Eastern Charlotte Council's Meeting Highlights Water Concerns For Blacks Harbour And Beaver Harbour

Vital issues ranging from local infrastructure concerns to community accomplishments were discussed at the regular August council meeting for Eastern Charlotte Council. At the forefront of the agenda was the extensive water repair predicament in Blacks Harbour and Beaver Harbour, which has cast a shadow over local businesses and the tourism season.

Chief Administrative Officer Jason Gaudet addressed the concern, stating, "We are collaborating with Connors Brothers to schedule water line repairs for Blacks Harbour and Beaver Harbour residents. We are awaiting a repair date. During the repairs, residents will be requested to limit water consumption for approximately six to eight hours." The water system's recent break prompted a Boil Order.

Councillor Adam Hatt, who represents the afflicted area, voiced his disappointment over the situation, urging prompt action from relevant stakeholders to alleviate the water troubles that have gripped the area.

"My concern, obviously, is the water in Blacks Harbour, and it's been going on for about three months for the repair," said Councillor Hatt. "I think it's unacceptable on many different parties dockets right now that this has gone on as long as it has and have been an email chain back to May, June. So at the end of the day, here we are today with a tower full of yucky water, businesses shut down, small businesses not able to run in tourist season. It's not a very good appetite to have in August. So how has it gotten this far? There's a lot of cake on people's faces. Hopefully Public Health will step in and maybe put some fire under people's butts and some stuff to fix a pipe. I think it's unacceptable. It's 2023. If this was a complete waterline failure, I bet you somebody be here tonight fixing it. I bet you we wouldn't be waiting to Monday. I bet you we wouldn't be waiting since June."