Conservation designation doesn’t mean ‘No Development,’ says Harbour Grace mayor

The Town of Harbour Grace earlier this month partnered with Stewardship Association of Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador (SAM-NL) to develop a conservation area to protect the natural wildlife of the area.

“We’ve spent a lot of time developing this, and we’re introducing the conservation area as part of our new Municipal Plan,” explained Harbour Grace Mayor Don Coombs.

There will be three conservation areas within the plan: the Harbour Grace Estuary, Pirates Path Coastal trail area, and Bannerman Lake.

Coombs said the new designation will not change current zoning regulations in those areas, which are zoned Environmental Protection.

“All it means is that if a development application comes across our desk, we’ll forward the application to the Province for comment,” said Coombs. “It does not mean no development; it means appropriate development that respects the importance and unique habitats of our conservation.”

Rather than become an obstacle to development, Coombs said he believes the plan will better improve development in the area.

“Development is allowed, but it has to be under the regulations,” said Coombs. “We don’t see it hampering development, we see it enhancing development in the area.”

The Town has partnered with (SAM-NL) to develop interpretation of and programming for the area.

“Through our work with SAM-NL, we’ll work in partnership with Birds Canada, Ducks Unlimited, and the Fluvarium,” said Coombs. “And we’re hoping to develop some interesting environmental programs with these partners, with some being housed at Otterbury School, which is scheduled to be revitalized in the coming months.”

Coombs said council felt it was important to preserve important wildlife habitats, and the move will promote environmental tourism and encourage residents to get involved in local conservation efforts.

“We respect the habitat and wildlife there, and we want to protect it for future generations,” said Coombs.

The mayor credits two residents, Jim Cain and Paul Stevenson, with lighting the spark that got council in motion.

“As municipal leaders, we don’t see 100 percent of things 100 percent of the time, but when people step up to the plate and they have a vision, we will work with it and work with them,” said Coombs. “Certainly, this is something that is well needed.”

The Town has submitted the plan to the provincial government for approval.