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Nanaimo students visit public works dept. to become future environmental caretakers

May 24, 2017 | 5:36 PM

NANAIMO — A field trip to Nanaimo public works was more than just a sightseeing fieldtrip for nearly 200 Grade 4 and 5 students.

It was the first time Nanaimo hosted an event for the national Public Works Week initiative.

John Elliot, senior manager of public works, said educating the kids about something they might have never thought about makes them better caretakers of our future.

“When they understand recycling and what should and shouldn’t go in there, they’ll police that for us,” he said. “If they see their parents letting the water run when brushing their teeth, they’ll be the first ones to say ‘don’t do that, conserve the water because it’s a valuable resource.’”