Burke Mountain Cleanup Event: A Community United for a Cleaner Future
On Saturday, September 27, 2025, nearly 200 community members came together at Sheffield Park in Coquitlam for the first-ever Burke Mountain Cleanup, a day dedicated to protecting the beauty of our forests, trails, schools, and parks. Organized by myself, Jeff Curtis, and my wife Vicky, this initiative brought neighbors, sponsors, local leaders, and volunteers into one powerful movement—proving how collective action can leave a lasting impact.
A Day of Action and Impact
By the end of the day, volunteers had collected a staggering amount of waste across Burke Mountain:
12 parks, 4 trails, and 3 schools were cleaned
3,770 cigarette butts were picked up
Mountains of garbage and recyclables were consolidated into a visible reminder of why community cleanups matter
Every cigarette butt, every bottle, every bag was a small victory—together forming a massive stride toward a cleaner and healthier environment for families, wildlife, and future generations. Our goal is so create a long lasting impact and inspire future generations to do their part in ensuring the health of our parks and trails.
Community Leaders and Special Guests
We were humbled to welcome and receive the blessing of former Kwikwetlem Chief Ed Hall, who set the tone for the day by honoring the land we gathered on.
We were also joined by MP Ron McKinnon, who not only participated in the cleanup but also recognized our work on behalf of the federal government by presenting us with the Community Champion Award. To be acknowledged at a national level underscored the importance of grassroots initiatives like this.
Local support was strong as well, with Coquitlam councillors Matt Djonlic, Robert Mazzarolo, and Terry Towner attending, alongside members of the Coquitlam Express Hockey Club—a team deeply embedded in our community.
And a special thank-you to the Coquitlam Parks Department and Park Spark for collaborating with us on this event.
Sponsors Who Made It Possible
This event wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity and support of local businesses and organizations who stepped forward to sponsor our cleanup. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to:
Wesbild
Cassandra Cake Co.
Food Link Society
Infinity Properties
Permack Real Estate
Rocky Point Ice Cream
Sandpiper Signs & Decals
Soul Bite Food
Tangerine Developments
Townline Homes
What’s On Tri-Cities Magazine
These partners not only contributed financially and logistically but also demonstrated their ongoing commitment to the health and vibrancy of our community.
Extra Touches of Community Spirit
The cleanup was about more than just picking up trash—it was about building connections.
Avery (@agmorphs) brought in a team of face painters, adding color and fun for kids, adults, and families.
DMACK Driving School generously donated 10 tickets to a Coquitlam Express hockey game, which we gave away to volunteers.
All leftover water and refreshments were donated to The Uplifting Group, ensuring nothing went to waste and every effort gave back.
Photography and Media Coverage
As media professionals through Boro and Beyond, Vicky and I documented the day with high-quality photography and video coverage. These visuals not only capture the collective effort but also serve as a reminder of how powerful community collaboration can be.
Our hope is that these images inspire others—both in Coquitlam and beyond—to take action in their own neighborhoods.
Looking Ahead
The Burke Mountain Cleanup 2025 was just the beginning. We plan to make this an annual tradition, strengthening ties between residents, local businesses, and civic leaders while keeping our environment healthy.
With the momentum built this year, we are excited to expand future cleanups, involve even more schools and youth groups, and create lasting educational opportunities about stewardship and sustainability.
A Personal Note
Thank you to MP Ron McKinnon for especially recognizing our efforts of environmental stewardship.
To be recognized with the Community Champion Award alongside my wife Vicky, and to share this moment with so many friends and neighbors, is something I will never forget.
Thank You
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to every volunteer, sponsor, and supporter who helped make the Burke Mountain Cleanup 2025 a success. Together, we proved that community spirit and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.
This is just the beginning—and we hope you’ll join us next year to make an even bigger difference.
Want to stay updated on future cleanups and community events?
Follow our journey at Boro and Beyond Media or reach out to learn how you can get involved.
Recap Video:
Short recap of the Burke Mountain Community Cleanup on Sept 27, 2025.
