STEPHENVILLE — With a large amount of residential and commercial permits to the end of November, 2012 was an active year for the Town of Stephenville.
That’s according to Mayor Tom O’Brien, who pointed out there were 27 permits for construction of new residences, with a total value of $5,449,000 and a total value of $2,432,300 in commercial additions/renovations. In addition, 31 businesses started up or relocated in the municipality.
On June 30, the Stephenville Historical Society held the grand opening of the Regional Museum of Art and History, which is housed on the lower level of the Royal Canadian Legion at 45 Oregon Dr. in Stephenville.
“The museum is the accomplishment of the efforts of numerous volunteers who had, for many years, envisioned this resource being available to the public,” the mayor said.
A mainstay of the summer, the Stephenville Theatre Festival produced its 34th season with a variety of productions offering something for everyone with a high quality of performances.
As of Jan. 1, 2012, the Town of Stephenville began transporting its garbage, and that of the Town of Kippens, to the transfer station in the Town of St. George’s. The selection of a Supersite for the west coast of the province has not yet been finalized.
Hand-in-hand with the town’s weekly residential garbage collection, O’Brien said, a weekly waste collection program on Fridays for larger items has been implemented.
During the year, council undertook several municipal infrastructure projects, including a patching and recapping program, Pleasant Avenue upgrade, York Avenue upgrade, exterior painting of Stephenville Dome; structural refinishing of the Minnesota Drive overpass and Delta Dagger monument base, and upgrades to the Regional Aquatic Centre.
O’Brien said council was pleased to see that Northern Harvest Sea Farms has expanded its facilities on Connecticut Drive. The company was recently recognized as an industry leader, awarded the first Best Aquaculture Practices certified ‘three star’ salmon operation in North America in October.
This is an international certification program based on science-based global performance standards for the entire aquaculture supply chain that assure healthful foods produced through environmentally and socially responsible means.
After 37 years of service, Barry Coates, town manager, retired on March 31 and council recognized him for his dedicated service to Stephenville.
Mike Campbell, former facilities manager with the College of the North Atlantic, was appointed as the new town manager effective April 23 and, as a former town employee, brings a broad base of knowledge and experience to the position.
