Wells hopes 2026 brings w&s funding for South River

By Olivia Bradbury, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

It turns out that Bev Wells is just where she wants to be.
The mother of three has served on South River council for 17 years and has been mayor since 2020.
The political journey began when her friend Veronica Rowe, the first female mayor of South River, encouraged Wells to give council a try. As a mom and a volunteer in her church, Wells was already plenty busy and afraid she could not commit the time to council. But, she had always been interested in the goings-on in town and enjoyed talking about public matters with Rowe. Sadly, Rowe died while in office in 2004 – Veronica Rowe Memorial Park in South River is named in her honour.
Four years later, once her youngest child was older, Wells decided to take the advice of her late friend and put her name on the ballot for a 2008 by-election. She was the only candidate to come forward and was acclaimed councillor. Council voted her deputy mayor in 2017, and three years after that she became mayor.
Wells is quick to answer when asked what she likes best about serving on council.
“The people,” she said. “One time I knew practically 85 per cent of the town.”
Wells said it’s satisfying seeing things get accomplished and the past year had some achievements. For instance, council managed to trim the mil rate last year from 5.0 to 4.5 mils. It also improved wheelchair access at Veronica Rowe Memorial Park.
“I love that park, and that’s been my dream ever since this opened down there, I’ve been wanting to see this done,” Wells said.
Council also managed to make a substantial donation to fix the bridge at the local cemetery, which had rotted. Council installed culverts on Salmon Cove Road, and applied to the federal Canadian Housing Infrastructure program for a $2.8 million water treatment system.
Wells said the Town employed four student workers over the summer and their work ethic was wonderful. The students accomplished a great deal, she said, maintaining the parks and playgrounds, mowing, weeding, and picking up garbage. They even removed all glass ornaments from the cemetery when wildfires were rampant during the summer and there were fears the glass could ignite a spark if the sun was magnified through them enough. The students also organized the town’s Pony Walk and a games day at the park.
As for the coming year, Wells said council plans to put a tennis court behind the local ballfield. The court will also be available for basketball and pickleball. Wells also hopes the Town will be able to hold more community events, especially for the youth.
Wells said finding the money for more water and sewer extensions remains a priority. Like many places this past year, South River saw its share of dry wells.
Wells said council has been wanting to remedy the issue for a long time, but its applications for government funding the past few years were rejected. Wells hopes 2026 will be the year the funding requests get approved.
“On behalf of the council and staff, I’d just like to wish all the residents a very nice Christmas and Happy New Year,” said Wells.