Bay Bulls students to get a study room

By Craig Westcott

Bay Bulls council has approved funding for a youth study room.

Deputy Mayor Ethan Williams made the motion to fund the room during last week’s monthly public council meeting.

“I move to approve the opening of the café style study centre for student use from September to June each year, and further move to approve the purchase of supplies, furnishings, equipment and materials required for the establishment and operation of the centre with a projected budget of $3,000 and HST,” said Williams.

Councillor Johnny O’Dea seconded the motion.

Williams said the idea for the centre was presented to council by a couple of students from Bay Bulls.

“Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a quiet area to get their work done,” he added. “This will support some of our young people in town.”

Neither Mayor Keith O’Driscoll nor Town Manager Ashley Wakeham returned calls to provide more information about the centre, such as where it will be located, or its operating hours. O’Driscoll and Wakeham have failed to return messages for two consecutive council meetings. The Town also hasn’t posted minutes from its public meetings since April.

Petty Harbour council stymied on removing rundown property

By Local Journalism Reporter Tyler Waugh

Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove town council has asked for more information before making a final decision on moving ahead with a structural assessment of a rundown property on Main Street.

Council was told at the September 8 public meeting that it is required under the Towns and Local Service Districts Act to obtain a structural assessment before proceeding with removal of the dilapidated property.

The Town has been quoted $1,000 for the assessment and an additional $500 if it wants a second property on Big Hill assessed as well. The process was further complicated by the fact legal counsel advised the Town it could not recoup expenses by just adding those costs to the property taxes and would instead have to go to small claims court or register a lien on the property.

“This one appears to be more difficult than originally thought,” CAO Mandy Dinn told council. “To be honest with you, the Town hasn’t moved to remove a building since I have been here. I believe we’ve sent an order and the individual removed it themselves, so we’ve never had to do it, to my knowledge.”

Councillor Todd Chafe couldn’t believe the Town could possibly be on the hook for the costs. Mayor Ed Dyke said that, even if the Town ends up paying the costs, something needs to be done about the building in the name of community safety.

“As you look at the building it is a safety hazard and there is a laneway next to it and that could possibly be a safety hazard,” said Dyke. “I think it will be money well spent to keep this process going. We have one good snowfall on that and it probably might collapse.”

Council directed Dinn to inquire as to how much it would cost for legal services to register a lien. It is believed the costs associated with the assessment and removal, including legal costs, could be included in the lien.

The Town had sent a repair or removal order to the owner of 29 Main Road in May via email and regular mail, and Dinn advised in June meeting that the email notice had been received. Council then made a motion to have a lawyer send another 14-day notice.

Mayor Dyke recalled council going through the same scenario a few years back with the same property owner, noting it took two to three years before action was taken by the individual.

Witless Bay delays signing snow clearing contract

By Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Tyler Waugh

Witless Bay council unanimously approved two separate motions at its September 9 public meeting on tenders related to winter road maintenance, deferred one other, and also voted down a resident’s request for reimbursement related to snow clearing damage from last winter.

Council awarded the contract for provision of 300 metric tonnes of road salt to the lowest bidder, Avalon Coal, Salt and Oil Ltd. of Bay Roberts, at a cost of $40,383, plus HST.

It then awarded the contract for provision of 700 metric tonnes of winter road sand to lowest bidder, O’Brien’s Trucking of Witless Bay, at a cost of $33,600, plus HST.

“You can’t have the salt without the sand,” said councillor Ralph Carey.

Councillor Gerard Dunne declared a conflict of interest prior to the vote on the salt contract because the company he works for had submitted a bid.

The salt and sand are to be delivered by October 9.

Council later deferred its decision on awarding its snow clearing contract for the 2026-2027 season until more information could be gathered.

“It’s our snow clearing contract so it’s a considerable amount of money so what we’re trying to do is look at every possible way to get the service provided at the best possible value,” said Carey in making the motion to defer. “We have time, this is not absolutely urgent.”

Dunne declared a conflict of interest on the snow clearing discussion.

Carey also made the motion to deny a resident’s request for reimbursement for snow clearing damages last winter, arguing the snow clearing contractor is not liable for claims made after May 1.

