A local man is warning residents to watch out for discarded needles as they head outdoors to enjoy the spring weather and evening sunshine.
Along his regular route on a local trail near Sacred Heart school in Prince George on April 15, Scott Roberts stumbled upon an array of needles and other medical waste.
"I walk the trail regularly and despite repeated attempts requesting the city to clean up the area, the hazardous waste remains," Roberts said.
Roberts reported the matter on the City of Prince George web page after noticing the hazardous debris.
"Sacred Heart school is half a block away and people walk the trail regularly," Roberts said.
"I was quite shocked when I saw it. When I reported the waste, I followed up days later. I phoned the city, but the mess is still there today," Roberts said.
The popular trail runs from Patricia Street (across from Gorse Street) to Fifth Avenue.
"I also phoned the RCMP but they said this was not their issue to deal with but a city matter, and I agree. I am very concerned that the city has not addressed this yet," Roberts said.
"R.E.A.P. (Recycling & Environmental Action Planning Society) is having a community clean-up on April 30 and we can't have kids going there."
According to the City of Prince George, anything reported online is forwarded to the correct municipal department, in this case, parks.
"There must have been a breakdown at some point technically when first reported," city spokesman Mike Kellett said.
"Usually, a file is opened immediately and then followed-up the very next day."
The city parks department has confirmed that they will be attending the site right away now that they are aware of the situation.
The city apologized for the delay but confirms that with the new city web site launching today, reports such as this will be forwarded to their respective departments immediately. Anyone wanting to file a report with the city, from a needle to a pothole, may do so online at the new website at princegeorge.ca.
