Holyrood public works staff praised for a job well done

By Mark Squibb

A watermain break near Taplin Place along Route 60 on February 1 resulted in water being shut off from Salmonier Line to the Harbour Main-Chapel’s Cove-Lakeview boundary for the better part of the day.

The water was shut off at noon and not turned back on until 7 p.m. that night.

Councillor Steve Winsor said the incident was unfortunate, and he thanked residents for their patience, especially as some of the affected housesholds are heated by hot water radiation.

He applauded Town staff for working through miserable weather conditions. He also applauded staff for keeping residents updated throughout the repairs.

Councillor Sadie King, who lives in the area, also praised the work of staff.

“I observed firsthand what happened this weekend, it was right in front of my door,” said King. “I had just come back from the library, and went in my house, and few minutes after that, it was like a ranging torrent going down Holyrood hill. Water and rocks were going everywhere. And only for the quick action of our public works staff, there would be two driveways gone. It was really, really raging.”

She said workers were on scene for nine hours in cold, wet conditions.

“I hope our residents are as impressed with them as I am,” said King.

Council will discuss the incident, and the town’s response, again in further committee meetings.