“We have photos but unfortunately it was brought to our attention after the deadline,” Carey said, adding that if they make an exception there’s no point having a deadline.

Concept plan for new park goes over big at council

By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

A request from the recreation committee to revive Petty Harbor - Maddox Cove Days next year dovetailed into a council discussion of fundraising potential for an ambitious project to replace  the Sarah Chafe Memorial Playground.

“When this came up, we thought yes, we could purchase new playground equipment and just replace what’s there or we could take this as an opportunity to create something so unique,” said councillor Kayla Parsons. “Instead of just replacing what’s there we wanted to create a space that’s just so different that the town will love it, it will stand the test of time. Kids will love it, tourists that come in will love it, and it’s not just your everyday metal playground, plastic playground.”

Parsons said research has been done into natural playgrounds and studies in Scandinavia showed they can increase immunity in children. The committee pursued the idea further and eventually landed on the concept of having the playground reflect the town’s history and incorporate things such as a fishing stage climber, a ferry hut and other symbols.

Parsons said pursuing the idea would be more expensive than just replacing the existing equipment, offering a ballpark estimate of between $350,000-$450,000 from a pair of Canadian companies. There is potential the playground would be phased in and that residents would install it to cut down on contractor costs.

“I kind of thought if we could really rally the community, once we get this picture out or a proposal out to the people there’s a lot of trades workers and skilled workers in our community that I think for removal and putting things out and rebuilding would be cost effective,” said Parsons, who circulated a concept illustration to council, which appeared to be well received.

Mayor Ed Dyke allowed there would be a lot of support for the project among residents, service groups and corporations and offered to do his part in contacting other levels of government

“When you look at the pictures and what’s involved … I was awestruck with it,” said the mayor. “It’s so awesome, and it really took in part of our heritage. I’d say if we can get this we will have the best playground in Newfoundland.”

Dyke added that he would be interested in joining a subcommittee to pursue the idea.

Council discussed having promotional materials ready for fundraising at local events and researching grants.

A motion was made by Deputy Mayor Irene Stack to have a promotional poster printed for playground fundraising, and to form a Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove Days subcommittee under the recreation committee to start fundraising for the playground.

“And with it hopes they can continue on yearly,” Stack said. “I would love to kill two birds with one stone to get Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove Days back.”

Both motions passed unanimously.

Letters of concern get airing at Petty Harbour council

By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Deteriorating road conditions on Cavel’s Lane were already on the radar of Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove council, but a recent letter of concern from residents of the street reinforced the need to find a fix.

The letter, written on behalf of residents on Cavel’s Lane, pointed out the pavement is quickly deteriorating and asked for something to be done quickly.

“Right now, the bottom of the laneway is most hazardous with large dropoff of missing pavement, and the top of Cavel’s Lane is washed out,” stated the letter, read to council by CAO Mandy Dinn at a meeting of council last month.

The letter went on to state that residents are aware that snow clearing operators have also expressed concern about how the state of the road affects snow removal.

The condition of Cavel’s Lane had come up in recent meetings and had been identified as a spot that might get some filler or patchwork, which was pointed out by Deputy Mayor Irene Stack.

The residents’ letter opined that crushed stone is not a solution at this point as it gets washed out and spreads all over the laneway.

Mayor Ed Dyke said the areas in question, particularly on the lower part of the lane, have to be addressed at a higher standard than just filler.

“I was talking to a homeowner up there and there’s great big potholes there,” said Dyke, adding that council had discussed including Cavel’s Lane as part of upcoming paving and patchwork. “There will be some pavement over there … how much will depend on what’s the price.”

Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove awarded its paving tender on Aug. 10 to Kmax, which came in at a price of $27,062.

Cribbies Road Concerns

Council also dealt with a letter regarding delivery activity at the church at 11 Cribbies Road, including activity that occurred in the early morning hours.

The letter asked council why commercial deliveries from Sysco are arriving at the church, which the resident states is in a residential neighbourhood, as well as at a nearby stage.

“Why is the owner using the church and the stage as an extension of Chafe’s Landing? Does he pay taxes on the stage? He gets deliveries just about every day there from Sysco. The owner parks at the rec centre parking lot to access the church all the time then turns around and won’t let the town use the church parking lot for garbage loading,” alleges the letter read into the record by Dinn.

