Scugog to celebrate Public Works Week and Compost Day with community spirit

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

SCUGOG: Local residents are invited to come together in recognition of the people and services which keep the community running smoothly. From May 18th to 24th, 2025, the Township will celebrate National Public Works Week, followed by National Compost Day, on Saturday, May 24th.

The week is a chance to highlight the work of local public works professionals, whose efforts often go unnoticed but are essential to daily life. This year’s national theme, People, Purpose and Presence, emphasizes their dedication and pride in serving their communities.

Grant Taylor, Director of Public Works and Infrastructure Services for Scugog, said, the week is about more than just acknowledging hard work.

“National Public Works Week is an opportunity to shine a light on the people behind the scenes, who keep our infrastructure operating safely and efficiently,” said Mr. Taylor. “We thank our dedicated Public Works professionals, who make this community a great place to live, work and thrive.”

Community members echoed that appreciation.

“They’re the ones who plow our roads before we even wake up,” said Maya Thompson, a local resident. “We don’t always see them, but we definitely feel the impact of their work every day.”

Jason Lee, who runs a small business in Port Perry, added, “It’s easy to take things like clean parks and smooth roads for granted but Public Works keeps everything running in the background. It’s a vital part of our quality of life here.”

As part of the celebration, residents are invited to attend National Compost Day, on Saturday, May 24th, at the Scugog Community Recreation Centre. The event will run from 8 a.m. to noon, offering a complimentary compost giveaway.

Participants must bring their own bin and shovel, and quantities are limited. While blue bins and household compost bins will not be available for purchase on-site, they can be ordered online through durham.ca/newbins.

Non-perishable food items will also be collected, at the event, and donated to the local food bank, reinforcing the community-focused nature of the initiative.

“Events like these are what community is all about, giving back to the environment and helping each other out,” said Ella James, a long-time Scugog resident. “I look forward to it every year.”

With gratitude, environmental awareness, and a strong sense of community at its heart, Scugog’s upcoming events aim to bring residents together, to celebrate what makes their township thrive.