Town of Botwood – CAO Quarterly Newsletter

Town of Botwood – CAO Quarterly Newsletter

As we approach the end of the year, I want to extend warm Christmas wishes to all residents of Botwood. Over the past several months, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with our dedicated staff, Council, and community partners. Your support, feedback, and collaboration continue to guide our progress and strengthen our collective vision for 2026. Together, we are building meaningful momentum for the year ahead. Keep your Christmas lights on as Judging is on-going, Good luck and thank you All!

Finance

The 2026 Budget has been finalized and approved by the Finance Committee and will be presented to Council for adoption at the first meeting in January.  Rest easy there are no surprises. 

Water supply upgrades will increase operating costs; however, these investments should  significantly improve water quality while we keep current rates unchanged. I’m excited to share how these improvements should primarily improve the clarity.  More information will be shared early in the new year.

Economic Development

The newly established Economic Development Committee will hold its first meeting in early January, incorporating insights gathered from November’s MNL Conference in Corner Brook. We continue to receive interest from businesses considering locating in Botwood.
In 2026, our priorities include:

• Attracting new investment
• Advancing residential subdivision proposals
• Strengthening the town’s tourism potential, including increased room nights for B\&Bs, campgrounds, and related services

Public Works

Snow removal season began earlier than usual this year. If you see our Public Works team working through the holidays, please take a moment to show your appreciation for their efforts to keep our roads safe.
Staff also provided important support to the contractor working on Commonwealth Road, assisting with line locates, contamination removal, and parts sourcing.

Councillor Edison has been authorized to help identify a solution for removing the large asphalt tank located behind the old horse shed.

Capital Projects

The 2025 Church Road and Commonwealth Road projects are nearing financial completion, despite two significant soil contamination discoveries. Only minor deficiency work remains.
Planning and consultation are underway for Valley Road water infrastructure upgrades. Construction will begin once frost conditions allow.
Another section of Commonwealth Road is scheduled to begin work in 2026.

Regional Partnerships

Through regional costsharing efforts, grant funding secured a new roof for the Grand Falls water plant. However, funding for 1.2 km of road repairs leading to the plant was unfortunately denied.
A budget overrun of $749K came as a surprise this season, with Botwood responsible for a 13% share as one of the participating communities.

Emergency Services

Specifications for the new fire truck have been completed, and the project is moving to tender.
The Town has also submitted an application for a new Fire Hall for provincial consideration, and we understand that NL Health Services may be exploring upgrades to the local ambulance facility.

Congratulations to Dean Rice our Fire Fighter of the Year!

EVREC Project

Discussions with EVREC have paused briefly to allow the new Council time to review contracts, supporting documentation, and EVREC to complete environmental study requirements. Council remains committed to ensuring community priorities remain front and center. Meetings will resume in early January.
EVREC has also contributed a $6,000 donation to the community.  Thank you for your support!

Administration

Our migration to updated communication tools is complete, enhancing both security and data storage capabilities.
Council members have been completing mandatory training for the year ahead, with many also attending the MNL Conference and AGM in November.
Staff and several councillors have taken part in Emergency Operations Centre training, better preparing us to activate a functional EOC in the event of a crisis.

Parks & Recreation

Deputy Mayor Hancock is leading this year’s committee. The arena ice surface was installed early to accommodate scheduled hockey events.
On a personal note, my wife and I have joined the Curling Club and are looking for two teammates for Thursday nights. If you’re interested in joining a winning team, I’d be happy to hear from you.

Seniors & Special Events

School lunch programs have resumed and are among the recipients of EVREC’s donation, along with the local Food Bank.
We proudly unveiled five new storyboards telling the history and vision of the Baetha Statues and Healing Garden. An important milestone in cultural and historical education, and in our ongoing work toward Truth and Reconciliation.
Next steps for the Healing Garden include planting native medicinal plants with guidance from Indigenous organizations.
On September 30, we held a meaningful ceremony at the Baetha site in honour of National Truth and Reconciliation Day—an event that will continue annually.
Behind the scenes, museum staff are preparing new displays, including a special gift from the Miawpukek First Nation of Conne River and a rare WWII soldier’s jacket from a family in Ontario.
Botwood Heritage is also integrating QR codes into the museums, Baetha site, and murals to enhance visitor experiences with interactive information.

Upcoming Events & Planning

Planning begins in January for:

• Botwood Flying Boat Festival
• 37th Annual Botwood Day
  Residents interested in joining the planning committee can contact Lisa Hemeon at the Town Hall.
  Preparations for Bayside Blizzard 2026 are also underway, with dates to be announced in the new year.

Resident Concerns

Thank you to everyone who has reached out with feedback—it helps us identify issues, understand root causes, and develop communityfocused solutions.

Key Issues Raised

• ATV Use on Streets: Council continues to investigate solutions as part of a new bylaw permitting ATV use on designated roadways. Details will be shared soon.
• Dirty Water: Completion of Commonwealth Drive upgrades is already showing positive results, as the water line had multiple perforations. Maintaining higher water levels in the tank and adding strategic valves will improve line flushing. More information on planned treatment process adjustments should significantly improve water quality.  I have more information to share in the new year.
• Inappropriate Land Use: Enforcement of commercial activity restrictions in residential zones is progressing, pending final Provincial approvals. This is important for maintaining neighbourhood harmony and supporting Botwood’s economic future.

On behalf of the Town of Botwood, I wish everyone a safe, joyful, and peaceful holiday season. Thank you for your continued support, ideas, and resilience. We look forward to building on this year’s progress together as we enter 2026.

 Merry Christmas!

Rob Dennison

Chief Administrative Officer

Town of Botwood