Den for Paradise dragons inches closer

By Chad Feehan / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Paradise council moved closer again on Tuesday to smoothing the waters for the construction of a boathouse on Octagon Pond to support breast cancer survivors who participate in Dragon Boat racing.
Pending further approval from the Province’s Crown Lands Division, council gave formal approval for the development of a community boathouse on Octagon Pond.
As part of the structure will exist on Crown Land, Provincial approval is also required.
“Should objections be received, the applications will be returned to council for further review,” said Deputy Mayor Kimberley Street.
In 2022, the Town voted unanimously to award the tender for design services for the boathouse to All North Consultants at the price of $211,589, HST included.
All North beat out two other applications after being scored on criteria including technical and financial merits.
The Avalon Dragons, a breast cancer survivors Dragon Boat team formed in 2006, have been looking forward to having a boathouse for years. Octagon Pond is the site of annual Dragon Boat races during the summer Sun Splash and Paddle in Paradise festival.
In other development news, council also gave approval in principle to the Crossroads Inn and Suites to expand its offerings by eight rooms, subject to conditions.
Councillor Glen Carew was pleased to see the longstanding business expanding its operations.
“Crossroads has been there forever and a day, and even a day after that, so it’s good to see them progressing in their business,” he said.