The community of Trail rallies behind river cleanup effort

When a community comes together, amazing things can happen – just ask the participants of the Columbia River Shoreline Clean-up Project, in the city of Trail.

The cleanup effort, spearheaded by Trail residents Dean and Suzann Self and the Trail Wildlife Association, and supported by the City of Trail and the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary, began in February 2024. Since then, volunteers have removed more than 30 tonnes of scrap metal, industrial debris, tires and household waste from the riverbanks. Derelict structures have been dismantled, and polluted sites have been mapped for monitoring.

“The Columbia River is the heart of our community, and this project is a testament to the community spirit and collaboration that continues to define Trail,” says Trail Mayor Colleen Jones. “On behalf of Council and City staff, I sincerely thank every volunteer and partner who has stepped forward to help protect this vital waterway.”

The Trail Wildlife Association organizes monthly cleanup events, working with local schools and community organizations to educate residents about the impact of litter on wildlife and water quality. The association also wants to add educational signage along popular walking paths and fishing spots.

With city council approving permitting assistance under the Water Sustainability Act and Trail's engineering department helping efforts reach more remote sections of the river, the collaborative cleanup initiative could serve as a model for similar projects across British Columbia. Trail Wildlife Association's Projects Chair Karen Trebitz created maps of debris types, concentrations, and locations, which the City of Trail submitted to the Province. The permits have been approved.

The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary, following the City's lead, has also submitted a permit application on the TWA's behalf.  The Province has approved a cleanup permit for the rest of the shorelines south of Trail, all the way to the U.S. border, with a work window through April 30, 2026. 

Trail City Council and staff extend their thanks to project participants: Doug Jones, Richard Dewdney, Gordon Morrison, Don Nutini, Jay Mykietyn, Norm Koerber, Dennis Robinson, Dan Abenante, Dean and Suzann Self, Jim and Lindsay Partridge, Laurie Bursaw, Russ LaFreniere, Vernon Blair, Pat LaFreniere, Al Bressanutti, Clay Anderson, Corky Proulx, Dick Zaal, David George, Rob Hutchinson, Karen Trebitz, Keith Smyth as well as BV Rentals and LOCAL Industrial Partners.

Donations and sponsorships from local businesses and metal recyclers have helped fund disposal costs, equipment rentals and safety gear. The TWA is actively pursuing grants to defray the costs of the expanded project.

For more information, updates or to donate, visit trailwildlife.com.