Witless Bay wants more subsidies from Province to fund town positions

By Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Tyler Waugh

The Town of Witless Bay is calling attention to what it calls the growing gap between municipal administrative responsibilities and the capacity to meet them and is taking the issue to Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador (MNL) for support.  

Witless Bay council approved a resolution supporting ‘sustainable municipal administrative capacity’ for consideration by MNL at its annual general meeting later this year.

The resolution asks the Province to consider the financial and staffing impacts on towns before bringing in any new or expanded municipal reporting obligations and it also asks for funding, training and support to meet any new requirements.

"Sustainable municipal administrative capacity" means having the people, expertise, systems and financial resources needed to carry out municipal responsibilities reliably over time,” said Witless Bay’s new CAO Neil Stamp. “For residents, that translates into practical things: timely responses, well-managed projects, sound financial administration and the ability to plan for the community's future.”

Stamp said the concern comes from the range of duties a town office has to manage – from financial administration, procurement, planning and development, records, access-to-information requests, emergency preparedness, funding applications and everyday resident service which all compete for staff time.

“In a small municipality, many of those responsibilities fall to the same people. A complex file or an unexpected issue can absorb a significant share of the office's available capacity. One example I’ve raised previously is the work involved in responding to access-to-information requests,” Stamp said. “Transparency is an essential part of municipal government, and meeting that obligation requires time to locate, review and prepare records while other municipal work continues. The resources needed to do that work have to be part of the conversation.”

Stamp said the broader capacity issue can affect municipalities of different sizes, but smaller towns have less room to spread the workload or maintain specialized positions.

The resolution also asks MNL to advocate for a permanent, needs-based Municipal Administrative Capacity Fund providing predictable multi-year support for core administration and voluntary regional or shared professional services.

“From my perspective, the pressure is cumulative. Municipalities are managing a broad range of responsibilities while rising costs stretch their budgets. Councils are also very conscious of affordability for residents, which makes decisions about additional resources difficult. Technology can help, and we should keep improving how we work, but staff still need the time and expertise to assess information, make recommendations and follow through,” Stamp said. “I think we also need to consider staffing in terms of the service it enables. A salary budget tells us what we spend; it does not, by itself, tell us whether we have the capacity to deliver what residents need. When resources are necessary, we should be able to explain the need, the benefit and the trade-offs clearly.”

Witless Bay called the special meeting because the MNL deadline for resolutions was September 25 and the next regular council meeting was October 14.

If accepted for consideration, the Witless Bay resolution would go before the MNL membership during the conference and AGM in St. John's, November 5–7.

“Adoption would give MNL a mandate to pursue the requested action through its advocacy work; any resulting funding or policy changes would require further work,” Stamp said. “Ultimately, the concern is whether municipalities have the capacity to deliver the services and accountability residents rightly expect, consistently and over the long term.”

Bay Bulls town manager gets more power from council

By Craig Westcott

Bay Bulls council is handing over its authority to say yea or nay on applications for sheds and garages to Town Manager Ashley Wakeham.

Council has also given Wakeham latitude to delegate the responsibility to other staff.

Councillor Jonathan O’Dea made the motion for council to hand off the responsibility at last week’s public council meeting.

The change is only supposed to apply to applications that meet the Town’s development regulations regarding the size, height and location of the structures. Anything that falls outside the norms will still have to go to council to exercise its discretionary authority. Under the Towns and Local Service Districts Act, municipalities are required to advertise such applications so that the public can have an opportunity to comment before council votes.

Councillor Jason O’Brien seconded O’Dea’s motion, which passed unanimously.

Deputy Mayor Ethan Williams took care to question his colleagues and staff to make sure council is not giving up its discretionary power altogether.

