Derm Moran bids farewell to Witless Bay council

By Mark Squibb/September 16, 2021

Witless Bay Mayor Derm Moran has not put his name forward for re-election in the upcoming municipal election, citing both his age and the difficulties of the position.

“The challenges are becoming somewhat more difficult,” said Moran, 71. “I hope that will change, but that’s all you can do… There has been character assassination, and I find that very difficult. I’m not a person to go that route.”

Moran who had served previously on council some years ago, including a stint as mayor, returned to municipal action in a 2019 by-election, following the resignations of then councillors Chris Brinston and Neil Stratton. When Mayor Rene Estrada retired later that year for health reasons, Moran was elected by the rest of council to the mayor’s seat.

“It’s my second time as mayor, and the reason I came back is pretty simple; to help the town if I could with whatever I might have to offer, and to be fair with everybody,” said Moran.

He regrets that construction of the new fire station did not begin under this term, though the hiring of the station’s first ever paid fire chief, Maria Churchill, was accomplished during his tenure.

Moran is also glad to see the town digitizing some of its files and switching some manual processes, such as payroll, to an online system.

There are 13 people running for a seat on council, and Moran warned each it is not an easy job, and often requires as many as 16 to 17 hours of work a week, which he said was a heavy load to carry, especially if you are also working another job.

Moran allowed that members of council ought to expect conflict from special interest groups in the community that are often at odds with decisions of council.

“It’s like other towns, you’re going to have a group or a person, that no matter what you do, you’re not going to satisfy them,” said Moran.

He reminded candidates to always keep in mind why they ought to run in the first place.

“No matter who you are, if you’re trying to return as councillor or if you’re new, the main thing, and this is why I went back on council, is to try and have everybody treated fairly and the same,” said Moran. “You’re there for the town, and the good of the town, and that’s the key, that should be at the forefront, the good of the town.”

Despite the challenges, Moran said he’s excited to see what the future has in store for Witless Bay.

That excitement was kindled Wednesday morning watching students return to St. Bernard’s Elementary.

“I’ve been here 47 years, and I remember looking down at the school and not seeing any youngsters out playing,” said Moran. “This morning, it was lined off from the top of the hill, and if there wasn’t over one hundred cars, it’s no man’s business. I could see them from the window here all last year out playing, like little lambs going around, and I thought how cool that is.”

As for Moran, he’s going to enjoy all the bustle and activity from the sidelines.

“The new council will have challenges,” said Moran. “We’ve had challenges, and it’s not something that’s going to go away. But that’s not for me now. I’m going to in go in and pick some berries and go hunting. I love to hunt rabbits, and moose, and please God, I’ll get a crack at trouting again.

Health minister has stopped returning calls, says O'Driscoll

By Staff/September 9, 2021

Ferryland MHA Loyola O’Driscoll says a recent moose vehicle accident near Trepassey highlights his constituents’ concerns about ambulance coverage throughout his district.

Last week, a family struck a moose on the barrens east of Trepassey. While injuries were not serious, cell coverage made it difficult to connect with emergency dispatchers. The family were hesitant to take an ambulance to the hospital, out of fear one would not be available to respond to the call.

“I’m thankful this situation did not end in tragedy, but the family found themselves debating whether to take the ambulance to St. John’s out of fear of taking an ambulance off the road for someone else who needed it,” said the PC member. “For anyone in our province to think twice about whether to use an ambulance service is shocking and represents a failure of our healthcare system. In the St. John’s region, ‘red alerts’ where no ambulances are immediately (available) are the norm – with another reported by NAPE on Friday. Ambulances are being called in from rural centres to serve the city. It’s not sustainable and it’s putting lives at risk.”

O’Driscoll noted Health Minister John Haggie recently decided to remove an ambulance from the Trepassey area, leaving the area with just a single ambulance available to respond to calls. O’Driscoll said he is worried the situation will go from bad to worse as a result.

