By Mark Squires/February 3, 2023
Witless Bay council unanimously voted to approve a request from the ATV Association for $2,000 to support efforts to repair the railway trestle and washout between Dane’s Road and Bear’s Cove Road during a meeting held earlier this month.
Councillor Jacob Hayden declared a conflict of interest as he is the chairperson of the ATV Association.
The association recently completed phase one of a multi phase cleanup and repair to the rail bed.
“As most of you are aware, the association just completed phase one of repairs to the railway bed between Dean’s Road and Bear’s Cove Road, creating a safe and successful area for all drivers,” said councillor Ralph Carey. “This funding will be used to help the association procure cost-sharing grants to go towards further upgrades.”
Carey reminded council the Town has committed to saving the railbed, and said that donating the money now will save Witless Bay money in the long run.
“Our next phase is to complete repairs to a washout between Dean’s Road and Bear’s Cove Road,” said Carey. “This will complete the connection of the railbed between Witless Bay and Bay Bulls, allowing the association to continue it’s efforts to make it a more multi-use trail that will benefit all residents of Witless Bay.”
Carey concluded the association, made up of volunteers, is doing good work, and recommended council approve the request. Councillor Nancy Burke seconded the motion.
Later in the meeting, Hayden gave a short ATV Association Committee report, highlighting the upgrades, include trail-widening and ditching, that the group has undertaken.
Back in February, the Association received $5,000 in Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB) Come Home Year funding for clean up along the trails.
