I live near Hoy Creek Trail and hatchery, which is a beautiful area that I and many others use regularly.

I got used to seeing the usual garbage along the trail, which, unfortunately, is commonplace for urban trails.

I've taken to carrying a bag with me once a week and picking up some of the garbage along the trail. This includes disposable cups, various plastic containers, paper, cigarette packages, lots and lots of cigarette butts (which I don't pick up that many of, or I'd be on the trail for hours), dog poo (which I don't pick up), bags of dog poo (it's commendable that people bag it, but why throw it off to the side and have these bags hanging on the branches?), etc.

The scariest thing I found on one of my walks, was a pile of paper that someone had set on fire on the side of the trail. I can't imagine what they were thinking, and how disastrous this could have been.

This morning though, it finally happened. There, off to the side of the trail was a big black garbage bag (which I wasn't about to open), and right beside it - yes, a kitchen sink.

No longer can I say that I've seen everything but the kitchen sink along the trail.

To whomever left this (and all the others who feel it's okay to leave their garbage), take a look around people. This is here for you.

Respect and appreciate it, and leave it as you found it.

Mark Farrell Coquitlam