All the political rhetoric and partisan disagreements over the Churchill Falls “deal” is getting us nowhere.

In reality we have zero say in what is really happening.

In case you missed it, why did Mark Carney show up to finalize the deal?

Tony Wakeham has had his hands tied by Ottawa. He has been outtrumped by Carney pushing his agenda ahead of the wishes of Newfoundlanders.

Turns out that Carney needs 50 Megawatts of extra power to run the Alto high speed electric train.

No matter how much provincial politicians fight and bicker among themselves their actions are meaningless against the tyranny of Carney and his radical net zero agenda and his vision of electrifying the country.

Bawl and rave all you want but we have no say. The deal is done, pushed by Ottawa.

Wakeham was outtrumped by Carney. Accept it. It’s fact.

Dave Porter

Foxtrap

The post ‘The deal is done’ appeared first on The Shoreline News.

The 1969 Churchill Falls Agreement expires in 2041. The Churchill Falls Labrador Corporation (CFLco) owns the generating plant in Churchill Falls and it is jointly owned by NL Hydro who owns 65.8 percent of the project, and Hydro Quebec who owns the other 34.2 per cent. Under the agreement, Hydro Quebec gets to buy up to 29,750,000 MWh (85 per cent) of the power generated for 3 mills (tenths) of a cent for the first five years declining to 2.5 mills per KWH for the last 15 years. NL Hydro also gets to buy 5.5 per cent of the power for the same rate. The Churchill Falls Corporation distributes its profits to NL Hydro and Hydro Quebec minus operating and capital costs. The project generates 35,000,000 MWh annually.

Hydro Quebec power is transmitted to its markets both inside and outside Quebec using its own transmission lines. Quebec has over 60 hydroelectric generating stations including the James Bay Project which produces 40 per cent of its power needs. Bio energy and solar power provide a small portion. Wind power makes up 5 per cent of its needs and the balance from Churchill Falls makes up about 15 per cent of its energy consumption. Quebec consumes up to 200 million MWh annually and it exports 13-22 million MWh annually.

In 2041, the agreement with Hydro Quebec will expire and NL Hydro will seek to increase the rate from .02 cents KWh to substantially more. What that amount will be is not known but regardless of the rate, the only way to get the power to Quebec and beyond is by using Hydro Quebec transmission lines. Half the power from Churchill Falls is exported but Hydro Quebec is constantly upgrading its wind power generation so its reliance on Churchill Falls power in 2041 is questionable.

In 2041 when the current contract expires, the ownership of the generating plant at Churchill Falls will not change. NL will continue to own 65.8 per cent, and Quebec will continue to own 34.2 per cent. CFLco owns the facility and both Quebec and NL pay for the power they use. They have that money returned to them in the form of dividends at the ownership percentage less capital and operating costs.

Quebec sells Churchill Falls power for approximately 10.3 cents KWH. It pays CFLco approximately $74 million dollars annually for power that it sells for approximately $3 billion dollars annually.

NL pays $500,000 to CFLco for its power portion and sells it to customers in Labrador for 3.154 cents per KWH for $60 million. (The rate on the island portion of the province is 15.587 cents per KWH for power generated on the island).

In 2024 the Liberal government negotiated an MOU with Quebec and in a subsequent election it lost power and the Conservative government negotiated a new MOU.

Prior to the election, the Liberals were jubilant. Premier Andrew Furey echoed the comments of former Premier Brian Peckford’s 1982 speech that “Someday the sun will shine and have-not will be no more.”

Liberals were dancing in the halls and Conservatives, NDP and Independents didn’t have dance partners and their collective sentiments were that the deal was as bad as the 1969 deal or possibly worse.

Then came a change of government, the Conservatives won, they negotiated a new MOU and suddenly they were dancing in the halls and the Liberals, NDP and all of the Independents except Eddie Joyce couldn’t even hear the music.

Politics at its worst from all except Joyce who was crucified on social media for supporting the new MOU. No person should ever have to experience the insults, lies and the unfounded accusations that he was subjected to by persons I can only describe as ‘Trumpians.’

Let’s have a quick look at a few of the differences between the 2024 Liberal deal and the 2026 Conservative deal.

Both MOU’s are energy agreements between the two provinces to replace the 1969 contract and co-develop new hydroelectric generation on the Churchill River and the Gull Island project. The new MOU represents upgrades to produce a new 1,100 MW powerhouse and 550 MW upgrade.