Mayor Dyke declared a conflict of interest and turned the meeting over to Deputy Mayor Stack, who said council is reviewing the complaint, and asking for clarification on appropriate uses.

“With regards to the timeframe we recognize that it is (inside) the quiet hours, so that is being addressed as well,” Stack said, adding there had already been a brief discussion about the complaint.

Council indicated the complaint will be followed up.

Council apologizes for trees cut on private property

By Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Tyler Waugh

Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove council is sending a letter of apology to at least one resident after staff cut back trees on private property.

Council was told at the Aug. 24 public meeting that staff were cutting back trees and cut some on private property without prior notification.

“It was disheartening to see what had occurred,” said chief administrative officer Mandy Dinn, noting that as a follow up staff have been given instructions to contact her in the future if they are cutting near private property, or if they are not sure if it’s private property. “I will contact the resident and ask if they would be willing to cut back their trees and, if not, would they be willing to allow the Town staff to do (it), just to get the go ahead before it’s done just to make sure everyone’s happy and satisfied and not get a surprise,” she said.

Deputy Mayor Irene Stack made a motion to send the resident an apology letter and take full accountability for the destruction of private property.

“It was done in error, but regardless, it’s not an excuse and we will learn from the error and do better,” Stack said.

Dinn told council there were two instances that she was aware of, though one of the residents wanted to remain anonymous.

Council rescinds approvals for homes on Motion Bay Road Extension

By Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Tyler Waugh

Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove council has rescinded approval on three different housing applications and asked staff to take action regarding future development on Motion Bay Road Extension.

Chief administrative officer Mandy Dinn noted council had been deliberating for several months about how to move forward with the applications, which received approval in principle earlier this year.

Legal advice called into question the nature of Motion Bay Road Extension as a municipal road and, because of that, council was advised it had erred in issuing the approvals.

“It is (the lawyer’s) recommendation, from what we’ve done … we really shouldn’t have done it,” said Mayor Ed Dyke.

Deputy Mayor Irene Stack, in reading the motion to rescind the approvals, described Motion Bay Road Extension as a narrow gravel thoroughfare that doesn’t provide for two-way traffic, adding it was not built by the Town for the purpose of being used as a municipal street and was never maintained by the Town as a municipal street.

Since council doesn’t regard it as a municipal street, the gravel portion has not been brought up to a reasonable accepted standard, and the Town does not intend to spend the money to bring it up to that standard, the approvals in principle for the three properties were provided in error and in contravention of the development regulations.

“I’d like the Town to get us to a point where that is an applicable road within the community and that it can have development and everything done like any other road in the community, but I don’t think it would be responsible to ignore professional guidance the Town has received,” said Deputy Mayor Stack. “This has been one of the harder decisions that I’ve had to debate on council. I’ve even tried to write a couple things that I tried to spiel out for this evening and it just didn’t work because it’s been a very hard back and forth because what I personally want to see happen in the town and what is responsible for the Town to just go ahead and do is not always going to coincide with one another.”

Several of the conditions attached to the approvals in principle required signed legal agreements related to the road’s width, condition and standard, as well as an acknowledgement of no Town commitment to any future upgrades and limitations on maintenance and snow removal, among other caveats.

The financial ramifications of any municipal responsibility for Motion Bay Road Extension upgrades, maintenance and replacement costs, among other things, were all unknown, said councillor Kayla Parsons in a pre-written statement she read at council.

“These are not minor details, these are details that need to be understood before council can make a decision that could create long-term obligations,” Parsons said. “At the same time, we must recognize the position of the property owners. They have invested time and effort into this process, and they have been awaiting direction from council. Their desire to develop their property is understandable and council should continue to look for a reasonable and fair solution. The goal should not be to prevent development, the goal should be to determine how development can occur in a way that was reasonable, transparent and sustainable.”

Council decided by a 4-3 vote to rescind the approvals in principle – originally granted at the April 6 public meeting – for numbers 30, 41-45 and 51-59 Motion Bay Road Extension. Mayor Dyke, Deputy Mayor Stack and councillors Nancy Bungay and Richard Raymond voted in favour of rescinding the approvals, while councillors Parsons, Sam Stack and Todd Chafe voted against.

