Grand Falls-Windsor seeks public input on Louis John Hill area

The Town of Grand Falls-Windsor is inviting residents to take part in a public consultation later this month to help clarify the boundaries and significance of an area informally known as Louis John Hill or Louis John Trail.

The consultation will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 28, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Exploits Nordic Ski Chalet on Scott Avenue.

According to the town, Louis John Hill is a series of disconnected green spaces with unclear boundaries, located near Lincoln Road, Union Street, Judges Terrace, Junction Road and Gilbert Street. While some residents believe the land holds cultural, historical or natural significance, the town says there is little formal documentation to support those claims.

Town staff have been working with representatives of the Qalipu First Nation, and both parties agree that the boundaries of the land need to be clearly defined. As a result, council approved a public consultation process to gather broader community input.

The session aims to help identify and describe the boundaries of the area, collect stories, records, maps or other information related to its potential significance, and explore ways to formally recognize Louis John and the land, if supporting evidence exists.

The town says existing historical information about the area is limited, making community knowledge an important part of the process.

Following the consultation, staff will prepare a summary report for council.

Council will then continue working with the Qalipu First Nation to develop a shared understanding of the area, with the goal of identifying a clearly defined parcel of land that could be surveyed and formally recognized.

Residents and interested stakeholders are encouraged to attend and share their perspectives.