Big strides in Spaniard’s Bay

Brazil predicts next mayor will likely by a woman

By Olivia Bradbury/Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Paul Brazil has been involved with the Spaniard’s Bay town council for 12 years. During his first term he served as deputy mayor, and he has served as mayor for the other two. As the new year begins, he spoke about the challenges the town has faced, the successes it has enjoyed, and his own plans to finish his duties as mayor in 2025.

Brazil noted a few issues Spaniard’s Bay is still dealing with, including complications that the town’s water intake pond experiences in winter. The pond freezes over in the cold and subsequently clogs the water line with slush ice.

Another infrastructure challenge has been the sewer line in the Back Cove area which backs up at times, as it does not have good drainage.

The Town had engineers look at both issues, but the solutions proposed were too costly. Council will revisit the issues this year.

Regarding achievements the Town saw in 2024, Brazil again cited infrastructure projects, such as stormwater drainage and paving road upgrades. He noted the Town applied for further road upgrades on Rocky Pond Road, and the application was approved. That work should be done this summer.

Another accomplishment highlighted by Brazil, not specific to 2024 but ongoing, is the involvement of women in the town’s government, which he said has steadily increased since he first joined council. More than half the Spaniard’s Bay council consists of women, including Deputy Mayor Tammy Oliver.

“I’m pretty confident that our next mayor, after I’m finished my term, is most likely going to be female,” said Brazil.

When it comes to plans for 2025, Brazil said council is always looking at improving recreational facilities and doing more beautification projects. Some projects under consideration include upgrades to playground equipment, lights for the basketball court, a new set of bleachers for the baseball field, and new siding for the recreation centre.

Brazil will not be running in the 2025 municipal election. Last winter, Brazil’s wife Elizabeth suffered a stroke and requires additional care.

“I’m really struggling now to find time to do the things that need to be done in the town and see to her,” Brazil admitted, noting it’s difficult to find someone to care for her in the evenings so he can attend meetings. “I’m having trouble giving council the attention that it needs, and I depend heavily now, more so than ever, on the other six councillors.”

But Brazil added that after he is no longer mayor, he will still be involved with the community. He hopes to volunteer in a role that is less demanding of his time. “I’ve been a volunteer and participating in a lot of ways in the community long before I got involved with the council,” said the former chairman of the community’s recreation commission. “I love my town, the Town of Spaniard’s Bay. My family’s been here now for over 200 years. I want to see it grow and prosper.”