MONTREAL - The city of Montreal is in spring cleaning mode.
For the past several weeks, municipal trucks have been cleaning debris left under snow banks throughout the winter, as well as sweeping streets and sidewalks.
Now, officials are calling on Montrealers to help out.
All 19 boroughs are involved in the big clean-up are looking for volunteer clean-up crews in each borough on April 28 and 29.
Anyone choosing to take part will be supplied with a cleaning kit comprising of items such as rakes, brooms, large garbage bags, and gloves.
The plan is to collect all the refuse winter has left behind in parks and other public spaces, and beautify the city for the summer.
The event has gained in popularity over the years. In 2009, only 3,000 people took part, but in 2011, more than 9,000 Montrealers spent the weekend cleaning up. This year, city officials are seeking to break last year's record and hit the 10,000 mark, said Montreal's Executive Committee Vice-President Richard Deschamps.
"I'm pretty sure Montrealers are going to respond, because it's not only a clean-up activity, it's also… how we show we're involved with the community," he said. "We socialize with people. It's fun."
Prizes will be handed out throughout the weekend in all 19 boroughs, and the entire family can participate.
Sign up at www.operationmontreal.net.