“Exactly,” said Wakeham, responding to Williams’ query. “It will follow the discretionary use process regardless, and we can use our discretion. It may comply, but as we know sometimes, things may be in an odd area, we may not be 100 per cent sure if it can comply, so in those instances we will (advise) council we need your input here… It’s just a means to kind of cut red tape. These are simple applications, most of them are cookie cutter and can be approved in three to five days, we have a short building season here… And like I said, we’ll use our discretion when we see something saying, ‘we’re not comfortable approving that one at face value, we’ll get council to look at it.’”

Another application denied for Motion Bay Road Extension

By Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Tyler Waugh

Another housing application was denied by Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove council at its September 21 public meeting due to the sub-standard nature of the road on which the development would have been located.

The proposal to build a four-unit townhouse at 41-45 and 51-59 Motion Bay Road Extension came a month after council received legal advice stating the Town cannot issue housing permits because the road is not up to municipal standards

Councillors reiterated that point during deliberation of the latest application.

“The committee has reviewed the application and the long history of development inquiries for the Motion Bay Road Extension,” said councillor Kayla Parsons, who chairs the development committee. “At this time the committee is not able to recommend approval as Motion Bay Road Extension is not built or maintained as a municipal road and its current condition does not meet the minimum access requirements set out in the Town’s development regulations.”

Parsons added that while the regulations do not list minimum engineering standards, they do stipulate that streets must be designed for the passage of vehicles, pedestrians and be accessible for fire department and other emergency vehicles.

“Motion Bay Road Extension is a narrow gravel road that is only passable by one vehicle at a time and lacks municipal infrastructure such as an engineered road base, adequate width and street lighting,” she said.   

Parsons also pointed out that council needs to ensure that municipal services can be safely delivered, and that is not the case at this time. She noted that in a typical development scenario where a road is not up to municipal standards, the developer is responsible for bringing it up to standard before transferring it to the Town for maintenance.

“In this case no proposal has been submitted to upgrade Motion Bay Road (Extension) as part of the development,” Parsons said, adding later the application was also missing required supporting documents. “Council understands the applicant’s desire to proceed with development in the area, and we recognize the potential value this project could bring to the community. However, as the situation currently stands, council’s hands are tied.”

The application was defeated, with only councillor Todd Chafe voting in favour of it.

Numbers 41-45 and 51-59 Motion Bay Road Extension were among three properties that had received conditional approvals for housing development rescinded at the August 25 public meeting based upon the legal counsel received by the Town.

Members of council apologized at the time for its reversal and at the September 21 meeting passed a motion to send a letter of apology. Deputy Mayor Irene Stack said it is their responsibility to be accountable for a process that dates back to 2018. Council amended the Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove Town Plan and Development Regulations at that time, removing restrictions for development that prompted property owners to prepare to build housing, without ensuring the road was ready.

Council has directed staff to conduct title searches to ensure the Town has full title required to make any changes to Motion Bay Road Extension. It also passed a motion to source an engineering quote for an assessment of what’s needed to turn the gravel portion of Motion Bay Road Extension into a one-way street. A third motion directed staff to develop a road standards policy.

Bay Bulls students to get a study room

By Craig Westcott

Bay Bulls council has approved funding for a youth study room.

Deputy Mayor Ethan Williams made the motion to fund the room during last week’s monthly public council meeting.

“I move to approve the opening of the café style study centre for student use from September to June each year, and further move to approve the purchase of supplies, furnishings, equipment and materials required for the establishment and operation of the centre with a projected budget of $3,000 and HST,” said Williams.

Councillor Johnny O’Dea seconded the motion.

Williams said the idea for the centre was presented to council by a couple of students from Bay Bulls.

“Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a quiet area to get their work done,” he added. “This will support some of our young people in town.”

Neither Mayor Keith O’Driscoll nor Town Manager Ashley Wakeham returned calls to provide more information about the centre, such as where it will be located, or its operating hours. O’Driscoll and Wakeham have failed to return messages for two consecutive council meetings. The Town also hasn’t posted minutes from its public meetings since April.

Petty Harbour council stymied on removing rundown property

By Local Journalism Reporter Tyler Waugh

Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove town council has asked for more information before making a final decision on moving ahead with a structural assessment of a rundown property on Main Street.

