Latest news with #GrandFallsWindsor
CBC
08-08-2025
- CBC
Cabin owners in part of central Newfoundland ‘hoping for the best' as fire continues to burn
The fire is 21 kilometres away from Grand Falls-Windsor, but cabin owners who have been evacuated in the area of Martin Lake and Great Rattling Brook, near the Bay d'Espoir Highway, are anxious to see what becomes of their cherished places. The CBC's Troy Turner reports.
CBC
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Gordon Pinsent statue in hometown of Grand Falls-Windsor is a fitting tribute, says nephew
There was Gordon Pinsent, the award-winning actor, director, writer and producer, the "codfather," voice of Babar, the Rowdyman and one of the most beloved characters Newfoundland and Labrador has ever known. Then, there was Uncle Gord, the fun-loving relative, who was always quick with a joke, and made time for everyone in the family, especially the children. "When Uncle Gord came home, he didn't bring Gordon Pinsent with him," said nephew Ron Smith. "When he was home, he was Uncle Gord … Nobody got left out. For some reason that was very important to him." Now, there's Gordon Pinsent, the bronze statue — a tribute to the man who paved the way for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians in their pursuit of work on stage and screen. Pinsent died in 2023 at the age of 92. The statue was a joint project of the town of Grand Falls-Windsor and the province. Morgan MacDonald created the sculpture, which was unveiled over the weekend during the Salmon Festival. "He'd be honoured, but I think he'd definitely be somewhat humble, maybe a little embarrassed," Smith said. "If he were here, he would try and get around that with humour. When Gord felt humbled or a little embarrassed, he automatically went to humour." The statue currently resides outside of Grand Falls-Windsor's town hall. It will be moved to another location so Pinsent looks down High Street, and the neighbourhood where he grew up. Holly Dwyer, a town councillor who helped spearhead the initiative, hopes to expand on the tribute with storyboards and a display to further tell Pinsent's story. "We wanted the statue to be classy," she said. "We wanted it to absolutely resemble him through the decades of work that he was known for. But we also wanted it to be inviting." Since the weekend unveiling, Mayor Barry Manuel said the response has been phenomenal. "This place has been buzzing with activity," he said. "People continue to come down and sit on the bench and speak to Gordon in some cases. It definitely brings up a lot of good memories for people." Manuel said Pinsent is a big part of the community and the statue represents the connection. WATCH | Pinsent is now immortalized with a statue in his hometown: Gordon Pinsent, a golden light in N.L. film, is now immortalized in bronze 34 minutes ago A statue of the late Newfoundland actor was unveiled in his hometown of Grand Falls-Windsor over the weekend, with representation from friends and family. The CBC's Troy Turner reports on what he meant to the community. For Smith, the tribute makes perfect sense. If there was ever an ambassador for the province, and Grand Falls-Windsor in particular, his uncle led the way. "He sold the province everywhere he went, whether he was talking to politicians, whether he was talking to people within the acting [community]. And it didn't matter," said Smith. "If you asked him where you're from is from Newfoundland. And he never has said, 'I'm from Canada.' He said he was from Newfoundland and, more specifically, Grand Falls."
CTV News
20-06-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Residents who fled wildfire in central Newfoundland can return home
A fire is shown burning near Badger, N.L., in this handout photo taken on Tuesday June 17, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Grand Falls-Windsor Fire Department ST. JOHN'S — About 700 people who were forced to flee their homes in central Newfoundland because of a wildfire can now go home. Newfoundland and Labrador Premier John Hogan says it has become clear the fire will not jump the river separating Badger, N.L., from the flames. He told reporters in St. John's, N.L., that though the fire is still out of control, it is no longer one roaring inferno but a collection of burning hot spots. Three helicopters and one water bomber will be working to douse the flames all day. Badger residents were asked to evacuate on Wednesday and drive about 30 kilometres east to Grand Falls-Windsor, where there were meals and cots ready at a local arena. Hogan says none of the cots was needed because every evacuee found a place to stay. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 20, 2025. The Canadian Press
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Timeline still unknown for Badger residents to return home
A wildfire is still burning out of control near the community of Badger, N.L. on Friday, while residents restlessly wait for the green light to return home. But the mayor says he is optimistic that efforts to battle the blaze are having a positive impact. The fire started Tuesday and prompted an evacuation order by the province, forcing hundreds of people to flee the area to nearby Grand Falls-Windsor. The fire has since burned 1,180 hectares. "[We're] feeling a lot better today than yesterday, and yesterday was a lot better than the day before. Fire crews have done an amazing job," Mayor Dennis Butt told CBC Radio's Newfoundland Morning on Friday. Butt said he's hoping to get further good news in his next update from provincial officials. Premier John Hogan is speaking to reporters at 1 p.m. NT. "The fire's still active, it's still critical and the state of emergency as well as the evacuation order is still in effect," he said. As of Friday morning, the provincial fire hazard maps lists the area as low risk of fire — a downgrade over the course of the week where the area had been ranked as extreme risk of fire. Hogan, speaking to reporters on Friday morning, said the fire has not changed much in the last 24 to 48 hours, which he called good news. "It was certainly a very scary situation a couple of days ago," he said. "Right now we're still monitoring the situation." Hogan said weather conditions have been improving and more rain is expected in the forecast. At the moment, the risk is low that the fire will jump the Exploits River. "But as we know, things can change very fast," said Hogan. Hogan wasn't able to say when the evacuation order could be lifted, and said he understands the situation is stressful. "I would just say to them — always better safe than sorry," he said. Hogan said advice is taken from the province's fire behaviour specialist, who will make a recommendation on when people can return to the community. While an evacuation order was issued on Wednesday, some people decided to stay in the community. Butt said he's encouraging them to leave. "There's still a very low number of residents who chose to stay. The RCMP went door to door again late yesterday and just emphasized the fact that, you know, there is a state of emergency in effect," he said. Butt said they don't want to put firefighters in unnecessary risk if they have to help people evacuate in case the wildfire does reach the community. Residents who did evacuate say they are feeling the stress, but they feel supported by neighbouring communities and organizations. Download our free CBC News app to sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador. Click here to visit our landing page.
CTV News
18-06-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Residents of Newfoundland town ordered to flee due to wildfire
Hundreds of residents of Badger, Newfoundland have been ordered to evacuate as a wildfire threatens the community. Almost 700 people in the central Newfoundland town of Badger were ordered out of their homes Wednesday afternoon, as a wildfire quickly approached the community from the southwest. Newfoundland and Labrador Premier John Hogan delivered the evacuation order just after 12 p.m. He told reporters that he wanted to be as cautious as possible, and ensure people were out of their homes if flames approached. Officials believe the wildfire, which started Tuesday, was caused by a lightning strike. It has been estimated between 500 and 600 hectares in size, although exact measurements are unavailable. Hogan suggested that families from Badger head to Grand Falls-Windsor, a central Newfoundland town approximately 30 kilometres away. Evacuees are being asked to register at the town's Joe Byrne Arena. Three waterbombers will be assigned to fight the fire Wednesday. This is a breaking news update. More details to come…
