Carbonear councillors talk accessibility

By Craig Westcott
November 24, 2023 Edition

Carbonear Mayor Frank Butt says he would like to see sidewalks added to the lower section of Powell Drive if the Town is successful in getting the Province to approve an application to use federal gas tax money for a third phase of upgrades to the street.

The mayor made the remark while questioning public works director Ian Farrell during his regular department update to council last week.

Butt first wanted to know whether the next phase of upgrades will stretch as far as Pondside Road, which is the intersection where the two streets meet near Beach Road, which itself is a lead in road to Water Street and the old downtown.

“I don’t think we’ll get quite as far down as that,” Farrell said. 

“Is it possible to get sidewalks down as far as Pondside, because that’s the only route from London Road and Powell Drive for anyone say in a wheelchair?” the mayor asked. “That’s one of the only places I can think of that a wheelchair would have trouble navigating.”

Farrell said there should be room for a sidewalk in that area.

Chief Administrative Officer Cynthia Davis pointed out there may not be enough money in the next phase of funding to do that, but it could be an option in a later round.

In other council news, staff have been directed to request a meeting with town’s MHA, Carbonear – Trinity – Bay de Verde member Steve Crocker, who is also the Minister of Tourism.

Councillor Danielle Doyle asked for the meeting on behalf of the development committee.

Doyle noted a couple of things have come up at the committee which could benefit from the member’s attention. “Plus, in the two years of (the current) council I don’t think we’ve had a meeting with the MHA,” she added. “We have a couple of still vacant abandoned buildings around town that are currently owned by (the Department of) Transportation and Works – the Interfaith Seniors Home and Harbour Lodge – as well as some other issues within the town and so we are requesting a meeting with our MHA.”

Councillor Peter Snow moved the motion to seek a meeting with Crocker. It was seconded by councillor Ray Noel and passed unanimously. 

And council has approved a list of citizens to sit on a committee and offer advice on how to make Carbonear’s municipal operations more inclusive.

Councillor Chris O’Grady made the motion to appoint the people on the list, noting the Town has decided to improve accessibility and inclusion and to develop an accessibility plan. The group will be able to help the Town in “identifying, preventing and eliminating barriers to programs, services and infrastructure,” he said.

The accessibility advisory committee will include residents Adam Grant, Rose Andrews, Jess Sampson, Kelly Mullins, Alda Jarvis, and councillor Danielle Doyle, who will represent council on the committee and chair it. Other members will include CAO Davis, economic development officer Kerri Abbott, public works director Farrell, and Rob Button, the director of recreation.

Councillor Snow seconded O’Grady’s motion, which passed unanimously without further discussion.