Witless Bay Fire Department revamps response system

By Tyler Waugh, The Irish Loop Post/Local Journalism Initiative

The Witless Bay Volunteer Fire Department has worked with NL Health Services and NL 911 to implement a new 'triage' style response system aimed to take the load off the volunteer team of firefighters.
Fire Chief Jack Gatherall told council at its July 22 public meeting the department responded to 107 calls between January 1 and June 30 and while that is still a busy stretch, it's actually a big drop from previous years in part due to this new system.
"For serious, life-threatening medical emergencies where every second counts, our trucks and crews are still out the door immediately,” Gatherall said. “Following this new criteria actually helps get the department turned out and responding faster to higher priority medical calls. For lower priority medical calls, where the fire truck isn't actually needed, we now stand by. This saves our volunteers from unnecessary late night wake up calls and runaround for lower acuity calls. This helps cut down on volunteer burnout and the retention of membership."
Gatherall said the membership is reporting a 'huge' boost in morale as a result.
He said the system also better ensures that department resources are where they need to be.
"The department in 2025 had multiple instances for as many as three calls at the same time, in which responders had to pull away resources from a serious incident such as a fire or car accident, to respond to a medical emergency, which really didn't require a fire department level of response,” Gatherall said. “This adjustment in protocol is normal and is followed by most larger departments."
He told council the department recently focused on extricating victims from vehicles during two weeks of training. Gatherall said extraction scenarios vary from wheels on ground, to vehicles on their side and resting on their roofs, to wrecks with blocked access or heavy physical obstacles, as well as those rolled into a ditch and wedged in tight.
"This course is all about giving our membership hands-on skills that they need to safely respond on vehicle accidents, to make the training as realistic as possible," Gatherall said, noting 10 vehicles had been secured for the training. "It's tough, heavy work. But these are the exact skills that save lives when the seconds count. A huge shout out to our members for putting in the hours to keep up the rescue skills."

The department did lose two members in June, including one of the four new women recruits who recently joined, and Gatherall said the department continues to actively evaluate recruitment and retention to deal with what he called an ongoing nationwide challenge for volunteer departments.
"(The) challenge of modern day firefighting balance in shifting employment demands, family life, and a heavy time commitment required for modern fire service remains a hurdle," he said.
Council approved three fire department expense requests at the July 22 meeting, including new tires for the 2012 Dodge Ram truck, a $1,000 request for uniforms and other attire, and $3,300 for advanced first aid training.
Gatherall said that training will take place in six sessions over three days.

Petty Harbour keeping an eye on short-term rentals

By Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Tyler Waugh

Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove council conditionally approved a business application for a short-term rental at its July 27 public meeting but also noted it added another unit to an increasing inventory.

Deputy Mayor Irene Stack said the application would bring the total number of AirBnB listings in the community to 10 or 11. She said there is no cap, but reminded council that discussing a cap had been in consideration if the number of short-term rentals started to rise.

“It’s just something to keep in mind,” Stack said.

Municipalities across the country are under pressure to limit AirBnBs because they take housing stock off the market in the midst of a national housing crisis.

Councillor Kayla Parsons, who presented the application to council as head of the planning review committee, said the application for 111 Main Road has an intended maximum occupancy of six people and available onsite parking for four vehicles.

“The proposed occupancy seems consistent with available parking,” Stack said, adding that conditional approval was recommended with conditions that the location maintain a minimum of four parking spots with no obstruction of the road or neighbouring properties, and that the business not expand beyond the maximum occupancy of six without additional approval.

The conditional approval passed unanimously.

Council also wrestled with a written request to park a trailer on a vacant lot on Motion Bay Road Extension while the landowner builds a home on the lot. Parsons told council that based on her research of regulations, the request would be considered a ‘development’ that would require an official permit. She added that if an official permit application should come forward as suggested, the rules are somewhat ambiguous, but she believes it is left to council's discretion and believed it appropriate to issue a temporary permit for up to two years.

"This intent appears to be temporary," Parsons said, pointing out the trailer would be for private use, not commercial use.

Council directed staff to communicate with the lot owner - the specific lot address was not provided - and advise that an application is required.

