Glendale cleanup attracts residents, students

A cleanup through the Niagara-on-the-Green neighbourhood Saturday went well, said resident Steve Hardaker.

A member of the Glendale Task Force, which is looking for solutions to some of the issues faced by residents, Hardaker said the cleanup event had good representation from home owners, students, the Niagara College Student Administration Council and Town Council. 

The task force is looking at parking problems, noise from students renting houses, and issues with long-term rentals and absentee landlords.

Lord Mayor Betty Disero gave words of encouragement before volunteers set off across the neighbourhood picking up garbage and debris.  There were about 20 volunteers and every street in the neighbourhood as well as Glendale Avenue and Taylor Road was cleaned, said Hardaker. 

The event was organized by Lianne Gagnon, Niagara College director of student services, with Hardaker and assistance from the NC Student Administrative Council. The Town donated garbage bags and gloves and looked after the garbage pickup.

Both Disero and Coun. Gary Burroughs said they were pleased with how tidy and cared-for the neighbourhood looked even before Saturday’s cleanup, but both expressed surprise at the parking situation in a residential neighbourhood.

“It was definitely worse than I expected,” said Burroughs. “I knew it was an issue, but I had no idea how bad it was. There were a lot of cars on the street. It’s a problem, but I have no idea what the solution is.”

The Glendale Task Force has identified parking as a priority issue, said Hardaker.

“We have had some discussions with the Royal Niagara Golf Course about winter parking relief during snow clearing operations,” he said.

“That is still in its infancy.  When we do get to the rental licensing issue, both short-term and long-term, tenant parking will be considered.”