It’s the latest chapter written between the municipality and Motion Bay Road Extension landowners in a process that dates back to 2018 when council amended the Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove Town Plan and Development Regulations, removing restrictions for development on Motion Bay Road Extension.

Deputy Mayor Stack called that change the first step in allowing council to consider housing development – and landowners have since already cleared lots on Motion Bay Road Extension in anticipation of building homes – but she said council at the time missed other steps to ensure the area was development ready.

“We need to make sure that it’s done properly so that property owners can build without worry, they can choose what they want to do with their property and actually be accessible within our town,” said Stack, who apologized to the property owners and later made a series of motions to start the process of addressing next steps.

“What we are attempting to do now should have been done in 2018 and 2019 when that amendment was done, in my opinion,” she said. “The amendment should have been done, then they should have taken steps to determine what does it need to be a road.”

Stack made a motion to direct staff to conduct title searches in the area, particularly where the gravel road intersects Cribbies Lane, to confirm whether there are any private ownership conflicts or if the Town has full title.

“That’s just one legal aspect we’ve got to put out of the way first before we can proceed anymore,” said Mayor Dyke.

That motion passed unanimously.

Stack then made a motion to seek quotes for an engineering assessment of what’s needed to turn the gravel portion of Motion Bay Road Extension into a one-way street.

That motion also passed unanimously.

Stack next moved that the Town develop a road standards policy, something Dyke said was rescinded as part of the changes made to plans and regulations in 2018.

That motion too passed unanimously.

Witless Bay council says art gallery not part of the zoning

Linda Goodyear has grand plans to turn the old St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Witless Bay into a focal point for the arts – she just needs to find a solution to the property’s municipal zoning to let those plans come to fruition.

Goodyear bought the church last year after a lengthy sale process through the archdiocese and has incorporated as a non-profit called The Witless Bay Art Gallery and Arts Education Centre. 

“I want it to be a showcase to promote the artisans of the Irish Loop, along with some artists from across the province, maybe some international, but certainly, primarily, the Irish Loop,” Goodyear said, adding there are around 90 artists within the Loop with no central or focal point to sell their wares.

But Goodyear’s vision will require more time and possibly money as council won’t let her open the gallery contending the zoning in the area, which includes a school and the former Nun’s residence located next door to the Church, which fell into private ownership some years ago, doesn’t allow for the operation of a business.

Goodyear’s request to submit an application to operate a business was denied at the August 11 public council meeting.

Goodyear was hoping for a zoning exception for the property as Witless Bay council redraws its municipal plan.

Neighbouring Bay Bulls has completed its municipal plan and is approving applications based on zoning within that plan, even though it is still awaiting provincial approval before being registered.

Mayor Jacob Hayden said Witless Bay isn’t at a point in the municipal plan process where it can make those same decisions. The Town still has work to do, including more public consultations and a meeting with a commissioner, before the plan can come back to council for approval and submission to the Province.

“It’s a process,” said Hayden, adding it could take up to two years to complete. “It is something that needs to be done, and done correctly, and it’s just going to take the amount of time it’s going to take, unfortunately.”

Another option discussed in the past and brought up again at council was Goodyear formally applying to have the zoning changed, a process that would cost her some $4,000.

“You can still apply to rezone it and bypass the waiting process, but it is an expensive cost,” allowed Deputy Mayor Justina Nawaz. “But you can’t operate a business on public use property.”

Goodyear said she believes nobody on council is against what she is trying to do, as they appear supportive, it’s just a matter of finding a solution. She recently spoke to an official at provincial Municipal Affairs, and they discussed some ideas to work within the current zoning.

“I’m registered as a nonprofit and their thought was that with the intended use that it could potentially fit into the public use (designation),” said Goodyear, adding she will bring a new proposal to council. “I’m always looking for the cooperation of council.”

Goodyear said time is on her side for now, as her vision will centre heavily around tourist season. If she ultimately has to go the route of a formal rezoning application, she will time the process to align with an opening for next summer.

