By Chris Lewis | Jan. 21, 2021
World Wetlands Day is quickly approaching, and one Mount Pearl resident has some words of wisdom for the City.
Tuesday, February 2nd will mark the 50th anniversary of World Wetlands Day - a celebration of the world’s natural resources and the environment as a whole. This is not something that the City of Mount Pearl has forgotten about in years gone by, partly thanks to the efforts of local resident Brian O’Keefe.
O’Keefe has, over the last few years, gotten himself involved in the monitoring of the Waterford River because of the flooding that would occur post-storm. From that, his involvement developed into a passion for wetland areas and the impact they can have on municipalities. He says he has not stopped since, and has spent plenty of time over the last seven years or so involved with the local wetlands in any way he could.
Each year, O’Keefe sends in a reminder to City council about World Wetlands Day, ensuring that they are not only keeping a watchful eye over the Waterford River area, but also remaining aware of its importance to the City’s well being.
Wetlands regions are responsible for the presence of biodiversity, O’Keefe explained, but more pertinent to cities like Mount Pearl, keep water clean, and prevent flooding by reducing the amount of water sent downstream along the River.
With World Wetlands Day right around the corner, O’Keefe saw it as a good opportunity to harp on his message about ensuring the safety of local wetlands.
“We have to embrace and respect our wetland areas for the next generation,” O’Keefe said. “I can often be critical of different things, but I have to give some kudos to the City of Mount Pearl.”
O’Keefe said that the City has been doing a pretty solid job of maintaining its wetlands regions, and keeping it safe.
He explained that the water coming into the streams in the City come directly from Galway, specifically Donovan’s Industrial Park. He said there is storm water coming from Galway, which eventually flows into Mount Pearl through the Park.
“It will come down through (the City) and go own by the chicken farm, where it turns into a river system and continues all the way down Commonwealth Avenue,” O’Keefe explained.
This constant cycle is beneficial for the City, but can easily be impeded by developments in and around the City. Generally, O’Keefe said, this has not been too much of an issue in Mount Pearl, but they are not entirely off the hook.
“About three or four years ago, the City packaged a major development for Kenmount Hill … There are two wetlands up there, which are right on the corner of a playground,” O’Keefe said. “They want to push through one of those wetland areas to increase the development. It’s been a challenge.”
That being said, O’Keefe is generally happy with the City’s handling of wetlands and the environment in general.
“They’ve tidied up around the Waterford River, cleaned it all up, put down some sods for grass, and extended on an area where residents can go down and plant some vegetables,” O’Keefe added. “And that’s all adjacent to the Waterford River. It’s something everyone can enjoy, but also something everyone needs to be aware of and respect. Like everything else, it will grow and last with those things.”
