Bay Roberts council hears concern about rats on Water Street

By Olivia Bradbury/Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Rats on Water Street were on the agenda again at the September 24 meeting of Bay Roberts council.

This time it arose because a resident of the street had written council complaining about a neighbour’s broken garbage box.

The resident asked the Town to take action by setting traps and sending letters to residents with exposed garbage on their property. The resident also suggested that a townwide flyer be posted to every mailbox in Bay Roberts advising people how to prevent the spread of rodents.

Mayor Walter Yetman allowed that old, dilapidated garbage boxes do pose a big problem where pests are concerned.

“We encourage everyone to repair the garbage boxes, make them presentable and sturdy and not accessible by rodents,” said the mayor.

Deputy Mayor Geoff Seymour suggested that council direct the municipal enforcement officer to follow up on the resident’s complaint and remove the garbage box in question.

Councillor Frank Deering suggested the Town have an annual garbage box inspection, letting people know whether their garbage boxes need repairs or improvements.

Deering noted that a couple of years ago council discussed replacing residents’ private wooden garbage boxes with Town-supplied plastic garbage bins and suggested that maybe they should revisit that idea.

Councillor Dean Franey agreed. “My recommendation to anyone replacing a garbage box, is go get one of those plastic bins,” said Franey. “The best thing I’ve ever done. I haven’t seen a rat on my property since.”

Franey also suggested that, in the 2025 budget, perhaps the Town could allocate funds for pest management. “That’s reasonable for a municipality to do,” he said.

Councillor Ross Petten made a motion to send the issue to the committee of the whole for discussion. Councillor Deering seconded the motion. All members of council voted in favour, and the motion was carried.