Beavers display patriotism

With the beaver being one of Canada’s national symbols, it’s only fitting that the water loving rodents of this domicile in Grassy Pond on the Southern Shore highway display their patriotism. The flag is a familiar sight to drivers on the serpentine stretch of road between Tors Cove and La Manche. Craig Westcott photo

Busy Witless Bay side street to get a sprucing up

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.

Council says it’s not responsible for Petty Harbour resident’s water woes

By Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Tyler Waugh

Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove council dealt with a number of letters of concern from residents at its August 10 public meeting, including one regarding a July water break on private property on the Motion Bay Road Extension.

The letter writer lives at 9 Motion Bay Road Extension and, in addition to the letter of concern, requested to have a related water shutoff fee waived. The homeowner was made aware by a neighbour of water seeping onto the property but did not realize at that time the water was coming from a leak in the water line.

The resident reported the Town council was contacted Monday, July 20 about the issue and the Town foreman was also called, though he was reportedly off at the time.

“This, to me, was a serious situation and one that should have been addressed right away or at least investigated the same day,” stated the letter, read into the record by CAO Mandy Dinn.

The Town employee did not show up until Wednesday, according to the resident, and a contractor was not contacted until Thursday.

“I had no idea I was supposed to hire someone to do this work, however, I did know that any work done on my property I was responsible to pay for,” wrote the resident, adding it was unclear how to proceed once it was determined the leak was coming from her property’s water line. “All I heard was that it was your problem and you have to pay for the work. I was given no guidance from council whatsoever on how to proceed with the issue. If council had responded in a timely manner to this complaint the work most likely would have been completed during the week and not the weekend.”

The resident stated she didn’t want to wait until Monday, July 27 to get the work done but also didn’t want to subject the neighbour to additional water damage to their property. She argued it is the Town’s responsibility to counsel property owners in such matters and that it made no sense to leave action on the matter to the resident. She also suggested that, in the future, it would make more sense for council to hire the contractor to fix the leak and then bill the resident.

Mayor Ed Dyke responded that the dates mentioned in the letter were incorrect and that he and an employee visited the owner on Tuesday and advised the water leak was on her property. They visited the homeowner again the following afternoon, he added, and advised the owner to call contractors, noting it is not the Town’s responsibility to do so.

“The reason it is not our responsibility is because if the contractor goes in and makes a mess of the thing or does something the homeowner says is not up to their liking, then it’s the Town that (is held responsible),” Dyke said, adding that from the shutoff out to the road it is the Town’s responsibility.

Dyke said he got a call from the Town employee on the Thursday saying the resident wasn’t going to get it done on the weekend because she didn’t want to pay the resulting water shutoff fee.

Dinn said the $150 shutoff fee covers part of the cost of salary, overtime and equipment use when an employee has to be called in on a Saturday.

“Sometimes that $150 doesn’t even cover the cost of sending somebody to shut off the water,” Dinn said, pointing out there is no charge on weekdays for water shutoffs because employees are already on the clock.

Deputy Mayor Irene Stack said she sympathized with the resident feeling that she was not properly informed about how to proceed, though she didn’t doubt the mayor’s recollection of events.

Stack agreed with Dyke that the Town cannot take on the liability of hiring contractors for work that is the responsibility of residents. However, she expressed hope the Town can improve the way it advises residents of their responsibilities.

Council decided against waiving the emergency shutoff fee.

New Witless Bay CAO got municipal start in Logy Bay

By Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Tyler Waugh

Neil Stamp got the first public meeting under his belt on August 11 as the new chief administrative officer for the Town of Witless Bay, where he was formally appointed by council in a unanimous vote.

When contacted last week for an interview about his new role, Stamp said he wouldn’t be available until he returned to the office on August 27.

Stamp was previously the Town Manager and Chief Administrative Officer in the Town of Logy Bay - Middle Cove - Outer Cove. Meeting minutes there show he was officially appointed by that council as a maternity replacement on July 7, 2025.

According to his profile on the social media site LinkedIn, prior to his move to municipal management, Stamp held the role of customer success manager with the American stock exchange NASDAQ in St. John’s, and as fleet sales manager at Terra Nova GMC Buick in St. John’s.

Stamp holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing, from Memorial University and is a graduate with French Immersion Distinction from O’Donel High School. He is a husband and father of three boys – ages eight, five and three.