Council also conditionally approved a trio of applications related to 124 Motion Bay Road – one to excavate with the intent to install additional drainage, one to build a fence and deck, and one to level a driveway and install a walkway.

Council also approved, in principle, an application to subdivide 66-70 Old Maddox Cove Road for residential development, with final approval conditional and including a subdivision review.

Two other applications, one to pave a driveway at 12 Long Run Road and one to excavate at Lot 4 Old Maddox Cove Road, also received conditional approval.

Witless Bay pool close to reopening

By Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Tyler Waugh

The Witless Bay outdoor pool has been closed for construction this year, and Council wasn't able to give a definite timeline for re-opening what they are calling a new and improved amenity.

Councillor Ralph Carey suggested during the July 22 public meeting that the pool could be open for business in as little as two weeks, but Deputy Mayor Justina Nawaz was more cautious about the timeline in response to a question from the Irish Loop Post at the end of the meeting.

"Thankfully, the project is actually ahead of schedule. While we don't have a definitive date for opening it yet, we are thankful and glad to say that it will be open before the summer's out," Nawaz said.

The pool upgrades were included as part of a larger flood-mitigation project at the recreation grounds at a total cost of just under $1 million, with the Province covering 90 per cent of that total and the Town on the hook for the other 10 per cent, or around $100,000. The flood mitigation included a complete redoing of waterflow and drainage in the area.

"In previous years we've had really severe flooding in the area, so much so that it covered the entirety of the recreation grounds and was spreading across the road," Nawaz said, adding that it's work that the Town needed done and that, when the Town wrote up the proposal, it included a component of redoing the pool entry to make it wheelchair accessible as well. “We have residents and children in the community that do require wheelchairs and were not able to easily access the area. So doing everything in one project has been very good for us to not only mitigate the flood issues but also improve the area for residents."

Carey provided a more specific update on pool progress during his public works report July 22, outlining how the pool is now painted and the change rooms cleaned. He added that while the flood mitigation project is ongoing, it is nearing completion.

"We want to thank the residents for their patience and understanding with this construction and, obviously, with that construction there was road closures and delays in that part of the area," Carey said. "This pool, to the best of my knowledge, will be one of the only ones in the area that is an outdoor pool that is wheelchair accessible with a ramp put in."

New Witless Bay CAO to start this week

By Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Tyler Waugh

The months-long search for a new chief administrative officer for the Town of Witless Bay is over, council announced at its July 22 public meeting.

Deputy Mayor Justina Nawaz said a letter of employment has been signed and the new administrator is set to start the first week of August. Nawaz and council would not reveal the name of the new CAO or details on the person’s professional background saying they will leave that to the new recruit once the person is in the position.

Witless Bay has been without a CAO or Town Manager since the departure of Jennifer Aspell, who held the position for three years before leaving May 12 to take the position of chief executive officer at the Newfoundland Construction Safety Association.

Councillors said they are excited to get the position filled so that they can work on some dormant projects, including the municipal plan process, and a proposal for project management services to increase tourism. Councillors were interested in moving forward with that latter proposal, which was on the July 22 agenda as an action item, but deferred it until the new CAO is in place and up to speed.

The Town used contractor Higher Talent to work with council's hiring committee to find the new administrator

Some Southern Shore towns have gone weeks without garbage collection

By Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Tyler Waugh

The Eastern Regional Services Board (ERSB) is scrambling to fulfill waste collection for its communities on the Southern Shore after a contractor bailed just a couple weeks into a four-year contract.

Provincial Ready Mix Inc., was awarded a 48-month contract in April to provide waste collection, including recycling. Worth a little more than $1.4 million, including tax, the start date was supposed to be July 1.

ERSB CAO Steve Tessier told The Irish Loop the company gave notice July 14 it is no longer going to provide the services.

“We’re chalking this up to an unfortunate situation with a contractor. We apologize for the inconvenience this has caused to customers and know the impact this has had … We know it’s been frustrating,” Tessier said, adding the board is close to a short-term solution.