Council was told at the September 8 public meeting that it is required under the Towns and Local Service Districts Act to obtain a structural assessment before proceeding with removal of the dilapidated property.

The Town has been quoted $1,000 for the assessment and an additional $500 if it wants a second property on Big Hill assessed as well. The process was further complicated by the fact legal counsel advised the Town it could not recoup expenses by just adding those costs to the property taxes and would instead have to go to small claims court or register a lien on the property.

“This one appears to be more difficult than originally thought,” CAO Mandy Dinn told council. “To be honest with you, the Town hasn’t moved to remove a building since I have been here. I believe we’ve sent an order and the individual removed it themselves, so we’ve never had to do it, to my knowledge.”

Councillor Todd Chafe couldn’t believe the Town could possibly be on the hook for the costs. Mayor Ed Dyke said that, even if the Town ends up paying the costs, something needs to be done about the building in the name of community safety.

“As you look at the building it is a safety hazard and there is a laneway next to it and that could possibly be a safety hazard,” said Dyke. “I think it will be money well spent to keep this process going. We have one good snowfall on that and it probably might collapse.”

Council directed Dinn to inquire as to how much it would cost for legal services to register a lien. It is believed the costs associated with the assessment and removal, including legal costs, could be included in the lien.

The Town had sent a repair or removal order to the owner of 29 Main Road in May via email and regular mail, and Dinn advised in June meeting that the email notice had been received. Council then made a motion to have a lawyer send another 14-day notice.

Mayor Dyke recalled council going through the same scenario a few years back with the same property owner, noting it took two to three years before action was taken by the individual.

Witless Bay delays signing snow clearing contract

By Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Tyler Waugh

Witless Bay council unanimously approved two separate motions at its September 9 public meeting on tenders related to winter road maintenance, deferred one other, and also voted down a resident’s request for reimbursement related to snow clearing damage from last winter.

Council awarded the contract for provision of 300 metric tonnes of road salt to the lowest bidder, Avalon Coal, Salt and Oil Ltd. of Bay Roberts, at a cost of $40,383, plus HST.

It then awarded the contract for provision of 700 metric tonnes of winter road sand to lowest bidder, O’Brien’s Trucking of Witless Bay, at a cost of $33,600, plus HST.

“You can’t have the salt without the sand,” said councillor Ralph Carey.

Councillor Gerard Dunne declared a conflict of interest prior to the vote on the salt contract because the company he works for had submitted a bid.

The salt and sand are to be delivered by October 9.

Council later deferred its decision on awarding its snow clearing contract for the 2026-2027 season until more information could be gathered.

“It’s our snow clearing contract so it’s a considerable amount of money so what we’re trying to do is look at every possible way to get the service provided at the best possible value,” said Carey in making the motion to defer. “We have time, this is not absolutely urgent.”

Dunne declared a conflict of interest on the snow clearing discussion.

Carey also made the motion to deny a resident’s request for reimbursement for snow clearing damages last winter, arguing the snow clearing contractor is not liable for claims made after May 1.

“We have photos but unfortunately it was brought to our attention after the deadline,” Carey said, adding that if they make an exception there’s no point having a deadline.

Concept plan for new park goes over big at council

By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

A request from the recreation committee to revive Petty Harbor - Maddox Cove Days next year dovetailed into a council discussion of fundraising potential for an ambitious project to replace  the Sarah Chafe Memorial Playground.

“When this came up, we thought yes, we could purchase new playground equipment and just replace what’s there or we could take this as an opportunity to create something so unique,” said councillor Kayla Parsons. “Instead of just replacing what’s there we wanted to create a space that’s just so different that the town will love it, it will stand the test of time. Kids will love it, tourists that come in will love it, and it’s not just your everyday metal playground, plastic playground.”

Parsons said research has been done into natural playgrounds and studies in Scandinavia showed they can increase immunity in children. The committee pursued the idea further and eventually landed on the concept of having the playground reflect the town’s history and incorporate things such as a fishing stage climber, a ferry hut and other symbols.

