Cleaning effort recognized

Streets in Yorkton's downtown have been kept clean all summer, and Friday those responsible were recognized.

Phil DeVos, manager at the Yorkton Business Improvement (YBID) District said their Clean Sweep initiative has been working well, adding Friday's lunch event was an opportunity "to recognize the people who actually did the work, and did a really great job."

The program is a partnership initiative involving the YBID, the City of Yorkton and SIGN.

Yorkton Mayor Bob Maloney said the program does much for the community.

"It means a lot to have a clean city," he said, adding over the past few months he heard several positive comments on just how clean the downtown has been.

Maloney said having clean sidewalks is something "we should never take for granted," adding "it doesn't happen everywhere."

The program, offered Maloney, "is a great one," and one he anticipates the City will remain a partner in going forward.

Andrew Sedley, executive director at SIGN said the initiative is an excellent example of what a partnership can accomplish.

Sedley too echoed Maloney's words regarding positive comments coming his way regarding the clean streets.

"Many times over the summer I've had people coming up to me asking me about the program," he said.

Sedley credited YBID with kick-starting the idea noting the organization is always "looking at ways to improve our city."

Bruce Thurston, with YBID," said the program is one which "can't help but improve the city."

The program, which is supported by $10,000 from YBID currently operates for six months, said DeVos.

"But we're looking at ways to extend through winter," he added.