“We are looking at getting services for the next 10-13 weeks while we go back out and do a more complete RFP (request for proposals) process for a long-term solution,” he said.

Tessier said there was incomplete service provided to some communities initially with missed routes and missed homes, and there was no service the week of July 13-17.

The Town of Ferryland posted to its social media on July 10 that garbage not picked up on July 7 was to be picked up on July 14. However, it posted again on July 20 about garbage collection delays and shared an apology message from the ERSB.

Some residents had stated on social media that they've gone a couple weeks without service.

Provincial Ready Mix could not be reached for comment.

Some communities, such as Cape Broyle and Bay Bulls, transitioned away from ERSB waste collection starting July 1, opting instead for service through a private contractor.

City awards contract for $19 million Goulds firehall

By Tyler Waugh / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Work is now under way that will see a new state-of-the-art firehall ready for action in Goulds in early 2028.

St. John’s Council announced earlier this month that it had awarded a contract for the project to Olympic Construction and that work will begin immediately.

“This new fire station will support fast, effective emergency response for residents in the Goulds and surrounding area. It ensures firefighters are well-equipped and supported to serve the community quickly and safely from a modern, efficient facility built for today and the future,” said St. Johns Mayor Danny Breen.

The new station is funded in part from a $12,705,832 grant from the federal government, with the remaining costs covered by the City.

Located at 371 Main Road, the new Goulds Fire Station will provide firefighters with a modern, functional facility featuring three drive-through apparatus bays, kitchen and living areas, sleeping quarters, training facilities, and administrative space.

The St. John’s Regional Fire Department currently man the Goulds Fire Station with City-paid firefighters during weekdays until 4 p.m., with volunteer coverage in the evenings and weekends. However, with the opening of the new facility, service will expand to a full-time, 24/7 career firefighter operation. It will mean the end for a proud brigade of volunteers who have been serving the area for over 50 years.

“Goulds volunteer firefighters were informed of this change when the new station was first announced in 2019 and have been supportive of the transition,” stated a release from the City of St. John’s.

Once the fire station transitions to full-time status, it will serve the entire region as part of an integrated emergency response system, the release added. In plainer English, that means firefighters at the Goulds station may get called to fires in other parts of St. John’s, should the need ever arise.

“It will no longer be limited to its immediate area but will operate alongside the other seven stations to provide coordinated coverage and support across the region,” said the release.

According to the City, the new station will reduce operating and maintenance costs, deliver up to a 90 per cent reduction in space heating demand, and achieve an estimated 30–40 per cent reduction in total building ownership costs.

The station has been designed to Passive House Standard, a globally recognized energy standard that uses high-performing insulation to reduce thermal bridging, an airtight building envelope, high-performance windows, heat recovery ventilation, and passive solar heating and cooling. The engineering designs services were completed by Stantec Architecture Ltd.

“The awarding of a contract and beginning of construction is exciting to see and moves us another step closer to having a state-of-the-art new firefighting station in the Goulds,” said Avalon MP Paul Connors.

Celtic rockers Derina Harvey Band offer new takes on old favourites

By Tyler Waugh / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Derina Harvey Band (DHB) will double down as headliner of the 41st Annual Shamrock Festival being held July 25-26 in Ferryland.

It’s a homecoming of sorts for the Edmonton-based Celtic rock band as four members hail from Newfoundland. Even more so for singer Derina Harvey, whose father, Ron, hails from Admiral’s Cove and her mother, Sheilagh, from Witless Bay.

“I was fortunate to visit the Southern Shore throughout my childhood and teen years. In later years, it was so very special for me to bring my children here to create lifelong memories,” she said. “They are all grown now, but I have pictures of them dancing on sunny (and foggy) afternoons at the Festival Park in Ferryland to the music of live East Coast traditional bands, just as I had done in my youth.”

Other DHB members include Steve Pinsent on drums, Ed Smith on bass, Scott Greene on guitar, and fiddler Jessica Blenis, who is from New Brunswick.

The group offers a fresh take on traditional folk songs, as well as a few originals, and earned the fans’ choice award for Entertainer of the Year at the 2024 East Coast Awards for what Harvey calls an ‘electrifying kitchen party’ vibe at their live shows.