Parsons said pursuing the idea would be more expensive than just replacing the existing equipment, offering a ballpark estimate of between $350,000-$450,000 from a pair of Canadian companies. There is potential the playground would be phased in and that residents would install it to cut down on contractor costs.

“I kind of thought if we could really rally the community, once we get this picture out or a proposal out to the people there’s a lot of trades workers and skilled workers in our community that I think for removal and putting things out and rebuilding would be cost effective,” said Parsons, who circulated a concept illustration to council, which appeared to be well received.

Mayor Ed Dyke allowed there would be a lot of support for the project among residents, service groups and corporations and offered to do his part in contacting other levels of government

“When you look at the pictures and what’s involved … I was awestruck with it,” said the mayor. “It’s so awesome, and it really took in part of our heritage. I’d say if we can get this we will have the best playground in Newfoundland.”

Dyke added that he would be interested in joining a subcommittee to pursue the idea.

Council discussed having promotional materials ready for fundraising at local events and researching grants.

A motion was made by Deputy Mayor Irene Stack to have a promotional poster printed for playground fundraising, and to form a Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove Days subcommittee under the recreation committee to start fundraising for the playground.

“And with it hopes they can continue on yearly,” Stack said. “I would love to kill two birds with one stone to get Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove Days back.”

Both motions passed unanimously.

Letters of concern get airing at Petty Harbour council

By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Deteriorating road conditions on Cavel’s Lane were already on the radar of Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove council, but a recent letter of concern from residents of the street reinforced the need to find a fix.

The letter, written on behalf of residents on Cavel’s Lane, pointed out the pavement is quickly deteriorating and asked for something to be done quickly.

“Right now, the bottom of the laneway is most hazardous with large dropoff of missing pavement, and the top of Cavel’s Lane is washed out,” stated the letter, read to council by CAO Mandy Dinn at a meeting of council last month.

The letter went on to state that residents are aware that snow clearing operators have also expressed concern about how the state of the road affects snow removal.

The condition of Cavel’s Lane had come up in recent meetings and had been identified as a spot that might get some filler or patchwork, which was pointed out by Deputy Mayor Irene Stack.

The residents’ letter opined that crushed stone is not a solution at this point as it gets washed out and spreads all over the laneway.

Mayor Ed Dyke said the areas in question, particularly on the lower part of the lane, have to be addressed at a higher standard than just filler.

“I was talking to a homeowner up there and there’s great big potholes there,” said Dyke, adding that council had discussed including Cavel’s Lane as part of upcoming paving and patchwork. “There will be some pavement over there … how much will depend on what’s the price.”

Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove awarded its paving tender on Aug. 10 to Kmax, which came in at a price of $27,062.

Cribbies Road Concerns

Council also dealt with a letter regarding delivery activity at the church at 11 Cribbies Road, including activity that occurred in the early morning hours.

The letter asked council why commercial deliveries from Sysco are arriving at the church, which the resident states is in a residential neighbourhood, as well as at a nearby stage.

“Why is the owner using the church and the stage as an extension of Chafe’s Landing? Does he pay taxes on the stage? He gets deliveries just about every day there from Sysco. The owner parks at the rec centre parking lot to access the church all the time then turns around and won’t let the town use the church parking lot for garbage loading,” alleges the letter read into the record by Dinn.

Mayor Dyke declared a conflict of interest and turned the meeting over to Deputy Mayor Stack, who said council is reviewing the complaint, and asking for clarification on appropriate uses.

“With regards to the timeframe we recognize that it is (inside) the quiet hours, so that is being addressed as well,” Stack said, adding there had already been a brief discussion about the complaint.

Council indicated the complaint will be followed up.

Council apologizes for trees cut on private property

By Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Tyler Waugh

Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove council is sending a letter of apology to at least one resident after staff cut back trees on private property.

Council was told at the Aug. 24 public meeting that staff were cutting back trees and cut some on private property without prior notification.

