SPRINGDALE — Councillor Rhodes Pelley is concerned with the deterioration of Davies Brook Bridge in Springdale.
According to council minutes of March 26, the councillor expressed concern with deteriorating concrete on the bridge railing. It was referred to as a potential hazard.
Jason Sparkes, the town’s chief administrative officer, was to check with the Department of Transportation and Works on its plans for the bridge.
The Nor’wester made several attempts to reach Pelley for comment, but was unable to as of deadline.
Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation and Works issued a statement following an interview request pertaining to the condition of Davies Brook Bridge.
The bridge is not included in the updated five-year provincial roads plan that was released in February. The plan outlines road projects for paving highways, and repairing and replacing bridges and culverts. The projects selected are based on safety issues, traffic volumes, input from engineers and input from the public through a consultation last fall, according to the department.
“Davies Brook Bridge is not included in this year’s update; however, the plan does have flexibility so that projects such as Davies Brook Bridge can be added in future years, if necessary,” according to the emailed statement. “The bridge has some visible surface cracking on its wing walls and underside, however, these do not require immediate repair.”
The bridge will continue to be monitored to address concerns as they arise, the email stated.
Various sections of guiderail along Little Bay Road are scheduled to be replaced this year.
Springdale council won’t be talking to media
Deputy Mayor Shawn Weir, when reached recently to comment on a number of council issues, told The Nor’wester he would not be addressing the media now and for some time.
He said that was also likely the case for other members of council. He said they had “enough attention” brought to them recently and needed a “cooling off” period. Several attempts to contact other members of council were unsuccessful, and the messages left went unreturned.
Springdale council recently came under significant scrutiny in the wake of denying a request by the Indian River High School Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) to paint a rainbow crosswalk near the school.
Springdale Mayor Dave Edison has done interviews with The Nor’wester since its coverage of that issue. Edison was away on vacation and declined speaking on council issues during that time.
Other council business
Stadium socializing
Coun. Janet Harris brought it to council’s attention that a staff member of Springdale Stadium had concerns with the “extended socializing” after the St. Patrick’s Day hockey tournament. The issue was deferred to the next meeting of the recreation committee.
Harris could not be reached as of deadline and did not return a message for comment. The Nor’wester also reached out to an organizer of the St. Patrick’s Day tournament, but a message went unreturned as of deadline.
Day park
Melvin Butt of the Springdale Development Co-Op Society gave council an overview of the proposed day park in the area of Davies Pond. The park would be located near Camp Samways.
The committee was looking for support from council in policing the area for things such as garbage collection.
According to the minutes, council supported the idea of a day park, but says it has no jurisdiction in that area.
Humboldt strong
Council wrote a letter of support and regards to the Town of Humboldt in the wake of the tragic bus accident involving the Humboldt Broncos hockey team.
Plastic bag ban
Deputy Mayor Shawn Weir suggested council should explore the banning of single use plastic bags. It is an issue council has previously discussed. According to the minutes, Sparkes would check into it.
Weir declined comment.
