COLD LAKE - The shores of Sandy Beach in the M.D. of Bonnyville were sparkling after a community cleanup event.
The initiative was spearheaded by the Cold Lake and District FCSS. Volunteers rolled up their sleeves to restore the beach.
On Sept. 25 there was enthusiastic participation from local organizations and individuals, all eager to preserve one of the area’s natural treasures. A second day of Sept. 26 was also set aside for the cleanup efforts.
"They've given up their time and brought their vehicle, their tools, and their trailer,” said Leanne Draper, Volunteer Services Coordinator for Cold Lake FCSS, expressing her gratitude for volunteers like Chris Vanderborn, manager of Achieving Eden the Landscape Company. “He's helped us for a couple of years with this project,” she added.
This year's event saw strong support from community partners like Rob and Kathy’s No Frills, who, along with their employees, helped clean the beach.
"They're already down the beach cleaning for us," said Draper, adding that they also brought snacks for the kids from Cold Lake Outreach School, making it "a real community cleanup."
The cleanup effort centered on removing hazardous materials from the beach, with Achieving Eden playing a key role in handling the more dangerous debris.
“They’re here to try and scoop up the sharp things. I don't want the kids to get sharp things like rusty nails and industrial staples,” said Draper. “You’re running across the beach with your kids, and you don’t want them or your pets to suffer.”
Sandy Beach, often overlooked by those unfamiliar with the area, has long been a beloved spot for locals.
"Not a lot of people know about it unless you've grown up here. But it’s very well loved," Draper shared. "On a beautiful summer day, it’s packed with families, kids, and kayakers. The water here is almost always clear and warm."
The event, now in its fourth year, was initially created to engage the community and provide an environmental twist.
"We were looking for an event. . . that would engage the public and had an environmental twist, so shoreline cleanup was the natural way to go.”
Draper added, "It’s not like the public beach where there are municipal staff to take care of it. Here, it’s kind of left on its own."
The cleanup effort has made a noticeable impact over the years.
"The beach seems to be cleaner than when we started four years ago," Draper noted. "I haven’t seen any furniture or big car parts yet. That’s positive."
Draper emphasized that the event would not be possible without the help of many volunteers.
“This is 100 per cent a volunteer-driven event," she said. "It’s a perfect opportunity for the community to come together and take care of this beautiful piece of beach for future generations."
Community partners, including Lakeland Industry and Community Association (LICA), Achieving Eden, and the Cold Lake Outreach School, also played an important role.
Draper expressed her gratitude, saying, "I just want to thank our community partners for spending the time with us and helping us keep this beautiful little gem precious."