Harvey herself has been acclaimed for her powerful vocals with accolades that include a Contemporary Singer of the Year Award at the 2025 Canadian Folk Music Awards.

In May of 2023 the band released its third, full-length album titled “Waves of Home,” which features eight original tracks and three re-imagined folk songs.

“When I’m songwriting about ‘home’ — its breathtaking beauty, the kindness and strength of the people — trying to capture its indescribable yet unmistakable magic and charm would be impossible without spending those precious moments with family and friends on the Southern Shore,” Harvey said, adding that the title track from Waves of Home is an invitation to all to come explore and fall in love with the beauty, the music, the landscape and the people of Newfoundland. “Coming back east to Newfoundland and Labrador, an area teaming with talent and legendary musicians we look up to, is both inspiring and rejuvenating,” added Harvey.

DHB will be featured at the opening night dance July 25 at the Arts Centre and take the stage again at Ferryland Festival Park for an all-ages event the next day.

The Shamrock Festival’s weekend lineup also features The Ramblers a visit from Lord & Lady Baltimore, a youth session, a Tribute to Ron Hynes, The Masterless Men and Down Forward.

There will be a beer garden and food truck on site.

Advance tickets for the 19+ dance on Saturday night are available at O’Brien’s Value Grocer & Ultramar in Cape Broyle, Ferryland Foodland, Riverside Restaurant & Lounge in Cape Broyle, and the Tetley Tea Room at the Folk Festival Centre. Doors open at 8 p.m.

The Masterless Men keep putting the shine in Shamrock Folk Festival

By Tyler Waugh / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Brothers Wilf and John Curran were born and raised in Ferryland and the well known Newfoundland musicians have always seen the Shamrock Folk Festival as a bit of a homecoming event.

The Currans have been a festival stage mainstay for more than three decades, first as a duo and now as founding members of The Masterless Men, who return for the 41st Annual Shamrock Festival with a July 26 performance.

“It’s special to us, it’s where we are from,” said Wilf. “The festival has always been something that would be a call to come home for summer holidays. It’s a great chance to connect with old friends and there are always parties. The boys in the band always enjoy it because they were made to feel right at home and made to feel part of the community, too. It’s going to be a great show, rain or shine, either indoors or outdoors.”

The Masterless Men were formed in 1991 and now includes Maurice (Mock) Greene on bass, Dave Lush on banjo and harmonica, and fiddler Greg Walsh. The band was originally called Colcannon, after the traditional Irish dish of mashed potatoes and vegetables. The boys honed their craft in the concert halls and taverns of St. John’s and the Irish Loop.

But the name needed to change after a performance in Florida drew the attention of a U.S. performer who claimed rights to Colcannon.

“He said, ‘I don’t want you guys coming to the U.S. using that name anymore. So, we needed a new name,” Wilf said. “The media got hold of the story and the CBC did a couple of call-in mornings and people made a bunch of suggestions.”

The Masterless Men is a nod to the Irish Loop’s rich history, referring to a band of Irish men in the 1750s who defied the tyranny of their British masters. They were a thorn in the side of the British and lived under the threat of hanging for more than a century in the mountainous area of wilderness around Butter Pot.

The band pays homage to that heritage with lively performances of Celtic music, with a little country thrown in from time to time.

The band released its first album, “Ode To Age”, in 1993 which was followed by “Breakin’ New Ground” (1996), “Back on Track” (2000), “On the Run” (2002), “Bramble and Rose” (2008) and the compilation called “20” in 2011.

Wilf left the band for a while before rejoining them in 2017 after Chuck Lewis became ill and later passed away. He said Lewis and former longtime member Perry Dawe will always be a big part of the band’s legacy.

He also praised the festival organizers for all the work that goes into hosting this community celebration.

“It’s a lot of energy and a lot of preparation that goes into the weekend. There are great volunteers up there,” Wilf said. “You get people pulling their campers up a week in advance. People bring their lounge chairs around the permanent stage, it’s a nice one. It’s special there.”

