The Our Town - Clarenville Blog by Paul Tilley

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