Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, January 18, 2024

President Jackie chaired the meeting. Guests Jennifer Crane and Lorraine’s mother Audrey were welcomed.

Program-chair Dean introduced the guest speaker Corner Brook Mayor Jim Parsons.

 Jim began by announcing that the city will be a Platinum sponsor of the 2024.

Rotary Music Festival.

He continued by giving an overview of what was and would be happening in Corner Brook in the next year.

He talked about the city budget for the year and the increases in costs. He commented that property taxes will increase for many people due to assessment increases. The unit charge for water has increased mainly due to the increase of chemical costs used to keep the water drinkable.

Jim noted that private and commercial construction value increased by 22% in 2023.

The topic he looked at next was tourism. Cruise tourism has increased tremendously with over 6000 people visiting Corner Brook in the past year bringing 4.1 million dollars economic value to the city. He continued by looking at the trail system which is being developed around the city which will benefit not only residents but visitors to the area.

 Then he dealt with construction in Corner Brook but particularly in the Mount Bernard area.  In the coming year, there will be some construction going up to the gas station on the corner of Mount Bernard Avenue and O’Connell Drive.

Jim continued by talking about housing in the city and the types of housing needed. He noted new single-family homes will be built in the areas close to the new hospital, but apartments are also needed in the city especially for older residents. Social housing is greatly needed as the waiting lists have grown with over 150 people qualifying for housing, but no housing is available. He commented that more action is need in this area.

He then considered the downtown area including West Street, Broadway, and the Brook Street – Commercial Street area. This latter area is a flood plain so development is limited. It is hoped the new municipal plan will help to address and improve downtown and encourage development through the private sector,

 To conclude his talk Jim mentioned several different happenings in the coming year. Firstly, the Rec Centre which is being developed at Grenfell Campus will be fully constructed. Included in this two-story facility will be swimming pools, a therapeutic pool and a gym with multipurpose rooms and a daycare centre.  The   Mill Whistler Road train has been very successful in the summer months resulting in the city approving the acquisition of another train.  A couple of other projects mentioned were the development of a small park on Griffin Drive and an intersection change from the Corner Brook Plaza to Confederation Drive.   

Gerry thanked Jim on behalf of the club and the meeting was adjourned.