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.
