Ferryland mayor excited about trail renovation

By Mark Squibb | Sept. 3, 2020

The Town of Ferryland is looking for quotes to finish some work on a popular trail in the community.

Half of the trail was completed last year, and this year the Town is looking to finish the work up to where the trail opens near the ‘Welcome to Ferryland’ sign by Baltimore School.

Work will include clearing brush near the Come Home year sign, grading, ditching, adding fill, re-installing culverts, and installation of barriers and rocks to prevent vehicular traffic.

Mayor Sean Walsh said the trail runs the length of the community, parallel to the shoreline, and that the trail opening, near the Ferryland sign and flower gardens, is a popular spot for visitors.

“When you come into Ferryland first, a lot of people stop to take pictures,” he explained, adding that students also use the trail for getting around as it is so close. “The school uses it for everything from cross country (running) to taking their classes out for science class.”

Walsh hopes the work will help stabilise the trail to prevent any erosion that might occur.

He added that, although tourists are few and far between due to travel restrictions this year, there are still plenty of folk using the trails.

“There’s not a lot of tourists around, but more local people are out and about, walking, hiking, jogging, running,” said Walsh. “People have really gotten out into their own communities and the adjacent communities.”

The call for quotes closed on August 28, and council will award the successful tender during the next public meeting this month.

Revelations in surprising places

By Mark Squibb | Sept. 3, 2020

While watching a car renovation show with her husband, a piece of jewellery that Brenda Chidley had once found along a popular portion of the East Coast trail was perhaps the furthest thing from her mind.

Until she saw a nearly identical piece on the screen.

“He called me in to see this car that a man had put in the garage, but he had passed away before he got to pick it up,” said Chidley.

And so, the son on the car show went to pick up his deceased father’s renovated rig from the garage.

But, he wasn’t alone.

“’Well Dad, this is your ride home in your new car,’ said the son. And he hung a chain up on the rear-view mirror, identical to the one I’d found. Well, I was floored,” said Chidley.

“I said, ‘My God, that’s identical to the chain I found. I got the cold shivers and everything.”

Chidley said she’s since learned of a family member who had a spouse with a similar pendent, containing the ashes of a deceased family member.

“Honest to God, I was dumbfounded.”

She found the pendent some time back while out for a walk with her grandchildren.

“I happened to look down and I saw it on the side of the road,” Chidley explained, noting that it was half covered by gravel and may have been there a while.

She put up a flyer locally, but no one claimed it, and so she poked the pendent away in a jewelry box.

“But I didn’t realize what it was until the weekend,” she said.

Chidley added that, to complicate matters, the East Coast Trail draws tourists from all over the province, and the world, and that the person who lost it may not be from here.

“A lot of East Coast trail hikers go out that road, and they park out there, just up from where I found it. It was in the gravel on the side of the road,” she said. “And we’re after seeing people from all over the world out there.”

Now, she just wants to get it back to its rightful owner.

“I wish I could find whoever owns it,” said Chidley. “You feel so bad. It’s obviously a loved one of whoever lost it.”

If you think the piece may be yours, or may belong to someone you know, and can remember when and whereabouts it was misplaced, Chidley can be reached at 363-7671.

Bay Bulls council seat to remain vacant

By Mark Squibb | Aug. 20, 2020

COVID-19 put everyone in social isolation. So four members of a local facebook group, Blooming Buddies NL, got together to discuss how to “up” the social environment in the Trepassey Area. A plant swap party seemed like a good idea. The four decided to plan such a party. Registration was limited to 25, complete with a sanitation station and contact tracing records.

Participants came from nearby communities, and some travelled all the way from Holyrood. It was a wonderful day in the great outdoors, swapping plants and socializing. The event could not have happened without support from local businesses.

Honorable mention goes to Patricia Puddister of Pat’s Plants and Gardens, Bay Bulls. What an awesome special guest Patricia was, so much knowledge to share and a very generous sponsor for the event.

There were garden gate prizes galore, thanks to all our sponsors, and everyone had a prize to lift home along with all their newly swapped plants.