“It was disheartening to see what had occurred,” said chief administrative officer Mandy Dinn, noting that as a follow up staff have been given instructions to contact her in the future if they are cutting near private property, or if they are not sure if it’s private property. “I will contact the resident and ask if they would be willing to cut back their trees and, if not, would they be willing to allow the Town staff to do (it), just to get the go ahead before it’s done just to make sure everyone’s happy and satisfied and not get a surprise,” she said.

Deputy Mayor Irene Stack made a motion to send the resident an apology letter and take full accountability for the destruction of private property.

“It was done in error, but regardless, it’s not an excuse and we will learn from the error and do better,” Stack said.

Dinn told council there were two instances that she was aware of, though one of the residents wanted to remain anonymous.

Council rescinds approvals for homes on Motion Bay Road Extension

By Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Tyler Waugh

Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove council has rescinded approval on three different housing applications and asked staff to take action regarding future development on Motion Bay Road Extension.

Chief administrative officer Mandy Dinn noted council had been deliberating for several months about how to move forward with the applications, which received approval in principle earlier this year.

Legal advice called into question the nature of Motion Bay Road Extension as a municipal road and, because of that, council was advised it had erred in issuing the approvals.

“It is (the lawyer’s) recommendation, from what we’ve done … we really shouldn’t have done it,” said Mayor Ed Dyke.

Deputy Mayor Irene Stack, in reading the motion to rescind the approvals, described Motion Bay Road Extension as a narrow gravel thoroughfare that doesn’t provide for two-way traffic, adding it was not built by the Town for the purpose of being used as a municipal street and was never maintained by the Town as a municipal street.

Since council doesn’t regard it as a municipal street, the gravel portion has not been brought up to a reasonable accepted standard, and the Town does not intend to spend the money to bring it up to that standard, the approvals in principle for the three properties were provided in error and in contravention of the development regulations.

“I’d like the Town to get us to a point where that is an applicable road within the community and that it can have development and everything done like any other road in the community, but I don’t think it would be responsible to ignore professional guidance the Town has received,” said Deputy Mayor Stack. “This has been one of the harder decisions that I’ve had to debate on council. I’ve even tried to write a couple things that I tried to spiel out for this evening and it just didn’t work because it’s been a very hard back and forth because what I personally want to see happen in the town and what is responsible for the Town to just go ahead and do is not always going to coincide with one another.”

Several of the conditions attached to the approvals in principle required signed legal agreements related to the road’s width, condition and standard, as well as an acknowledgement of no Town commitment to any future upgrades and limitations on maintenance and snow removal, among other caveats.

The financial ramifications of any municipal responsibility for Motion Bay Road Extension upgrades, maintenance and replacement costs, among other things, were all unknown, said councillor Kayla Parsons in a pre-written statement she read at council.

“These are not minor details, these are details that need to be understood before council can make a decision that could create long-term obligations,” Parsons said. “At the same time, we must recognize the position of the property owners. They have invested time and effort into this process, and they have been awaiting direction from council. Their desire to develop their property is understandable and council should continue to look for a reasonable and fair solution. The goal should not be to prevent development, the goal should be to determine how development can occur in a way that was reasonable, transparent and sustainable.”

Council decided by a 4-3 vote to rescind the approvals in principle – originally granted at the April 6 public meeting – for numbers 30, 41-45 and 51-59 Motion Bay Road Extension. Mayor Dyke, Deputy Mayor Stack and councillors Nancy Bungay and Richard Raymond voted in favour of rescinding the approvals, while councillors Parsons, Sam Stack and Todd Chafe voted against.

It’s the latest chapter written between the municipality and Motion Bay Road Extension landowners in a process that dates back to 2018 when council amended the Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove Town Plan and Development Regulations, removing restrictions for development on Motion Bay Road Extension.

Deputy Mayor Stack called that change the first step in allowing council to consider housing development – and landowners have since already cleared lots on Motion Bay Road Extension in anticipation of building homes – but she said council at the time missed other steps to ensure the area was development ready.

