As opposed to a year ago, Scott Reid feels there is air of optimism in his District of St. George’s-Humber and that overall there is a sense the province has turned the corner.
He said when he’s not in the House of Assembly, he’s out attending a lot of events throughout the district, which he calls the fun part of his job, and mingling with the people is where he gets a sense of how they feel.
He has a number of priorities for 2018, some of which are included below.
Tourism
Reid said there have been lots of tourism-related activities throughout the district, from events in Codroy Valley, the Legge Heritage House in Bay St. George South, the Powwow taking off in Flat Bay and recreation in Steady Brook and Pasadena. He plans to continue to work with area town councils, development associations and band councils on tourism potential.
Roadwork
He said the roadwork on the Trans-Canada Highway at Codroy Pond this year was welcomed and always take priority over the secondary roads but he will continue in 2018 pushing for more roadwork throughout the district where needed. He said the Flat Bay access road is clearly in need of brush cutting for safety and hopefully that will be done this year.
Infrastructure
Reid pointed to the seniors’ cottages in Pasadena and a new municipal building in Steady Brook as great pieces of infrastructure for these communities. He said the cottages have been completed and early in 2018 the municipal building in Steady Brook is expected to be put into use. Work is continuing in 2018 on a dam for a water source in Gallants.
Health care
He said while work continues to maintain professional health care services in Stephenville, a nurse practitioner position that was vacant has been replaced in St. George’s and Stephenville Crossing also has a nurse practitioner. He said the construction of a Long Term Care Centre in Corner Brook starts in 2018 for a 2020 opening and government hopes to have an announcement on a new hospital in Corner Brook early in the New Year.
Employment
Reid said a key priority for him is the development of employment through small businesses in the area. He is keen to help people out when they plan to start a small business, even if it employs just one person or a few people. He’s very encouraged by that.
2017
Reid said during the year there was a lot of water and sewer infrastructure installed in Pasadena, Massey Drive and Steady Brook.
He said 2017 was a great year for recreation development in the district, from trails, a hockey rink in Robinsons, playground area in McKays to skiing, snowmobiling, hiking and river rafting in the northern part of his district.
Reid said there is a real link between recreation and health and that’s why he’s so proud to see the many recreational facilities being promoted.
