By Mark Squibb
Witless Bay council has signed the cheque for flood mitigation measures at the town’s recreation complex grounds.
Council approved payment of $921,679 to Harbour Construction by email vote on October 6 and ratified the decision at the public meeting of October 14.
Councilor Gerard Dunne declared a conflict of interest as he works for the company, and councilor Margaret Swain missed the email vote. Otherwise, council voted unanimously in favor of the motion.
Councilor Robert Thor said the project is cost shared with the provincial government on a 90/10 split, with the Province on the hook for the biggest share.
“So, it looks like a lot of money, but it’s not a lot of our money,” said Thor.
The Town applied for the funding back in 2023, and the application was approved in 2024.
The complex consists of a playground, sports field, dog park and outdoor swimming pool.
The Town hired Meridian Engineering to act as prime consultant for the project at a cost of $107,630 back in November 2024. That cost was also split with the Province on a 90/10 basis.
