
21/07/2025
RECENT SUMMARY ST. JOHN NEWS:
Here's a summary of the latest news from St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, as of Monday, July 21, 2025:
Wildfires and Weather:
* Ongoing Wildfires: Crews are still battling out-of-control wildfires, notably near Musgrave Harbour and Chance Harbour. Musgrave Harbour remains under an evacuation order, with the fire about 2 km from the town. Forecasted rainfall is hoped to aid suppression efforts. A province-wide fire ban is in effect.
* Wet Roads: Rain has impacted the west coast and parts of central Newfoundland, leading to wet road conditions.
* Heat Warnings: While some parts of southeastern Canada are no longer under heat warnings, large areas continue to experience scorching temperatures.
* Hurricane Season: Hurricane season is underway, and while conditions are ripe, it's impossible to predict when the next major storm might hit Atlantic Canada.
Public Safety and Crime:
* Fatal Overdose Charge: Police in Newfoundland have charged a 19-year-old with manslaughter in the fatal overdose of a 14-year-old boy.
* Missing Woman from Ferry: A search and rescue operation has concluded for a 41-year-old woman who went missing on a ferry traveling between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.
* Roadside Disturbance: The RNC is investigating a report of an assault in Humber Arm South.
* Illegal Backyard Fires: The Spaniard's Bay Fire Department has responded to four illegal backyard fires despite a province-wide fire ban.
* ATV Enforcement: Police forces are continuing their crackdown on illegal and dangerous off-road vehicle activity.
* Drive-by Shooting: Two men have been charged after a drive-by shooting in Paradise resulted in property damage but no injuries.
Community and Health:
* New Health Hub: An abandoned Costco store in St. John's is being transformed into Newfoundland and Labrador's newest health hub, with construction in its final stages. It's expected to open in phases starting October 21, 2025.
* Bull Arm MOU: The province recently signed a deal with North Atlantic to utilize the Bull Arm fabrication site.
* Musgrave Harbour Community Health Centre Closed: The health center in Musgrave Harbour is closed due to the nearby forest fire.
* Quidi Vidi Slipway Replacement: The City of St. John's is replacing the rundown Quidi Vidi slipway for $750,000.
* Housing Market Challenges: An LPN in Corner Brook is facing the loss of her long-term rental home due to the tight housing market, which is being further strained by incoming health-care workers.
* Atlantic Salmon Concerns: An angler expressed worry about the fate of Atlantic salmon.
* Rare Right Whale Sighting: A local tour guide was excited to spot a rare North Atlantic right whale off the southern Avalon Peninsula.
* Outgoing Ministers' Benefits: A new cash benefit for departing ministers has been axed following a CBC report.
* New Oncologist Hires: New oncologist hires in Corner Brook are seen as a positive step towards improving radiation services.
Other News:
* Love Note in a Bottle: A romantic message in a bottle thrown from Newfoundland cliffs nearly 13 years ago was found on an Irish beach, and the couple who sent it are still together.
* Hydro-Québec Suspends Work: Hydro-Québec has suspended work at a planned hydroelectric station in Labrador amid protests by some residents.
* Canada Games Mural: A Francophone artist has been selected to create a mural for the 2025 Jeux du Canada Games.
* Bell Island Ferry Issues: Residents of Bell Island are growing frustrated with ongoing ferry issues and delays.
For more detailed information, please refer to local news sources like CBC Newfoundland and Labrador, NTV, and SaltWire.