Wabana's on a water-led win streak, energized by some youthful administrators
A plan to address long-standing potable water crisis part of a cascade of positivity
After years of turmoil and division, the Town of Wabana on Bell Island is on a winning streak, highlighted by a plan to finally start delivering clean drinking water to some homes, beginning this fall.
And a shakeup at town hall is being credited for the turnaround, with a series of notable advances and accomplishments — including big budget surpluses, the purchase of an excavator and the construction of a new municipal park — coinciding with the appointment of a new town manager.
At 28, Jordon Blackwood is not much older than the town's 22-year boil water order.
"I'm definitely more hopeful than I have been in the past, and grateful that there is a young energy coming in," resident Sherrill Ruckert said this week as she filled a water jug at the town's dispensing station.
"Seeing someone like Jordon stepping up is very hopeful. I think things are going to get better, not worse."
From councillor to town manager
Blackwood, who took over as town manager 18 months ago, is the same age as town clerk Jenna Vokey, making them one of the youngest municipal administrative teams in the province.
Blackwood is no stranger to the town hall. He was elected as a town councillor at age of 20 and re-elected four years later.
He's a quick-talking, confident, sharp-dressed millennial with political aspirations who speaks passionately about Bell Island and his desire to bring transparency, unity and optimism back to his community.
But he's also mindful of the big problems on Bell Island, including a lack of job opportunities, an aging population, a drug problem and the ongoing challenges of living on an island accessible only by a provincially run and heavily subsidized ferry service.
As a town councillor, Blackwood was viewed by many as the voice of reason among an elected group that was divided into two camps. But when the top administrative post in Wabana opened up last year, he went for it, and got the job.
Calming the waters
"Someone needs to calm the waters," he said, referring to the town's reputation for infighting, secrecy and poor decision-making that has cost the town some big bucks over the years.
He's been charging hard ever since, and unlike other town managers who stay in the shadows, he's all over Facebook, boasting about the town's achievements, including the extraordinary efforts being made to attract a family doctor to Bell Island.
For example, the town is acquiring a house for $1 from the N.L. Housing Corporation. The plan is to renovate the house at the town's expense and include it as an incentive to recruit a doctor.
"We're going to do what it takes to attract a family physician, and if that means giving a free home for their time here? We'll do it," he said.
He's embarrassed that the water crisis has gone on for so long in Wabana, and finding a solution is his top priority.
I want this so bad. I mean, for 22 years people have failed. Councils have failed. I'm not going to fail.- Jordon Blackwood
"I want this so bad. I mean, for 22 years people have failed. Councils have failed. I'm not going to fail."
The water supply is contaminated with arsenic, manganese and iron.
It's not fit to drink, is a legacy of the town's mining history, and few will even gamble with using the water to wash their light-coloured clothing.
A few years ago, a clean water dispensing station opened in Wabana, and each day, residents line up to fill jugs with treated water. And they're not happy about it.
"I got heart trouble. I'm at four strokes and I gotta come up and strain and try to get a water," said resident Ambrose Rose.
"Eighty per cent of the time the water is dirty," added another resident, Edward Fitzgerald.
Locals say the water quality is the No. 1 challenge of living on the island and that it's driving people away and impeding economic growth.
"It's awful. You shouldn't have to do this," a frustrated Anthony Carroll said as he plopped his plastic jug on the metal platform and turned on the water.
Treated water on the way
The first step in resolving the long-standing water crisis will occur later this fall when a nearly $3-million treatment plant goes into service. The boil order will finally be lifted for about 15 per cent of the town's 1,200 households, with future phases expected to be completed over the next three years, with funding from all three levels of government paying for the new infrastructure.
The clean water strategy is not the only positive news flowing from town hall these days.
Wabana is now flush with cash, with a $400,000 surplus from last year's budget of $2.5 million, allowing the town to pay cash for a much-needed excavator and assure residents that their tax rates will be stable at a time of high inflation.
Blackwood tightened the grips on the town's treasury, looking for every possible way to save money.
"I treat these finances like they're my own," he said.
The biggest windfall came from a reduction in payroll costs, with the town reducing the workforce from 11 to nine, and Blackwood taking on extra duties such as recreation director.
And Blackwood is doing his best to keep council focused on what matters to residents.
"With the new approach of being inclusive and transparent, people are buying into that new energy, and I think we're going to move forward," he said.
Wabana's longtime mayor, Gary Gosine, is facing a health challenge, and was not up for an interview. But he said he's a big Blackwood supporter.
And so is the town clerk, Jenna Vokey.
"It's been absolutely astounding to see the change from when I started in 2019," said Vokey.
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