“Minister Haggie informed me of this decision a few months ago and now has stopped responding to my calls on behalf of the hundreds of concerned residents in the area,” said O’Driscoll. “There is a large senior population in that part of the Ferryland district, so we know ambulance calls will be more likely. The healthcare system in our province – especially rural areas – is being pushed to its limits. Haggie’s solution in this case is to make less ambulances available. It’s backwards decision making that risks more lives than it saves. I call on the minister to address this situation and restore ambulance services in Trepassey.”

The Southern Shore United Girls Under 13 soccer team won the silver medal last month in the Provincial Mega Soccer Championship in a hard fought 2-1 Shootout loss to Paradise GU13. The SSU giels went on from that to claim the Girls U13 Tier 2 St. John's Metro League Championship with a 2-0 win over Mount Pearl after defeating the Burin Peninsula squad 2-0 in the semi-final. The team members include, starting in the front row, from left: Christa Power, Ella Hefferman, Erin O'Driscoll, Taylor Windsor, Ryley Williams, Gracie Dalton, and Kennedy Melvin; and in the back row, fromleft: Coach Kelly Joyce, Lucy Murphy, Jane O'Driscoll, Emily Carew, Audrey Molloy, Leela Joyce, Neela Mullowney, Ava Collett, Emma Oates, Coach Rodney Joyce, and SSU Technical Director and Coach Jim-Bob Hamlyn.

Longstanding Bay Bulls mayor gunning for another term

By Mark Squibb/September 9, 2021

Bay Bulls Mayor Harold Mullowney has put his name forward for council once more.

“There was a number of projects that we had underway the last few years, and not all of them have reached completion, so I’d like to see some of those through,” said Mullowney. “For example, there was road work that was started and planned. Some is done, some is yet to be done. So, I’m hopeful that will get completed this coming year. We’ve done a lot of work on our strategic plan, there are a number of initiatives there that need to be actioned, and we have a number of very significant projects that are in the wings that I would like to see through to completion.”

As to what those significant projects might be, Mullowney said that he could not discuss the details any further.

“I would love to give you some of that right now, but unfortunately, I can’t, because some of it is contingent on monies from various levels of government, and as you know we’re in the middle of an election cycle, so I can’t comment on what has or has not been approved at this point,” said Mullowney. “But suffice to say, there are a number of fairly big projects that I think we’re going to get off the ground in the next few months.”

Some of the roads that Mullowney wants to see completed include Irish Town Road, and Northside Road, amongst others.

Ten people, including Mullowney, have put their names forward for council, which means that come election day, Bay Bulls will have a full complement of councillors, something it has lacked for the last three or so years.

“It’s always good to have a full complement, because it gives you wiggle room when it comes to committee work, and it also gives you a better chance of achieving quorum, especially in a small town where everyone is related to somebody,” said Mullowney.

He said he fully anticipated that folks would put their names forward; his concern, however, is that folks might not stick around once they get elected.

“The unfortunate thing is that we’ve filled positions before, only to have people, before their term is up, walk away and say, ‘I never imagined this job was as intense as it is,’” said Mullowney. “So, it would be great to fill those positions, but hopefully those individuals who do fill them will have the commitment and dedication to last out the four years.”

Mullowney said that sometimes it is simply a matter of someone underestimating the amount of time and work required.

“As I say to anyone that’s running, this is a job that requires dedication and commitment and presence,” said Mullowney. “You can’t drop in and drop out. Many hours a week are often required to see this job through to the end.”

Mullowney himself has been around the block quite a few times. This year marks his thirty-first on council, and many of those years were spent as either deputy mayor or mayor.

“I have the time, the energy, the commitment, and the dedication to do the job,” said Mullowney. “I’ve been doing it for many years, and as long as the people want me to continue in that capacity and my health and strength remains, I will do so.”

Once the election concludes on September 28, council will select a mayor from amongst the seven people elected. Usually the position is awarded to the person drawing the most votes.

Members of the Gould’s Lions Club recently presented a monetary donation to Lisa Courtney for Nevaeh’s Pantry, located at 78 Keith Drive. Like other free little pantries, folks can donate or pick up food according to their need. The pantry is named for Nevaeh Denine, who raised thousands of dollars for cancer research through her lemonade stand before passing in 2018 at nine years old.

