The Our Town - Clarenville Blog by Paul Tilley

On Feb 29, 2012 the Hon. Jerome Kennedy spoke to the Clarenville Chamber of Commerce to outline his government's position on the proposed Muskrat Falls Hydro project. There has been a lot of controversy over the proposed project's viability and with its $6.2 billion price tag it carries with it a large risk of cost overruns. Regardless of the merits on this option, the island will need power, and it has to come from one source or another. Each option carries a significant price tag. Some Stats on Muskrat Falls: Will provide 824 MW (Megawatts) of power Estimated cost - $6.2 Billion Could be online by 2017 Refurbishing Holyrood Generating Station will be as costly The Vale plant will consume 90 MW Corner Brook's Mill uses 120MW A mine in Labrador could consume 100-250 MW Nova Scotia will buy 170 MW 40% of the produced power will be sold on the spot market and NL will have a right to recall. 80% of new homes in NL use electric heat In 2020 the island will n...

  This week, there will be a pretty impressive meeting happening on the Burin Peninsula.  A Burin Peninsula Joint Council will be formed consisting of all towns on the peninsula.  For the past two years, a number of organizations have been working to put this together. It's pretty impressive. The Burin Peninsula consists of very diverse and dispersed communities. And they're like a family - they fight with each other but they know when to make up. In many cases, partnerships are formed because they must be (such as a funding requirement).  In other cases, partnerships are formed because the partners recognize they can be stronger together. But that strength only comes with a lot of work and commitment. True collaboration is difficult and egos can often get in the way. It will be interesting to watch this Joint Council take shape. I've noticed a lot more partnerships with some towns in the Clarenville area.  The towns of Arnold's Cove, ...

Video 1 Video 2 (Shot in HD)

Robert (Bob) Fewer is a true Entrepreneur.  His success has been through hard work, outstanding service to customers and an uncanny ability to spot and take advantages of opportunities as they emerge.   Because of this, Clarenville Chamber inducted Bob to its Business Hall of Fame this year.  Congratulations Bob! Here's his Bio:  

Believe it or not, not everyone from Clarenville/Eastern Newfoundland is familiar with the White Hills experience. If you're not or even if you are - here's your chance:

VIDEO of OFFICIAL LAUNCH of CLARENVILLE 2014 Feb 18, 2012 - Greg Pittman, Chair of the NL Winter Games Clarenville Host Committee today officially launched the planning for the 2014 Winter Games in Clarenville March 1-9, 2014. “Up to 1,500 athletes, officials and coaches will be welcomed to our town in March 2014,” says Greg. “These Winter Games will showcase everything Clarenville has to offer and will provide young people from across the province an opportunity to demonstrate their athletic skills.” “I am thrilled to announce the members of the host committee today,” says Mr. Pittman. “The planning for a very successful games has now started and I know the committee has the determination and drive to create a wonderful opportunity for the athletes.” In addition to announcing the members Deputy Mayor Frazer Russell. The Clarenville Area Co-op also announced a sponsorship of $100,000 in collaboration with the Clarenville Lions Club and their 50-50 draw. “The support of...

2011 Census data for Clarenville (note the date error on this graphic) We feel that Clarenville is growing - now newly released Stats.Canada Census data proves it. We've seen the official population of Clarenville rise by 14.4% in the past 5 years from 5,274 to 6,036! We are now the 13th largest town in NL with the 3rd largest growth in population.

Over 20 people showed up to the pre-budget hearings held in Arnolds Cove last week - not bad - considering.  And Clarenville, the largest and most infrastructure stressed town in the region, was not officially represented.  I always thought that was why we elect a Council and why we pay taxes to the municipality so that they can advocate for us? Thank you to Mr. Ted Drover for taking the time and incurring the expense to speak at the hearings on a subject that should be the Town’s.   I will take your self-advocacy lead.... Attention: Hon. Tom Marshall,  Minister of Finance  for the  Province of Newfoundland and Labrador Dear Mr. Marshall: Clarenville is the town of note for this region of the province.  Despite the fact the Town did not make an official presentation at your pre-budget hearings, please do not take that  omission  as a sign that we the citizens of this community do not clearly see challenges that the Province can help...