Bay Roberts councillors keeping wary ear cocked for Province’s reply

By Craig Westcott \ May 18, 2023

The Town of Bay Roberts is gearing up for the annual Songs, Stages, and Seafood Festival starting May 24 but doing so, some councillors were careful to point out last week, without financial help from the provincial government.

The comments arose after Councillor Silas Badcock updated council on preparations for the event. Badcock is a member of the Special Events Committee.

“It’s a very busy time now in the next few days getting ready for the Songs, Stages, and Seafood Festival,” said Badcock. “There’s a lot of changes coming and we’re trying to keep things organized… I think things are running really smoothly.”

Mayor Walter Yetman noted the meetings of the organizing committee have been drawing big numbers of volunteers.

Badcock then called for questions on the report.

Councillor Dean Franey asked if the Town has received a response from either Tourism Minister Steve Crocker, or Harbour Grace – Port de Grave MHA Pam Parsons regarding a request for financial help from the Province.

Yetman noted the Town’s letter, requesting that funding be reinstated to what it was when the festival first started, but which was cut last year, went directly to the minister and was copied to the town’s member. 

“So, hopefully we’ll hear back,” said the mayor.

“I hope so,” said Franey, “because I notice the provincial government doesn’t mind pumping funds into other festivals across the island, so there’s no reason Conception Bay North should be left out. It’s probably the biggest festival in the region.”

Yetman agreed. “It is a huge event. I think we’re on our 10th anniversary now, it’s well established, very successful, it brings a lot of money into our area and into our local economy, it promotes our local food and it’s a great tourism initiative. So, there’s no reason why it shouldn’t be receiving any funding.”

Badcock said he’s pretty sure many of the events are already sold out.

“That’s great to hear,” said Yetman. “But the funding, we need to push that, because there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be. I think we all agree to that.”

Deputy Mayor Geoff Seymour asked for clarification on the Province’s response. “They haven’t said no?’ he asked. “They just haven’t given an answer?”

Right, said Yetman. “And not giving, what I would say are, timely replies to requests.”

“That speaks volumes,” said Seymour.

“Whatever happens, we’ve just got to remember it, that’s all,” said Franey.