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Community members come out for Sandy Beach Cleanup

Dozens of area residents, some heavy machinery, a few waste bins and tons of community spirit had already arrived at Sandy Beach early last Thursday evening to clean up the well-known camping and party spot located on the west side of Cold Lake.
A Cold Lake resident helps a bobcat operator dump a load into a trash bin during the Sandy Beach Cleanup.
A Cold Lake resident helps a bobcat operator dump a load into a trash bin during the Sandy Beach Cleanup.

Dozens of area residents, some heavy machinery, a few waste bins and tons of community spirit had already arrived at Sandy Beach early last Thursday evening to clean up the well-known camping and party spot located on the west side of Cold Lake.

As the evening progressed, concerned citizens continued to arrive for the Sandy Beach Cleanup, which was initiated by a YouTube video of the beleaguered beach and a recent Facebook page encouraging locals to come out and clean up some of trash strewn throughout the area.

One of the organizers and creator of the Sandy Beach Cleanup Crew Facebook page, Tracy Coonce, said she was amazed at the response to the issue.

“This is just amazing,” she said, as volunteers all around raked and combed through the sand, picking up garbage and broken glass. “It's just great to see so many members of the community step up and do this. It shows how much this community cares. Even the ones who weren't actually able to come out they provided support in so many ways. They all deserve a big thank you.”

The beach has been known for years among locals as a place for camping and partying, however it gained further notoriety after a video shot by Kent Aessie revealed the mess users had left behind.

The video received thousands of views, prompting the Facebook page, which eventually led to the cleanup that took place this past Thursday.

Not only did dozens of people come out to cleanup in any way they could, but Coonce said businesses and the City of Cold Lake stepped up and provided dump trucks, bobcats and waste bins.

Coonce said she hoped to see a whole new clean beach once the cleanup is finished. But she pointed out, this was also an opportunity to take care of the beach and keep it clean.

“This is just great to see the community come together like this. Now I just hope we all take on the responsibility to keep it clean.”

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