Three-year-old Grayson Griswold may be too young to go to school, but he’s already teaching others some valuable lessons.
Warman Mayor Gary Philipchuk said the youngster is a “shining example” of how people can do their part in the city’s spring anti-litter campaign.
“Here we have a young man who’s part of the solution,” said Philipchuk in an interview at the Warman Skate Park on Wednesday, April 14. “He’s only three years old, but every morning when he comes to the park with his parents, he picks up litter that’s been left lying around from the night before and he puts it in the garbage can before he rides his bike.
‘It’s become part of his routine. He’s a fabulous role model for young kids, and older kids, and yes, even adults. He’s showing us how, if we all step up and do our part, we can have a cleaner city that we can take a lot of pride in.”
Grayson is quick to respond when asked why he picks up trash.
“It’s bad for the earth,” said the youngster. “You should put garbage in the garbage can.”
Grayson’s mother, Tammy, said her son looks forward to riding his bike at the skate park every day, especially since the training wheels were recently taken off.
“Grayson just took it upon himself to pick up the garbage because he was worried that if there’s stuff lying around when he’s riding his bike he might hit it and fall down,” said Tammy. “We usually come here on the weekends first thing in the morning before anyone is here.
“It’s less busy for him, and that’s usually when we find the garbage from the kids the night before.
“He’s hoping that if the big kids see him picking up garbage then maybe they’ll do the same.”
Philipchuk said the city is currently promoting an anti-litter campaign, encouraging people to pick up after themselves and their dogs, and also pick up other nearby refuse while they’re at it.
It doesn’t take any more effort than taking a picture of the garbage, posting it on facebook and then complaining about the mess, Philipchuk added.
“We have many dog stations along the pathways in our parks where free plastic bags are provided for dog owners to pick up their pet’s feces,” said Philipchuk. “If you have a dog and you’re picking up your dog’s business, why not do a little extra and pick up another one too? It’s like fixing your own divot and another one when you’re on the golf course.”
As part of the city’s anti-litter campaign, bylaw officers are distributing gift cards to people they see picking up rubbish as they make their rounds. That was how Grayson’s efforts came to their attention. In recognition of his clean-up efforts, the youngster received a gift card and a treat bag.
“There are a lot of people pitching in,” said Philipchuk. “But Grayson is definitely the youngest we’ve seen so far.”
Warman Bylaw Officer Wade Eberle said bylaw patrols do their best, but it’s impossible to police the off-leash dog park and every park pathway every hour of every day.
“There is a problem with people not picking up after their dogs,” said Eberle. “I can almost guarantee that every dog that goes into that park will leave something behind.
“It’s up to the owners to pay attention and clean up after their animals. It will also help a lot if they can pick up one or two other unwelcome pieces while they’re at it.”
Warman City Council updated the municipality’s Animal Control Bylaw at a council meeting on Monday, April 12.
The revised bylaw clarifies the rules regarding the off-leash dog park and contains new provisions for dangerous animals, animals in vehicles, animals in the city pound facility, and new fee penalties for different infractions related to animals.
The revised bylaw reflects current animal control practices and does not represent any change in the city’s policy.