Busy Witless Bay side street to get a sprucing up

By local Journalism Initiative Reporter Tyler Waugh

The Town of Witless Bay took its next step in a $1.07 million project to address longstanding drainage, runoff and road condition concerns along Dunn’s Lane.

Council acknowledged at its August 11 public meeting approval of the project through a partnership with the federal and provincial governments.

Council also confirmed its $107,000 contribution towards the work, with the remaining $963,001 coming from the senior governments.

“The Town originally submitted the project through the (provincial) Municipal Capital Works program in November 2024. That application was not approved during the 2025 intake,” said CAO Neil Stamp, adding the Town then revised and resubmitted its proposal.

The Town received approval on August 4.

The project includes new curb and gutter from the Southern Shore Highway to just beyond the Southside Road intersection, road grading and drainage improvements farther along Dunn's Lane to direct runoff toward the existing ditching, new storm infrastructure to manage the flow from the ditching to convey water away from low-lying properties, and subsurface and asphalt renewal, excluding a small section at the end where the pavement remains in good condition.

It was not confirmed whether the municipal portion had already been budgeted for if it was to be earmarked in next year’s budget.

Mayor Jacob Hayden said that beyond responding to longstanding drainage, erosion and runoff concerns, Dunn’s Lane is also a collector street serving an important residential growth area, including Emerald Estates and its 120 developed lots and another 41 lots being contemplated.

“The project was supported by preliminary engineering work and was sufficiently developed to be submitted when funding opportunities became available,” he said. “It aligned with the funding criteria because it combines stormwater management, climate resilience, protection of existing properties and infrastructure, and support for future housing development.”

Stamp said the immediate next steps are to complete and return the acceptance documents required by the Department within 45 days of the approval. Following that, the Town will work with the Department and its engineering consultant on the remaining design, review and procurement requirements.

“A construction start date has not yet been established and will depend on completion of those steps and the tendering process,” Stamp said.

Councillors Gerard Dunne and Ralph Carey both excused themselves at the beginning of the discussion so that council could determine whether they were in a conflict of interest due to the fact they both reside on Dunn’s Lane.

Council decided that both Dunne and Carey were not in a conflict of interest on the matter because neither of them had anything more to gain than other residents of Dunn’s Lane.

“And this is just to acknowledge the notification of the project approval,” added Deputy Mayor Justina Nawaz.

The motion passed unanimously.

Council says it’s not responsible for Petty Harbour resident’s water woes

By Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Tyler Waugh

Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove council dealt with a number of letters of concern from residents at its August 10 public meeting, including one regarding a July water break on private property on the Motion Bay Road Extension.

The letter writer lives at 9 Motion Bay Road Extension and, in addition to the letter of concern, requested to have a related water shutoff fee waived. The homeowner was made aware by a neighbour of water seeping onto the property but did not realize at that time the water was coming from a leak in the water line.

The resident reported the Town council was contacted Monday, July 20 about the issue and the Town foreman was also called, though he was reportedly off at the time.

“This, to me, was a serious situation and one that should have been addressed right away or at least investigated the same day,” stated the letter, read into the record by CAO Mandy Dinn.

The Town employee did not show up until Wednesday, according to the resident, and a contractor was not contacted until Thursday.

“I had no idea I was supposed to hire someone to do this work, however, I did know that any work done on my property I was responsible to pay for,” wrote the resident, adding it was unclear how to proceed once it was determined the leak was coming from her property’s water line. “All I heard was that it was your problem and you have to pay for the work. I was given no guidance from council whatsoever on how to proceed with the issue. If council had responded in a timely manner to this complaint the work most likely would have been completed during the week and not the weekend.”

The resident stated she didn’t want to wait until Monday, July 27 to get the work done but also didn’t want to subject the neighbour to additional water damage to their property. She argued it is the Town’s responsibility to counsel property owners in such matters and that it made no sense to leave action on the matter to the resident. She also suggested that, in the future, it would make more sense for council to hire the contractor to fix the leak and then bill the resident.

Mayor Ed Dyke responded that the dates mentioned in the letter were incorrect and that he and an employee visited the owner on Tuesday and advised the water leak was on her property. They visited the homeowner again the following afternoon, he added, and advised the owner to call contractors, noting it is not the Town’s responsibility to do so.

