By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Rotarian Bill Stoyles cleaning up debris from the waters and banks of the Waterford River.
The Waterford Valley annual cleanup campaign got off to a chilly start May 11 as volunteers braved almost freezing temps for a three-hour sweep of a stretch between Corrisande Drive east to Powers Pond Brook.
And while the weather was cool, organizers expect efforts to heat up with coordinated efforts from Mount Pearl down to St. John’s over the course of the next three weeks.
“We’ve been doing this for years,” said Bill Stoyles, a longtime advocate for cleanup and restoration efforts, and a member of the Waterford Valley Rotary Club.
“I think we have a lot of interest and momentum after our conference last month, so we believe this could be our most successful year yet.”
Stoyles says interested individuals or groups can join one of the organized Action Days or coordinate a cleanup in their own neighbourhood.
“Participation is both welcome and essential to our goals. We believe we need to be inclusive of everyone who has an interest in keeping this system beautiful and healthy and sustainable,” Stoyles said, adding that he hopes to see families become involved to encourage the education of younger generations.
There were two cleanup sessions on May 11, with an evening effort involving Rotarians and RCMP veterans that covered Corrisande Drive west to the Kenmount overpass. Rotarians and Holy Cross Alumni were slated to collaborate May 12 on the section from Fort Amherst to Leslie Street, including the trailway.
Rotarians, Banished Brewing and other supporters were slated to cover the Kenmount Road overpass to the outer ring road on May 14, and were to be joined May 24 by Salmonid Association of Eastern Newfoundland (SAEN) and Atlantic Rivers Outfitting to cover the stretch between the Helen Porter Bridge to Bowring Park.
Rotarians were to be joined by members of Environment Canada and other supporters on June 8 to clean up the area between Park Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue.
Additional areas to be scheduled include: the Bowring Park boundary to Brookfield Bridge; the Brookfield Bridge to the Team Gushue Highway; Team Gushue Highway to Park Avenue/Topsail Road; Commonwealth Avenue to Powers Pond Brook; St. Anne’s Industrial Park; Donovan’s from the boundary to Bruce Street; Donovan’s from Bruce Street to the Trailway; Kilbride Brook around Old Bay Bulls Road; Kitty Gauls Brook; and the rear of Walmart and Canadian Tire.
“We will continue to finalize details in the coming days. If you or your group would like to take ownership of a section or organize a local cleanup, please reach out,” Stoyles said.
“Together, we can make a lasting and visible difference across the Waterford system.”
Those interested in helping can call or text (709) 682-9244.