Baker Hughes project goes quiet

By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A six-year-old proposal to build a facility outside Cape Broyle to service the offshore oil industry never materialized, and now the clock has run out on a decision to release it from further environmental assessment.

Baker Hughes Canada Company submitted a plan in January 2020 for a jet perforating gun assembly plant in the area of Whitehorse Barrens outside Cape Broyle. It received a decision from then Municipal Affairs and Environment Minister, Derrick Bragg, on April 29, 2020, that released the project from further environmental assessment.

However, the Province announced May 29 that the original three-year term and three subsequent one-year extensions on that decision have expired.

“The project must be registered again for environmental assessment to proceed,” reads the provincial bulletin from Environment, Conservation and Climate Change.

The facility was proposed to assemble prefabricated components into “jet perforating guns” and store them locally for use by operators in Newfoundland offshore oil industry. The project was to include the construction of a 300-metre access road from Route 210 to a storage yard where a gun-loading facility and Type 4 magazines for the storage of explosives would be built.

While the project was not located within Cape Broyle’s boundaries, most of town council at the time had been reported to support the proposal since it could have some economic benefit.

Administrator Wendy Duggan with the Town of Cape Broyle said last week it is her understanding the project hasn’t moved forward.

Inquiries to Baker Hughes about whether there were any plans to proceed, and what factors contributed to the project being delayed or abandoned, were not returned by press deadline.

Baker Hughes was required to apply for the annual extensions after the initial three-year timeline was granted.

Petty Harbour considering camera to curb vandalism

By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove council has asked staff to researching the cost and logistics of installing surveillance cameras around town ahead of the next municipal budget.
The motion was passed after a request from the recreation committee was brought forward at the May 19 regular meeting.
"There has been talk of some vandalism in our community," said chief administrative officer Mandy Dinn, adding that residents, members of the recreation committee and town staff had all
expressed concerns.

 "Our own town foreman actually said he would like to have one around the town's depot just to have it more secure when there's salt, sand or stone ... just different things they need to leave outside,” said Dinn.
She added that if council wanted to approach this request the proper way, she recommended it be considered for the next budget.
Deputy mayor Irene Stack said there were also a number of things to still research, like technical issues, what locations would be prioritized and what privacy issues and liabilities are associated.
"We need to make sure all our t's are crossed and i's are dotted. But I think it's definitely a good investment," Stack said.
Mayor Ed Dyke said waiting until the next budget cycle would also allow time for administration to explore potential grant funding.
Locations like the town depot, the playground and recreation areas, the War Memorial were all mentioned, but council did not include specific locations in the motion.

Petty Harbour council reminds folks to get permits

By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Spring has sprung and it's a time when folks turn their attention to home improvement projects, but Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove council has reminded its residents to obtain their permits before getting under way.
The topic came up during the May 19 regular meeting after a number of applications came before council for projects that were already started.
Mayor Ed Dyke noticed that residents lately have been putting in for applications only after they have been caught without one and wondered if the Town shouldn't be more proactive in notifying the community.
"I'd hate to run into a situation where they get something done and then we're stuck in the middle," Dyke said.
"Maybe we send out a reminder to residents as well. Summer season is coming and people may not remember. Maybe it's just a quick (project) like a fence blew down and he wants to throw it back up and it's something he doesn't think about," said councillor Kayla Parsons, adding that the Town could remind residents what permits are necessary and what they cost.
Council approved four applications at the meeting - one to construct a shed at 107 Long Run Road, one to pave a driveway at 61 Motion Bay Road, one for an excavation at 23 Long Run Road and one to repair and extend a fence at 23 Long Run Road.
One application for a garage at 141 Main Road in Maddox Cove was opposed by council, citing that the proposed garage was beyond the 10% variance that could be approved based on current municipal regulations.
Residents looking to learn more about town permits, regulations, bylaws, policies and plans in Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove can visit http://www.pettyharbourmaddoxcove.ca/regulations--town-plan.html.

Concert series in the works for Bay Bulls this summer

By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Bay Bulls will be alive with the sound of music this summer after council approved $4,500 to fund a nine-part concert series at the waterfront park.
Council saw it as an opportunity to feature some local musicians and potentially provide a boost to tourist traffic for local businesses.
“Hopefully this will increase foot traffic over the summer, and it’s a great way to help us support some of our local musicians and artists and give them an opportunity to play for a bigger audience,” said Deputy Mayor Ethan Williams.