The festival kicks off with a dance on July 25 with opening act The Ramblers and headliner the Derina Harvey Band. Doors open at 8 p.m. and tickets are available in advance and at the door.

Performances resume the next day outside at Ferryland Festival Park starting with a set by Lord & Lady Baltimore at 1:15 p.m., followed by a youth session (1:30 p.m.), a tribute to Ron Hynes (2 p.m.), The Masterless Men (3 p.m.), the Derina Harvey Band (3:50 p.m.) and Down Forward (4:40 p.m.).

Mistaken Point celebrates 10th anniversary of heritage designation

By Tyler Waugh / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Mistaken Point earned the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designation as a World Heritage Site a decade ago, a rare distinction shared by only 18 other sites in Canada, and as plans are finalized for a July 17 event to commemorate the anniversary, folks are reflecting on the work that went on behind the scenes to make it happen, and the impact that designation has had on the community.

Former Portugal Cove South mayor Clarence Molloy, who held office when the UNESCO designation was announced, still remembers the day he got the good news.

“It was a Sunday. I remember mentioning it to Father Peter (Golden) and I think he said something church. It was a big deal for us,” said Molloy. “We thought it would bring a lot of attention and draw lots of visitors. It’s had a big impact not just for us, but the whole southern shore.”

Carol Ann Devereaux said her son, John, bought the Edge of the Avalon Inn 11 years ago with the belief that the designation would be confirmed. The business has expanded from 15 beds and 13 rooms at that point to four buildings with 40 beds.

“The only reason it’s even operating right now - and doing so well - is because of that designation. It’s one of the biggest draws for the area, we get people from all over the world,” Devereaux said, adding that about 75 per cent of clients are drawn in by Mistaken Point.

She said that the tourist traffic has not only prompted growth in the Avalon Inn, but has also been the catalyst for the creation of at least 10 AirBnB locations nearby - all of which are booked solid from June through September.

She said while the impacts were immediate, there is one change in visitor inquiries 10 years later.

“At one point we would have to promote the fact that the Mistaken Point UNESCO site was nearby. Now most of the inquiries we get are calls where the first question from them is about Mistaken Point. The word is out there now, and it’s promoting itself,” Devereaux said.

The story of Mistaken Point’s designation begins with the discovery of fossil beds by geologist Shiva Balak Misra and field assistant Paul Thompson that were the first record of Ediacara-type fauna in the Western Hemisphere.

The fossils had been hidden in plain sight, with locals aware of ‘strange markings’ in the rock, but by the 1980s Mistaken Point had been recognized as housing the oldest metazoan fossils in North America and the world’s most ancient deep-water marine fossils.

A five km coastal stretch was provisionally established as a reserve by the provincial government in 1984 and then granted a permanent designation in 1987 as a fossil ecological reserve.

Molloy recalled how preserving and promoting the site became a labour of love for several dozen volunteers over the years.

“Originally, it was a lot of residents working to try to promote it,” Molloy said, adding that pursuing the bid for a UNESCO designation included scientists and the government. “There were so many people trying to get this underway.”

The Mistaken Point Cape Race Heritage Inc, a not-for-profit organization established in 1998, has been a driving force behind Mistaken Point. Their mandate focuses on preserving, protecting, developing, and promoting the natural, historic, and cultural resources in the area.

The push to earn the designation became official on July 17, 2016 - almost 50 years after the official discovery of fossils.

Mistaken Point remains an active research site and houses an interpretation centre with official tours every day from mid-May to mid-October.

The anniversary event will take place July 17 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Portugal Cove South Town Hall. The event will include official remarks, cultural presentations, musical performances and a light reception.

For the latest info on the anniversary celebration, please visit https://www.facebook.com/mistakenpointnl. To learn more about Mistaken Point, please visit https://mistakenpoint.ca/discover/

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Aquaforte calls out lack of 'moose mitigation'

By Tyler Waugh / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Town of Aquaforte has called out the provincial government for what it calls a continued lack of action on brush cutting and moose vehicle mitigation along the Southern Shore Highway.

The June 24 letter, sent to Premier Tony Wakeham and Ferryland MHA Loyola O’Driscoll, as well as the ministers of Transportation and Forestry comes after two Bay Bulls residents were killed when their motorcycle collided with a moose on the evening of June 23.

