Derek Neary
Northern News Services

NNSL (May 08/98) - Thirty-three groups will purge Yellowknife of its litter from May 10 to 16 during the city's annual Spring Cleanup.

The entire conŽnes of the city have been accounted for by the non-proŽt organizations who will supply the labor.

The downtown core, especially where there is open rock face, is usually most dense with litter, according to Brian Kelln, program manager with city community services.

"That's where the wind blows everything and traps it," Kelln said. "A lot of stuff is buried under the snow and we make an intense purpose of cleaning up everything."

Beyond aesthetics, there is a Žnancial incentive for the groups that choose to get involved. The city has $30,000 in grant money set aside for the project.

"It's an opportunity for fundraising for some groups," Kelln said. "We really gear it to youth."

Liz Crompton, a board member with Folk on the Rocks, has rounded up 24 volunteers to tidy a section of the Kam Lake area Tuesday.

"This is one of the events we participate in to raise funds," she said, adding that the money received from the city is earmarked for the festival's children's stage activities.

"Hopefully it will be a nice day," Crompton added.

Kelln wasn't aware of how much garbage was collected last year, but "there was lots," he said.

The Spring Cleanup is an annual event that has taken place for at least the past 10 years, according to Kelln. There is also an Autumn Cleanup, but it's not on the same scale, he said.