Adopt a Spot expression of interest

Adopt a spot within the community and help keep Sylvan Lake beautiful. This program requires a commitment of regular, general maintenance in the adopted area from May through September. 

Adopt a Spot | Rules

A few basic rules required in order to participate in the Adopt a Spot litter control program, include:

• Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age
• This "expression of interest" must be submitted by the group leader (representative) and approved by the Town prior to approval
• All volunteers must agree to, and sign a waiver indemnifying the Town for loss; one for adults, and one for ages 14 - 17. Return the signed waivers to the coordinator prior to the clean-up day
• The group agrees to collect litter over a 2 year period, 3 times per year (spring, summer, fall)
• The group must schedule clean up events with the Town prior to collecting litter
• The group must submit associated waivers for each individual participating in the event, each time a clean up is scheduled
• The group must complete an on-site Hazard Identification Form (HIF), prior to collecting litter on the day of the clean-up. This helps keep you and your team safe. The HIF is completed by ALL volunteers on the day of the clean-up, and identifies any hazards. The HIF is returned to the Town after the clean-up is completed
• A Hazard Identification Form is required for each clean up event
• The Town will provide garbage/recycle bags to the group. Please separate the waste into garbage or recycling
• The Town will provide up to six (6) litter pick-up tongs
• The Town will pick-up the bags after the clean-up is completed (please leave bags on road edge, or other easy to access location)
• Report any injuries to the Town...call 911 if injury is severe
• At no point should you start, or continue with litter collection if you feel that you are unsafe
• You assume all risks in the event of personal injury
• Groups are limited to a maximum size of 16 volunteers
• At least one (1) member of your group must carry a cellular phone (for emergencies)
• All participants must review the safety orientation (this presentation) before collecting litter

Safety is everyone’s responsibility including volunteers. You, as a volunteer, are responsible for carrying out litter collection activities in a safe and healthy manner. 

The safety of you, and your team is the primary consideration.  This safety orientation will provide you with the information that is needed to help ensure the safety of your team.

Adopt a Spot | Hazards

There are potentially numerous hazards that you may encounter while collecting litter, including:

• traffic (distracted, speeding)
• hazardous items or materials (needles, animal carcass, batteries)
• slips, trips, uneven surfaces
• inclement weather (lightning, hail, rain, heat)
• heavy items
• insects, animals (bees, dogs)
• other hazards determined by the group during the Field Level Hazard Assessment (completed on-location)

Adopt a Spot | Hazard Control

To manage the risk of the hazards, these controls must be in place.  The FLHA may identify other requirements as well:

• Traffic signage is required when working along a roadway (supplied and installed by the Town) indicating volunteers working in the area
• Do not attempt to pick-up heavy items
• Do not touch needles, or other hazardous waste such as animal carcasses, unknown containers, or car batteries
• Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), must be worn including:
• Closed toe shoes (steel toe is ideal)
• Traffic vests (Town to provide up to 16 vests)
• Gloves
• Sunscreen
• Hat or cap
• Stay hydrated; drink plenty of water
• Take periodic rest breaks, and seek shade when necessary
• Stay off the road surface

Do you have questions or concerns about our Adopt a Spot rules or Health and Safety requirements? 

Please call us any time at 403 887 2800 and ask to speak to our Adopt a Spot Coordinator!

Public Recognition

Thank you for expressing an interest in our Adopt a Spot initiative, and for volunteering to keep Sylvan Lake brilliant!

Groups volunteering with the Adopt a Spot program have an opportunity for recognition with signage located within the adopted area.

Team, business, or family names are all welcome, as are company logos or messages of memory. The Town of Sylvan Lake does reserve the right to refuse or revise names or acronyms of group/individual names when preparing signage.

Please note that signage is installed following the applicant's/group's first scheduled clean up event.

The primary contact person:

• Acts as the liaison between the volunteer group and the Town's Public Work's Department;
• Is responsible for coordinating the group’s Adopt a Spot activities;
• Informs the Public Works Department of any changes to contact information;
• Reports hazardous items and areas of concern to the Public Works Department;
• Ensures all volunteers stay clear of hazardous material, construction sites, heavy traffic, and signed work areas.

Upon submitting your Adopt a Spot application, the Town's Public Works Department will review and follow up with a formal information package that includes waivers, our Adopt a Spot Policy for reference, and our Health and Safety/Rules presentation.

Volunteers must carefully review the contents of this information package, sign, and deliver back to the Town of Sylvan Lake in order to complete the Adopt a Spot application process, and prior to any clean up events.

The personal information on this form is collected under the authority of Section 33(c) the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will be protected under the provisions of the Act. Personal information, such as names, will not be published unless express consent is provided. Contact information will be utilized to facilitate contact as indicated above. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the collection and/or use of this information, please contact the Records Clerk at 403 887 1185 Ext. 224.