The Our Town - Clarenville Blog by Paul Tilley

On Thursday’s edition of CBC’s Here & Now, Mayor Fred Best appeared in a story by reporter Lee Pitts saying that Clarenville is nearing its limit in the supply and distribution of water .   This despite that fact that it was only in 2008 that Clarenville opened its new $14 million state-of-the-art water treatment facility. (with an improved distribution system) The negative implications of a potential water shortage to possible investors are tremendous.    Developers need a ready water supply to develop and companies/retail stores contemplating establishing themselves in Clarenville need water to ensure proper fire protection and operation.   If we have a serious water issue we better work to get it fixed soon.   Without the fix, investors will be scared off and even though choking development might help resolve a water problem - that’s not a solution we want to see.      

The finish line for students and us ‘teacher types’ is getting close.  One of the great things about the end of the school year is the annual school concert.  This year’s final school concert at Clarenville High School provided the live audience (and now you!)  the opportunity to see the vast array of musical talent that is being fostered in our school system.  Music teachers like Ann Lundrigan, Lisa Drover, Rod Drover, Michelle Bennett, Charlene Sawlor, and Amy Warren (as well as a host other regional musical talent that I have not named) have created and developed a   tremendous pool of talent –  our thanks to them.   Here’s a slice of the concert – the tribute to QUEEN – enjoy our talent! 

Deputy Mayor Fraser Russell is right to raise the issue of (better managing) traffic flow on Manitoba Drive.  ( See Trials of travelling Manitoba in this past week’s edition of the Packet ) Roads & traffic problems have become a perennial issue in Clarenville – Overpasses and Manitoba Drive this year, Huntley Drive last year, before that it was Balbo Drive and on it goes.  The real problem is that, as a town, we have not addressed the issue of growth and the associated growth in traffic with a well though out long term plan.    It seems as if each year we identify a new traffic problem and each year a host of people (myself included)  come up with an ad hoc solution to that problem that may or may not address the problem in the long term.   Coupled with this, each year we also hear the cry for a professional traffic study to be conducted by the Town to address the street / development planning issue.   To the best of my knowledge despite the talk, such a traffic s

The Clarenville Dump - Where Trash should end up... So what are we to do with our trash?  That’s a common problem that confronts many of us. Most of us dispose of it properly.  Unfortunately some people do not. Thank goodness for the Ross Mair and the Packet who reported on the problem in this week’s edition of the paper (Resident Points to Problem p. A3).  Without the Packet reporting on illegal dumping,  the Town of Clarenville would remain blissfully unaware of the problem. It seems as if a few people only get their trash as far as the dump road, and that’s as far as it goes, they then give it the heave.  I find it incomprehensible that our town’s CAO claimed in the story that the Town is not to be aware of the problem, especially in light of the fact that the Town’s dump contractor says that illegal dumping is quite a problem.  There’s a real disconnect here that the Town has to answer for.  In greater St. John’s, CBS has installed hidden cameras in areas known f

There are twenty Regional Economic Development Boards in Newfoundland and Labrador.   These were established in the mid 90's and were mandated to:   Develop and coordinate the implementation of a strategic economic plan in each zone supported by an integrated business plan. Now it seems as if the potential for regional governance is slipping away. Develop a strong partnership with municipalities in each zone that incorporates the strategies and priorities of municipalities in the economic planning process Develop partnerships in planning and implementation with Chambers of Commerce, Industry Associations, labour organizations, post-secondary institutions, Canadian Business Development Corporations (CBDCs), and other zones that advance and support the economic and entrepreneurial environment of a zone Undertake capacity building and provide support to stakeholders to strengthen the economic environment of the zone Coordinate and facilitate linkages with federal /pro

Tourist season is coming up fast and as you know many tourists stop by Clarenville along their way. Imagine if you will,  that you are one of those tourists driving to or through Clarenville. If it’s your first time in Clarenville in a while you will notice lots of changes and a lot of growth.  But first you need to get in here – so let’s look at your two choices off the TCH: West Entrance to Clarenville Watch out! The west entrance has become a bit of a problem.  There’s lots more traffic, it’s seen three fatalities in 5 years and the TCH speed limit at the turnoff has been reduced to 70kph (but few observe it).  In fact, it’s become a hot topic at Council meetings too.  In the last meeting of Council, they continued to beat the topic of the west entrance to Clarenville to death – it was mostly sound and fury signifying nothing.  Reduce the speed limit, Lengthen the turning lane – there were lots of suggestions but no real agreement to start a passionate effort t

It took some skilled flying on this warm  Tuesday evening to get one of the Province's new "Peas and Carrots" colour schemed Bombardier CL415's to target a stubborn fire in Deep Bight. Members of the RCMP, Provincial Forestry and Clarenville Fire Dept. aided in the effort.