The Gull Island project will add 2750 MW and will be 60 per cent owned by NL and 40 per cent by Quebec, somewhat similar to the 1969 ownership breakdown. Hydro Quebec will be the project manager. There will also be a wind generation project 40 per cent owned by the federal government generating 2000 MW.

Quebec will provide $3.5 billion to NL to cover NL’s equity share of its 60 per cent ownership. The federal government will also provide $3.5 billion ($1 billion for the wind project, $1 billion for transmission lines, and $1.5 billion for construction).

The total cost of the project is $70 billion. Quebec bears full responsibility for the construction costs and overruns.

2024                                                                            2026

Value to NL $36 Billion                                                $49 Billion

Nominal Value $225 Billion                                        $273 Billion

Cash flow – $0                                                             $10 Billion
Retained Power 1990 MWH                                       2350 MWH

No transmission guarantee                                         985 MW transmitted through PQ at their rates

5.9 cents per kwh                                                        1.8 -11.5 cents per kw in 2041

Federal involvement – $0                                            $10 Billion and loan guarantee

Gull Island 2,250 MW                                                 Gull Island 2,750 MW including 400 for NL

Jobs guarantee? Nothing                                            85 per cent of all person hours for local people

Nothing                                                                       2,000 MW Wind project

Debt balloon payment ($30 billion)                            $5 Billion

Duration 50 years                                                        Duration 50 years

One of the objections from the Liberals et al is the lack of indigenous support in the 2026 MOU. It cut their financial benefits by over 50 per cent. It is a complicated issue made more difficult by the lack of recognition of Innu heritage and the involvement of the Quebec indigenous group.

But is that enough to oppose the MOU?

The other objection is the amount Quebec will pay for power. The 2024 deal set the rate at 5.9 cents KWH and the 2026 deal starts it at 1.8 to 7.4 on a sliding scale not delineated. That’s a value concern but can be addressed.

But does the increased power being made available to NL, and the ability to sell that power through PQ transmission lines and the involvement of the federal government, balance or even create more benefits to NL?

Most of the objections to the 2026 MOU from the general public stem from the promise Premier Wakeham made during his election campaign to hold a referendum on the MOU. Of all the promises I have heard premiers make, this one was the craziest and only common sense made him decide not to hold a referendum.

In my opinion, the percentage of eligible voters who could vote in such a referendum with any degree of knowledge of the agreement is less than 1 per cent.

I attended a rally at Confederation Building opposing the MOU, to gauge the knowledge of people rallying to oppose it.

I recorded some of their comments:

“Because we are giving Quebec our resources the same as the ‘69 deal.”

“We should wait ‘til 2041 and then we will have Quebec by the balls.”

“The f—ng PCs are being paid by Quebec to give away our power.”

“None of these assholes know what they are doing. They got elected in a fluke and now they are f—n’ us.”

It is unfortunate that we live in this so-called democracy where the Opposition opposes for the sake of opposing. The Conservatives did it with the 2024 MOU and the Liberals are doing it with the 2026 MOU. The NDP just oppose, and at a recent visit by their federal leader, Avi Lewis, he applauded them “for being the only adults in the room.” I doubt very much if that man has even read the cover page of either MOU. I am at a loss to understand why reporters let him make that statement without being challenged.

The Liberals have valid concerns but if they had the interest of the people of the province as their prime directive, they would raise those concerns by addressing them directly and asking the Conservatives to explain their rationale for that pricing change in particular. Did they agree to it to get the extra power, the transmission capability and the elimination of the Debt Balloon, saving the province $25 billion? I think that that makes up for the pricing difference.

I support this MOU. I supported the 2024 MOU. I think the 2026 MOU improves upon the latter and will net the province billions of dollars as well as 23,000 jobs during the construction phase alone.

Those ignoramuses who object to this agreement saying it is rushed only cements my belief that they truly do not have even a limited understanding of this MOU. Votes were made strictly on party lines and that is unforgiveable. Even MHA Keith Russell left the Conservative Party as proof that our MHAs adhere religiously to the Prime Director of Premier Smallwood: “The primary mission of an MHA is to get re-elected.”

Tom Badcock,

St. John’s

tom@thehubstjohns.com

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By Craig Westcott

Barry Petten laughs and admits that if he was to print all his titles on a business card, he’d probably have to use a Bristol board.