Ragged Beach protesters win skirmish with council

By Mark Squibb/September 2, 2021

A group of activists has scored a Supreme Court victory in their legal proceedings against the Town of Witless Bay.

The Save Ragged Beach group has butted heads with council over potential development in the area in and around the beach for years.

Melanie LaFosse, a member of the group, had appealed a decision of Witless Bay council made on May 19, 2020 to “tender roadwork to extend Mullowney’ s Lane from the turnaround for 168 meters, and to upgrade the ‘Right-of-Way’ to the existing standards of Mullowney’s Lane.”

The Eastern Regional Board decided it had no jurisdiction to hear the appeal.

LaFosse, in turn, appealed that decision, bringing the matter to the Supreme Court, which held that the Board did not err in law or jurisdiction and the appeal was dismissed. However, LaFosse also sought a judicial review of the decision, requesting that council’s decision be quashed on the grounds of five different arguments.

Only a part of one of those arguments, that council’s motion was passed in bad faith and for the ulterior purpose of benefiting the property of only one resident of the town, Deputy Mayor Maureen Murphy’s brother, passed muster with Justice Glen L.C. Noel.

But it was enough.

“I see no merit to any of LaFosse’s grounds for quashing Council’s Decision, except the ground relating to Council’s decision making-process and the Deputy Mayor’s involvement,” said Noel in his decision, dated June 30. “Council’s decision is not justified within the constraints of the legislation and guiding judicial authorities. Deputy Mayor Murphy was in a legal conflict of interest based on the language and interpretation of the statute.”

However, Noel did note that neither Murphy nor council acted in bad faith.

“I find no support in the record that Deputy Mayor Murphy or Council acted in bad faith,” Noel wrote. “They simply failed to apply a reasonable interpretation to the conflict-of-interest provisions in the act.”

Noel concluded that council’s decision be quashed because Murphy was indeed in a conflict of interest, and further, that Murphy not participate in any discussion of or vote on the matter should council introduce a new motion. 

Murphy, it should be noted, had declared she was in conflict on the matter prior to voting, but her colleagues on council disagreed and voted that she was not in conflict.

Goulds detectorist is on the prowl for prizes

By Craig Westcott/September 2, 2021

He hasn't found Peter Easton's gold, but Peter Pierce is turning up plenty of other stuff with the detectorist kit he bought at the beginning of the summer. The former Goulds Arena attendant, 65, bought two metal detectors earlier this year to take on a hobby in his retirement.

There's been no treasure unearthed, but he's discovered plenty of fun.

"I just saw it (a metal detector) online one day and said, 'Geeze, I might be interested in that, I'll have a look at that now.' So I went to Canadian Tire and I bought one and put it all together, and went out and got at it," Pierce said.

The cost was about $180 on sale, he reckoned. Pierce also bought a hand sized metal detector called a pinpointer.

"You can buy them at Canadian Tire or anywhere," he noted.

The Goulds resident spent 19 years working at the Goulds Arena and agreed you wouldn't need a metal detector to find objects left in dressing rooms after hockey games. When retirement came, he looked for something to occupy his newfound time.

"I just wanted a hobby," said Pierce. "I needed a hobby, something to do, something that's not too hard, because I've got back problems."

And what is he finding?

"I'm after finding some coins and things," said Pierce. "They're not old, old coins. And I've found a lot of garbage. But if you find anything, you take it with you. You don't put it back in the ground and bury it over. You take it with you and dispose of it, if it's no good. Anything valuable you keep for yourself."

The oldest coin Pierce has found has a date of 1912 on it. He located it in the ground at Pippy Park. "But there are people who are after finding them a lot older than that," he added. "In the 1800s and that."

Pierce spends time detectoring at Kent's Pond, Pippy Park ("but not in the campsites - you're not allowed in there”), behind Confederation Building, on Confederation Hill, which is the big parklike grounds across from the government building, Pleasantville, the White Hills, Cape Broyle and other spots. Sometimes his wife Rhonda joins him. "You're not allowed to go to Signal Hill or any provincial parks or historic sites, or graveyards, especially graveyards," he pointed out.