Blooming Buddies NL is a private group, but open to new members, so if you grow flowers or veggies, look either one of these women up on FB and ask to join; Patsy McCormack, Theresa Shea, Helen Mulrooney or Viola Curtis-Pennell. If you love to dig in the dirt and create something, we will welcome you to the group.

A fresh look for an old establishment

By Mark Squibb | Aug. 20, 2020

A staple of the Goulds, the Hayloft Lounge, has received a fresh new look — and second bar — that’s turning heads in the community.

The building has a rather storied history. Tony Barton opened the Hayloft Lounge in 1974 (the local legend is that 12-gauge shotgun was handed out as a door prize). During the billiard boom it served a brief stint as the Billiard Barn before reverting back to its old name. And before opening to the public, it was also the Barton home.

The Kiely brothers, Ian and Jed, bought the building some years back. The brothers themselves have a long Goulds history.

Both brothers have worked farms baling hay, back when hay was baled into square bales, not the large marshmallow shapes you see today.

“When it was baling time, everybody around the community, I remember Jed and I and our dad and everyone down by Forest Pond and that area, getting together and helping the farmers bale the hay and loading it up on the flatbeds and then we would get up on the flatbeds as kids and ride down the Goulds Main Road. It was really a part of growing up for me that I would like my kids to experience,” said Ian.

“We have a lot of memories baling the hay and all that. And now that we have small kids, it’s an opportunity for them,” agreed brother Jed.

The brothers say that they have a love for Gould’s farming roots, and want the Hayloft and new Farmhouse bar to reflect that heritage.

“The Farmhouse came from the Goulds being a farming community,” explained Ian. “The roots of the Goulds is in farming. The farmers have been here a long time. Different places, like Petty Harbour, are known for fishing. Goulds is know as being a farming community.”

He said that many people might be a little embarrassed by the farming reputation — especially that unmistakable summertime farm odor — but that they cherish the Goulds’ heritage.

“We want to embrace it. It kind of separates us from everyone one. That’s what we’re all about,” said Ian.

The brothers held a photo contest, asking residents to submit their favorite Goulds farming photos (some of which will adorn the walls) and have designed the building around the farming motif, with decorative hay bales and an unmistakable cow decal alongside the building.

That Cow, reminding folks to ‘support local,’ has caused a bit of debate in the community.

“Some people love it — some people hated it,” laughed Ian. “We did get some negative comments, people saying, ‘Why are you covering up all your nice new siding with this cow.”

However, Ian said, it’s the message the cow proclaims that matters most.

“In this era of COVID, it’s important for people to support local and to support local businesses. They’ve been hit the hardest. So, if we were going to do a billboard, I think the message should be, for now, ‘Support local,’” he explained.

And, for those who don’t like it, he said it probably won’t be there forever.

“It’s basically a billboard that we can change around periodically. It’s not something that’s stationary and going to be there for the life of the building. It got people talking,” he concluded.

The brothers were able to capitalize on the downturn brought about by COVID-19 to complete much of the work, which includes the new Farmhouse bar, new siding and windows, parking lot renos, and a front area overhang.

They closed to the public in March 16, and reopened the 25th of June.

“We were closed and we said, ‘What are we going to do, we’re not just going to sit still,’ and we always wanted to do the renovations, but we were afraid that it would interfere with the customers coming back and forth, so we said that this is probably the best time to get this renovation done,” said Ian. “We’re closed, it won’t interfere with customers coming back and forth. And it reduces the downtime. When you’re open you have to put away all your tools and make sure the place is clean for when customers come back. So, it saves us that hour or two everyday having to clean up.”

The lounge is currently operating at fifty percent capacity, or 30 people, and the brothers are holding off on booking parties, in light of the pandemic.

They hope to have the rest of the interior work, including bathroom renovations, done by the fall.

“A lot of people respect that we’re honouring the farmers of the Goulds and getting back to the roots of the Goulds,” said Ian.