“Another two lives were tragically lost a few nights ago as a result of a moose-vehicle collision. This follows a fatal moose accident in our community only a few years ago. Our residents are devastated, and our Town is once again reeling alongside families affected by these preventable tragedies,” reads the letter written by Town Clerk/Manager Aaron Croft on behalf of council.

“The absence of meaningful action by the Provincial Government on brush cutting and related safety measures along this highway is, at this stage, nothing short of negligent. Moose sightings on this stretch of road are constant, and daily reports of near misses have become routine. The danger is well-known, well-documented and entirely unacceptable.”

A little more than three years ago another person died on a nearby stretch of Highway 10 in Aquaforte when a motorcycle collided with a moose.

The letter did thank the Province for assistance provided to date but expressed concern and “profound frustration” that the situation has now escalated beyond what the community can reasonably tolerate.

The Town is asking MHA O’Driscoll to advocate for immediate, decisive action.

While the council is expressing frustration over years of inaction when it comes to brush cutting in the community, O’Driscoll and his Progressive Conservative colleagues only took over government in November, following 11 years of Liberal administration.

“We cannot afford another needless tragedy,” reads council’s letter. “Our residents deserve safe roadways, and the families affected deserve to know that their losses have prompted real change.”

Some campers wearing out their welcome in scenic Petty Harbour

By Tyler Waugh / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove council will erect signage advising visitors there is no overnight parking allowed at the scenic viewpoint lookout in response to an increasing number of campers on site.

The Town’s chief administrative officer, Mandy Dinn, brought it to council’s attention at the June 29 public meeting that the lookout has regularly been full of overnight camping traffic. She noted that overnight camping was not the intended use for the scenic viewpoint, adding that campers hamper safe daytrip visits.

“The purpose of the lookout was for getting cars to pull in safely off the road rather than being lined up and getting pictures at the side of the road,” Dinn said, adding the spot has even been mentioned on a camping-related page on Facebook.

“I did notice this morning, actually when I drove past, four campers lined up in a row,” she said. “It was virtually impossible for a car to pull in safely.”

Councillor Nancy Bungay said that right now nobody can use the space to stop and enjoy the view. She suggested the Town put up signs informing campers that there is no overnight parking at that location, similar to other spots in Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove and other communities across the province.

“There’s been six campers in there over the weekend, every single night and every single day of the week now,” Bungay said.

Mayor Ed Dyke cautioned that if you are going to make a rule, you need to be able to enforce it.

However, council agreed that signage should discourage overnight camping among those who respect the rules.

Council then passed a motion to install the warning signs.

Land expropriated for temporary road

By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative, The Irish Loop

The Department of Transportation has expropriated land on both sides of the river where a temporary road will be located while it replaces the bridge in Cape Broyle near 249 and 251 Main Road.

The expropriation was necessary because ownership of the land could not be determined.

“Residents may notice increased activity in the area as preparations for this project begin. We appreciate everyone's patience and cooperation while this important infrastructure work is completed,” stated the Town.

Any person claiming title to, or an interest in the affected land, or who has been detrimentally affected by the expropriation is required to submit notice to the Minister of the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure no later than Aug. 13, 2026.

Property owner gets one more chance to deal with dilapidated property

By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative, The Irish Loop

A Main Street property owner has received one last chance to deal with a dilapidated property and vehicle before Petty Harbour council takes action at the owner’s expense.

The town had sent a repair and/or removal order to the owner of 29 Main Road, but that notice expired on June 6, and so the matter was brought to council chambers on June 15 .

Deputy Mayor Irene Stack confirmed with CAO Mandy Dinn that the letter was received by the owner.

“They were received through an email confirmation,” Dinn replied. “The Canada Post ones weren’t picked up, and that’s not uncommon.”

Council had a few options for next steps, which included confirming the state of the building’s disrepair through an engineering report and proceeding with removal if deemed necessary. Dinn told council that she received some cost estimates for an engineering report and the cheapest quote was $1,000.

