Carney’s Lane, shared stewardship, and Owen Sound’s Golden Broom

Several residents have recently brought the garbage problem in Carney’s Lane to my attention. I went downtown and spoke with local store owners to understand what they are seeing and what practical responses could help.

At Carney’s Lane specifically, I would restore the garbage can that was removed a couple of months ago. The waste appearing there clearly shows that the location needs a public disposal point. Providing a can and emptying it promptly is safer, cleaner, and more cost-effective than leaving waste on the street.

I would also end the litigation and routine investigation of residents who use public garbage cans for ordinary waste. These cans are a public service. People should feel safe using them. Waste placed inside a City garbage can should be collected through that service, while enforcement should focus on garbage dumped outside receptacles or deliberately left on public property.

One store owner also told me that Owen Sound used to have a Golden Broom Award for people who helped keep downtown clean. I think reviving that idea could fit naturally with my Local Representative and Shared Stewardship plans.

Each month, Local Representatives, merchants, residents, and City staff could nominate a person, business, or group that has helped through storefront care, litter pickup, cleanup participation, or reporting recurring problem areas. The winner would receive a $50 local gift certificate and display a reusable Golden Broom trophy in their window for the following month.

The estimated first-year cost would be approximately $1,000 to $1,500.

I have also put together a full Waste Service & Clean Streets page showing the calculations behind the plan, including the approximately $62,000 spent on River District cleanup from March to May 2026, the annualized cost of roughly $248,000, Public Works’ 35–40 weekly cleanup hours, public-bin capacity, prompt collection, and focused dumping enforcement.

A clean city requires useful municipal services, clear accountability, and residents and businesses working together.