Heritage Society request has Bay Roberts council scratching for a proper response

By Olivia Bradbury

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A request from the Bay Roberts Heritage Society that council cover half the cost of a new security system had councillors wrestling over the best way to respond.

The request was put forward for discussion at council’s September 10 meeting by the Town’s director of tourism and development, Ron Delaney.

The Heritage Society has a museum and Christopher Pratt art gallery on the upper level of the Cable Building on Water Street, the same building that houses the town office. The Heritage Society recently had a security system installed which cost some $6,000. Society is hoping the security system will enable it to run the museum with fewer personnel and keep it open longer, not just in terms of operating hours but potentially later into the year. The Society requested that the town provide $3,000, to cover half the cost.

Chief Administrative Officer Nigel Black noted council had discussed the request at a previous committee of the whole meeting, and a conclusion had been reached that, if Delaney can find the money in his department’s budget, the Town would consider giving the Heritage Society a community grant. But Black added that a subsequent report from Delaney explained it is difficult to find $3000 in his budget. Delaney suggested money could potentially be taken out of the hydro budget as the heat pumps that were installed have turned out to be less costly than expected, but he was not sure what the budget difference might be.

Mayor Walter Yetman allowed the amount requested by the Society is substantial, especially given that the request comes in the middle of the year when the Town’s budget is tighter. However, he conceded the museum is becoming part of the town’s tourism and economic development, suggesting that perhaps in the future council should have a discussion with the Heritage Society about the museum becoming a part of the tourism department.

There were varying opinions on the part of other council members as to how to respond to the financial request.

Councillor Ross Petten said council should support the museum however it can.

Councillor Frank Deering said he would be open to giving $3,000, but not until 2025 when it can be accommodated in a new budget.

Councillor Dean Franey pointed out the amount requested is double that of a typical community grant. Whether they give the Heritage Society money this year or next, he asserted, the Town should only contribute $1,500.

Deputy Mayor Geoff Seymour agreed with Franey on the amount but felt it should come out of the 2025 budget.

Mayor Yetman said he believed council should do as Franey suggested and give the Heritage Society $1,500 out of this year’s budget. He added that council needs to discuss maxing out community grants at $1,500.

Deering said if it is only $1,500, he is open to giving it to the society this year if Delaney can find it in the budget.

Seymour ultimately agreed with that view as well.

Franey then made a motion to give $1,500 from the 2024 budget. All councillors voted in favour, and the motion was carried.