Some Spaniard’s Bay residents don’t like site of new town sign

By Olivia Bradbury/Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Spaniard’s Bay Deputy Mayor Tammy Oliver says she has been getting questions about the location of the new town sign, which is in a different place than previous town signs.

“I just want to inform our residents that council decided to erect this sign in a spot that’s a little more sheltered from the storm surge,” said Oliver. “Our past signs up at the old spot, we just keep losing them. They’re blowing down, they’re out in the ocean.”

Council chose the new location in the hope it will not have to replace it anymore, she explained.

Councillor Darlene Stamp said she too has been asked about the location of the new sign.

“I guess everyone’s heard those same comments,” said Stamp. “‘Why is that sign there?’ I’ve heard that at least three times this week.”

Stamp suggested some residents may be taking issue with the fact that the new sign is not closer to the entrance of town and may think the portion of town located outside the sign is being disregarded.

Councillor Eric Jewer pointed out that Bay Roberts’ town sign is not at the entrance of that municipality.

Mayor Paul Brazil agreed, remarking that Bay Roberts had put its sign in a convenient, safe location.

Oliver pointed out that town signs — and their replacements — are paid for with taxpayer money. She allowed it would have been nice to keep the sign close to the entrance of Spaniard’s Bay, but that it is not practical given the storms the area experiences.

“The ground there is soon going to be undermined,” she said.

By moving it to a more sheltered location, fewer taxpayer dollars should be spent on replacements, she added.