Released May 25, 2026
Civic cleanup tradition puts bragging rights back on the line
ESTEVAN & WEYBURN, SK – The Golden Garbage Can is back, and southeastern Saskatchewan’s tidiest rivalry is ready for another round.
The Cities of Estevan and Weyburn will once again face off in the community cleanup competition on June 17, continuing the renewed tradition after the competition made its comeback in 2025 following a 15-year hiatus.
A panel of judges will tour both cities, scoring each community using a shared rubric that highlights cleanliness, visual appeal, civic pride and overall community care. The winning city will be awarded the Golden Garbage Can, along with a fresh year of bragging rights.
Estevan claimed the trophy in 2025, marking the first win of the competition’s modern comeback.
“While only one community can take home the trophy, the real win is seeing residents, businesses, schools and community groups come together and build the kind of civic pride this competition was created to celebrate,” said Estevan City Councillor Kristen Walliser.
Judges will review a range of areas in each community, including downtown, residential streets, school properties, parks, gateways, commercial areas and public facilities. Residents and businesses are encouraged to participate with creativity and community-led efforts, such as flower beds, beautification projects and cleanup initiatives ahead of judging day.
“Estevan and Weyburn both have a strong sense of community, and this competition gives us a chance to showcase that in a positive, good-natured way,” said Weyburn City Councillor Kellie Sidloski. “It is about more than clean streets. It is about the people who care enough to pitch in, take pride and help their community look its best.”
The Golden Garbage Can dates back to 1956, when Weyburn and Estevan first began the friendly challenge as a way to encourage community-wide cleanup efforts and showcase the value of welcoming public spaces. Over the decades, the competition became a recognizable regional tradition before pausing after the 2010 contest. Its return in 2025 brought new energy to the long-standing connection between the two cities.
The competition is light-hearted, but its purpose is meaningful: encouraging civic care, celebrating community effort and recognizing the shared commitment both cities have to keeping their communities welcoming, clean and vibrant.
The winner of the 2026 Golden Garbage Can will be announced following judging.
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For inquiries contact:
Paige Tenbult
Communications Coordinator | City of Weyburn
(306) 848-3236 | ptenbult@weyburn.ca
Jacquelyn Massey-Rounds
Marketing & Communications Manager | City of Estevan
(306) 634-1877 | j.massey@estevan.ca