Thank you for signing up for the Ocean Wise Shoreline Cleanup. We have received the following information from your municipality:
To initiate the coordination process for your cleanup, please get in touch with the City of Surrey by emailing stewardship@surrey.ca or calling 604-598-5774 at least two weeks prior to your proposed cleanup date. Kindly be aware that the municipality has a maximum group size limit of 50 people per cleanup site.
If you have any further inquiries or require additional information from the municipality, you can send an email to the Stewardship Team at stewardship@surrey.ca or speak with a volunteer coordinator at 604-591-4573.
Thank you for your proactive efforts in working together with the City of Surrey to make a positive impact through cleanups.
***Please contact the City of Surrey two weeks before your proposed clean-up date***
Ocean Wise Shoreline Cleanup in Surrey
Clean-Up, Have Fun, & Be Safe!
Protect Nature
· Stay on trails, trail edges, forest edges, open areas and open access to shorelines (unless other arrangements have been made with City of Surrey staff) - do not trample vegetation to get to shorelines.
· Do not pick up or remove logs or large broken branches - these are probably acting as homes for wildlife such as salamanders and voles.
· Watch for nests – spring is nesting season for many birds. If birds in the area seem upset with you (vocalizing close-by, dive-bombing) they are likely protecting a nest. Try to work in an area that will cause less stress for new bird parents. Be careful of where you are stepping as some species do nest on the ground.
· Do not remove items that are embedded in the shore or waterway – this often does more harm to fish and their eggs than good. Removing embedded objects stirs up silt which suffocates fish and destroys fish spawning habitat in the area. Any work within waterways is prohibited during the spring and fall by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
· Do not enter any waterways - this is also harmful to fish and their eggs as it can destroy spawning habitat. Your footsteps can potentially crush salmon eggs laid in the gravel of the streambed. Any work within waterways is prohibited during the spring and fall by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
· Do not trample shoreline vegetation – this will make the habitat less healthy and can do more harm than simply leaving some items behind.
· Report spills – call the 24-hour/toll-free reporting hotline 1-800-663-3456 to report hazardous or toxic spills, discharges, emissions as well as hazardous waste.
Protect Yourself
· Wear gloves, long sleeves, full length pants, and sturdy shoes.
· Remember to lift with your legs to remove large or heavy objects.
· Work in pairs (the buddy system is fun, faster, and safer).
· Do not reach under vegetation or debris where you cannot see your hands as you don’t know if there is broken glass, needles, or sharp metal to avoid.
· Use tongs or other tools to identify an object before picking it up.
· Do not pick up hazardous materials such as broken glass, needles/syringes, diapers, condoms, dead animals, and dog waste. Please use the Report a Problem or Submit a Request tool on the City of Surrey webpage to notify us.
· Be careful when working in poor weather as strong winds can break branches from trees above, and rains can make streams dangerous and the ground slippery!
· Do not approach people that appear to be living in the park. Report concerns to City of Surrey staff.
Items to Leave in Place
Please DO NOT remove or pick up the following items:
Needles or other biohazardous materials
Sharp items that could puncture your skin
Deceased animals
Large household items like televisions, couches, and mattresses
Construction materials such as drywall, paint, and lumber
Personal belongings or camp setups from people living in the park
Specific Park Restrictions:
Green Timbers Urban Forest Park
Green Timbers Urban Forest Park has restrictions surrounding park cleanups due to environmental sensitivities. Please review the following information carefully and make sure all participants are aware.
Areas that cannot be cleaned:
Streams/ponds/lakes
Shoreline vegetation
West shoreline of the lake (north/east/south shoreline is permitted)
Embedded materials or objects
This includes all areas off-trail in Green Timbers Urban Forest Park (see attached map).
Items you should not pick up:
Needles or other biohazardous materials
Sharp items that could puncture your skin
Deceased animals
Large household items like televisions, couches, and mattresses
Construction materials such as drywall, paint, and lumber
Personal belongings or camp setups from people living in the park
If you come across any of these items, please report them using the MySurrey App, online at surrey.ca/request, or by calling 604-501-5050.
Blackie Spit Park/Cresent Beach
Blackie Spit Park has restrictions surrounding park cleanups due to environmental sensitivities and landowner permissions from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Please review the following information carefully and make sure all participants are aware.
Areas that cannot be cleaned:
Beaches
Shoreline vegetation or riparian areas
Deeply embedded materials or objects
This includes all areas off the trail in Blackie Spit/Crescent Beach Park (see attached map).
Items you should not pick up:
Needles or other biohazardous materials
Sharp items that could puncture your skin
Deceased animals
Large household items like televisions, couches, and mattresses
Construction materials such as drywall, paint, and lumber
Personal belongings or camp setups from people living in the park
If you come across any of these items, please report them using the MySurrey App, online at surrey.ca/request, or by calling 604-501-5050.
Arrange pickup for large amounts of garbage
Please submit a request for garbage pickup online through surrey.ca/request
You’ll have the option to attach a photo and pin the exact location.
Ensure bags of material are tied closed and inside or beside a garbage bin.
Contact Us
For more information, to arrange garbage pickup, or to report concerns, email stewardship@surrey.ca or contact the Urban Forest Stewardship team at 604-591-4573.