Spaniard’s Bay adopts new by-laws

By Olivia Bradbury / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Spaniard’s Bay council has rejigged some of its bylaws and policies to match them with neighboring with whom it is sharing a new bylaw enforcement officer.

The changes are also being made to adjust to the replacement of the former provincial Municipalities Act by the new Towns and Local Service Districts Act.

“The Town is starting to bring onboard some by-laws to make it coherent for our neighbouring towns with who we all share a municipal officer,” said Deputy Mayor Tammy Oliver, referring to Brady Sheehan, the regional by-law enforcement officer shared by Spaniard’s Bay with Bay Roberts, North River, and Harbour Grace. Oliver explained it will be easier for the enforcement officer to deal with one set of by-laws rather than individual sets for each town. The council then discussed the adoption of three by-laws.

The first was the Arrears Sale By-law, which regulates how a council can sell property to recover unpaid taxes. Councillor Debbie Newman made a motion to adopt it, and it was seconded by councillor Darlene Stamp. The motion passed unanimously.

The second by-law was the Noise and Nuisance By-law. Councillor Sherry Lundrigan made a motion to adopt the by-law, and it was seconded by Newman. 

Lundrigan said council needs to sit down and further discuss certain by-laws to see what they want to add or change. 

“Some of these are very vague,” she said, citing the example of fireworks, which are not mentioned in the Noise and Nuisance By-law. “So I think that council really needs to sit down and go through all these anyway,” said Lundrigan. 

“I think they should be tailored more towards us,” agreed Stamp. 

All voted in favour of Lundrigan’s motion to adopt the by-law.

The third by-law addressed was the Development Regulations By-law. Lundrigan made a motion to adopt it, and it was seconded by councillor Eric Jewer. 

Lundrigan said this by-law is also vague. She said council will need to discuss it and decide what fines will be given to those who build houses or undertake other work without permits. 

“I think the fee structure, specifically with permits and stuff, has to be overhauled,” said Oliver. Everyone voted in favour of adopting the by-law.