Item - 2021.IE25.18

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:

1. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services, the General Manger, Parks, Forestry and Recreation and the Director, Environment and Energy to explore the implementation of an Adopt-a-Road Pilot Program for the City of Toronto, to include:

a. appropriate permit application, approvals and processes;

b. City-provided clean-up supplies (gloves, garbage bags, graffiti clean up tools, etc.);

c. the installation of “Adopt-a-Road” signage on participating right-of-way spaces; 

d. collection of litter when notified by program participants;

 
and to report to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee within the second quarter of 2022 on these findings and other options to implement.

The Adopt-a-Road program is a public service program that enables participants to pick up litter along certain City right-of-way spaces.

This city-wide program would encourage community involvement in the care and maintenance of public roadways that is a partnership between volunteers and the City. The program would be open to community groups and individuals of all ages wishing to play an active role in enhancing the quality of life in our community.

The program would require “Adopt” volunteers to make a commitment to cleaning up a roadway for a set minimum number of events for a period of two to five years.

To acknowledge the efforts of the “Adopt” groups, individuals and volunteers, the City would install a “Adopt-a-Road” sign at the end of the designated roadway.

Municipalities across Ontario have implemented a form of the Adoption program, road, highway and parks, including, Peel Region., Durham Region Towns of Ajax, Uxbridge and Whitby and the City of Ottawa

The Adopt program is a way for environmentally conscious citizens and groups to make a personal contribution to a cleaner environment in the City of Toronto.