“I’m eager to get started, listen and learn, and grow alongside the Town,” Stamp wrote in a post on the Town’s website.

Stamp replaces Jennifer Aspell, who left in May to become chief executive officer of the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Safety Association.

Council had been awaiting the appointment of its new CAO in order to move ahead with some matters that had been put on hold until the position was filled, including a new 10-year municipal plan and a proposal for project management services to increase Witless Bay’s tourism presence.

Mayor Jacob Hayden told The Irish Loop Post he is pleased with what Stamp brings to the organization.

“He has a strong understanding of municipal operations and has brought a positive energy while having a professional, practical approach to the role,” Hayden said. “I think his experience, leadership, and willingness to work with council and staff will be a real asset to the Town of Witless Bay.”

Witless Bay Community Credit Union fundraiser

There was a mouth-watering aroma outside the Community Credit Union in Witless Bay one day earlier this month as the branch held its annual fundraiser in support of local schools. Among those dishing out the barbequed grub were, starting in the front row, from left: Parker Sparkes age 11, Mason Sparkes age 5, Jackson Courtney age 11, Theresa St. Croix, and branch manager Valerie Weir. In the back are ‘chefs’ Jimmy Boland, left, and Len Courtney, both from the Knights of Columbus. Craig Westcott photo

Fitness centre naming contest drawing to a close

By Craig Westcott

The Bay Bulls Lifestyle Centre is getting a new defibrillator.

Deputy Mayor Ethan Williams made the motion to approve the purchase during last week's public council meeting.

"This arose because the current model that we have into the centre has been discontinued by the manufacturer," said Williams. "So, an update was required."

The cost of the new unit is $1,945 plus HST. A defibrillator is a portable machine that can administer a shock to the body to restore a normal heart rate in the case of a cardiac arrest.

In other news affecting the lifestyle centre, Williams noted that a naming contest for the building’s fitness is getting close to wrapping up.

"We introduced the contest to put a new name on the fitness centre, and we have received all of the submissions now," he said. "So, the voting process will begin shortly for that."

The winner will get free membership in the fitness centre for a month.

Busy fall for roadwork around Petty Harbour

By Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Tyler Waugh

A stretch of road that connects the Goulds to Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove is primed for some TLC in the near future, and not a moment too soon based on talk at a recent council meeting.

Ferryland MHA Loyola O’Driscoll announced August 4 that two projects in his district had recently been approved, including 3.8 km of road rehabilitation on Route 11 (Petty Harbour Road) between Crocker’s Road and the second intersection of Old Maddox Cove Road.

“I am expecting work to begin soon, and I look forward to seeing these important projects get underway,” said O’Driscoll.

That stretch of road had drawn the ire of several members of the Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove Town council in June.

“It’s getting ridiculous now, it’s almost a hazard,” said Mayor Ed Dyke, proposing that council draft a letter before learning that the project was already being prepared for tender.

The tender process for Route 11 was combined with rehabilitation roadwork for around 4.7 km of Route 10 in Bay Bulls stretching from the municipal limits to Ryan’s Lane.

The tender – valued at $6,673,681, plus HST, was awarded to Municipal Construction Ltd. of Paradise. Farrell’s Excavating submitted a bid of $6,884,796 and Nortech Construction bid $7,220,552.00.

Meanwhile, Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove decided its own paving patchwork tender on Aug. 10, with Formac coming in at $27,062 and CW Parsons Paving at $27,427. Both quotes were a couple thousand dollars above what the Town had hoped to pay.  

Town manager Mandy Dinn pointed out factors for why there were only two bids received namely that companies are in the prime of the roadwork season and a contract of this size is not a priority for most contractors.

Deputy Mayor Irene Stack conceded the work had to be done, even if the costs came in over budget. She made the motion to award the tender to Formac and the motion passed.

Mayor Dyke pointed out that priority areas have been identified in the community.

Dinn said the work should be done in the coming weeks.

Aquaforte council unsatisfied with response to road safety concerns

The Town of Aquaforte continues its push for immediate action by the Province to address safety concerns for a stretch of highway that has claimed three lives in three years due to moose collisions.