Pierce said there's a good many people detectoring in Newfoundland. Recently he took part in an event organized by Digging The Rock, a Newfoundland detectorists' club. Organizers buried "treasure" in spots throughout Confederation Hill and detectorists from all over the province gathered to find them and claim prizes. 

"It was a day really for people to meet each other," said Pierce. "I'd say there was 50 or more there. They say on the island there's about a thousand (detectorists). It's interesting, right?"

Six months into his new hobby, Pierce is happy with his choice and thinks it's something he's going to stick with.

"I won't be doing it in the winter though," he said, laughing.

Goulds detectorist Peter Pierce with his metal detector on Cape Broyle beach earlier this summer. All he found that day was some old screws and nails. He found a Newfoundland coin dated 1912 in the ground at Pippy Park.

Cape Broyle Clean Up

Alex Challinor, left, and Blake Duggan spent this past summer working for Cape Broyle council. Their duties included cleaning up part of the scenic beach in the picturesque Southern Shore community.

Big changes at Witless Bay Town Hall

By Mark Squibb/August 26, 2021

There are some turnovers of key administrative players inside the Witless Bay town hall.

Earlier this spring, council announced that Assistant Clerk Administrator Barbara Harrigan would be retiring.

During last week’s meeting, council voted to fill that vacancy, written in the agenda as Financial and Administration Assistant.

Town chief administrative officer Pat Curran explained he had recommended one candidate be appointed but the town could not agree to terms with the candidate, so Curran recommended an alternative.

“I’m not sure I’m in a position to name that person for confidentiality reasons, but there is a tentative start for that position for Monday, August 30,” said Curran.

Council voted unanimously to hire the candidate for the position.

Council also had to vote on negotiating conditions for candidates for the position of CAO, as Curran will no longer continue in that duty as of this week.

“Council will recall that I’m transitioning out,” said Curran at the meeting, noting his contract had actually ended the previous Friday, but he will continue to act in the role in the interim.

Curran did have concerns about whether he would have proper signing authority, as his contract had officially ended.

“I don’t know that you would have to do anything by way of a signing authority, but it might be worth clarifying or asking the Department (of Municipal Affairs),” he advised. “Because I’m in a position where I wouldn’t feel comfortable signing documents or signing cheques on behalf of the town.”

It was agreed that the Town would discuss the matter of Curran’s signing authority with Municipal Affairs

Councillor Fraser Paul suggested council discuss the motion following the public meeting’s adjournment. There was no objection to this suggestion.

Finally, council had to vote to appoint a returning officer for the municipal election, as Geraldine Caul, Town Clerk Administrator, Commissioner for Oaths, ATIPP Coordinator, and, in election years, returning officer, is currently on leave.

Curran recommended Cathy Armstrong as an alternative returning officer, which council voted unanimously in favor of.

Businesses struggling, but help is available, says CBDC Celtic head

By Staff/August 26, 2021

The new chairperson of the Celtic Community Business Development Corporation (CBDC) says, in part due to COVID-19, now is a good time to see what the community-based lender has to offer.

“We assist with anyone who is looking to start a business, or grow a business,” said Nicole Bruce. “Through this pandemic there are probably a lot of people who received a lay off slip, and they don’t know where to go from here. There are opportunities for them to look into starting their own business.”

Current businesses have had to think on their feet just to stay afloat due to the pandemic restrictions.

“A lot of businesses are struggling, “said Bruce. “Anything with social interaction was put on halt. So, businesses needed assistance keeping up their bills and keeping staff employed. Pivoting and evolving mostly. A lot of businesses have had to turn on a dime, and figure out, ‘What can I do now, if I’m a restaurant and I can’t have walk-ins, how do I accommodate my staff, and how can I accommodate my clients?’”

In a world where ‘Zoom calls’ have become a household term, video chats have become one tool in the toolbox to help businesses manage the pandemic.

“I can meet with a client from any part of the world, at any time, and that’s also possible for youth, it’s possible for people who are retired and looking for a side business,” said Bruce.