Last evening at the Clarenville Events Centre, we we treated to some first-rate entertainment by students from Clarenville High School.   Over the next few days I'll add more but first, here is the CHS Drama Troope's performance of the very touching "Close to the Heart".  If you or someone you know has ever been touched by breast cancer this is a must see.   It's a touching performance.  All proceeds from last evening's performance were donated to the Bliss Cancer Centre.

The broken glass still glistens on the TCH/Manitoba Drive intersection.  It should serve as a reminder to the decision makers of the fundamental problem that seems only to warrant consideration when another life is lost.  ( My condolences to the yet another grieving family.)    The people who pay for and use the TCH (we the taxpayers) need and deserve an overpass at the western entrance to Clarenville.   As a municipality, it is our job to lobby to make sure that it is done.     Listening to Mayor Best in the media last week, it seems that he has finally come around to recognizing the need for an overpass for the TCH's western entrance to Clarenville. Let’s ensure the entire Council sees fit to push government to include an overpass for Clarenville in its capital work's plans - we should accept nothing less.

Random Thoughts...: A Mother's Day Mystery - Looking for Lorne and His... : Bud Vincent is well know around this area for many things - photographer; freelance journalist; tourism champion... but this evening, he's a...

Neil Dawe, president of Tract Consulting knows a thing or two about design.   He’s been in the design consulting business for many years and he and his company have been responsible for some of the most eye pleasing developments we have seen in this province.   Have a look at High Street in Grand Falls, the duck pond in Bowering Park in St. John’s or Margaret Bowater Park in Corner Brook – Mr. Dawe’s company has had a hand in each of these. What about Clarenville? EVERYONE, including Mr. Dawe knows the potential that exists in Clarenville. We have a tremendous amount of natural beauty that we could capitalize on more than we do.  He noted at a recent presentation to Rotary that potential and practice are miles apart in our town stating that “There’s much work to be done”. We have a Plan? Council has developed a citizen-led Strategic Plan that echoed Mr. Dawe’s observations.   Council has also adopted adopted a new Municipal plan that, in theory, is designed to en

Katie Cumby, an associate producer at the CBC is looking for Canadian small businesses to participate in a season 2 of the CBC show called   The Big Decision.  ( cbc.ca/thebigdecision ) The show features companies from coast-to-coast that come from a variety of industries. Throughout the episode, one of Canada's top investors visits each company, provides expert advice and in the end decides whether or not he or she will invest. There are many benefits to the company- not only receiving top-notch business advice, but also the possibility of receiving an investment that could help turn the company around. The deadline of June 8th and it is fast approaching so they are encouraging companies to apply   ASAP .  Surely there are many businesses in Clarenville that could take advantage of this! Please contact: Katie Cumby Associate Producer CBC Television (416) 205 5571 bigdecision@cbc.ca cbc.ca/thebigdecision Twitter: @thebigdecision Check them out on

Random Thoughts...: Making the Ability Count - A Transitions to Work P... : The Ability Employment Corporation is a not-for-profit organization that provides career counselling and job placement services to persons w...

Last week I received a very interesting email from Leo Bonnell.  Leo is a strong voice for older people in Clarenville and a great advocate for making our community and other communities more age friendly.  He sent me a copy the April edition of the International Federation of Ageing newsletter.  Why?  Both Clarenville and Clarenville Campus were profiled in it...see for yourself in this excerpt - Great job Leo at raising the Town's and our campus' profile!   April 2012   IFA taking part in the WHO Global Twitter Chat on Healthy Ageing - 2 April 2012   On Monday 2 nd  of April, the IFA participated in a Global Twitter Chat organized by the World Health Organization (WHO).  It aimed at bringing together various organizations and individuals worldwide to discuss and share views on "Healthy Ageing".  In celebration of the World Health Day, the IFA was proud to be part of this global discussion and raise important issues co

