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RECOGNITION OF RICHARD STRIKWERDA FOR HIS YEARS OF VOLUNTEER EFFORTS TO "KEEP BARRIE BEAUTIFUL".
Mayor Lehman called upon Mr. Richard Strikwerda to join him at the podium. Mayor Lehman commented that Mr. Strikwerda started volunteering approximately ten years ago by picking up litter, and cutting the long grass along the strip of Highway 400 to Bayfield Street. He noted that Mr. Strikwerda ensured that visitors as well as residents of Barrie experienced a nice welcome into the City. Mayor Lehman discussed Mr. Strikwerda's volunteer efforts throughout the years whether it be planting flowers, picking up litter or cleaning up at the Gables property.
Mayor Lehman noted that in 2016 Mr. Strikwerda picked up approximately 81,250 pieces of litter and over the years this brings his total to 1,060,250 pieces. He announced that he would like to recognize Mr. Strikwerda for keeping the City of Barrie beautiful and presented him with a certificate and an orchid, and thanked him for all his volunteer efforts.
Mr. Strikwerda commented that it was a pleasure to be at Council and thanked the members for the beautiful gift. He discussed how proud he is to live in Barrie and his fondness for the City. He observed how beautiful the City is right now with fresh snow, but in the spring the litter will be more noticeable. He described the types of litter he was picking up and his concerns associated with illegal littering. He noted that he wished that people would take responsibility and not litter, as in the long run the problem becomes worse. Mr. Strikwerda commented that if citizens participate in the City Spring into Clean Days, adopt a park or an area and dedicate time once a month to clean, Barrie would be one of the cleanest cities in Canada. He suggested this as a Sesquicentennial Project.
In closing, Mr. Strikwerda demonstrated his litter pick up tool and thanked City staff for their support. He commented that he hoped that everyone does their best i...
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