By Mark Squibb
The Town of Witless Bay last week held its last public meeting of 2024.
Kicking off the meeting was a vote to ratify an e-mail vote of December 6 to approve installation of a new septic system at the Town Hall at a cost of $21,447, and to award onsite excavation work at an additional cost of $11,850. Both prices are exclusive of HST.
Council also approved the purchase of a number of items for the fire department, including a bunker suit at $2,500, a P25 radio at $3,186, and a number of firefighting hoods at $4,300. According to Fire Chief Jack Gatherall’s most recent report, the department has responded to 266 calls as of December 1. Given the current call trajectory, the department expects to close out the calendar year with upwards of 285 calls — a 25 percent increase over last year.
Council also requested approval from the provincial government to borrow funds from the Community Credit Union to finance upgrades to the recreation grounds to help address flooding problems.
The project, valued at about $1.17 million dollars, is cost shared with the provincial government on a 90/10 split. The Town will be on the hook for about $106,539, which they will take out as a loan from the bank. The loan will be amortized for five years at an interest rate of 4.34 precent.
“As most residents of the town know, flooding has become a frequent problem, especially over the winter months and when we get heavy rain,” noted councillor Jacob Hayden.
Council also approved, in principle, a residential development along Dunn’s Lane.
