The Avon Riverbank Cleanup: A Stratford Morning Worth Showing Up For

There’s a certain kind of morning in Stratford.

The kind where the river is still. The park is just waking up. Someone’s walking their dog, someone’s grabbing a coffee, and the Avon is doing what it always does—quietly holding it all together.

It’s easy to take that for granted.

But every once in a while, it’s worth showing up for the place that gives us those moments.

So this is one of those mornings.

On Saturday, April 18 at 10:00 am, we’re inviting you to join us for our First Annual Avon Riverbank Cleanup—a simple, feel-good, come-as-you-are kind of morning by the water.

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Why We’re Doing This

The Boathouse has been part of Stratford’s river story for a long time.

Generations of families. First paddles. Summer evenings. Ice cream after a walk. That “we should do this more often” feeling.

And when you spend that much time around a place… you start to feel connected to it.

This cleanup is just an extension of that.

Not because something’s wrong.

But because something’s worth taking care of.

We want to bring people together—locals, families, visitors—to spend a little time giving back to the river and park system that gives so much to Stratford.

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This One’s Better Together

This isn’t just us.

We’re really proud to be doing this alongside Shane Oosterhoff from Home & Company Real Estate, who shares that same appreciation for this community and the spaces that make it special.

And it doesn’t stop there.

We’ve had other local businesses start to step up and support the day—which honestly feels very Stratford.

People see something good happening… and they jump in.

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What You’ll Actually Do

Here’s how the morning flows:

• Meet at The Boathouse at 10:00 am for a quick welcome and overview

• Break into small groups to clean sections of the Avon riverbank and nearby park areas

• Spend a relaxed morning outdoors helping care for the river

• Head back to The Boathouse for refreshments and a thank-you gathering

No experience needed. Come for an hour or stay for the morning.

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What’s Included (Yes, Free Stuff)

• Cleanup supplies, garbage bags, and gloves

• Light refreshments after the cleanup

• A complimentary boat pass to use this summer (or gift to someone)

• A genuinely great morning with the Stratford community

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What to Bring

• Comfortable outdoor clothing

• Closed-toe shoes

• Work gloves (if you prefer your own)

• Your community spirit

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Make a Day of It

If you’re already out, you might as well turn it into a full Stratford day.

After the cleanup, there’s a lot happening:

• Doors Open Stratford is on the same day—giving you access to some of the city’s most interesting spaces👉 https://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/pages/events/stratford

• There’s also a community tree planting event happening through Rotary👉 https://rotarystratford.com/event/perth-county-tree-planting-day/

Or keep it simple:

Walk over to York Street, grab a dirty soda (you’ve earned it), browse a few shops, and wander your way through downtown.

That’s the Stratford formula: Do something good → slow down → enjoy the day.

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Highlights

• Be part of Stratford’s first annual riverbank cleanup

• Support the Avon River and surrounding park system

• Connect with locals, families, and visitors

• Family-friendly and easy to join

• Complimentary boat pass for all participants

• Light refreshments + post-cleanup hang

• Easy to turn into a full Stratford day

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Quick FAQ

Do I need experience?Nope. Just show up—we’ll guide everything.

Are kids welcome?Absolutely. This is a great family-friendly event.

What if I can’t stay long?That’s totally fine. Even an hour makes a difference.