If there is one thing that Clarenville is noted for in the rest of the province it is the fervor in which its sports teams take to the ice, the field, the Hill, the trail or the gym.   This does not happen by accident.   In fact it is the dedication of key volunteers in each sport that has made Clarenville athletes so dominant in their fields.    The coordination of this tremendous pool of volunteer talent is embodied by the Clarenville Area Recreation Association – CARA.   Now in its 41 st year, CARA is a an association of sport leaders and sports visionaries who work with The Town of Clarenville to help ensure that the right people with the right resources contribute to making organized recreation work and grow in this town (even more, they contribute greatly to the high quality of life that makes Clarenville such an attractive place to live and work).     Each year CARA celebrates its success (our success) with an Awards Night .   This year, CARA will be holding its Awar

Last week, I attended the Town’s branding review meeting . While there, there was a clear recognition of the potential that exists in this town...I’ve been thinking about that. On this beautiful Earth Day, my wife and I took a walk along the short, but picturesque trail that runs from the Shoal Harbour River Bridge, up the river, to Riverview Drive Extension.  (Watch the video and come with us along the trail!) It’s a lovely trail with all kinds of potential.  The Friends of the Shoal Harbour River (FOSHR) recognized and acted on this  potential of this trail a few years back. They upgraded the trail head, installed a couple of heavy duty trash containers and a picnic table.    Now this area gets lots of use and in the summer it’s become a real mecca for kids and their parents who want to cool off in the river on summer days.    FOSHR has done a great job, and most importantly,  their work has proven the worth of doing more.   The Town - or a group in the town,  has a go

Paul's post about a community centre for Elizabeth Swan Park reminded me of  this article by Taryn Sheppard I read in The Scope about a community centre in Denmark.   The community centre pictured here serves a neighborhood of 600 families. The bottom of the structure has a half-pipe skate ramp and going up one side there's a climbing wall.  Herstedlund Community Centre in Albertslund, Denmark. Photo by Adam Mørk The inside includes multi-functional spaces that could serve many different groups at the same time. With spaces on various levels with many entrances, there's lots of ways to access various rooms and to create different spaces with moving walls and hatch doors. A kitchen can transform into an outdoor patio or bar. A performance space has a stage that can be divided into smaller stages by sliding walls. The top level of the facility is an open roof terrace and basketball court, which can be accessed without crossing paths with other groups.  Pretty creati

CBC Picture In the trade they are called Vehicle Management Systems.  I call them a good idea. The Town of Gander has just purchased this sign.  It’s portable and it can serve a number of roles including making people aware of just how fast they are driving (it has a speed radar). It's particularly good for those drivers who insist in driving through our town at rate of speed that shows little regard for live (you, me and our children) and Newton’s laws of physics. I first saw these signs used by the RCMP’s highway patrol in Halifax a few years ago and I am told by good authority (my Mountie brother-in-law) that they work. They aren’t cheap at $19,000, but the fact that they work so well as a proactive driver education tool, coupled with the fact that they can serve many purposes including communicating key traffic or event messages (Targa Day: ROAD CLOSED, Clarenville Day: FIREWORKS TONIGHT, or CONGRATULATIONS CARIBOUS) means that such a sign could be a good investm

It's Volunteer Week in Clarenville. One of the biggest and most successful Co-ops in Atlantic Canada - the Clarenville Co-op embodies the spirit of volunteerism. Further, Clarenville Co-op is a key corporate sponsor of the 2014 NL Winter Games - which will be hosted by Clarenville.  Many Volunteers will be needed and we want you to get involved. The Host Committee is looking for volunteers.  Here's some Questions and Answers about this volunteer opportunity. Hope you can join us - it will be an outstanding opportunity for our town. How do I get involved? People interested in volunteering can contact the Games committee by: - Phone: Caroline at 466-4165 or 427-2433 - Facebook: www.facebook.com/Clarenville2014 - Twitter: Clarenville2014 @nlwg2014 - Email: clarenville2014@gmail.com Isn’t it early to be recruiting for volunteers? The NL Winter Games is a major undertaking. Our town of almost 6,000 will host 1,500 athletes, coaches and officials.