Given Estevan's history in the Golden Garbage competition, you might be justified in calling Lynn Chipley overly optimistic. But the member of council and head of Estevan's GGC committee says she has a good feeling about the City's chances in the competition, which is back after a seven-year hiatus.
Chipley has been keeping watch on both Estevan and Weyburn in advance of the June 23 judging and feels with the strides the Energy City has made in the past few years, it's a good bet to claim the Golden Garbage Can.
"I spent some of my day (Sunday) driving around Weyburn because I wanted to see where they were at and, to be honest - maybe I'm prejudiced, I probably am - but I think we are actually ahead of them," said Chipley.
"I think we are doing a better job on our entrances. In the last two years we placed a greater emphasis on our entrances. I was actually pleasantly surprised. I have reasonable confidence."
With its origins dating back to the 1950s, the Golden Garbage Can competition was once an annual battle between Estevan and Weyburn to determine which of the communities was the cleanest. However in 2003, the members of council apparently grew tired of watching Weyburn dominate the competition and decided to pull the city out of the event.
That hiatus lasted until this year when the City was approached by officials from Weyburn who were interested in restarting the competition. Feeling that Estevan has made some important improvements in recent years, the current members of council decided to take another kick at the can with Chipley spearheading the local efforts.
She said because of the work of City employees, local businesses and concerned citizens, Estevan is in a good position although she admitted there is more to be done.
"I honestly believe that some of our worst offenders are in the business community," said Chipley. "If they took 10 minutes and a can of Roundup, or a Weed Eater, and got rid of the weeds in their back areas and along their fence lines, that would go a long way.
"I checked a whole bunch of back alley's last week and I'd peek over fence and there was this incredible, manicured yard but on the back side, they forget (the weeds). It's out of sight, out of mind. That is probably the most critical area because I know we will be driving a lot of back alleys. I don't think they intend to do that, it's just because they don't go out that way."
Along with back alleys, Chipley said the three judges, which will include provincial Environment Minister Nancy Heppner, will be focusing on city approaches, city properties, the fair grounds, schools, urban esthetics, sidewalks, boulevards and crosswalks.
Chipley said she wants to encourage all residents to do their part in helping make Estevan a nicer place to live and feels win or lose, the city will be better for it.
"Whether we win this or lose this, isn't as important as how we win it or lose it. There is no honour in doing it badly. I hope that message gets across to the city."
