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By Caden Fanshaw

CLEANING UP

Meet the D.A.R.T. team part of daily downtown PG cleanup

Mar 9, 2021 | 6:35 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – It’s an everyday grind for the dynamic duo cleaning discarded needles, human waste, and other garbage left on the ground behind local businesses downtown.

Max Thomas is part of the D.A.R.T. team responsible for cleanup in areas the public might not see, and at times likely wouldn’t want to see either.

The idea of alley cleanup was born during COVID-19 when foot traffic dropped off and businesses downtown needed a way to try and keep alleys and laneways clean.

The program is funded mainly by grants, between Downtown PG, Northern Health, and BC Housing all helping to keep the initiative going.

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The funding will run out at some point this spring, but downtown PG is optimistic for the future and making sure the service keeps going.

The D.A.R.T. team is just part of many who try to keep the downtown core needle free, the Prince George Brain Injury Group help on the sidewalk side, while those like Max Thomas stick to the alleys.

Thomas has worked for D.A.R.T. for 22 years off and on, a way for him to stay sober after dealing with substance abuse earlier on in his life.

Like many workers in the program he has found a new life thanks to employment, and even though it may not be the most glorious work, it’s a good way for Thomas and his partner in cleanup to stay occupied and get some income in the process.

The cleanup team is thankful for all the community support they’ve received over the year doing this job.