Shearstown roadwork should solve runoff problem, says mayor

By Olivia Bradbury / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Bay Roberts council is writing back to a Shearstown resident to assure that longstanding problems with water runoff and flooding will soon be made better.

The resident’s letter outlining the area’s water woes was addressed at the July 16 meeting of council. The resident, who wasn’t identified, but who lives on Shearstown’s Main Road, expressed concern about the periodic problem of water building up on some properties.

Shearstown’s Main Road has two sides: the pond side, and the hill side. On the hill side, water sometimes runs down over the hills and onto the residential properties below, sometimes in large amounts. According to Mayor Walter Yetman, a catch basin was put in place at one point, but the problem persists. However, a major road project in the works should remedy the issue.

Phase II of the Shearstown project will see the installation of sidewalks, catch basins, storm sewers, and drains.

“It’s going to be quite an improvement in the area for sure,” said Mayor Yetman.

Council agreed to send correspondence back to the resident with information about the impending solution.

Council also discussed the financial aspect of the project. The Town’s consultant, WSP E&I Canada Limited, recommended council accept the tender submitted by Black Diamond Construction. The cost is $1,763,926, HST included.

Chief Administrative Officer Nigel Black said the contractor is ready to start fairly quickly.

“You should see construction on Shearstown road very soon,” he said.

A motion to award the job to Black Diamond was approved by council.