“We need to make sure that it’s done properly so that property owners can build without worry, they can choose what they want to do with their property and actually be accessible within our town,” said Stack, who apologized to the property owners and later made a series of motions to start the process of addressing next steps.

“What we are attempting to do now should have been done in 2018 and 2019 when that amendment was done, in my opinion,” she said. “The amendment should have been done, then they should have taken steps to determine what does it need to be a road.”

Stack made a motion to direct staff to conduct title searches in the area, particularly where the gravel road intersects Cribbies Lane, to confirm whether there are any private ownership conflicts or if the Town has full title.

“That’s just one legal aspect we’ve got to put out of the way first before we can proceed anymore,” said Mayor Dyke.

That motion passed unanimously.

Stack then made a motion to seek quotes for an engineering assessment of what’s needed to turn the gravel portion of Motion Bay Road Extension into a one-way street.

That motion also passed unanimously.

Stack next moved that the Town develop a road standards policy, something Dyke said was rescinded as part of the changes made to plans and regulations in 2018.

That motion too passed unanimously.

Witless Bay council says art gallery not part of the zoning

Linda Goodyear has grand plans to turn the old St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Witless Bay into a focal point for the arts – she just needs to find a solution to the property’s municipal zoning to let those plans come to fruition.

Goodyear bought the church last year after a lengthy sale process through the archdiocese and has incorporated as a non-profit called The Witless Bay Art Gallery and Arts Education Centre. 

“I want it to be a showcase to promote the artisans of the Irish Loop, along with some artists from across the province, maybe some international, but certainly, primarily, the Irish Loop,” Goodyear said, adding there are around 90 artists within the Loop with no central or focal point to sell their wares.

But Goodyear’s vision will require more time and possibly money as council won’t let her open the gallery contending the zoning in the area, which includes a school and the former Nun’s residence located next door to the Church, which fell into private ownership some years ago, doesn’t allow for the operation of a business.

Goodyear’s request to submit an application to operate a business was denied at the August 11 public council meeting.

Goodyear was hoping for a zoning exception for the property as Witless Bay council redraws its municipal plan.

Neighbouring Bay Bulls has completed its municipal plan and is approving applications based on zoning within that plan, even though it is still awaiting provincial approval before being registered.

Mayor Jacob Hayden said Witless Bay isn’t at a point in the municipal plan process where it can make those same decisions. The Town still has work to do, including more public consultations and a meeting with a commissioner, before the plan can come back to council for approval and submission to the Province.

“It’s a process,” said Hayden, adding it could take up to two years to complete. “It is something that needs to be done, and done correctly, and it’s just going to take the amount of time it’s going to take, unfortunately.”

Another option discussed in the past and brought up again at council was Goodyear formally applying to have the zoning changed, a process that would cost her some $4,000.

“You can still apply to rezone it and bypass the waiting process, but it is an expensive cost,” allowed Deputy Mayor Justina Nawaz. “But you can’t operate a business on public use property.”

Goodyear said she believes nobody on council is against what she is trying to do, as they appear supportive, it’s just a matter of finding a solution. She recently spoke to an official at provincial Municipal Affairs, and they discussed some ideas to work within the current zoning.

“I’m registered as a nonprofit and their thought was that with the intended use that it could potentially fit into the public use (designation),” said Goodyear, adding she will bring a new proposal to council. “I’m always looking for the cooperation of council.”

Goodyear said time is on her side for now, as her vision will centre heavily around tourist season. If she ultimately has to go the route of a formal rezoning application, she will time the process to align with an opening for next summer.

Beavers display patriotism

With the beaver being one of Canada’s national symbols, it’s only fitting that the water loving rodents of this domicile in Grassy Pond on the Southern Shore highway display their patriotism. The flag is a familiar sight to drivers on the serpentine stretch of road between Tors Cove and La Manche. Craig Westcott photo

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.