Carbonear hoping to streamline permit applications
By Craig Westcott
Carbonear councillors may soon get more detailed updates from staff on development applications coming into the Town Hall.
Deputy Mayor Fred Earle, who chairs council’s economic development committee, noted that under the new Town Plan, most permits have to be “actioned” within an eight-week period.
“So, we’re going to dust off the permits and see what’s outstanding so that we can make it all compliant and work on an eight-week process,” Earle reported at the February 24 meeting of council. “We have got a fairly quick turnaround, but our Achilles heel is Service Newfoundland (and Labrador) with the staffing shortages and things like that. Our staff is making great strides to smooth out our side of it.”
Earle added this time of year there is a bit of a lull in permit applications, but that gives staff time to look at the development regulations to “make our town development friendly.”
Mayor Sam Slade indicated any proposed changes to the process will have to be put before all of council for a discussion.
“Agreed,” said Earle. “Our EDTO (economic development and tourism officer Kerri Abbott) is going to finalize and work on all that and the plan is she’s going to be contacting everybody. And it’s only got to do particularly with the new development plans and regulations. We’re also going to try to streamline the process for people with maybe a handout or something online that they can review that makes it easier for them so that it’s not cumbersome.”
Since the start of 2026, Earle said, council has approved two new housing developments, two commercial buildings and two home-based businesses. “So far the investment is $463,000, so we’re off to a good start,” he said.
As for new applications, Earle moved that council use its discretionary powers to approve a home-based electrical service business at 78 Lemarchant Street. The approval is conditional upon no objections being received after it has been published for public comment. The motion was approved unanimously.
Earle said the Town is still “exploring options” to hold a public meeting to discuss the new Town Plan. “We’re going to be in consultation with all the councillors before we pull the trigger on that, Mr. Mayor,” Earle said.
In other council news:
Mayor Slade said he was happy to learn Carbonear has been approved for a grant of $1,500 under the provincial multiculturalism grants program.
The Town has also received approval from the provincial government for Phase III of the Water Street upgrades to the tune of $122,100.
And finally, the Town is in the money, so to speak, on a couple of public works projects coming in under budget, but out of pocket on a third project that is costing more than estimated, councillor Stephen Penney informed his colleagues.
The one over budget is the Beach Road sewer sizing. The change order on that project is weighing in at an additional $42,617, HST included.
The savings are coming from the completion of the phase I upgrades to Powell’s Road in the amount of $47,333, and savings on phase II of the same project to the tune of $36,540.
Penney said the savings will be used on future projects.