On Wednesday, June 3, 2020 starting at 2:00 p.m. Mayor Parsons will ride the Mill Whistler road train as it visits Care Homes and the Long Term Care Centre in Corner Brook to bring gifts and treats to seniors. This initiative was brought to The City by “Supporting Seniors In Lockdown”, a group which has been working with various members of the community to collect donations. While the Mill Whistler’s journey will be visiting Senior’s Homes within the City, this project will also be sending donated items to senior homes in many more Bay Of Islands and Humber Valley communities.

Residents are invited to step outside during this time to make some noise, and spread some cheer from the safety of their front steps, being mindful to practice social distancing protocols.

The route is as-follows:
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. The train will depart City Hall and visit Mountainview Estates via the Humber Heights area including Humber Road, Clarence Street and Premier Drive.
3:00 – 4:00 p.m. The train will depart Humber Heights and go to Mt. Bernard via Main Street., visiting Xavier House and then the Corner Brook Long Term Care Centre on University Drive.
4:00 – 6:00 p.m. The train will visit Elizabeth Street, Wheelers Road, and O’Connell Drive as well as some side roads. It will return to City Hall via Glenhaven Road, Country Road, Caribou Road, Broadway, Mt. Bernard, East down O’Connell Drive past Bowaters and finally left onto West Valley Road.

Residents and motorists can use this map as a reference (LINK), however the train may occasionally visit some side roads and cul-de-sacs. Motorists are asked for their patience if they come up on the Mill Whistler, and only pass when it is safe to do so. Members of “Supporting Seniors In Lockdown” will be following the train at a distance in personal vehicles to carry the items, and measures have been taken to ensure everyone participating is remaining physically distant. The train cannot cross Lewin Parkway so Supporting Seniors in Lockdown will be dropping off gifts and treats to Lohnes Complex on O’Connell Drive tomorrow. Motorists may experience minor delays as the train moves with its support vehicles between care homes. Residents who may join us from their homes are reminded to follow physical distancing protocols and not break any bubbles during the festivities. 

While the Mill Whistler will not be open to passengers at this time, City Staff are investigating options to use the train for special occasions throughout the year.

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“We are so pleased to be able to work with our community partners in reaching out to some of seniors in the region. I applaud “Supporting Seniors in Lockdown” for their efforts with such a thoughtful initiative, and look forward to participating in this journey through the City. Please join us, and make some noise, but remember physical distancing rules!”
– Mayor Jim Parsons

“I started this project to help spread joy and kindness to some of the more vulnerable and isolated members of our community. Our seniors have built and contributed to our community and deserve recognition and respect, and to know that we are thinking of them.”
– Glenda Simms, of “Supporting Seniors In Lockdown”