“I’d have a lot of trouble jamming it my pocket,” he admitted.

With the latest cabinet shuffle, the MHA for Conception Bay South is now Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Registrar General, Minister of Community Engagement, Deputy Government House Leader, Deputy Premier, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, and Minister of Public Procurement.

It’s a lot of work just saying it, but Petten doesn’t seem to mind. He is flattered that Premier Tony Wakeham has placed so much faith in him. Only ministers Lloyd Parrot and Craig Pardy can match him with the breadth of roles they manage.

And despite all the duties, Petten isn’t forgetting his district responsibilities, as the kilometres upon kilometres of fresh pavement from Seal Cove to Topsail attest. Petten said the contractor is well aware government wants the job finished before school starts.

“It’s long overdue, the paving, and there’s more to come next year,” Petten said last week. “There’s a section there by Tim Horton’s and Legion Road just up to Anthony’s Road (in Kelligrews) that we couldn’t do this year, because there are a few issues with the lights. We needed things put underground – the (wiring for the) traffic lights at Legion Road – and there’s a couple of (underground water and sewer) connections that had to be done and we couldn’t pave the road before they were done. So, we’re going to do it next year. And there’s another section in Seal Cove to go along with the Town’s new water and sewer between Parson’s ballfield and the boundary in Holyrood. So, after next year, all of Route 60 from Paradise right up through Holyrood and beyond will have great driving for years to come, hopefully. It’s long overdue and a lot of people are happy, including myself.”

Past governments usually repaved roads in sections, rarely the whole thing. Petten had nearly a quarter of a billion dollars to spend across the province this year and he said he’s trying to make the most of it.

“It’s quite an amount of work, but I believe you should do it right the first time, then you will have years of maintenance free (road),” he said of the Route 60 project. “From a government perspective, it’s more cost-effective to do it this way.”

Other district issues are also a priority, Petten pointed out, including construction of an urgent care health centre in CBS.

“People ask me about that a lot,” he said. “That’s moving along in the infrastructure planning process and there’s money allotted for the construction of this new build. That’s a big deal for residents of CBS and something we’re committed to, and I look forward to seeing that to completion.”

Another issue high on his agenda is the eventual replacement of Frank Roberts Junior High in Foxtrap with a new building. Parents have been lobbying for a better building for years. Petten managed to get money set aside in this year’s budget to do an assessment of the school.

“It’s been an issue of mine for quite some time,” Petten said. “It was something that I fought hard for when we were in Opposition, so when we got in government it was one of my top priorities.”

Other district accomplishments are not as big, but still important to him, Petten said, such as the new pavement on the parking lots of Queen Elizabeth Regional High School and St. George’s Elementary. 

Petten is fortunate in that while his newest portfolio, Municipal and Community Affairs, comes with its own challenges and priorities, he’s been around government and Opposition long enough to have become acquainted with many of the towns and talked with their leaders.

“Experience matters, no matter what you do in life,” Petten agreed. “In government, you’re drawing a lot on your experience and your relationships, and good communications.”

Petten said he always tries to be straight up with people and respectful. 

“There is some logical overlap,” as well, between the two departments, Petten said, noting officials and ministers of Transportation and Municipal Affairs were often both involved in funding decisions for the towns when it came to infrastructure. Now he’s the minister of both departments.

“I guess it gives me more freedom to carry out the duties and work jointly with both departments,” he said. “So, there are synergies. It increases the workload, no doubt, but I do think once I get my head around the department things will settle and I’ll find good practices to make things flow better, and at the end of the day it will work out well for all involved, the municipalities especially… I’m looking forward to good things for the municipalities and moving things ahead on their agenda.”

Being minister of both Transportation and Municipal Affairs places Petten at the centre of many infrastructure and funding decisions. He said he is doing his best to spend the money more smartly than governments have done in the past, and wisely, because it belongs to the residents of the province.

“That’s been my mantra for a long time,” he said.

He added he is not doing all the work alone. Petten said he depends a lot on his staff, both his district political staff, and the various department’s professional staff.

And while he usually spends the last hour of each evening the same way he started his workday at 7 a.m. – checking emails and returning messages – Petten said he still manages to recharge thanks to his family.

“I’ve got three grandchildren, my wife Rhonda is retired, and I’ve got two daughters who live close by, so that’s my outlet,” Petten said. “They keep me grounded and that helps a lot, I’ve got to say.”

