Paradise gearing up for another year of growth

By Mark Squibb/February 10, 2022

Every year, during his outlook for the year ahead interview with The Shoreline, Paradise Mayor Dan Bobbett is different than many other mayors in that he has a shopping list of big ticket capital works projects to talk about.

That’s because Paradise remains one of the fastest growing towns in eastern Canada. This year is no exception.

Heading the list this year is $18 million in more upgrades to the town’s sewage treatment plant to meet federal regulations, and a $12.6 million project to replace the infamous Lift Station Number 10, which malfunctioned in 2019, spewing sewage on a nearby property.

Bobbett said the town is also proceeding with water and sewer projects on Moonlight Drive, while infrastructure upgrades continue in Evergreen Village, which he noted, contains some of Paradise’s oldest infrastructure.

Over the last 10 years, the town has spent about $20 million on water and sewer work.

Bobbett said there’s 11 streets left on the water and sewer list, and the Town will finish those roads as provincial and federal funding allow.

Looking back at last year, Bobbett was happy to see the opening of Paradise Intermediate, and still wants a high school built.  

Safety concerns, meanwhile, never seem to go away.

“Two of the biggest concerns throughout the town are illegal ATV use on our streets and speeding,” said Bobbett.

He said council has undertaken numerous traffic calming measures, including speed radar, and that municipal enforcement officers are now able to ticket offenders, including ATV drivers. He added the town is looking at ‘mini roundabouts’ in some areas as a safety measure.

“We know roundabouts will slow down traffic,” said Bobbett. “They also move traffic very efficiently. But, they will also slow down traffic.”

Bobbett said there’s been much discussion with the Province on how to tackle congestion along the main throughfares through town.

“We’re always looking at traffic issues throughout the town and where we can make efficiencies, whether that’s through automated light systems or using roundabouts to move traffic,” said the mayor. “We’re considering another roundabout for the Kenmount Road McNamara intersection, because we’re seeing that industrial park grow, and Kenmount Road extension is continuing on down past NcNamara Drive… We know that roundabouts make for efficient travel. We’re working with the Province, and the transportation department, to look at where we can make further improvements, at some of the interchanges and exchanges where some of the overpasses are and the Outer Ring Road off ramps, so part of our planning is to look at all of those.”

Just prior to the new year, council approved a budget of $39.4 million, without increasing the mil rate or other fees. It was balanced without any government COVID-19 stimulus funding, as governments appear to be winding down COVID spending.

Paradise received stimulus money in 2021 which, Bobbett said, helped balance the books last year. This year the town was able to balance its budget, despite that lack of help, by having staff adopt LEAN work practices and by finding efficiencies in all departments.

“I give staff full credit for being engaged and being a part of the process, and we’re seeing the benefits as we move forward,” said Bobbett, who added inflation was another challenge the town faced in setting its spending plans.

“Inflation has taken a toll on everybody, both residents and the town,” said Bobbett. “Inflation is starting to rise, so 2022 will be challenging… everything is increasing. Prices are increasing to get things done. Commodities are an issue, such as large equipment. The supply chain has been affected. So, it’s been challenging, it’s going to be challenging, but we’re prepared and we’re ready to tackle that head on.”

The big test last year, said Bobbett, was providing essential services, and even recreational offerings when possible in the face of the pandemic.

“I give full credit to staff for being able to adapt and being prepared to deal with any issue and dealing with it in a safe manner that protects both residents and staff,” said Bobbett. “The biggest thing is that we were able to efficiently provide services and do it in a safe manner, all while the pandemic continued and is still continuing. It just keeps on giving.”

Bobbett said he was glad that an accessibility pilot project that began in 2021 will carry on into 2022. It sees the town provide free taxi fares within Paradise for folks with disabilities.

Another highlight last year was the completion of the T’railway to CBS. This year he hopes to see park benches and mini playgrounds added to the Adam’s Pond Trail. The Town is also planning a community boat house at 1717 Topsail Road on the bank of Octagon Pond.

The Town will hold public consultations on the building design, and Bobbett said canoes, kayaks, and paddle boat rental options are all being considered. The town has also partnered with the Avalon Dragons on the construction of the building, and dragon boats will be stored at the boat house.

Paradise celebrated it’s 50th anniversary of incorporation last year, although the celebrations were more low key than originally planned due to COVID restrictions. The town’s annual winter festival, Snow and Ice in Paradise, is still in the planning stages.

According to provincial data, Paradise has achieved a 100 percent Covid vaccination rate.

“It’s fantastic,” said Bobbett. “Residents felt that they needed to get out, and get vaccinated, and do their part. We all have to do our part to get through this. That shows me that Paradise residents are all working together to navigate through a pandemic … Everybody needs to have some patience, and be kind, and we’ll get there.”