Civil Municipal - May 2024

community roots. Not Torbay, though. Under Scott’s watch, collaboration and volunteerism are two main themes that help Torbay’s economy run smoothly. He paints a picture of a dynamic group ready to take agency in the health of the community. The Torbay Lions Club takes charge of local initiatives, Scott says, as do the volunteers who step up to serve on trails and environmental committees. In Scott’s eyes, progress is more sustainable from the ground up, rather than the municipal government barking orders and everyone following suit. “All of those [volunteer groups] are very important for us to be able to provide services to residents in a way that makes them more involved and have more ownership in [community initiatives],” explains Scott. Volunteerism has a profound impact on Torbay, and that selfless spirit has opened the door to cooperation with surrounding municipalities. This wasn’t always the case, Scott says, but times have changed. For example, Torbay’s efforts to create a bypass road also benefited the nearby towns of Flatrock and Pouch Cove, which cut down the commute to schools in Torbay. “I’m a big believer that what’s good for one is good for others,” says Scott. CULTURE, TOURISM, AND NATURAL BEAUTY The COVID pandemic opened Scott’s eyes to how the residents of Torbay used their outdoor amenities. For example, the East Coast Trail runs right through Torbay and neighboring municipalities.The beautiful coastal hiking trails became an outlet for mental and physical restoration for folks cooped up while working from home. “The trails that we had built were tremendously used,” says Scott. “It reinforced for us that that was the right direction that we should go and spend money on that type of passive recreation.” The trails set a baseline for Torbay’s summer and winter tourism. In the warmer months, whale- watching tours debark from the coves, while fishing enthusiasts can cast a line off the pier. The sights 182 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 05 BUSINESS VIEW AGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 01