The latest edition of our seasonal community newsletter, The Heart of the Harbour, is now available!
You can read the Winter 2025 edition of the newsletter now on our website here:
To hear an audio readout of the newsletter, call (709) 596-3631 ext. 7 or listen online here: https://on.soundcloud.com/8hg7A8wyyttfnAg77
Paper copies are available at the Town Hall now. Additionally, paper copies will be available at the following locations:
Hotel Harbour Grace (Water Street)
Kay’s Restaurant (Harvey Street)
Ultramar (Harvey Street)
Needs Convenience (Harvey Street)
Riverhead Irving (Harvey Street)
Riverside Mini-Mart (Harbour Grace South)
War Memorial Public Library (Harvey Street)
Newsletter photos courtesy Judy Ash, Krista Bailey, and Lona Stone. We had over 25 photos submitted for the newsletter – thanks to everyone who submitted!
Photo ID: A photograph of a river with snow in the trees and on the riverbank. There is a blue header above the photograph featuring the title of the newsletter in white text.
Full newsletter text follows:
THE HEART OF THE HARBOUR (WINTER 2025)
TOWN OF HARBOUR GRACE NEWSLETTER
MESSAGE FROM COUNCIL:
On behalf of my colleagues on Council and all residents of the historic Town of Harbour Grace, I’m proud to present the winter edition of The Heart of the Harbour, our seasonal community newsletter.
Firstly, in our current economic climate, I want to encourage residents to shop local whenever they can and support the wonderful businesses in Harbour Grace. Shopping local creates and retains jobs in your community; keeps money locally; reduces your carbon footprint; creates product and service diversity; and demonstrates community pride. You can find a directory of local businesses on our website. Secondly, if you’re a business owner or interested in starting a business, Council will host its first business sharing session of 2025 on Tuesday, Mar. 18, at Otterbury Schoolhouse, starting at 7 p.m. This is a great opportunity to informally chat, share suggestions, and network. We hope to see you there.
Finally, special thanks to our volunteers who’ve organized some great events for this winter season. Read the newsletter for all the details.
Let’s keep the positive momentum going. Let Yourself In. “It’s a great place, our Harbour Grace.”
TOWN HALL NOTICES:
– A discount of 4% on 2025 taxes will be offered until Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. For the discount to be valid, payment must be received at the Town Hall by 5 p.m. sharp on this date. This deadline includes online banking payments, which may take up to five business days for processing. The due date for 2025 taxes is June 30.
– Due to rising costs, the Town will no longer be mailing receipts. If you have any questions, please contact the Town Hall.
– The Town has recently adopted the Municipal Plan and Development Regulations, 2024-2034. A Commissioner of Public Hearing has been appointed to consider objections and representations at the Town Hall on Thursday, Feb. 20, at 7 p.m. Visit our website for the full details on submitting an objection or representation.
– Our next business sharing session will be held on Tuesday, Mar. 18, at Otterbury Schoolhouse, starting at 7 p.m. Spread the word and bring a friend!
– For your convenience, you can pick up a copy of the Town’s 2025 curbside recycling schedule at the Town Hall. This schedule can also be found on our community calendar and on our website under the “Resources” tab for Residents.
– The Harbour Grace Volunteer Fire Brigade encourages residents with fire hydrants near their properties to do their best to keep hydrants accessible during the winter.
– For everyone’s safety on our roads, please stay back 50 metres from Public Works heavy equipment this winter season. Avoid street parking during heavy snowfalls as snow clearing equipment require safe access. The Town’s snow clearing route guidelines can now be found on our website under the “Resources” tab for Residents.
– The Eastern Regional Service Board (ERSB), operators of the Harbour Grace Waste Recovery Facility, will require access cards for all users, starting Tuesday, Apr. 1, 2025. Full info can be found on our website.
EVENTS & HAPPENINGS:
– The Harbour Grace Volunteer Fire Brigade’s Annual Steak & Eggs Breakfast will take place on Saturday, Mar. 15, from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Eat-in or takeout. Tickets are $20 and available from any member of the Brigade. Also, the 3rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Kitchen Party will follow the breakfast. If you’re a musician interested in donating an hour of your time for the event, contact Chris Farrell at (709) 596-4758 or email Tommy Healey at [email protected].