Town of Witless Bay to hold off on by-election

By Mark Squibb | July 23, 2020

The Town of Witless Bay is waiting it out before holding a by-election to fill the seat left vacant by former councillor Lucy Carew, citing safety concerns and COVID-19 regulations.

“By-elections are permitted under Alert Level 2, as long as public health measures are followed, such as social distancing and appropriate hygiene. However, councils are still recommended to do their meetings by video and teleconference. So, council presently has six members. And I’m not comfortable subjecting staff and residents to the possibility of this very serious virus. This is not warranted at this time,” said deputy mayor Maureen Murphy during the July 14 meeting public council meeting.

She added that there are also limits on how many people can be gathered together publicly at one time.

Murphy made the motion that Mayor Derm Moran contact Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment Derrick Bragg to request an extension on the by-election until further notice.

The motion was approved unanimously.

The town council has seen some significant changes over the last year or so with a number of councillors coming and going.

The latest to join council was Dale O’ Driscoll, who was acclaimed to council in November of 2019, following the retirement of former mayor Rene Estrade due to health reasons.

Upon Estrada’s retirement, council voted in Moran, who was the town’s former mayor. Moran, along with David Ryan, were elected to council on Oct. 9, following the resignation of former councillors Chris Brinston and Neil Stratton.

Carew resigned on May 15. No specific reason for the resignation was given to council. Her vacant seat will be the fourth such seat since August, 2019.

Witless Bay tackles long list of public infrastructure applications

By Mark Squibb | July 23, 2020

Witless Bay Town Council had a long list of public infrastructure applications before them at the July 14 public council meeting.

Council first dealt with a number of applications that had been deferred from the June 9 meeting, including an application for a lot at 11 Dean’s Road, which council approved, and an application for a home on Jockey’s Lane, which council deferred as they continue to seek information.

Later in the meeting, council approved a Fisheries and Oceans application to remove the old CFIA building and construct a new warehouse, as per pending permits, at 229-235 Southern Shore Highway.

Council deferred an application for a home on 184-188 Dean’s Road until they received more zoning information, but approved applications for homes at 62 and 64 Country Path Drive, pending Service NL approval, as well as an application for a home at 215-17 Gallows Cove, again pending Service NL approval.

Council also approved applications for sheds, fences, a second access to property, a catch basin, and renovations for other properties around town.

The Town also noted that ongoing work on the recreation complex is on schedule.

“Most of the ground work is done, we got a few minor touch ups to do, and the fencing is supposed to start the middle of the upcoming week at the latest,”  said councillor Fraser Paul, adding that he had to meet with the plumber the next day.

Bay Bulls ratifies St. John’s road motions

By Mark Squibb | July 23, 2020

During the July 15 meeting of council, Bay Bulls council ratified a number of motions approved through email polls in June, most to do with upgrades to St. John’s Road.

Due to numerous conflicts of interest, councillors Joan Luby, Eric Maloney, and Patrick Coady had received permission from the provincial government back in 2019 for just three councillors to vote on any issue regarding St. John’s Road

The first motion to be ratified was email June 15 email vote to award the contract of St. John’s Road Infrastructure Upgrade Project to Cougar Engineering and Construction at a cost of $983,250 based on a 90/10 cost sharing with provincial government.

The second was a June 15 email vote to release payment of$4,326.88 to prime consultant Meridian Engineering  for work completed on St John’s Road.

Two motions for approval of residential accessory building on St. John’s Road were also ratified.

And Then There Were Five

Evelyn Tucker’s resignation brings council to five; no nomination date in sight

By Mark Squibb | July 23, 2020

The resignation of Evelyn Tucker, who joined council in the 2017 election, brings Bay Bulls council down to five members.

“She never really gave a reason... I guess you would have to talk to her about her actual reason. She never really got into reasons,” said Mayor Harold Mullowney, when asked why Tucker quit earlier this summer.

Tucker herself could not be reached for comment.

But Mullowney praised her time on council.