“The reason it is not our responsibility is because if the contractor goes in and makes a mess of the thing or does something the homeowner says is not up to their liking, then it’s the Town that (is held responsible),” Dyke said, adding that from the shutoff out to the road it is the Town’s responsibility.

Dyke said he got a call from the Town employee on the Thursday saying the resident wasn’t going to get it done on the weekend because she didn’t want to pay the resulting water shutoff fee.

Dinn said the $150 shutoff fee covers part of the cost of salary, overtime and equipment use when an employee has to be called in on a Saturday.

“Sometimes that $150 doesn’t even cover the cost of sending somebody to shut off the water,” Dinn said, pointing out there is no charge on weekdays for water shutoffs because employees are already on the clock.

Deputy Mayor Irene Stack said she sympathized with the resident feeling that she was not properly informed about how to proceed, though she didn’t doubt the mayor’s recollection of events.

Stack agreed with Dyke that the Town cannot take on the liability of hiring contractors for work that is the responsibility of residents. However, she expressed hope the Town can improve the way it advises residents of their responsibilities.

Council decided against waiving the emergency shutoff fee.

New Witless Bay CAO got municipal start in Logy Bay

By Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Tyler Waugh

Neil Stamp got the first public meeting under his belt on August 11 as the new chief administrative officer for the Town of Witless Bay, where he was formally appointed by council in a unanimous vote.

When contacted last week for an interview about his new role, Stamp said he wouldn’t be available until he returned to the office on August 27.

Stamp was previously the Town Manager and Chief Administrative Officer in the Town of Logy Bay - Middle Cove - Outer Cove. Meeting minutes there show he was officially appointed by that council as a maternity replacement on July 7, 2025.

According to his profile on the social media site LinkedIn, prior to his move to municipal management, Stamp held the role of customer success manager with the American stock exchange NASDAQ in St. John’s, and as fleet sales manager at Terra Nova GMC Buick in St. John’s.

Stamp holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing, from Memorial University and is a graduate with French Immersion Distinction from O’Donel High School. He is a husband and father of three boys – ages eight, five and three.

“I’m eager to get started, listen and learn, and grow alongside the Town,” Stamp wrote in a post on the Town’s website.

Stamp replaces Jennifer Aspell, who left in May to become chief executive officer of the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Safety Association.

Council had been awaiting the appointment of its new CAO in order to move ahead with some matters that had been put on hold until the position was filled, including a new 10-year municipal plan and a proposal for project management services to increase Witless Bay’s tourism presence.

Mayor Jacob Hayden told The Irish Loop Post he is pleased with what Stamp brings to the organization.

“He has a strong understanding of municipal operations and has brought a positive energy while having a professional, practical approach to the role,” Hayden said. “I think his experience, leadership, and willingness to work with council and staff will be a real asset to the Town of Witless Bay.”

Witless Bay Community Credit Union fundraiser

There was a mouth-watering aroma outside the Community Credit Union in Witless Bay one day earlier this month as the branch held its annual fundraiser in support of local schools. Among those dishing out the barbequed grub were, starting in the front row, from left: Parker Sparkes age 11, Mason Sparkes age 5, Jackson Courtney age 11, Theresa St. Croix, and branch manager Valerie Weir. In the back are ‘chefs’ Jimmy Boland, left, and Len Courtney, both from the Knights of Columbus. Craig Westcott photo

Fitness centre naming contest drawing to a close

By Craig Westcott

The Bay Bulls Lifestyle Centre is getting a new defibrillator.

Deputy Mayor Ethan Williams made the motion to approve the purchase during last week's public council meeting.

"This arose because the current model that we have into the centre has been discontinued by the manufacturer," said Williams. "So, an update was required."

The cost of the new unit is $1,945 plus HST. A defibrillator is a portable machine that can administer a shock to the body to restore a normal heart rate in the case of a cardiac arrest.

In other news affecting the lifestyle centre, Williams noted that a naming contest for the building’s fitness is getting close to wrapping up.

"We introduced the contest to put a new name on the fitness centre, and we have received all of the submissions now," he said. "So, the voting process will begin shortly for that."

The winner will get free membership in the fitness centre for a month.

Busy fall for roadwork around Petty Harbour

By Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Tyler Waugh

A stretch of road that connects the Goulds to Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove is primed for some TLC in the near future, and not a moment too soon based on talk at a recent council meeting.

