By Olivia Bradbury, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Longtime Harbour Grace Mayor Don Coombs has seen a lot of ups and downs in his town’s prospects over the years – over this latest term of council even his critics would probably have to admit things have been more on the upside.
In an end of year interview, the genial “Don” of municipal politics said the 2024 accomplishment he is most proud of is that this council kept the Town’s financials in good shape.
“The council of 2021 did a great job realizing the deficit we had, and we put a 10-year plan in,” he said. “And we’re following the 10-year plan so our financials are good. We are eliminating things off the 10-year strategic plan which is good.”
This past year saw continued infrastructure and housing development, Coombs noted, and businesses in Harbour Grace are doing well. Moreover, the old Terra Nova Shoes building was sold, and Coombs said the new owners will develop jobs for the town and the region.
Coombs said he is grateful to everyone in Harbour Grace for the overall success the town has seen, commending council, staff, committees, and residents. “Everybody is working together in a positive manner, and you can see it,” he said.
On the horizon, Coombs said some new facilities are expected to open in 2025. Work on the Church of the Immaculate in Harbour Grace is nearing a close after more than half a decade. The cathedral is being renovated into a distillery, which will also have a thousand-seat convention centre. Coombs is optimistic that it will open this coming summer. In addition, a new hotel is expected to open next year, which Coombs said will be a major investment in the region.
Coombs has been mayor of Harbour Grace, off and on, for a total of 27 years, and a council member for 32. He said he has worked with many good councillors over the years, but the current council, as a group, is the strongest one he has worked with. As an example, Coombs said he thought the Town’s deficit would take 10 to 15 years to turn around, but this council has begun to produce results in only four years.
When asked whether he plans to run for mayor again in the next municipal election, he admitted he was not yet sure. He is going to take some time to make his decision.
When asked whether he would consider running in provincial politics, Coombs admitted he has been asked to do so in the past but has no such aspirations.
“I love what I’m doing right now and I know you never say never, but my priority was my family for years when I was getting encouraged in a big way to run. I probably would have won the seat, but family comes first.”
As for federal politics, Coombs said he would never aspire to run at that level because of how much time it would require him to be away from his home and family.
