The Shuswap River is being trashed.
Considerable garbage is being left in the Enderby area river by tubers, boaters, swimmers and other users.
“There seems to be an escalation,” said Corinne Van De Crommenacker, Enderby Chamber of Commerce general manager.
“We want people to use the river respectfully. We don’t want the river to turn into something ugly.”
The waste found this summer includes bicycles, abandoned tubes, hats and sandals.
Beverage containers also come in a variety of sizes and flavours.
“People go into the river with a drink and discard them,” said Van De Crommenacker.
The upswing in trash comes despite the chamber’s visitor information centre and the River Ambassadors urging residents to pack out what they pack in.
“We don’t want people to stop using the river. We just want to remind them to keep it clean,” said Van De Crommenacker.
“We need to be respectful of the river so future generations will be able to appreciate the beauty of the river.”
Van De Crommenacker insists there is no need to leave trash in the river as there are garbage cans at all hand-launch sites.
“Garbage thrown in the river upsets the ecosystem, creates hazards and turns a beautiful river into an eyesore.”
Mayor Greg McCune believes local residents and businesses need to take ownership for the river and improve their activities in the water.
“We need to show that we care and that will spill over to visitors,” he said, adding that no single group can be blamed for the pollution. “Up until now, we’ve had the trash talking – boaters are evil or tubers leave garbage. It’s our river.”