News Release: Waterford Valley Rotary Club recognizes leadership of local Mayors

The Waterford Valley Rotary Club today honoured the Mayors of Mount Pearl, Paradise, and St. John’s for their leadership role in efforts to ensure the future vitality of the Waterford River. At a luncheon ceremony at Hotel Mount Pearl, Mount Pearl Mayor Randy Simms, Paradise Mayor Dan Bobbett, and St. John’s Mayor Dennis O’Keefe, were each presented with a Certificate of Recognition and named Paul Harris (Founder of Rotary) Fellows by the International Rotary Foundation.

The Waterford Valley Rotary Club’s major activities have always focused around the Waterford River.  “Our focus used to be on constructing things like pedestrian bridges, walkways and the like that enabled the public better access to enjoy the river,” said Sandy Roche, Club Spokesperson.  “In recent years, the cumulative effect of urban sprawl arising from the rapid growth occurring in all three of the communities through which the river flows is placing unprecedented stress on the river system. Therefore, our focus has shifted to ensuring that the vitality of the River itself is being safeguarded and to working with the municipalities of Mount Pearl, Paradise and St. John’s achieve that.”

In presenting the Mayors with their awards three recent initiatives were highlighted. The most important of these was the coming together of the three municipalities to jointly implement a comprehensive baseline study of the Waterford River. The study will determine factors that are affecting the river’s long term viability. It is intended the study will form the basis of a Watershed Management Plan for the Waterford River System that can be implemented by all three communities.  The study is now underway and is due to be completed this summer.

“I am honoured to be recognized as a leader in maintaining the health of the Waterford River. It is not only my goal, but the City’s goal, to make this river the cleanest in the world. We are committed to preserving its vitality through annual river clean-ups, the Waterford River Watershed Management Study, and our active partnerships with neighbouring municipalities,” said Mayor Randy Simms.

The second initiative is the “first of its kind” major clean-up of the Waterford River that took place this past fall. During the summer the Rotary Club arranged for a Conservation Corp Green Team to walk the entire length of the river documenting every location where significant debris existed.  That work confirmed the scope of clean-up required was beyond volunteer capability.  As such, all three municipalities agreed to have municipal workers and equipment deployed to the task. Most of the heavy debris was removed before the onset of winter weather and resources are allocated to complete the task in 2017.

“It is indeed an honour to receive this recognition from the Waterford Valley Rotary Club. The Town of Paradise is proud to partner on the conservation of the beautiful Waterford River whose headwaters are located within the Town. We look forward to continuing to work with the Club and our neighbouring municipalities to continue to put into action our support for the conservation of the Waterford River system,” said Mayor Dan Bobbett.

The third initiative was unveiled during the luncheon today – the Club’s recently completed mobile interpretive exhibit booth featuring a specially prepared video designed to heighten the public’s awareness of the river and the challenges it faces. The Club plans to have the booth on display in schools, Town Halls, and other relevant public venues. 

“We are delighted to be part of these important projects," said Mayor O’Keefe. “As elected officials we must work together to protect our shared resources for future generations. In raising the profile of the Waterford River and its environmental, recreational and aesthetic importance to the region, we hope to inspire others to take a more active role in the restoration and enhancement of this valuable public asset.”

In concluding the event, Roche stated, “We want to make sure that the vitality of that river is maintained for future generations to enjoy.  Key to achieving that goal is the commitment of, and cooperation amongst, the three municipal councils involved.   And that’s why we are here today to acknowledge the leadership role being played by these three Mayors in bringing that about.”  

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