WABANA MAYOR ADDRESSES BELL ISLAND FUEL SHORTAGE

(Oct 28th)

The Mayor of Wabana says municipal services and emergency operations have continued without interruption despite the ongoing fuel shortage on Bell Island.

In a public statement released Wednesday, October 28, Mayor Philip Tobin addressed concerns surrounding the closure of Island Gas Bar & Convenience, while providing an update on the Town’s fuel supplies and efforts to ensure essential services remain operational.

Tobin said the Town’s emergency vehicles are primarily diesel-powered, with all but one of its fire trucks operating on diesel. The gasoline-powered fire truck has remained fully fuelled since the gas station closed, with additional gasoline available on-site if needed.

The Town also maintains a diesel storage tank at Town Hall for municipal emergency vehicles. According to Tobin, the tank has an adequate fuel supply, is monitored daily and is replenished through biweekly deliveries from Tappers Oil.

Tobin said he has also been in contact with the local RCMP to ensure emergency vehicles and services not operated by the Town have adequate fuel supplies, with those needs monitored daily.

The mayor said the Town implemented a fuel-monitoring and collection process at the beginning of the gas station closure to prevent disruptions to emergency and municipal services. He added that the process has worked as intended and remains in place.

“There has been no impact on the municipal services provided to residents because of the fuel shortage,” Tobin stated.

Tobin said he has been communicating with Bell Island’s MHA Fred Hutton, Minister Lin Paddock and the owners of Island Gas Bar & Convenience regarding the shortage and its impact on the community.

However, he noted that the gas station is a privately operated business, limiting the Town’s ability to intervene in its operations.

The mayor said some information cannot be shared publicly because it involves personal or confidential matters, ongoing discussions and potential solutions. He added that he will provide further updates when information becomes available that can appropriately be made public.

Tobin acknowledged the frustration and concern the shortage has created for residents, families and local businesses, emphasizing the importance of community support while efforts to resolve the situation continue.

He encouraged residents to avoid spreading unverified claims that could create unnecessary fear and anxiety, and said he would continue advocating for the community and communicating with the appropriate parties.

The fuel shortage remains an ongoing concern for Bell Island, with the Town continuing to monitor supplies and work to ensure essential services are maintained.