The CBDC helps business in a variety of ways, from providing loans to advice to networking to training sessions on topics ranging from marketing to bookkeeping.

Youth Ventures, the wing of the organization dedicated to supporting and encouraging young entrepreneurs, is still active despite the pandemic, with the awards ceremony being held virtually last week.

“There are so many young, talented people in all of our regions,” noted Bruce.

The Bay Bulls resident was elected as chairperson in the last year, and had been on the board about three years prior to that.

“In a previous life, I used to work with NLOWE (Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs),” said Bruce. “I love business, and I love talking about business… When I left NLOWE, and I started up my own business again (Bullseye Branding), I really enjoyed the entrepreneurial side of things. And one day I got the CBDC newsletter in the mail, and I noticed they were looking for extra board members. So, I put my name in the game.”

This year also marks the thirtieth anniversary of the CBDC Celtic, which serves 32 communities along the Southern Shore and St. Mary’s Bay, from Goulds to Riverhead.

Bay Bulls extends snow clearing contract

By Staff/August 19, 2021

The Town of Bay Bulls has extended its snow clearing and ice control contract with Southeast Construction Limited for another winter season.

Deputy Mayor Wendy O'Driscoll made the motion to extend the contract during Monday's regular monthly meeting of council.

"It's that time of year again," said Mayor Harold Mullowney, introducing the agenda item.

"It (snow) is a dirty word," joked O'Driscoll.

"It's coming, we can't stop it," said Mullowney.

Turning serious, O'Driscoll noted that for the Town's purposes, snow clearing season officially begins on November 1 this year and ends on April 30, 2022. “The terms of the agreement are to remain the same including the pricing," she added, though the actual rate was not cited during the meeting or in the public agenda.

O’Driscoll’s motion carried unanimously.

Crown Land applications approved in Bay Bulls

By Staff/August 19, 2021

All but one of the six development applications on the agenda for the August meeting of Bay Bulls council met with unanimous approval Monday night.

The only application that was rejected involved a request for Crown Land on Cemetery Lane West for a subdivision.

Deputy Mayor Wendy O'Driscoll moved to deny the application based on a report the Town had received identifying the area in question as a potential watershed area. There were also "life safety issues" involved with the application regarding the access to the land, O'Driscoll added. Her final objection was that the subdivision would require use of Lower Path Road, "which is not up to the Town standards," said O'Driscoll."

Her motion to reject the Crown Land referral passed unanimously, with the exception of councillor Joan Luby, who was not in attendance at the meeting.

The other applications, including one for an extension to a home at 850 Southern Shore Highway, Crown Land referrals for single family homes at Station Road and Gunridge Road, and for a variance and a residential accessory building at 9 Dunn Drive passed unanimously. However, the Town did impose several conditions on the accessory building. "No part of the building is to be built within 15 metres of the highwater mark of the river," said O'Driscoll. "And a road damage deposit of $10 per load as per the Town of Bay Bulls 2021 Tax and Fee Structure is to be paid for the backfill excavation to take place." 

The Town imposed similar conditions on an application for a residential accessory building at 36 Dunn Drive, including a road damage deposit of $10 per load for any backfill and excavation needed. "And no work is to be conducted on any adjacent properties especially with regard to the backfilling of the area," said O'Driscoll.

Riverhead and Tors Cove projects undergo environmental review

By Mark Squibb/August 12 2021

Two projects along the Southern Shore are currently undergoing a provincial government-ordered environmental review.

In St. Mary’s Bay, Pennecon has proposed to develop a 9-hectare laydown area, quarry, and commercial wharf near Graven Bank in the Town of Riverhead. That development would also include the upgrading of an existing trail into a 500-metre access road to the quarry, and the construction of a 700-metre access road from the quarry to the wharf to allow the load out of aggregate stones onto vessels.

Meanwhile, in Tors Cove, Ár n-oileán Resources Ltd. is proposing to renovate the former fish plant into a seal oil processing plant. The plant will make omega-3 oil and produce nutraceuticals, medicines containing high concentrates of a particular substance, such as omega-3 oil, thought to be beneficial.

