Our seasonal community newsletter, The Heart of the Harbour, is back!
You can read the Winter 2024 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/n1c2q
Paper copies are available at the Town Hall now. Additionally, paper copies will available at the following locations tomorrow, Tuesday, February 13:
- Hotel Harbour Grace (Water Street)
- Kay’s Restaurant (Harvey Street)
- Ultramar (Harvey Street)
- Riverhead Irving (Harvey Street)
- Riverside Mini-Mart (Harbour Grace South)
- R. Tetford & Son (Water Street)
- War Memorial Public Library (Harvey Street)
Newsletter photos by Judy Ash, Brittany Garland, Joey Lewis, and Ed Newhook. We had over 40 photos submitted for the newsletter – thanks to everyone who submitted!
Photo ID: A picture of a sunny day at Bannerman River in Harbour Grace. There is snow on the ground and in the trees. A blue sky is visible with some clouds.
Full newsletter text follows:
THE HEART OF THE HARBOUR (WINTER 2024)
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 new edition of The Heart of the Harbour, our seasonal community newsletter.
Council is presently working on its ten-year strategic plan review, and we’re happy to re-engage with residents and share the progress of our plan. We have lots of exciting projects in the works for 2024. With funding from the province and the Government of Canada, ongoing restorations at Otterbury Schoolhouse include an energy-efficient heating unit, accessible washroom, upgraded electrical capacity, and insulation. This building will provide a valuable multiuse space for our volunteer groups. LeMarchant Street is set for new water, sewer, and street upgrading this spring. Also, with significant financial help from ACOA and the province, we’ll soon be digging ground on phase I of the Heritage District Development Project, which will beautify our downtown with new pedestrian infrastructure. We hope these capital works projects will make Harbour Grace a livable community for residents and businesses, a place you’re proud to call home.
Let’s keep the momentum going. Let Yourself In. “It’s a great place, our Harbour Grace.”
– Mayor Don Coombs
COMMUNITY NOTICES:
A discount of 4% on 2024 taxes will be offered until Feb. 28, 2024. 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 2024 taxes is June 30.
We have a new general email, [email protected]! If you want to join our community email notice list, email us with “Request to Join Community Email” in the subject header.
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. Unimpeded hydrant access is vitally important during an emergency.
For those venturing onto frozen ponds for recreation, please be mindful of ice conditions and stay away from areas with running water and brooks. Make somebody aware of where you’re going and your anticipated time of return.
Make sure to check with the Town Hall prior to doing any work on your property—a permit may be required. Our permits can be downloaded online at www.townofharbourgrace.ca or picked up at the Town Hall.
Frozen water lines are a frequent problem for residents during the winter months. We recommend leaving water running slowly if you are concerned about water lines freezing. Frozen water lines are the responsibility of the homeowner, and the Town will not dig up water lines during the winter months.
For everyone’s safety on our roads, please stay back 50 meters from Public Works heavy equipment this winter season. Avoid street parking during heavy snowfalls as snow clearing equipment require safe access.
If you notice a street light out in the community, call the Town Hall and we’ll report the issue to Newfoundland Power. When calling, please detail the area and the specific street light number.
YOUR COMMUNITY:
The Conception Bay Museum recently launched their brand-new virtual exhibit with Digital Museums Canada, titled “Alone Among the Stars: Aviation in Harbour Grace, 1919 – present.” Visit the virtual exhibit at the following link: www.communitystories.ca/v2/aviation-harbour-grace.
The Harbour Grace Board of Culture, Innovation and Business are planning this year’s Pirates to Pilots Festival, from July 19 – 28. Are you a community group, business, or resident interested in getting involved or hosting an event? If so, contact Jane Lynch, Dianne Lee, or Matthew McCarthy at [email protected] or 596-3631 ext. 4.
The S.W. Moores Memorial Park Committee is looking for new members for the upcoming spring season. Contact the Town Hall if you want to get involved!
The Town’s Accessibility Advisory Committee is still accepting members! This Committee is tasked with advising Council on the implementation of its Accessibility Plan (2024-26). Contact the Town Hall to receive an application form.
The Town of Harbour Grace and Communities Against Violence acknowledge February as Violence Prevention Month. We believe everyone has a right to live free from violence in any form. Reach out to CAV for more information: [email protected].
Town of Harbour Grace Council and staff recently met with their counterparts in the Town of Carbonear to discuss some joint opportunities. The Town is excited to open this avenue for further dialogue and collaboration with our neighbours.
EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS:
The Harbour Grace Volunteer Fire Brigade’s Annual Steak & Eggs Breakfast will take place on Mar. 16, from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Eat-in or takeout. Tickets are $20 and will be available from any member of the Brigade.
Earhart’s 50+ Club’s Happy Feet walks are on hiatus until March, due to winter conditions. The group encourages members and residents to utilize our excellent indoor walking track at the Community Centre during this time of year.
Earhart’s 50+ Club’s Line Dancing Night will return on Feb. 22 at 8:15 p.m. in the Community Centre’s multipurpose room. Classes will be held on the second-to-last Thursday of each month in 2024, unless otherwise posted. $5.00 donation is encouraged to support group programming.
Earhart’s 50+ Club is hosting an annual registration drive! If you’re interested in becoming a member, there is a $10 annual fee, which is forwarded to Seniors NL 50+ Clubs. Email [email protected] for full information on joining this great group or if you want to be added to the email list.
A Service Canada representative will host a Q&A on OAS, CPP, GIS, and the new Dental Plan in the Community Centre’s multipurpose room on Mar. 4, from 2 – 4 p.m.
Save the date! Harbour Grace Civic Events’ winter carnival returns from Feb. 25 – Mar. 3. Stay tuned to our website and social media for all the forthcoming event details!
Save the date! Harbour Grace Civic Events’ Easter Bunny Breakfast will take place on Mar. 30. Further details TBA soon!
We’re now accepting nominations for our 2023 Sports Hall of Fame and Awards. Every nomination category and application forms can be found on our website now. Nomination deadline: Feb. 23 at 4 p.m.
Splash Centre Easter Day Camp (ages 5 – 11) runs from Apr. 1 – 5, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Online registration opens on Mar. 6 at 10 a.m. $65 per person. For more info, contact [email protected] or call 596-2400.
COMMUNITY CENTRE:
Public Skate: Sundays, 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Admission: $5 per person.
Parents & Tots Skate: Monday – Friday, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Admission: $3 per person
Adult Skate: Monday – Friday, 12 – 1 p.m. Admission: $3 per person.
Shinny Hockey: Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday, 1 – 2 p.m. Admission: $10.
Indoor Walking Track Schedule: Sunday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Friday & Saturday: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
The Multipurpose Room is a great place to host your next party, work retreat, or conference! The room is open for bookings for $30/hr. Ice rentals are also available. Contact 596-6201 or 597-1340 for further details.
Business rental space is available on the first and second floors of the facility. Contact 596-6201 or 597-1340 for further details or to arrange a viewing.