The post The man with the most hats appeared first on The Shoreline News.

Paradise councillors have approved an eight-lot infill subdivision at 2-26 Carberry Place, though not without considerable discussion among themselves and pushback from residents.

Over recent months, councillors and staff have met with a number of residents who opposed the development, citing increased traffic along Carberry Place and the clearcutting necessary to make way for the new housing.

“I think it’s fair to say that we’re providing the information that the residents are looking for,” said councillor Sheldon Antle, who broached the subject during a recent committee of the whole meeting. “It’s difficult. Development is difficult. There isn’t a silver bullet or a golden ticket that we can give them that’s going to satisfy. There’s a huge emotional piece to any of these approvals, especially to ones that are in our own backyard. And I do appreciate their concerns, and I respect their stance.”

Antle said that however contentious, the development fits within the framework of the Town’s municipal plan.

“It meets the threshold in terms of frontage, in terms of lot size, in terms of configuration,” he said. “Unfortunately, land has to be cleared in order for this development to proceed. The trail, that residents have brought up on a number of occasions through email and as part of the delegation, will currently stay in place. There is no plan to move that. If anything, this council has been fairly consistent in terms of wanting to have a trail network.”

Antle added the development will include a sidewalk that will make it easier for people to access the trail, though he acknowledged some residents don’t want the sidewalk.

“That’s the reality of how development works,” said Antle. “Some people are in favour of certain things, and some people aren’t. But I think if we err on the side of safety, we’re doing our job.”

Antle challenged comments that there is a lack of transparency in the decision-making process, pointing out that meetings are broadcast publicly and that notices are sent to residents when need be. He also noted The Shoreline newspaper reports on the meetings on a regular basis.

“All of us at the table have felt the impact of development,” said Antle. “I lost the trees and the green space behind my house about 10 years ago when Canterbury Drive extension and Hillsdale were added to Elizabeth Park. And I say I lost my trees, but they were never really mine to begin with. The trees that were there were part of private land that was subsequently developed as per the municipal plan and the development regulations.”

Deputy Mayor Kimbelry Street admitted that discussions have been “intense” and that residents were very passionate, which she respected.

“I think this is the most engagement I’ve seen in my time on council, with regards to an infill lot, and I understand the challenges for people there on Carberry and Duff’s,” said Street, adding that she hopes residents feel like they have been heard on the matter.

“I really feel like we have done our due diligence on this,” said Street.

Councillor Glen Carew agreed with Street that the application attracted more attention than any other that he could remember in his years on council.

As to the removal of vegetation and trees to make way for development, Carew said that as new trees are planted, those trees will grow in time.

“I hear comments like, ‘Mount Pearl has all these beautiful trees,’” said Carew. “I lived in Mount Pearl as a teen, from about age 8 to age 15, when I moved to Paradise. And yes, Mount Pearl has all these beautiful, mature trees over around the houses and in behind the trails, but when I was a teenager all those lots were cleared and there wasn’t a tree to be found in the new town area of Mount Pearl. But now you go down there, and it looks like Bowering Park. So, I hate to say this, but these neighbourhoods will conform as time goes along.”

Councillor Jennifer Hiscock thanked the residents for their participation, and staff, Antle and Street for spearheading the public discussion.

Hiscock said she understands the residents’ frustration and hopes the sidewalk requirement will address some of the concerns.

Council ultimately approved the development, subject to 25 conditions.

The post Paradise approves infill over neighbourhood’s objections appeared first on The Shoreline News.

Paradise council has doubled down on its decision to remove a fort that has existed in one form or another for years along the shores of Mercer’s Pond and that served as a hangout for some teens.

Council voted unanimously July 14 to remove the fort, saying residents on Balsomwood Road had raised concerns. An incident on June 16 when Town enforcement officers had to extinguish a fire at the site after a student apparently burnt several school papers only added fuel to the issue. The structure was accessible through a path in the woods and had no fixed address and could prove difficult for firefighters to find if they were unfamiliar with the area. Paradise is served by the St. John’s Regional Fire Department, which operates a station on Topsail Road near the Paradise Post Office.

Councillor Sheldon Antle has since confirmed the fort has been demolished.