Ferryland MHA Loyola O’Driscoll announced August 4 that two projects in his district had recently been approved, including 3.8 km of road rehabilitation on Route 11 (Petty Harbour Road) between Crocker’s Road and the second intersection of Old Maddox Cove Road.

“I am expecting work to begin soon, and I look forward to seeing these important projects get underway,” said O’Driscoll.

That stretch of road had drawn the ire of several members of the Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove Town council in June.

“It’s getting ridiculous now, it’s almost a hazard,” said Mayor Ed Dyke, proposing that council draft a letter before learning that the project was already being prepared for tender.

The tender process for Route 11 was combined with rehabilitation roadwork for around 4.7 km of Route 10 in Bay Bulls stretching from the municipal limits to Ryan’s Lane.

The tender – valued at $6,673,681, plus HST, was awarded to Municipal Construction Ltd. of Paradise. Farrell’s Excavating submitted a bid of $6,884,796 and Nortech Construction bid $7,220,552.00.

Meanwhile, Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove decided its own paving patchwork tender on Aug. 10, with Formac coming in at $27,062 and CW Parsons Paving at $27,427. Both quotes were a couple thousand dollars above what the Town had hoped to pay.  

Town manager Mandy Dinn pointed out factors for why there were only two bids received namely that companies are in the prime of the roadwork season and a contract of this size is not a priority for most contractors.

Deputy Mayor Irene Stack conceded the work had to be done, even if the costs came in over budget. She made the motion to award the tender to Formac and the motion passed.

Mayor Dyke pointed out that priority areas have been identified in the community.

Dinn said the work should be done in the coming weeks.

Aquaforte council unsatisfied with response to road safety concerns

The Town of Aquaforte continues its push for immediate action by the Province to address safety concerns for a stretch of highway that has claimed three lives in three years due to moose collisions.

Town council wrote in an August 5 letter to Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Barry Petten that the current government and previous administrations have neglected ongoing safety concerns along Route 10 in its area of the Southern Shore.

Town manager Aaron Croft said advocacy has been ongoing for many years but ramped up in summer 2023 after a moose collision killed a single motorcyclist near Aquaforte. The urgent need for moose mitigation was renewed this past June after two Bay Bulls residents were killed when their motorcycle collided with a moose, again just outside Aquaforte.

“Three lives have been lost here already. Near misses involving moose occur daily. Families, workers and visitors continue to travel a highway where the risk is well known, well documented through social media, and steadily increasing,” council wrote in the Aug. 5 letter. “Our community feels strongly – and increasingly – that both the current government and the previous administration have neglected this portion of the Southern Shore. Despite repeated warnings, lived experience, and clear evidence of danger, our section of Route 10 continues to be excluded from the very measures that are being promoted as provincial safety priorities.”

Council had written Minister Petten, Premier Tony Wakeham and Ferryland MHA Loyola O’Driscoll after the June 2026 fatalities and received a response from Petten, on behalf of the premier.  

Petten outlined brush clearing tenders awarded on Route 10 between Tors Cove and Brigus South, as well as upcoming tenders for areas between St. John’s and Witless Bay, as well as Brigus South to Cape Broyle. Petten wrote that additional clearing projects along Route 10 will be reviewed and added to project plans for future years.

The minister also highlighted the Province’s expenditure of $6.5 million on moose fencing and brush clearing along high-risk highway sections, with a total of 22 projects in 2026 covering 400 kms of provincial highways.

But Aquaforte council said the response as unacceptable, all things considered, and pointed out much of the brush clearing outlined for Route 10 was taking place in areas where brush clearing had taken place only a few years ago.

Council stated the Province must take immediate steps to include the Cape Broyle to Cappahayden corridor in its mitigation plans. Croft said he believed the last meaningful brush clearing in that region took place as far back as 2008.

Aquaforte is calling for expanded brush clearing, but also a ‘meaningful’ increase in moose hunting licences in the area.

“Brush cutting is essential, and we fully support its continued use as a mitigation tool. However, it is only one part of what is required. The moose population along Route 10 has grown significantly in recent years, and without a corresponding increase in moose licences the risk will continue to escalate,” Aquaforte council wrote in its response to Petten. “Reducing vegetation without reducing population density is an incomplete strategy that leaves our residents exposed to unacceptable levels of danger.”

