By Aaron Schulze

Doumont Trails clean-up challenging area’s reputation as dumping zone

Apr 27, 2018 | 3:34 PM

NANAIMO — A clean-up effort in the Doumont Trails area aims to clear up the perception it’s an apporpriate place to dump trash.
 
The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN), Nanaimo Mountain Bike Club (NMBC), and TimberWest are hosting a community open house and clean-up event at the Doumont Trails on Sunday April 29 between 10 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
 
The Doumont Trails have a long history of people dumping large items that can’t be dealt with at the curbisde, such as mattresses, couches and burned out vehicle parts.
 
“It’s pretty disheartening,” NMBC communications director Dana Wacker told NanaimoNewsNOW. “There are a lot of users in that area and we’re not very far from a garbage dump.”
Wacker said it’s hard to say if the dumping on Doumont has gotten better or worse, but as organizations get better at closing off access to areas further off in the bush, people are dumping on the road closer to the community which makes it more visible.
 
The NMBC hopes this clean-up will help towards the long term goal of changing the mindsets of dumpers and how they view Doumont.
 
“We’re seeing an influx of tourism coming into the area,” Wacker said.  “This isn’t just for the locals’ benefit. This for the benefit of all of Nanaimo and how we represent Nanaimo to those guests coming in.”
 
Puncture proof gloves at the clean-up are limited and the NMBC asks anyone who is volunteering to bring their own pair.
 
The RDN will provide a large disposal bin to take the garbage collected to the landfill.
 
Those wishing to join the volunteer effort can follow the signs on Weigels Rd. to the Doumont Trails.