Copyright vernonmorningstar
So there was a Vernon business person, tidying up the front of their downtown shop with a mop, when along came a member of the Clean Team and took over. “We got this. Take your mops away,” said the Clean Teamer, as the business person stood there in complete surprise. The following week, the Clean Team member returned to the business to see if the mess created in front of the store was an ongoing issue (it wasn’t). Vernon’s Clean Team is a pilot project that started June 1 and wrapped up its first of two-years of being a test run on Sept 30. Their role is simple: enhance the overall cleanliness and appearance of downtown Vernon. “Their consistent presence led to a noticeable improvement in the overall cleanliness of the downtown core,” said Ian Adkins, city manager of roads drainage and airport, who oversees the Clean Team initiative. “Feedback from local businesses, residents, and the Downtown Vernon Association has been overwhelmingly positive, with many noting a visible difference, and expressing strong support for the continuation of the program.” The Clean Team is two city employees working weekdays from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. They are equipped with a truck, trailer, water tank, and pressure washer. Each morning, the duo follow an inspection route focused on early intervention, cleaning sidewalks, boulevards, and frontages prior to the businesses opening. They also responded to about 100 service requests and complaints over the four-month period, the most commonly reported issues being: • graffiti; • hazardous materials; • vandalism; • abandoned shopping carts; • sharps (needles, etc.). As the summer progressed, the Clean Team’s daily route was adjusted to prioritized areas with frequent activity, and higher levels of litter and debris “This proactive approach likely contributed to an overall reduction in the volume of public complaints,” said Adkins. Areas of focus included bus stops, the public washrooms, the bus terminus and a portion of the 25th Avenue Linear Trail. “The Clean Team also worked closely with business owners and community members to provide support and guidance on addressing cleanliness concerns on private property.” Of note, said Adkins, some members of Vernon’s unhoused community started requesting garbage bags, and voluntarily collected litter for the Clean Team to get rid of. The program will be back in 2026, and staff will bring forward a service level adjustment for the Clean Team to be potentially included in 2027 budget deliberations. The Clean Team pilot project runs at a cost of $88,000 per year, funded from city reserves.
