Carbonear council moves to restore community’s signature fountain

by Olivia Bradbury

Those who frequent the Town of Carbonear are likely familiar with Carbonear Pond and Rossiters Pond, which are located near the Conception Bay Regional Community Centre. The ponds are encircled by a boardwalk, and Carbonear Pond has a fountain that operates during the warmer months. However, it was recently discovered that, after the long winter, the fountain requires repairs

Director of Recreation Rob Button informed council last month that the fountain’s pump needs to be repaired. He asked for a motion to contract Rebuilt Pumps and Motors (RPM) Limited to repair the pump at an estimated cost of $3,963, plus shipping and HST. The motion was made by councillor Peter Snow, seconded by councillor Amanda Dowden and carried.

“It’s nice to see that a business from Carbonear is going to be doing that work,” said Deputy Mayor Fred Earle. “That’s twofold. And I think the price was right compared to buying a new pump, so kudos to the staff for saving the town a few extra dollars.”

Mayor Sam Slade said the pump is usually removed from the pond during the fall, but was not removed last year. He said the freezing of the pond can cause complications for the pump. “So, in the future, when the fall rolls around, that pump should be taken out of the pond, secured and winterized,” he said.

Button said his department is not responsible for the fountain pump — its maintenance would fall to public works, not recreation. Slade assured Button he wasn’t implying that it was recreation’s responsibility. “I just wanted for all councillors to recognize that, by leaving it in the pond, this is the end result of it,” said the mayor.

Slade said he believed the fountain pump was donated by the Moores family of Carbonear in memory of their loved ones.

Chief Administrative Officer Cathy Somers confirmed the original pump was donated by the Moores family but needed to be replaced after a few decades.

“That could very well be,” said Slade. “But anyway, the life of it is very important upon the proper maintenance of it.”

Slade said the fountain itself is beautiful.

“Driving down the street or driving across the beach you see it there, and it’s quite peaceful to actually go over there on the boardwalk and sit down and just look at it,” he said. “It’s therapeutic.”