Councilors asked whether it would be appropriate to send a second notice before taking the next step. Mayor Ed Dyke advised council that the town went through this same scenario a few years back with the same individual, saying that it was two to three years before action was taken.

“From past experience with this property owner, it has been dragged out, dragged out and dragged out,” Dyke told council.

In that instance, the Town had a lawyer send a removal order, which was acted upon.

Stack made a motion that the town lawyer draft and send a removal order with a 14-day window.

“Including in that order, the Town will be proceeding with the (engineering) report and removal at the owner’s expense,” stated Stack, adding that the vehicle would also be included in that order.

Dinn stated that any expenses incurred would be added to the person’s tax account.

The motion was approved.

Witless Bay welcomes four women as part of new fire recruit group

By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Five new members have joined the Witless Bay Volunteer Fire Department since the end of May, and four of them are women.
Fire Chief Jack Gatherall said the influx of female volunteers is a huge step forward for the department.
“It shows the fire department is an open, progressive and welcoming team - breaking down the old boys club mentality and empowering younger women to take on these critical roles,” Gatherall reported to council at the June 9 public meeting.
He went on to say that the onboarding and training process has also come a long way, as the department plans to train and ease new recruits into a more active role.
“Long gone are days where you started on one night and immediately got handed a pager or a key,” said Gatherall. “To ensure the highest level of safety these recruits will undergo proper rigorous training.”

The fire chief added that the new recruits begin shadowing veteran members on calls later in the summer.
With these new additions, Gatherall said the department now has 33 active members and is closing the recruitment window for the remainder of 2026.
He also provided council with an update on some individual member certifications and training that the town had invested in.
“Sending members to these courses isn't cheap, but the specialized knowledge, hands-on skill, and regional networking that they bring back to our town is priceless,” Gatherall said.
He also told council that the department is working on a five-year operational plan to give to the fire department committee in July. He said it will be a comprehensive plan to map out a route moving forward, including projecting what new gear will be needed and when equipment will be retired and need to be replaced.
Council later approved an expense of $3,750, plus HST, for specialized rope rescue training sessions for the department, as well as a purchase of a specialized forestry pump and hose kit at a cost of $6,044 plus HST.

Petty Harbour council worried breakwater construction may impact new paving

By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Folks in Petty Harbour – Maddox Cove should soon see some new pavement along Main Road and Long Run Road, based on a recent correspondence put out by the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure.

During the June 15 public meeting, however, councillor Nancy Bungay raised concerns about timing of the paving project and the potential impact of all the heavy truck traffic that will be associated with the upcoming harbour breakwater project slated for a potential start date this year and completion sometime in 2027.
 “They are doing a breakwater, we are getting a new road … soft new pavement and all these heavy massive trucks driving over brand-new pavement, is this going to impact it? Are (Transportation and Infrastructure officials) aware that this is happening?” Bungay asked. “In my opinion that is just as bad as cutting pavement.”
Mayor Ed Dyke believed that Ferryland MHA Loyola O’Driscoll was aware, but that when it came to government officials, he didn’t know.
“From my understanding, the road they are replacing is supposed to stand up to that, it’s supposed to be the same as the Trans Canada Highway, but I guess that’ll have to be a battle we take on when it happens,” Dyke said.
Dyke asked staff to send out another reminder to residents about the Transportation and Infrastructure notice, with Dinn responding that they would do so within the next couple of weeks.
Meanwhile, the town recently notified resident by email and social media that the department will not be allowing cross-cutting or cutting into pavement for two years following the installation of the new pavement.

Town CAO Mandy Dinn brought the matter forward during the June 15 council meeting.
“I just wanted to bring it to council’s attention and to residents’ attention that if anybody plans to hook into sewer or water within the next little while it is recommended to do it as soon as possible to avoid the two-year timeframe where they are not going to be permitting you to do so,” said CAO  Dinn, adding that she also sent a copy of the notification off to the town’s engineer.
Deputy Mayor Irene Stack assumed that the moratorium would not apply to water main breaks or other emerging situations that cannot wait two years. Dinn confirmed that it only applies to planned projects.