Historic Trinity
".....the best and largest harbour in all the Land."
Whitbourne, 1620
To all volunteers: THANK YOU!
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Message from the Mayor regarding Covid 19
During this time of uncertainty, challenges of "what if" and "when will this be over" and many
other questions and unknowns, I urge everyone to remain calm in this growing and quickly
changing crisis. I recognize that it is not easy and I too have many concerns and unanswered
questions not only as the Mayor of Trinity, but as a small business owner, an employee of a notfor-profit and a family man with both children and elders to care for during this time. We are all
in this together.
As we all know, COVID-19 is in our province and no doubt may soon be in the region, if it's not
already. The time is here now to exercise caution, social distancing and isolation, however, in
doing so, please also try to remain kind and be positive in your actions and comments.
As a saying goes, "In a world where you can be anything, be kind."
I have been following the various news releases as well as listening and participating in numerous
conference calls and meetings over the past number of days. I have been in communication with
government departments, health officials, the Fire Chief, the Royal Bank of Canada and Canada
Post Office staff locally. Together we explore the new normal and what supports will be in place
for the short and long term as well as ensure the public health and safety of everyone.
Be certain that discussions have been held and are continuous with government representatives
regarding the effect on our tourism industry, small businesses, Town and so on. I encourage those
of you in such sectors and other industries to also get your emails listed with the various
representative organizations for your sector like Bonavista Chamber of Commerce, Legendary
Coasts, Hospitality NL, Canada Revenue Agency and others for the latest information and supports
that are either already available or that are anticipated to come to assist employers and employees
during these challenging times.
This virus is unlike anything that we have been through. It has, and will, continue to have an impact
on our lives, touching us all in some way, be it directly the infection itself, or indirectly through
the financial, mental and social strain resulting from our new reality. The most important thing to
remember is follow the health advice that is provided. It has been repeated enough that it's time
now to listen and heed it.
Be kind and calm, remember to self isolate for those of you who may be travelling into the province
and region. If you suspect someone is not obeying the 14 days self isolation policy, there is now a
reporting system in place by the provincial government. It is within the jurisdiction of the RCMP
to deal with these instances and reports of non-compliance with requirements to self isolate.
You may also consider ways you can help someone self isolate, like offering to pick up their
groceries if you are going to the store anyways, or simply calling them to see if they need to speak
with someone. Not everyone has a support system nearby and we need to be considerate of those
who live in self-isolation every day before we even knew Covid-19 existed. In this regards I think
mostly of our seniors in our Town and region. We also suggest that all members of our community
where possible practice self-isolating and only go out for work if required to to do so, essential
services, to help someone in need or to take a walk at a safe social distance. This will further
protect members of our community who must continue to work and provide essential services such
as home care or operating our grocery stores, pharmacies and other services that have been deemed
essential by government.
We have always pulled together as a region (and province) and have gotten through many
challenges in the past - Igor, ice storms etc. We have also as not-for-profits, municipalities,
business owners and volunteers, gotten through all of these past natural occurrences while
achieving great success on many positive regional projects together. I think of Hike Discovery;
Cultural Craft Festival, Bonavista Biennale; Roots, Rant and Roars as well as many, many other
events and success stories. Even now, we all hold our breath for the eventual decision of hopefully
our region becoming the first designated UNESCO Geopark for our province.
I suggest we all Google those positive local stories during our time at home and share those through
your social mediums. It is important to remind ourselves of what we have achieved together and
think of the possibilities that are yet to come. We will get through this crisis again as a region and
province, keeping in mind that we are all in this together and carefully following the rules that
have been laid before us.
Your cooperation during this time though is essential.....
Please follow all safety guidelines and for the most up-to-date information related to Covid-19,
resources for self isolation, mental health assistance and other resources please visit
www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19
In addition should you have any symptoms of Covid-19 please visit the self assessment tool at
this website - https://www.811healthline.ca/covid-19-self-assessment/ DO NOT visit a hospital
or medical clinic.
I would also like to suggest an idea I was given this morning, which may also be a good practice
to begin implementing for your household. Keep a journal of your family's and your own daily
interactions when not self-isolating, including the time, place and people present (going to the
grocery store, going to work at an essential service…). With our regular routines suspended,
keeping track of dates can be difficult. Having these details recorded may help you feel more in
control of your situation and provide better protection for you and your loved ones. If you learn
that someone who tested positive for Covid-19 was at a certain place on a certain day, you will
have an accurate account of your activities to reference and determine if you need to contact 811
or self-isolate. It can also be an essential tool to help health authorities accurately track and contact
individuals you may have encountered, should the need ever arise.
Together we will get through this.......Stay Safe, Be Positive and Be Kind.
Yours Truly
Jim
Jim Miller
Mayor
Town of Trinity
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Trinity has been a viable North Atlantic community for hundreds of years. Its defensible harbour, with abundant room for the ships of the day and shores well suited for outbuildings, wharves and fish-flakes, made it ideal for the early migratory fishery. Later, merchants from Poole, England, made Trinity the base for a new-world fishery.
During the 1720's Trinity was home to about 30 permanent families and host to 200-300 seasonal fishermen per year. By 1869, the population peaked at more than 800 people. Until recently, the inshore, Grand Bank and Labrador fisheries sustained the community. Lumbering, coopering, shipbuilding and other trades have been prominent. Historically, education was an important component of the community, with navigation and business education being taught at Trinity's Commercial School. Eventually, this school was merged with the grade school into a general High School. The teachers who taught in these schools included some of Newfoundland's leading educators and scholars.
The preservation of Trinity's cultural and built heritage has made it perhaps the most notable "heritage community" in the province. Sustainable growth in existing and new businesses, including theatre, is clearly evident as Trinitarians, along with residents of the surrounding communities, play host to thousands of visitors per year.
Trinity is centrally located and generally within an hour's drive of other points of interest on the Bonavista Peninsula. It is about 3 hours by road from the capital city, St. John's.
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