Town council wrote in an August 5 letter to Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Barry Petten that the current government and previous administrations have neglected ongoing safety concerns along Route 10 in its area of the Southern Shore.

Town manager Aaron Croft said advocacy has been ongoing for many years but ramped up in summer 2023 after a moose collision killed a single motorcyclist near Aquaforte. The urgent need for moose mitigation was renewed this past June after two Bay Bulls residents were killed when their motorcycle collided with a moose, again just outside Aquaforte.

“Three lives have been lost here already. Near misses involving moose occur daily. Families, workers and visitors continue to travel a highway where the risk is well known, well documented through social media, and steadily increasing,” council wrote in the Aug. 5 letter. “Our community feels strongly – and increasingly – that both the current government and the previous administration have neglected this portion of the Southern Shore. Despite repeated warnings, lived experience, and clear evidence of danger, our section of Route 10 continues to be excluded from the very measures that are being promoted as provincial safety priorities.”

Council had written Minister Petten, Premier Tony Wakeham and Ferryland MHA Loyola O’Driscoll after the June 2026 fatalities and received a response from Petten, on behalf of the premier.  

Petten outlined brush clearing tenders awarded on Route 10 between Tors Cove and Brigus South, as well as upcoming tenders for areas between St. John’s and Witless Bay, as well as Brigus South to Cape Broyle. Petten wrote that additional clearing projects along Route 10 will be reviewed and added to project plans for future years.

The minister also highlighted the Province’s expenditure of $6.5 million on moose fencing and brush clearing along high-risk highway sections, with a total of 22 projects in 2026 covering 400 kms of provincial highways.

But Aquaforte council said the response as unacceptable, all things considered, and pointed out much of the brush clearing outlined for Route 10 was taking place in areas where brush clearing had taken place only a few years ago.

Council stated the Province must take immediate steps to include the Cape Broyle to Cappahayden corridor in its mitigation plans. Croft said he believed the last meaningful brush clearing in that region took place as far back as 2008.

Aquaforte is calling for expanded brush clearing, but also a ‘meaningful’ increase in moose hunting licences in the area.

“Brush cutting is essential, and we fully support its continued use as a mitigation tool. However, it is only one part of what is required. The moose population along Route 10 has grown significantly in recent years, and without a corresponding increase in moose licences the risk will continue to escalate,” Aquaforte council wrote in its response to Petten. “Reducing vegetation without reducing population density is an incomplete strategy that leaves our residents exposed to unacceptable levels of danger.”

Croft said the Town does not have jurisdiction to perform work along a provincial highway and that, even if it did, towns of its size do not have the financial capacity to fund any meaningful brush clearing efforts.

Witless Bay douses plan for new regional fire hall

By Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Tyler Waugh

Witless Bay councillors say they see the merits of a new regional fire hall, but ultimately the cost of one is too rich for their blood based on the latest feasibility study.

Deputy Mayor Justina Nawaz said whether to move ahead with the project was something discussed at length with Fire Chief Jack Gatherall and the fire committee, as well as with council as a whole.

“We are looking at two different options that are both over $7 million and even with funding as a 70/30 split (with the Province) it would still cost us almost $2.5 million and everyone feels we are just not in a place to spend that money,” Nawaz said.

Councillor Ralph Carey moved to deny the cost overrun and not proceed to the next stage of the development, renovation or construction of the new regional fire hall at this time due to financial constraints.

Carey also pointed out there is no way to ensure any potential cost overruns will not become the responsibility of the Town of Witless Bay.

“Somebody has to be on the hook. Given that it’s a regional facility that serves here to Bauline and beyond we really can’t risk our financial future on something that could run tremendously (over budget),” Carey said. “What if somebody decided to, say for instance our neighbours to the south, throw tariffs on something and the price of something goes through the roof?”

Carey’s motion to kill the project passed unanimously.

In 2022, Witless Bay council accepted $2.4 million in cost-shared funding from the provincial government for the construction of a new fire hall and agreed to pay its share of the project, which at that time was $815,640. That funding was based on a 2019 feasibility study.

In order to obtain a more accurate, updated estimate of the construction cost, council ordered a new feasibility study in August 2024 at a cost of $27,666, plus tax.