Patching not enough, says Skinner

By Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Olivia Bradbury

The Town of Harbour Grace has plans to pave a section of Alberta Drive, repairing damage it has suffered as a result of leaks.

Councillor Keith Skinner, who chairs the capital and public works committee, moved that the Town apply to use gas tax funds to make the repairs and pave 75 metres of Alberta Drive.

Because he lives on Alberta Drive, Mayor Terry Barnes removed himself from the chambers until after the vote.

Skinner’s motion was seconded by councillor Lee Rogers, and it passed unanimously.

After the vote, Barnes noted the Town has had to dealt with multiple water leaks on Alberta Drive this year. While he doesn’t live near the area where the repairs will be made, Barnes explained that he removed himself from the vote so that people would not think he voted for something in his own interest.

“Furthest from the truth,” said Barnes.

Skinner reiterated there have been several leaks on Alberta Drive, hence the need for the repairs.

“You just can’t try to patch it,” said Skinner. “You’ve just got to gut it out and then repair it.”