“The fort is gone,” said Antle. “That’s the best update we can give on that. You can certainly take a look through your package and see some before and after pictures, and the after pictures look lovely. So, it’s a job well done by municipal enforcement officers and Planning and Protective (staff).”

Councillor Tommy Maher said he has heard from a resident who was not pleased with the action.

“They were disappointed in the Town’s decision to remove this fort because the kids were being active and were being outside, and I totally understand it,” said Maher. “God love kids for being up in the woods. But the big thing with this fort was that it was a major safety concern. It was built, but not very well. The main concern here was fire. We were so fortunate last year the fire (wildfire near Three Island Pond) just escaped us, but we had an evacuation in this exact area. And we’ve got probably six or seven homes on this pond that look out their windows at this structure and see young kids with a blazing fire going on a Saturday evening. So, you can picture how those residents would feel looking out at that. So, I just wanted to throw that in there. It wasn’t about going in and tearing this down on the kids, it was about the safety concern and the effect on the whole town, and not only the whole town, but the whole Avalon peninsula. I’ve witnessed a fire myself about three weeks ago, and it only takes a split second for a fire to get out of control.”

Mayor Patrick Martin and Deputy Mayor Kimberely Street both voiced their support for the demolition.

“None of us wanted to see the shed torn down, but like you said, it was about the fires, and people going in and having unattended fires,” said Martin. “That’s a heavily wooded area, and if you had a fire up there it’s going to be hard for the fire department to put that out.”

The post Council defends felling of Mercer’s Pond ‘fort’ appeared first on The Shoreline News.

Carbonear councillor Amanda Dowden says she is disappointed at the poor communication she is experiencing as a committee member on council.

Dowden made the remarks at council’s July 21 meeting after it was announced councillor Malcolm Seymour is resigning as chairman of the Public Works, Waste Management and Community Services Committee. He will remain a member of the committee, but will no longer head it.

Chief Administrative Officer Cathy Somers read out a suggested resolution to appoint councillor Stephen Penney, another committee member, as the new chairman. A motion to do so was made by Dowden, and seconded by Deputy Mayor Fred Earle. But Dowden, the third council member who sits on the committee, voiced her disappointment at not having been informed the change would be taking place.

“I would like to express my complete dismay that I did not know about this until I walked in here tonight at 5:30,” said Dowden. “I was not aware, and I sit on that committee. I’m very hurt. I think it’s disrespectful. Again, I sit on the committee. I have just as much voice as anyone and I was not aware. The communication is terrible.”

Mayor Sam Slade apologized to Dowden, saying the situation was his fault. Slade said he had hoped Seymour would change his mind about resigning and, for that reason, delayed passing on the information. “You will have to blame that one on me, that it was communications on my part,” Slade said to Dowden. “So I do apologize for that.”

Near the end of the meeting, councillor Wendy Penney thanked Seymour for his work as chairman, congratulated Penney on his new position, and voiced support for Dowden.

“I support what she said,” said Penney. “Communication is key here if we’re going to work as a team.” She added that sometimes committee members do not always hear information firsthand. “You want to be respected.”

Slade apologized to Dowden once again.

“I was hoping that councillor Seymour was going to have a little time to reflect,” Slade said. “He’s a very busy man. He’s working and I guess he figured he couldn’t do due diligence on it. Which is the reason why, when I mentioned the possibility of Stephen, he jumped all over it, so that’s where that was to. But I never meant to slight Amanda.”

Deputy Mayor Earle then addressed Seymour’s future on council.

“I’m not speaking on behalf of councillor Malcolm, but I’m sure he’s going to tell the citizens that he’s not going away anywhere and he’s going to be serving the citizens of the community like he has in the past going forward in the future,” Earle said.

Slade agreed, pointing out Seymour remains a member of the committee. “He’s still got a lot to add to public works, and I’m sure he’ll do it with great pride for the Town of Carbonear,” said the mayor.

The post Dowden dismayed at poor communication around Seymour resignation appeared first on The Shoreline News.

By Mark Squibb

The new provincial government is committing more money to building affordable homes after the previous government fell short of the 900 new homes it promised in 2023.

Housing Minister Joedy Wall, Deputy Premier and Minister of Transportation Barry Petten, and Carbonear – Trinity – Bay de Verde MHA Riely Balsom visited the Conception Bay South Town Hall last week to announce $31 million in funding to support 33 new affordable rental housing projects, accounting for upwards of 344 new rental units.

