News

Gander, NL – October 5, 2026 – The Town of Gander has reported 136 new housing units over the first two years of its Housing Accelerator Fund initiatives, progressing toward its four-year program target of 200 units. 

The two-year total includes 41 units in Year 1 and 95 units in Year 2. The 95 units reported between March 2025 and February 2026 exceeded the Year 2 target of 67 by 28 units, or approximately 42 per cent. 

The new housing includes single-family homes, dwellings with apartments, duplexes, apartment units, and secondary suites, providing more options for current and future residents. 

Gander’s population increased by approximately 23 per cent between 2001 and 2021. As a regional service centre serving more than 80,000 people across Central Newfoundland, the Town is working to ensure housing supply keeps pace with demand. 

“Gander has experienced steady growth over the past two decades, and that growth continues today,” said Mayor Percy Farwell. “The progress we’re seeing through new housing development is helping ensure our community remains a place where people can build careers, raise families, and put down roots. As we continue to grow, creating more housing opportunities will remain a key priority.” 

Through its Housing Accelerator Fund Action Plan, the Town is updating development regulations, streamlining approval processes, and supporting a wider range of housing options. Other initiatives include housing partnerships, a missing middle housing pilot project, assessments of municipal land and infill opportunities, and land acquisition. 

The Town has also recorded 46 new builds during the current construction season, reflecting continued residential growth in Gander. These builds fall after the February 2026 reporting period and are additional to the 136 housing units reported through the first two years of the program. 

Housing Progress at a Glance

Four-Year Program Targets 

The overall program target is 200 housing units. Within that total, the Town’s targets include: 

• 68 units in multi-unit apartment buildings 
• 70 missing middle housing units, including accessory apartments, garden suites, duplexes, row dwellings, and multiplexes 

The program also has a 35 per cent affordability target. 

Results for the First Two Years 

Year 2 Housing Breakdown 

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The Town of Gander’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Day will take place tomorrow, Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Steele Community Centre parking lot.

Household hazardous waste includes products that are toxic, corrosive, flammable, explosive or stored in pressurized containers. These items can cause fires, harm people and animals, damage equipment and pollute the environment and are not accepted through regular curbside garbage collection.

This event is free of charge for residents.

For a full list of accepted items and more information, visit: https://www.gandercanada.com/garbage 

COBB’S POND BOARDWALK CLOSURE – October 4

Reminder that Cobb’s Pond Boardwalk will be closed on Sunday, October 4, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. for the YQX Running Club Turkey Trot.

Thank you for your cooperation.

DISCRETIONARY NOTICE - 340 GARRETT DRIVE

Notice is hereby given that the Town Council of Gander has received an application from Frosty’s Snow Clearing & Sweeping to occupy a building at the above noted address for the purpose of operating accommodation/efficiency units.

It is noted that Commercial Residential is permitted as a discretionary use in a Commercial General zone under the Town of Gander Development Regulations.

Anyone wishing to make representation on this matter must do so in writing and the representation must be received by the Planning and Public Works Department, Town of Gander, no later than Tuesday, 4:00 p.m., October 13, 2026.

Further information on this matter may be obtained by contacting the Planning and Public Works Department at 651-5915.

James Blackwood, P. Eng.
Director of Planning and Public Works
Town of Gander
100 Elizabeth Drive
Gander, NL A1V 1G7
info@gandercanada.com 

Garbage Collection Schedule Change – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Due to National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, garbage collection scheduled for Wednesday, September 30th will instead take place on Thursday, October 1st.

For more details, visit: https://www.gandercanada.com/garbage 

DISCRETIONARY NOTICE - 29A Melvill Place 

Notice is hereby given that Council has received an application from Lisa’s Sweet Bakes to operate a home-based bakery specializing in “home baked cinnamon rolls” from 29A Melvill Place.

It is noted that home occupation is permitted as a “discretionary use” for the zone in which this property is located.

Anyone wishing to make representation on this matter must do so in writing prior to 4:00pm on October 6, 2026. Further information on this matter may be obtained by contacting the Planning and Development Department at 651-5910.

Development Officer
Town of Gander
100 Elizabeth Drive
Gander, NL   A1V 1G7
Email: dquinton@gandercanada.com 

Public Notice: Town of Gander

The following appeal has been received under the Urban and Rural Planning Act, 2000.

Appeal #15-006-099-009
A third-party appellant has appealed the Town of Gander council’s decision to approve an application to undertake a development (side yard variance) at 31& 33 Waterton Street.

The appeal process under the Urban and Rural Planning Act, 2000 is administered by Municipal and Community Affairs. Any person(s) who consider that they may be affected by the subject of this appeal and would like to be notified of the time, date and place of the hearing may contact the Appeal Officer at (709) 729-3088 or URPA.appeals@gov.nl.ca. When confirmed, the date of the hearing will be posted at https://www.gov.nl.ca/mca/for/decisions/.

For media inquiries, please contact the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs at (709) 729-5539.

Public Statement: Late-Night Fireworks in Gander 

Gander, NL – September 23, 2026  

The Town of Gander is aware of ongoing concerns regarding fireworks being discharged during late-night and early-morning hours in several areas of the community. 

We understand residents’ frustration and concern. Beyond interrupted sleep, sudden, loud fireworks can be particularly distressing for people living with PTSD and those with sensory sensitivities. They can also be frightening for pets. The impact is real, and this late-night activity is unacceptable. 

By-Law Enforcement has been reviewing reports received by the Town, examining reported times and locations, speaking with local fireworks retailers and coordinating with the RCMP where relevant information may assist. The Town’s Community Standards By-law includes provisions respecting unreasonable noise, and the Town will pursue appropriate enforcement action where sufficient evidence is available. 

Residents can help by reporting each incident through Contact Gander and providing as much specific information as possible, including: 

• The exact time and location
• The direction from which the fireworks were seen or heard
• A description of any people or vehicles involved
• Photographs or video, where safely available
• Contact information for any witnesses 

Reports can be submitted online at www.gandercanada.com/contact-gander, by emailing service@gander.ca, or by calling 709-651-TOWN (8696) during regular business hours and 709-651-2941 after hours. The online form and email may be used at any time, including immediately after an overnight incident. Timely, detailed reports help identify where this is happening and support appropriate enforcement action. 

The Town will continue following up on reports and working with relevant partners to address this activity. We appreciate residents’ help. Being considerate of our neighbours is a basic expectation in our community, and everyone deserves to feel safe and comfortable in their own home. 

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TRAFFIC INTERRUPTION: Brochen Street – September 22, 2026

Please be advised that there will be a traffic interruption at 7 Brochen Street today, September 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to conduct water infrastructure repairs.

During this time, there will be no through traffic on Brochen Street.

Motorists are asked to use caution in the area and follow all posted signage.

We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your cooperation.