Zita Hinks believes the provision of cellular service in the Mainland and Three Rock Cove area of the Port au Port Peninsula is actually a safety issue.
That’s because for her the greatest concern is when school buses leave Mainland carrying children to school in Cape St. George – a 14-kilometer trek over a mountainous area.
“Once the bus passes the last home in Mainland where there is a land service there is no more contact until it reaches Cape St. George and that mountain can be a bad area, especially in winter,” Hinks said. “I really think it’s dangerous for those kids.”
RDÉE TNL (which translates to Newfoundland and Labrador Francophone Economic Development Organization) is attempting to obtain cellular reception for the minority Francophone communities of Mainland (La Grand’Terre) and Three Rock Cove (Trois Callioux).
Wendy Brake, economic development officer for the development group, said with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation’s call for proposals for cellular coverage, their organization in conjunction with a local fundraising committee has been working even harder to get the service.
Hinks said getting the service would require putting a tower on a mountain in the Three Rock Cove area, which would be a costly venture but she’s encouraged by a number of people in the community already supporting a cellular service and donating money towards the community contribution to it.
She said the service is also needed for fish harvesters in the area who have to hit the beach and go home to their landline to call a monitor then return to their boat to wait for the monitor.
Hinks said she has heard a new system is coming in where it’s mandatory to report information on catches online, which currently cannot be done in Mainland or Three Rock Cove because of the lack of a cellular service.
In her job as a dockside monitor she has to stay home near her landline, awaiting calls to go out and monitor catches but if there were a cell service she would be able to leave her home.
She said a cell service would also be handy for delivery people bringing different items to the town from furniture to building supplies, who have to drop into the local gas bar to use the phone.
As of Tuesday the fundraising committee has collected $8,973 from local donations and a $2,500 grant from the Town of Stephenville; but there’s still a ways to go as $69,159 is required as the community’s allotment.
“I think what’s been donated locally so far is a real testament that people in the community want and will avail of a cellular service if it’s provided,” Hinks said.
The fundraising efforts are to continue and they’re being graciously accepted to support this regional development project.
Anyone interested in helping out can contact the Newfoundland and Labrador Francophone Economic Development Organization office at 642-5155.
Cellular project breakdown:
Project total cost: $461,062
Bell Mobility $276,637 = 60% funds committed
- Government (TCII) $115,266 = 25% proposal submitted (waiting on response)
Community $69,159 = 15% fundraising/local business contribution
Source: Newfoundland and Labrador Francophone Economic Development Organization