“She was there for a good period of time and did a lot of great work, and we’re sorry to see her go,” said the mayor. “I was surprised and sorry to see Evelyn go. The time she was with the council, she was a very active councillor. She was involved in a great deal of things. She got a lot of things done, and I think her voice is going to be missed around the table. But then again, people got to do what they got to do. She was certainly willing to put in the time. And then some.”

Mullowney said Tucker sent an e-mail notification of her resignation.

At present, there’s no plan to schedule a nomination date to elect someone to fill the seat.

“COVID is certainly a part of it,” said Mullowney, although he said council is also cognizant that they have tried in the past to fill a vacancy with no takers.

“Summer is always a difficult time to hold an election anyway,” added Mullowney. “But I’m hoping we will at least try again and go to the polls and see if we can get one or two people to step forward.”

He said that, in spite of council delaying the nomination date, it is important to get the vacant seats filled, one of which has sat vacant since the resignation of councillors Kevin O'Brien and Philip Burton in 2018. Councillor Patrick Coady was acclaimed to council that year, filling one of those seats, but the other seat has remained vacant, despite multiple calls for nominations over the past two years.

“It would be great to have another one or to councillors around the table. It really is important for quorum on a number of issues,” said Mullowney. “We’re finding it very difficult to get people to step up. But we’re not the only town. We’re looking at Mount Pearl, now, is down to five councillors. I’ve spoken to a couple other mayors recently and they’re also operating with five councillors. So, it seems like it’s getting harder and harder in the province to get people to step up and fill a volunteer role on a council. People have to realize that they’re stepping forward to help assist their communities. At the end of this process, there’s really noting in it for the individual other than seeing their community prosper and grow. The unfortunate thing is that we’re living in a world today where people come forward and try and do the best job that they can and they’re often criticized, mercilessly, by individuals who have no interest in stepping forward themselves.”

During the July 15 meeting, councillor Joan Luby announced that she would be stepping down from the Public Works Committee. Previously, Luby and Tucker had worked on the committee together.

“Joan and Evelyn worked very effectively together,” noted Mullowney.

Councillor Patrick Coady and Eric Maloney will now take over the responsibilities of the Public Works Committee.

Bay Bulls to forward ATV complaint to RCMP

Council also addresses speeding concern

By Mark Squibb | July 23, 2020

Councillors in Bay Bulls say there’s little they can do about an ATV complaint other than forward it to the police.

The Town was in receipt of a complaint from a resident of Quay’s Road who was concerned about ATV usage.

“I believe we just need to forward this on to the RCMP,” said Deputy Mayor Wendy O’Driscoll during the July 15 meeting.

Town CAO Jennifer Aspell spoke to the rationale of the decision.

“The reason that it’s being forwarded on by the deputy mayor is that it’s really outside of the town’s jurisdiction for managing this particular issue. It has to do with ATV use in the area, and the Town of course has no authority to regulate or police ATV use. So, the best course of action would be to refer it onto the authorities,” explained Aspell.

During that same meeting, members of Bay Bulls council addressed concerns about speeding in town generally.

Council had received requests for additional speedbumps along Sheldon Drive and Solomon Close.

“We don’t have any extra speedbumps, but we are going to look into providing some ‘Children at Play,’ signs,” said O’Driscoll.

She noted that correspondence should be sent to residents to inform them of the decision.

Eastern Health Clinic moving from Witless Bay to Bay Bulls

Eastern Health is advising the public that the Witless Bay Health and Community Services Centre at 294 Southern Shore Highway will relocate this month to 788 Southern Shore Highway, Bay Bulls.

The transition is expected to be completed by July 29.

All services currently provided at the Witless Bay Health and Community Services Centre – including public health, community supports, and mental health and addictions services – will be offered from the new site by the same staff. The new space will enhance current operations and allow for future growth of programs and services, said spokesperson Tracey Boland.

The clinic hours will remain the same, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Clients who have been referred to the clinic for appointments will be contacted directly, Boland added. Individuals requiring more information can call the clinic at (709) 334-3941.

Boland said the relocation is anticipated to be completed with a minimal interruption in service.