Eco Empowerment

Community Cleanup Program

East Gwillimbury’s Community Cleanup Program is a year‑round initiative that encourages residents, families, schools, and community groups to take an active role in keeping neighbourhoods, parks, and trails clean. The program invites community members to help reduce litter, protect natural spaces, and support a cleaner, healthier environment for everyone.

Residents can participate in the program in two ways:

1. Join the Cleanup Event

The Town is hosting a Community Cleanup at the Civic Centre! Participants are welcome to join at the Civic Centre or pick up a cleanup kit to complete a cleanup at a location, date, and time of their choice.

Date: Saturday, April 18
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Civic Centre, 19000 Leslie St. 
Parking available, wheelchair accessible

2. Organize Your Cleanup Event

Residents, families, schools, and community groups are encouraged to organize a cleanup at a time and location that works best for them. To register a cleanup, participants simply email the Environmental Initiatives team with: name, number of cleanup kits required, proposed cleanup date, time, and location, and after the event, the location where the collected waste bags were placed for pickup.

The Town provides cleanup kits containing gloves, garbage bags, and cleanup stickers. Kits may be picked up at Customer Service at the Civic Centre, Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Upon request, groups may also borrow, at no cost, additional materials to support their cleanup efforts, including event signage, post‑event litter‑prevention signs, high‑visibility vests, and litter‑pickup tools.

 Cleanup Notice 2026   Email the team

Flag Raising

Council, staff, and members of the public are invited to the Earth Day Flag Raising.
Date: Wednesday, April 22
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Location: Flagpole garden – Civic Centre 
Parking available, wheelchair accessible

Workshop: "The Art of Upcycling"

Residents and their families are invited to take part in The Art of Upcycling, a fun, hands-on workshop led by a local EG artist. Participants of all ages will learn how everyday items that might otherwise end up in the garbage can be transformed into creative crafts and simple works of art.

Residents are encouraged to bring clean, reusable items from home, such as glass bottles, plastic containers, fabric scraps, lids, and other similar materials to use in their creations. Basic art supplies—including paint, glue, and paper will be provided to help bring ideas to life.

The artist will guide participants through easy, imaginative projects while sharing tips on reuse and creativity. This interactive workshop encourages residents to explore sustainable choices, work together, and see waste in a new way, proving that when you love it and upgrade it, you can turn everyday items into something fun, meaningful, and unique.

Date: Saturday, April 25
Time: 1:30 to 4 p.m.
Location:  EG Public Library - Queensville Branch, 160 Jim Morston Dr.
Parking available, wheelchair accessible  

 Register

Guided Nature Walk

Residents are invited to join a guided nature walk along one of the Town’s scenic trails. This walk will offer participants the opportunity to explore local natural features while learning about Indigenous teachings that emphasize respect, balance, and connection to the land.

Participants will be encouraged to observe native plants, wildlife, and seasonal changes, and to reflect on Indigenous perspectives that highlight stewardship, reciprocity, and the importance of caring for the environment for future generations. The walk provides a meaningful space to slow down, listen, and deepen our understanding of the natural world and our relationship with it.

This event is suitable for all ages and is a welcoming opportunity to connect with nature, learn from Indigenous knowledge, and celebrate Earth Day together as a community.

Date: Saturday, May 2
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Nokiida trail, Mount Albert Rd. and Yonge St. 
Parking available

Native seeds and flower seedlings giveaways

During the programmed events, residents are invited to take home free native seeds, flowers and tree seedlings to help support pollinators and strengthen local biodiversity. These giveaways encourage community members to add native plants to their gardens, yards, and outdoor spaces, creating habitat for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

Native plants are well adapted to local growing conditions, require less maintenance once established, and play a vital role in healthy ecosystems. By planting native species, residents can help improve pollination, support wildlife, and contribute to a greener, more resilient community.

Together, let's make Earth Day every day!

East Gwillimbury has so many opportunities for you to get involved and make a difference in our community. Join us at the events below to be part of our Eco Empowerment!