great to rally people, but we also need consistent services,' said Charles Yu, a member of a local urban planning group.
The city has committed to publishing a post-campaign report summarizing participation, volume of waste collected, and key learnings. Feedback forms will also be distributed to volunteers to evaluate the program’s success and gather suggestions for future editions.
Local business improvement areas (BIAs) are also jumping on board, viewing the campaign as a chance to beautify commercial districts and draw foot traffic. Several restaurants and cafés have pledged to offer discounts to volunteers on cleanup days.
As spring weather begins to emerge, city leaders are hopeful that this collective effort will not only clean up Toronto, but inspire a renewed sense of ownership and care for the urban environment. 'We’re not just sweeping the streets,' said Mayor Chow, 'we’re renewing our connection to the city we love.'