Marking World Cleanup Day in Ottawa

This past weekend, I had the honour of emceeing Ottawa’s World Cleanup Day event at W.J. Bell Rotary Peace Park in Stittsville — an afternoon that reminded me of just how powerful it is when communities come together for a shared purpose.

I was joined by Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, Anacláudia Rossbach from UN-Habitat, Margus Rava, the Ambassador of Estonia to Canada, and an incredible group of volunteers from the Rotary Club of Ottawa-Stittsville. Together, we stood shoulder to shoulder with residents, ready to roll up our sleeves for our city and for our planet.

From Estonia to Ottawa

What struck me most during the day was how far this movement has come. World Cleanup Day actually began in Estonia back in 2008, when more than 50,000 people gathered and collected over 10,000 tons of waste in just five hours. That bold idea sparked the Let’s Do It! World movement, which officially launched the first World Cleanup Day in 2018.

Since then, it has grown beyond anyone’s imagination: 114 million people across 211 countries have now taken part. To be here in Ottawa, marking this day with UN-Habitat and so many dedicated volunteers, was a clear reminder that our local actions are part of something much bigger.

Ottawa’s Own Legacy of Action

Of course, Ottawa has its own proud legacy when it comes to cleanup efforts. For over 30 years, our Cleaning the Capital Campaign has been mobilizing residents in every corner of the city. More than 1.5 million volunteers have participated in 30,000 cleanup projects, making parks, pathways, and public spaces cleaner, safer, and greener.

To me, it was especially fitting that the Rotary Club of Ottawa-Stittsville was front and centre at this year’s event. Founded in 2004, the club is part of a global network of over 40,000 Rotary clubs — and Rotary International itself played a key role in supporting the creation of the United Nations. Their presence was a powerful reminder of how local service connects to global change.

Why It Matters

World Cleanup Day isn’t just about appearances. It’s about investing in healthier communities, protecting the environment, and securing a brighter future for the next generation. Looking around W.J. Bell Rotary Peace Park that day, I saw neighbours working together, young people learning the value of stewardship, and families making a difference together.

That’s what this day is all about. It’s proof that when we come together, we don’t just clean up a park — we inspire change that ripples far beyond our city limits.

Looking Ahead

As Chair of the City’s Public Works and Infrastructure Committee, I take enormous pride in seeing Ottawa play its part in a truly global effort. And while World Cleanup Day is one day on the calendar, the work doesn’t stop there.

I encourage everyone to take part in the City’s Cleaning the Capital program, which happens every spring and fall. It’s one of the best ways to stay involved and keep our neighbourhoods looking their best year-round.

Leaving the park that afternoon, I felt a deep sense of gratitude — for the volunteers who gave their time, for the organizations that came together, and for the opportunity to see first-hand how much of a difference we can make when we all pitch in.

Together, we’re building a cleaner, greener Ottawa.