By Mark Squibb/May 5, 2022
The Town of Witless Bay, in a special meeting of council last week, approved over $10,000 worth of work to help repair recent flood damage.
Councillor Ralph Carey made the motion that council approve the work, valued at about $10,290. Councillor Jacob Hayden, seconded it.
Councillor Gerard Dunne declared a conflict of interest as he works for Harbourside Engineering, the company contracted to do the work.
Carey said there was an urgency to get the work done as soon as possible, and that it would be completed within 14 days of awarding the contract.
The work will focus on two locations: the swimming pool/playground area and a section of North Side Track Road.
Councillor Alex Troake asked if the work was government funded or out of the town’s pocket.
Hayden said the town has submitted an application for emergency funding to help repair the flood damage from two previous storms.
“We’re going to apply for the funding but whether we’re successful or not, this work has to be completed, as it’s a safety hazard to anyone in the area,” said Hayden.
Troake asked what the safety issue was, and Hayden explained there was debris in the pool area, that fencing had been knocked down, and that culverts along North Side Track had been washed out, amongst other safety concerns.
Carey noted that as the weather warms up, more families are likely to visit the area, which makes the work even more urgent.