Both undertakings were registered on July 14, and the deadline for public comment is August 20. The Minster of Environment and Climate Change Bernard Davis will make a decision on whether to release the projects from further environmental assessment by August 28.

Mirror, mirror on the pole...

By Craig Westcott/August 12 2021

Pennecon Limited has been given approval to install a convex mirror at the lower exit of its industrial site on the North Side of Bay Bulls harbour.

In introducing the motion to approve the application at Monday's public council meeting, councillor Eric Maloney noted the town will not be held liable for any damages, costs, or legal actions resulting from the installation.

Chief Administrative Officer Jennifer Aspell explained the purpose of the mirror is to provide an additional safety measure for traffic exiting the area. 

"This will be our first installation of a convex mirror within the town," said Mayor Harold Mullowney. "They are quite commonly in use in many other areas, especially in Ireland. They are very useful where you have blind turns and entrances. They can easily enhance the visibility and safety. I found myself in areas where I have encountered them in the past that they are excellent at night because they catch the light of oncoming vehicles that you wouldn't (otherwise) see until they come around sharp corners. So, I think it is a great idea."

Mayor encourages municipal newcomers

By Craig Westcott/August 12 2021

Bay Bulls Mayor Harold Mullowney used the closing minutes of the second last public council meeting of this term to encourage anyone listening to consider offering themselves for public office this fall.

"We're into that season again when elections are upon us," said Mullowney, who is one of the longest serving municipal leaders in Canada. "If there is anyone out there in the public who is giving this some thought, it would be a good time to think of stepping up. I know we've tried a number of times to fill some vacant seats without success. But again, if there is anyone interested, Nomination Day is fast approaching."

Chief Administrative Officer Jennifer Aspell noted the call for nominations will be well publicized and that Nomination Day itself extends from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 31.

"So hopefully a lot of people will mark that date," said the mayor, "and will give it some thought."

Feds fund repairs to Petty Harbour, Witless Bay, Bay Bulls docks

By Staff/August 12 2021

Petty Harbour, Bay Bulls and Witless Bay were among five towns on the Avalon Peninsula awarded money for wharf repairs last week as the federal government rolls out a battery of funding announcements ahead of an expected election call this month.

St. John’s South MP Seamus O’Regan, who represents the three Southern Shore towns noted above as part of his riding of St. John’s South – Mount Pearl, made the funding announcement.

The Petty Harbour work involves the removal of a deteriorated slipway and construction of new retaining cribs. Bay Bulls will see construction of floating docks. Witless Bay will get funding for “advanced planning” for the construction of a breakwater.

The other projects include construction of a finger pier to expand the St. John’s Prosser Rock small boat basin, and reconstruction of wharves in St. Philips that experienced storm damage last year.

“Canada’s oceans, the bounty in our waters, and the riches underneath them have created prosperity for our province,” said O’Regan. “We’re investing in local fish harvesters by improving local harbour infrastructure across Canada, including right here on the Avalon Peninsula. This will create jobs and provide continued prosperity for our community.”

Bids too high, Bay Bulls calls new trail tender

By Craig Westcott/August 12 2021

Bay Bulls council has decided to retender a call for bids to build the Long Pond walking trail.

Chief Administrative Officer Jennifer Aspell explained that an e-mail vote to do that was actually conducted on July 27, because it was a very time sensitive issue. Monday's vote at council’s public meeting was to ratify the results of the e-mail vote.

Deputy Mayor Wendy O'Driscoll further explained the original tender was called in June and two bids were received, both of which significantly exceeded the Town's estimate for the cost of the work and the funds it had available to pay for it. So, the company the Town is using to design the trail, Tract Consulting, revised the specifications for the project and submitted them again to the province for approval.

"On July 27, the Town received the approval from the department to re-issue the tender," said O'Driscoll. 

The motion to approve the calling of a new tender passed unanimously with O'Driscoll and councillors Paddy Coady and Eric Maloney voting in favour. Mayor Harold Mullowney didn't participate in the discussion and vote, citing a conflict of interest. Councillor Joan Luby was absent from Monday's meeting.