City horticulturists are taking care of gardens by bike this summer.
The City of Nanaimo has launched the Pedal Powered Garden Patrol, which will see horticultural employees doing daily gardening, clean ups and site inspections of city parks and the downtown core by bike. The initiative rolled out July 8 and is expected to not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but trim fuel consumption and vehicle maintenance costs for the parks, recreation and environment department.
“I’m very excited to be part of the Pedal Powered Garden Patrol,” said city landscape horticulturist Patrick McIntosh, in a press release. “Not only is it good for the environment, it saves the city money and it’s a great way for me to keep healthy while at work.”
Employees will ride bicycles with customized trailers attached for two or three days each week. Currently the parks, recreation and environment department has two bikes and trailers but hopes to add more in the future.