Croft said the Town does not have jurisdiction to perform work along a provincial highway and that, even if it did, towns of its size do not have the financial capacity to fund any meaningful brush clearing efforts.

Witless Bay douses plan for new regional fire hall

By Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Tyler Waugh

Witless Bay councillors say they see the merits of a new regional fire hall, but ultimately the cost of one is too rich for their blood based on the latest feasibility study.

Deputy Mayor Justina Nawaz said whether to move ahead with the project was something discussed at length with Fire Chief Jack Gatherall and the fire committee, as well as with council as a whole.

“We are looking at two different options that are both over $7 million and even with funding as a 70/30 split (with the Province) it would still cost us almost $2.5 million and everyone feels we are just not in a place to spend that money,” Nawaz said.

Councillor Ralph Carey moved to deny the cost overrun and not proceed to the next stage of the development, renovation or construction of the new regional fire hall at this time due to financial constraints.

Carey also pointed out there is no way to ensure any potential cost overruns will not become the responsibility of the Town of Witless Bay.

“Somebody has to be on the hook. Given that it’s a regional facility that serves here to Bauline and beyond we really can’t risk our financial future on something that could run tremendously (over budget),” Carey said. “What if somebody decided to, say for instance our neighbours to the south, throw tariffs on something and the price of something goes through the roof?”

Carey’s motion to kill the project passed unanimously.

In 2022, Witless Bay council accepted $2.4 million in cost-shared funding from the provincial government for the construction of a new fire hall and agreed to pay its share of the project, which at that time was $815,640. That funding was based on a 2019 feasibility study.

In order to obtain a more accurate, updated estimate of the construction cost, council ordered a new feasibility study in August 2024 at a cost of $27,666, plus tax.

Witless Bay Fire Department revamps response system

By Tyler Waugh, The Irish Loop Post/Local Journalism Initiative

The Witless Bay Volunteer Fire Department has worked with NL Health Services and NL 911 to implement a new 'triage' style response system aimed to take the load off the volunteer team of firefighters.
Fire Chief Jack Gatherall told council at its July 22 public meeting the department responded to 107 calls between January 1 and June 30 and while that is still a busy stretch, it's actually a big drop from previous years in part due to this new system.
"For serious, life-threatening medical emergencies where every second counts, our trucks and crews are still out the door immediately,” Gatherall said. “Following this new criteria actually helps get the department turned out and responding faster to higher priority medical calls. For lower priority medical calls, where the fire truck isn't actually needed, we now stand by. This saves our volunteers from unnecessary late night wake up calls and runaround for lower acuity calls. This helps cut down on volunteer burnout and the retention of membership."
Gatherall said the membership is reporting a 'huge' boost in morale as a result.
He said the system also better ensures that department resources are where they need to be.
"The department in 2025 had multiple instances for as many as three calls at the same time, in which responders had to pull away resources from a serious incident such as a fire or car accident, to respond to a medical emergency, which really didn't require a fire department level of response,” Gatherall said. “This adjustment in protocol is normal and is followed by most larger departments."
He told council the department recently focused on extricating victims from vehicles during two weeks of training. Gatherall said extraction scenarios vary from wheels on ground, to vehicles on their side and resting on their roofs, to wrecks with blocked access or heavy physical obstacles, as well as those rolled into a ditch and wedged in tight.
"This course is all about giving our membership hands-on skills that they need to safely respond on vehicle accidents, to make the training as realistic as possible," Gatherall said, noting 10 vehicles had been secured for the training. "It's tough, heavy work. But these are the exact skills that save lives when the seconds count. A huge shout out to our members for putting in the hours to keep up the rescue skills."

The department did lose two members in June, including one of the four new women recruits who recently joined, and Gatherall said the department continues to actively evaluate recruitment and retention to deal with what he called an ongoing nationwide challenge for volunteer departments.
"(The) challenge of modern day firefighting balance in shifting employment demands, family life, and a heavy time commitment required for modern fire service remains a hurdle," he said.
Council approved three fire department expense requests at the July 22 meeting, including new tires for the 2012 Dodge Ram truck, a $1,000 request for uniforms and other attire, and $3,300 for advanced first aid training.
Gatherall said that training will take place in six sessions over three days.