Ministerial Statement – Premier Ball Commends West Coast Flood Response Efforts

  • Executive Council

February 26, 2018

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador:


Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House to commend the hard work and dedication of those who responded to the severe storm and flooding on the West Coast last month.

On the morning of Saturday, January 13, residents of communities in the region woke up to unseasonably high temperatures and torrential rain. By the end of the day, seven routes had been closed due to flooding. This included the Trans-Canada Highway at Little Rapids and Route 450 in the Bay of Islands, both of which had sections that were completely washed out.

Rising water levels and cut-off roadways forced six municipalities in the region to declare states of emergency. All the while, work was underway to keep people safe, prevent further damage and re-connect communities as quickly as possible.

By that evening, a temporary route had been established at Little Rapids. On Wednesday, Route 450 reopened, and on Friday all four lanes of the Trans-Canada Highway at Little Rapids had reopened.

Mr. Speaker, I commend the outstanding efforts of those who came to the aid of thousands of residents during last month’s storm despite the devastation it caused.

Many individuals and organizations gave their dedication and expertise when it was needed most, and due to their quick and effective responses we were able to repair closed roads and bring aid and services to our communities quickly and safely.

I ask all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to join me in thanking the many individuals – including public service employees, volunteers, emergency management partners, community organizations, municipalities and contractors – for their tremendous contributions during the flooding.

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are well-known for our resilience and quick action to support our neighbours in times of need. Time and again, we rise to the challenge in the face of adversity. It is one of the many reasons why I am so very proud to call this province home.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

2018 02 26 1:55 pm