By Nigel Maxwell

PHOTOS: City gears up to deal with trash-filled parks

Apr 11, 2014 | 6:38 AM

As the snow melts away, a less desirable side of Prince Albert is exposed in the city's parks.

Garbage that has been covered up for months is now left lying for all to see. Around half a dozen city staff members will begin the arduous task next week of spring clean-up.

“Things look to be relatively on schedule with the way the melt has gone so far,” said director of community services Jody Boulet.

By May long weekend, the city will employ nearly 20 staff to look after the city's parks.

“You kind of know it's there as winter goes, the snow cover at times can cover up things. Even going back to January, when we had those high winds … you know we were able to deal with a lot of the debris and branches and things to that effect that were in roadways but we knew we were going to have a second phase to that cleanup,” said Boulet.

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The Rotary Trail is a popular spot for both joggers and dog owners. This time of year the trail can be littered with pet feces, exposed due to the freshly melted snow.

The fine for not picking up after your pet is more than $300. Boulet admitted the fine is tough to enforce.

“We really do rely on people to be responsible to take that responsible approach with their pets. It's more of us encouraging people to comply rather than having to find people,” he said.

The city will be hosting the First Nation Winter Games later this month. Boulet is not concerned about being ready for the games. He remains confident the city can host a successful event and then have staff transition out to help with the parks clean up and operation.

nmaxwell@panow.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell