Water Problems
Water problems continue to be a major problem in this
community. We have been plagued with leaks and broken water
lines which leads to low water pressure and in many cases no
water. Many of our difficulties are caused by an old
infrastructure and aging pumps which can not meet the
demands of a modern population.
We have used all means at our
disposal to solve these problems. Our workers have worked on
weekends and late evenings to find and repair leaks. We have
contracted with Kendall’s Leak Detection Service with
limited success. We have had officials from Municipal
Affairs to the Island to assess our problem and they have
agreed to give us some emergency funding.
On a more positive note, it
now seems that we will be able to move forward with our
plans to develop a new water delivery system for the Front
area. This will involve putting a new well on Steve Neary
Boulevard and moving water to a 250,000 gallon tank at the
Front.
Please be assured that this
is a major issue for council.
Spring Cleanup
After a long and difficult winter, it is time to put a new
face on our community. We are asking all citizens to show
pride in our community and start a major cleanup. We would
like for people to clean up their property and get those
fences repaired and looking good. There are still a number
of properties that are scarred by old wrecks and refuse. If
you bring the garbage to the edge of your property, council
workers will be around in May to clean up.
Federal/Provincial
Prison
The town has decided to jump into the competition to be the
site of the new Federal/Provincial Prison. We know that
there are mixed opinions about having such a facility in our
community. Although there would be many economic benefits,
some people are concerned about security. Before we make a
firm stand on this issue, we would like to know how you
feel. We are asking all those who wish to express their
choice, to contact the Town Hall of a councilor with your
preferred choice.
Clean Air for Kids
The Town of Wabana has agreed to support The Lung
Association of Newfoundland & Labrador in their “Clean Air
for Kids” Campaign. This is a provincial campaign to ban
smoking in cars with children. We have supported this very
important health issue because of the risks associated with
second-hand smoke. It is our hope that the Provincial
Government will move forward on this issue in the near
future.
Brighter Futures Coalition
Brighter Futures has assured the Town that they are
committed to serving the residents of Bell Island. They have
continued to offer the Healthy Baby Club program which is
full to capacity with a waiting list. Christine Whalen and
Cynthia Crane are employed as Resource Mothers for this
program. In the upcoming months the organization plans to
renovate the building on Town Square and to have a community
garden program during the summer of 2008.
Submitted by
Councillor Patrick Craig
