06/12/2026
Statement by Mayor Krista Toms
Projects/Initiatives Update
June 12, 2026
For several years, it has been a tradition for the Mayor to present a June report outlining ongoing and upcoming projects. I am pleased to continue this practice because keeping our community informed about Council’s work and priorities remains essential. This marks my first report since taking office in October 2025, and I look forward to sharing updates and engaging in conversations with residents about the future of our municipality in the months and years ahead.
There is no doubt that 2026 has presented its challenges, particularly with a long and demanding winter season. These conditions have placed added pressure on our budget; however, Council has remained committed to maintaining services while continuing to invest in key infrastructure and equipment, including a new loader for the Public Works Department, which was added to the fleet in March 2026 at a cost of $370,000 (with HST). With the support of the Federal and Provincial Governments, I am pleased to provide the following overview of current projects and initiatives:
Ongoing/In Progress Projects/Initiatives
NEWBAY ROAD PRV UPGRADE
The Newbay Road pressure reducer valve (PRV) upgrade is an essential project that supports the sustainability of our water distribution system. The PRV, installed in the 1970s, regulates water pressure to the community. A prime consultant was recently engaged for the project, and we anticipate construction will be substantially completed by December 2026. The project costs are estimated at $281,204, including HST, with Council’s share totalling $51,001.
MAIN STREET UPGRADE
I am very pleased to announce that we recently received provincial approval to upgrade 500 meters of Main Street! A location plan is attached to this post to show you the location. I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the Provincial Government’s speed to approve and commence this project. Typically, it takes two years from approval to complete a capital project of this scope, but the Provincial Government has been very effective this year in shortening that timeline. We anticipate the project, which is estimated to cost $370,290 (HST included), will be completed by the Fall. Council’s share is $167,896.
AUTOMATIC WATERLINE FLUSHERS
As announced earlier this year, Council is installing three automatic flushers (Hampton’s Hill, Valleyview Road, and Bond Street) to improve water quality in the immediate and surrounding areas. I am pleased to report that these systems will be in service as of June 17, 2026. When coupled with orthophosphate, introduced into the water distribution system on April 30, 2026, these additions should have a measurable positive impact on water quality. This project cost approximately $34,000, with the Provincial Government contributing $29,897.
TOWER ROAD DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT
Over the past month, in response to community concerns, Council has been working to develop a project to improve water drainage on Tower Road. I am pleased to report that, during a special meeting on June 9, 2026, upon the conclusion of a procurement process, Council engaged a contractor to complete the Tower Road Drainage Improvement project at a cost of approximately $10,000, including HST. The Town Office recently sent a memo to Tower Road residents with additional details.
GENERAL ROAD WORK
In addition to the Main Street upgrade noted above, Council will be investing around $126,000 (including HST) for asphalt repairs in the following areas:
Main Street (various areas): 1,032 m2
McDonald Crescent: 500 m2
Station Road (various areas): 717 m2
A contractor has been engaged to complete this work, which will be done before July 24, 2026. The Public Works Department will use internal resources to complete additional asphalt repairs throughout the community.
DITCHING
Another $10,000 (apx.) is being invested in ditching work this year in the following areas:
1 Walkers Lane: 20 m
403 Main Street: 30 m
Dominic Street (behind civic numbers 6-12): 300 m
Dominic Street (civic numbers 1-11): 50 m
Dominic Street (Main Street intersection) to 9 Main Street: 50 m
Earls Turn to Pine Place (railbed): 50 m
Forest Road (Main Street to Mayor Avenue): 300 m
555 Main Street to 559 Main Street: 60 m
555 Main Street to 555A Main Street (towards the river): 30 m
Main Street (east end) to Marshalls Drive intersection: 300 m
This work will be completed by September 30, 2026, unless an extension is approved due to uncontrollable circumstances.
TOWN HALL/FIRE HALL RENOVATIONS
The Town has received Provincial Government support for a Job Creation Partnership Project to complete minor renovations (fresh paint and new flooring) to the Town Hall and Fire Hall. We are currently accepting applications for the two positions, and if you or someone you know is interested, I invite them to apply online https://bishopsfalls.bamboohr.com/careers/40.
BISHOP’S FALLS WILDLAND FIRE RESILIENCY PLAN
Council has commenced a project to prepare a Wildland Fire Resiliency Plan to better understand and reduce local wildfire risks. The project includes a detailed risk assessment, opportunities for community consultation, and the development of a comprehensive plan outlining actions to protect residents, property, and infrastructure from wildfire impacts. The work is being completed with the support of a specialized consultant and will guide future preparedness and response efforts in our community. The Provincial Government is supporting this important initiative with a $24,884 contribution.
CLIMATE READINESS PLAN
The Town recently concluded a climate-readiness project, funded primarily by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities through the Green Municipal Fund. The Integrated Infrastructure and Climate Readiness Plan outlines how Bishop’s Falls will address the increasing pressures on aging infrastructure and essential services resulting from climate change, with priority actions focused on water systems, stormwater management, wastewater capacity, and emergency preparedness. The report identifies key risks—particularly to drinking water reliability—and presents a phased, risk-based approach to maintaining service levels while managing financial constraints and pursuing external funding. The report is still being assessed, and the identified action items will be further reviewed and addressed during an upcoming Council strategic planning session. Overall, the plan provides a structured framework to guide future investment, improve service reliability, and ensure transparent decision-making for the community.
WALKING TRAIL DEVELOPMENT
In late 2024/early 2025, Council finalized a pedestrian walk trail through the community. You can find the route online at https://www.bishopsfalls.ca/residents/a_t_v_corridor_and_walking_trail. The longer-term plan will include installing signage to mark the trail, and external funding sources are being considered to support that objective. As a first step, however, we will be constructing a bridge over a section of the trail along the river from Main Street to Kennedy Place. I’ve attached an image showing the location. This project will be completed in-house using budget resources.
RECREATION PROGRAMS/EVENTS/ACTIVITIES
Residents can explore this year’s full schedule of recreation events and activities online at: https://www.bishopsfalls.ca/residents/recreation. There’s something for everyone in 2026, with programs designed for seniors, families, children, youth, and adults. Plans are also in motion for our upcoming summer and fall festivals, so stay tuned for more details. To keep up with the latest news and updates, be sure to follow the Town on Facebook.
Planned Projects/Initiatives
In addition to the above, Council is also seeking funding to complete the following projects/initiatives:
DOG PARK
Council has applied for Provincial Government funding on at least two occasions to develop a dog park at the Faulkner Recreation Complex; however, all attempts to date have been unsuccessful. We have heard the community’s feedback over the years about the need for a dog park, and the project is still on our radar. This year, in addition to looking for external funding sources, Council will also consider internal resources. I hope to have more to report on the dog park in the coming months.
FALLSVIEW MUNICIPAL PARK UPGRADES
Last year, with funding from ACOA and the Province, we finalized a development plan for the Fallsview Municipal Park. Council entered into a new lease agreement with a private operator this year, who is doing tremendous work, in such a short time, to improve this important community asset, and we will be working with them over the coming months and years to implement key projects from that plan. The latter includes, among other things, an outdoor performance space and a concession building. The details of the Town’s involvement will follow from Council’s strategic planning session later this year.
I hope this project update finds you and your family well. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me or any Council member.
Mayor Krista Toms
