Harbour Grace council shows its Canadian pride

By Olivia Bradbury / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The tension between Canada and the U.S. over tariffs and President’s Donald Trump’s trash talk about a 51st state bled into some of the discussion at Harbour Grace council last month.

Councillor Gordon Stone, who chairs the town’s finance committee, brought up the topic during a discussion of Harbour Grace’s plans for Canada Day and New Year’s celebrations. 

“I guess there was some concern that there wouldn’t be enough money for both,” he said. “And, as we all know, with the political turmoil in the air around the world right now, Canada Day is very important. It always has been important, but as Canadians with our elbows up right now, it’s more important than ever that we make sure we celebrate Canada Day in the best way we can.” 

Stone added the town’s children and families like to celebrate on New Year’s Eve, making it another important event in the community. He made a motion on behalf of the finance committee that council provide $1,000 each for Canada Day fireworks and New Year’s Eve fireworks. The motion was seconded by Councillor Brendan Chafe.

“So, Mr. Chair,” said Councillor Lee Rogers, addressing Stone, “is that up and above what’s already given for the fireworks displays on Canada Day and New Year’s Eve, or is so much budgeted each year by the civic events committee?” 

Town Clerk and Manager Amy Dwyer told Rogers an amount was budgeted by the civic events committee with another amount contributed by the Town. 

Stone clarified that his motion was that the Town provide an extra thousand dollars for each event. 

Mayor Don Coombs noted the Town has found some money left from its Come Home Year Celebrations, adding that Matthew McCarthy, their economic development officer, would be applying for funding. 

“When we had the Come Home Year Celebrations, we were able to access some good sponsorships,” said Coombs, “and there’s an application to be filed on Canada Day.” 

The thousand dollars specified in Stone’s motion will be given in addition to those funds. 

Put to a vote, the motion carried unanimously.