REGINA — A Regina resident has started a new grassroots initiative to tackle the ongoing garbage problem in North Central.
Mark Erickson, founder of 'The Garbage Men', got the idea for the group simply by looking at trash.
"I thought to myself, this [trash] has built up over four years. Why hasn’t anything been done about it?"
Erickson, who grew up in North Central, said the area never looked this dirty in the 2000s.
An idea popped into Erickson’s head about doing this initiative on a larger scale, so he and other volunteers have recently started picking up trash in the area.
Erickson called his job "dirty work," as he’s admitted finding a garbage bag's worth of needles during his clean-up.
Despite the challenges, Erickson said this work "makes me feel great."
He added, "I'm doing this work out of the goodness of my heart."
Erickson’s efforts were recognized by Ward 8 Coun. Shanon Zachidniak.
"I'm impressed by Mark's commitment," she said.
Zachidniak later mentioned being grateful for Erickson’s leadership and passion for the community.
While Erickson appreciated the support, he believes the city needs to address the empty lots sitting around Regina, citing it as the root cause for large amounts of garbage.
Erickson also called on residents to clean up any garbage they see.
"I want people to aid the cause and create a safer community."
Erickson believes the garbage problem in North Central can be fixed if everyone does their part.
He's encouraged by the support received from the community and feels his group will start to grow.
