Notices

For Immediate Release

Release Date: July 21, 2026

Town of Happy Valley–Goose Bay Calls for Immediate Provincial Action on Public Safety Issues

The Town of Happy Valley–Goose Bay is once again raising urgent concerns about a series of public disturbances occurring across the community. Recent incidents involving intoxicated individuals, aggressive behaviour, harassment of residents, and inappropriate actions in public spaces have left many people feeling unsafe, frustrated, and upset.

Some of these incidents, widely shared on social media, are not isolated. They reflect a pattern of behaviour that residents, businesses, and visitors have been experiencing throughout the town for years. The cumulative impact is significant: families are hesitant to visit local establishments, businesses are facing disruptions, and visitors are leaving with negative impressions of the community.

The Town emphasizes that homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges are complex issues requiring coordinated responses. However, public safety must remain a priority, and the current situation is undermining community well‑being, local commerce, and tourism.

The Town is once again calling on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to take immediate and meaningful action to address these concerns. Specifically, the Town is requesting:

1. Enhanced provincial policing and enforcement resources to respond to ongoing disturbances and harassment in public areas.

2. Expanded mental health and addictions supports, including outreach, stabilization, and culturally appropriate services.

3. Appropriate detox, withdrawal management, and short‑term stabilization services to address acute addiction‑related crises.

4. A coordinated provincial public safety strategy tailored to the unique challenges facing Happy Valley–Goose Bay.

Happy Valley–Goose Bay is a resilient and proud community. Residents have made it clear that they do not feel safe, and they do not feel heard. The Town is urging the Province to work collaboratively and urgently to restore confidence in the safety, dignity, and livability of the community.

“The Town has, and will continue to, advocate, demand action, and speak on behalf of our residents, but we cannot deliver the provincial services this situation requires. Our community is doing everything within its power, and we need the Province to finally step up with the resources only they can provide.”   — Mayor Bert Pomeroy

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Media contact:

pr@townhvgb.com