Mayor Wood’s Winter Message 2020

The Christmas Season is almost upon us. I am sure lots of people are busy preparing for its arrival. However, I know all of us are aware that these are certainly different times we are living in today with COVID-19 restrictions being a big part of our lives. I wish to once again thank all the frontline workers, including our Town Staff, who have continued to give selfless service to the community. Our gratitude certainly goes out to every one of you – it has been noticed and it is certainly very much appreciated.

Despite the trying conditions the Town continues to grow with new housing permits issued like last year. It has also been a busy season with many residents doing a variety of construction and renovation projects at their homes or on their properties. Water upgrades have been made, street improvements are being made, upgrades have been made to many of our facilities and storm-water issues continue to be dealt with. Unfortunately, events such as Light the Lamp 3 and the NL Summer Games did not go ahead or were postponed. Hopefully, these events will be able to resume in 2021 along with the many others that were cancelled or postponed. In the case of the Summer Games, they have not been cancelled, they have only been postponed and will proceed when things return to a more normal and safe time for all. I am certainly happy to see work proceeding on the building of the new primary school for Bay Roberts and area with it scheduled to open in the new year. These are but a few of the things that have been on-going this past year with more plans currently in place for 2021.

Our Special Events Committee has been busy putting together a Program of Events for this year’s Festival of Lights found in this edition of the Klondyke Gazette (or you can find the listing @ bayroberts.com). These events are a combination of both live and virtual ones. They have been planned and made possible through the efforts of volunteers made up of residents, staff and Council members. Feel free to participate in these activities and initiatives – that’s how community spirit forms and fond memories are created.

It is, of course, the season of peace and goodwill. During this time of the year, even more so maybe than in other years, let us not forget those in our community who may need a little extra help in order to ensure their day is made ever so brighter.

On behalf of Council and staff, my wife Joan and family, I wish everyone a very safe and joyous Christmas and a very prosperous New Year. I hope that both are filled with a lot of happiness and joy for all!! Above all do not give up hope – we will all get through this time together. In closing, during the Christmas Season and beyond, as Health Officials recommend and remind us – please remember to continue to wash one’s hands regularly, practice social distancing and wear a mask!

Mayor Philip Wood