Town Manager Ashley Wakeham came up with the idea for the concert series after speaking with colleagues at a conference who were doing the same thing in their community.
She said that with the funds approved, she will begin to reach out to some performers she has contacts for and check on their availability.
Wakeham said the focus will be on local and regional musicians, with the potential to reach out to contacts in St. John’s and farther down the Southern Shore, but the priority will be Bay Bulls and the surrounding area first.
“And then we'll start widening the net a little bit (if needed). I'd like to have everybody a different person every time,” Wakeham told council, adding the Town may open it up to calls of interest from the public depending on the number of commitments she receives from her contact list.
“We may repeat a performer if we don’t have enough sign on, but I am hoping we will get some interest from the people we contact,” she said.
The plan is to start the series in July and to rotate performances between Wednesdays and Fridays in the afternoons and evenings. A final schedule will be announced once performers are booked.
There is a small shelter at the park, but Mayor Keith Driscoll said he is hoping the weather will be agreeable for the performances.
Wakeham noted that visitor numbers have already started to pick up.

Aspell departs Town Hall for Construction Safety Association

By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Witless Bay is in the process of securing new administrative leadership in the Town Hall with the departure of chief administrative officer Jennifer Aspell on May 12.

The curtain closed on her three years in the position at the conclusion of that evening’s regular meeting of council, but Mayor Jacob Hayden praised Aspell’s contribution to the community before the meeting adjourned.

“Jennifer has demonstrated exceptional professionalism, strength and deep understanding of municipal governance and needs of our community,” Hayden said. “She leads with clarity, confidence and integrity, setting a high standard for excellence, and she has helped guide council and staff through significant milestones. As she moves on to her exciting new role, we wish her every success and continued fulfilment.”

Aspell has extensive experience in municipal administration and occupational health and safety. She became CAO of Witless Bay in summer 2023 after a number of years as Town manager just down the road in Bay Bulls.

Mayor Hayden stated she played a pivotal role in advancing major community initiatives and securing around $1.8 million in grant funding over the years, citing her leadership on asset management, flood mitigation, and projects including creation of the community rink, Harbour Road upgrades and coastal erosion mitigation measures.

Resident Noel O'Dea, a regular council attendee, had praise for the job Aspell has done.

“She really organized a lot of chaos when she came on and now it’s a town where the trains are running on time, which is really hard to do,” he said.

Aspell was announced as the new chief executive officer of the Newfoundland & Labrador Construction Safety Association in an April 27 press release. She is scheduled to begin her new job on May 19.

The search for her replacement has already begun, with contractor Higher Talent hired to conduct an expedited search for a ‘motivated and community-oriented’ CAO, according to a posting found on Jump Recruitment.

Councillors said after the meeting that resume evaluation is currently under way and the hope was there would be a short list in place by May 15.

Aquaforte man singled out for exemplary service

By Staff

A familiar face on the roads of the Southern Shore, no matter the weather, got special recognition in the House of Assembly last week.

“I stand today to recognize Leo Cose, an exceptional employee of my department, as he retires at the age of 83 from his supervisor role at the Renews depot after more than half a century of dedicated service,” said Transportation Minister Barry Petten. “Leo began his career with the department in 1972, starting a journey defined by integrity, commitment, and a deep sense of responsibility to the people of this province.”
Petten said throughout Cose’s career, his passion for public service never wavered.

“He understood that the work done at the depot went far beyond equipment and schedules – it was about ensuring the safety of the motoring public,” added the minister. “Leo was known for constantly monitoring weather forecasts and road conditions, day and night, especially during challenging storms and harsh winters. His decisions were always guided by care, experience, and an unwavering focus on keeping roads safe for everyone. His work ethic was truly extraordinary. He led with quiet strength, consistency, and humility, setting an example that earned the respect of coworkers. Even after decades on the job, his dedication never faded.

Petten extended thanks on behalf of the department and government for Cose’s lifelong commitment, leadership, and service.

“His legacy will continue to be felt at the Renews depot for years to come,” said Petten.