The fundingincludes $17 million reallocated from projects previously approved in 2023 under the first round of the Affordable Rental Housing Program. Approximately 650 of the 900 homes promised under that first round of funding are anticipated to be completed at a cost of $65 million.

The funds will support building projects across the province, including five in Bay Roberts which will house 48 families, a 10-family building in Carbonear, a six-family building in Clarke’s Beach, a five-family building in Conception Bay South, a 12-family building in Harbour Grace, an 18-family building in Paradise, and a five-family building in Spaniard’s Bay.

“Our government continues to maintain a focus on thoughtful decision-making and smarter spending,” said Petten. “With a refocused Affordable Rental Housing Program, we are putting public money to work for the public, and getting homes built for families and seniors throughout this great province.”

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What is news? Journalists have been debating this question for generations. I am not here to tell you what it is, but I know what it isn’t.
It’s summer and some in the journalism profession refer to this as the silly season. Regular reporters are on vacation, summer students abound, and there isn’t much happening. That makes for silly news. (I can remember it being so slow we had to make up the news once – but that’s another story). Suffice it to say it’s slow this time of year.
How slow? A few weeks ago, Tory Minister Andrea Barbour gave a speech at Beaumont-Hamel in France on the eve of the 110th commemoration of the slaughter of brave Newfoundland boys. She stumbled in her speech, a Liberal supporter got it all on his phone and then sent it home to manufacture outrage. Some media decided this was newsworthy. Here’s the quote from a media story: “Clips of Barbour’s speech were shared online by a known Liberal supporter.”
Must of been a mighty slow week.
If you get all your news from the legacy media, you might think this was a thing. However, we are free from those people now thanks to social media, where I read many posts from people who were disgusted with how the minister was treated and wondered why this was newsworthy. The speech may have been shared online, but so was the reaction.
The Liberals attacked Barbour once before and I wrote about that. Here we are again. What is the endgame here? Do they think mocking and bullying their opponents works? Is this really somebody’s idea of how to get back in power?
This is exactly what’s wrong with politics. This is not news; this is sleazy depressing politics that we – in 2026 – should be above. Maybe she did struggle – she is a new MHA. Is this grounds for bullying? So, she tripped over a few words. So what?
This was a decision made by members of the Liberal Party to smear what they obviously see as a weak minister. A chance to “score some hits” and weaken the Tories. It is disgusting.
Despite efforts by some, we in Canada still enjoy freedom of speech and freedom of the press; whoever ran this story had the right to run it. I would not have. Or I would have run it as yet another sleazy attack on Ms. Barbour by the Liberals.
Years ago, a Premier’s child was connected to a murder investigation and there were plenty of people who wanted to hang that all over that man. They wanted to damage him. We all have family and sometimes they screw up. This had nothing to do with anything other than trying to smear an opponent. At the time we would have none of it. Report the facts? Absolutely. Try and tar the poor man who loves his daughter? I have no stomach for that.
I think the Liberal Party needs to get its act together and give up this outdated, nasty and unnecessary mudslinging. What is encouraging is the number of people on social media saying the same thing. Some media outlets in this town block comments. Thank God they can’t stifle feedback online – yet.
Plain and simple: Leave Minister Barbour alone.
Were I a Liberal (God Forbid) I’d be pushing for firings. Our tax dollars provide handsome salaries not only to our elected officials but also to the employees and hangers on who work for them. If they have people on the payroll pushing this sort of politics, those people should be shown the door. If your supporters are doing this, maybe you should distance yourself from them. We are spending a great deal of money to have elected people tackle the many, many problems of this place and this is what they do instead?
Andrea Barbour’s missteps are not shameful, but this is.
Ivan Morgan can be reached at ivan.morgan@gmail.com

The post Andrea Barbour here we go again appeared first on The Shoreline News.

The Town of Holyrood is still awaiting provincial government approval for the towns 2024-2034 municipal plan.

“The town plan approval process through the Department of Municipal Affairs is slow at the moment due to the departmental requirements to focus on St. John’s Regional Plan,” explained councillor Sandra Crawley during June 2 public meeting.

Crawley added that council had sent a letter to Minister Chris Tibbs asking for consideration and department approval of the plan.

A number of other municipalities are also waiting for the province to greenlight their municipal plans.

A spokesperson for the department confirmed that as of May 28 there were 49 new municipal plans under review. Four had been completed.

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