– The CBN Transportation Pilot Program offers free rides every Thursday (unless otherwise noted). Follow the Splash Centre’s Facebook page or contact Maggie Snow, Executive Director, at (709) 596-2400 for more info.
– Earhart’s 50+ Club’s Open Doors at Otterbury Schoolhouse is back! Stop by the Schoolhouse Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 – 4 p.m. to socialize with friends (unless otherwise noted).
– Earhart’s 50+ Club will host a rug hooking session at Otterbury Schoolhouse on Tuesday, Feb. 18, starting at 2 p.m. No charge and all materials provided. Email [email protected] for registration details.
– A Service Canada representative will present helpful program info for seniors at Otterbury Schoolhouse on Thursday, Feb. 27, starting at 2 p.m. All are welcome!
– The Harbour Grace Public Library will host a Lego Free Play afternoon on Thursday, Mar. 27, from 2:30 – 4 p.m. All ages welcome; children U10 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
– The Harbour Grace Public Library will host an Easter Story Time and Craft on Wednesday, Apr. 16, from 3 – 3:30 p.m. All ages welcome; children U10 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
– The Harbour Grace Legion (Branch No. 15) are hosting Muffin Mondays, every Monday from 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. (noon) at the new Legion Building on 12 Bannerman Lake Road. Donations gratefully accepted.
– The Conception Bay Museum is recognizing its 50th anniversary this year! Stay tuned for some great events throughout 2025 to celebrate.
WINTER FESTIVAL:
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23:
Snow Sculpture Contest Launch
Scavenger Hunt Launch: Get your clues at the Splash Centre or the Town Hall!
Family Skate at the Community Centre, 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Free admission.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24:
Winter Colouring Contest Launch
Little Adventurers Party at the Splash Centre, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Muffin Monday at the Legion, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. (noon)
Family Country Line Dancing at the Community Centre’s Multipurpose Room, 7 – 8 p.m.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25:
Sprouts Winter Carnival at the Splash Centre, 2 – 4 p.m.
Snow Shoeing (ages 12 – 18) at the Splash Centre (for registered Splash youth).
Paint & Pour at the Masonic Lodge, 7 p.m. Cost $15. Registration required. Email [email protected] to register. All materials provided, though you may wish to bring an old paint shirt and apron.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26:
Community Safety Symposium at the Admiral’s Marina, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Card Game at the Orange Lodge, 7 p.m. Register at the door. Cash prizes!
Family Paint Night at the Splash Centre. Registration required. Contact the Splash Centre for more info and to register.
Cupcake Decorating with @jessbrennanbakes at Otterbury Schoolhouse, 7 p.m. Cupcakes, frosting, and tools provided. Registration required. Limited space. Email [email protected] to register.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27:
Video Dance at the Splash Centre: Grades K – 6, 6 – 7 p.m. | Grades 7 – 12, 7:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Trivia Night at The Old Courthouse, 7:30 p.m. Register at the door. Prizes for the winning team!
Takeout Thursday: Support a local business!
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28:
Basketball Tournament at the Splash Centre (grades 4 – 6), 4 – 5 p.m.
Family Fun Night at the Splash Centre, 6:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, MARCH 1:
Sliding and Hot Chocolate at the Splash Centre, 2 – 4 p.m. (weather permitting)
Poker Run at the Harbour Breeze, Easton’s 1602 Pub, Hotel Harbour Grace, Masonic Lodge, The Old Courthouse, and HGVFB Social Building, starting at 7 p.m. Turn in your unopened poker envelopes at the Social Building between 9:30 and 10 p.m.
Adult Dance at the HGVFB Social Building with DJ Paul Martin, 9:30 p.m. (19+ event)
Donations to St. Vincent de Paul will be collected at each event.
Follow Harbour Grace Civic Events’ and the Splash Centre’s Facebook pages for any updates during the Winter Carnival. You can also check the Town of Harbour Grace’s Events page on www.townofharbourgrace.ca for the daily schedule of events.