Don’t Be At It
Presented by HeritageNL
Recorded
July 3, 2025 11:00 am
Introducing Tomorrow’s Towns—a forward-thinking placemaking program from Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador. Funded by the Government of Canada through the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) SDG Grant Program, this project empowers your community to become more sustainable, resilient, and vibrant.
By connecting you with strategic partners and expert guidance, the program helps you save valuable time often spent on research, fact-finding, feasibility, and funding applications for various projects, as well as provides valuable learning through webinars and training programs.
With five key streams, Tomorrow’s Towns supports you in launching impactful projects and seizing new opportunities, while also recognizing and rewarding your efforts to strengthen and give back to your community.
Sign up to become a Tomorrow's Town today and get started on your first stream!
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A community’s identity is deeply rooted in its history, culture, and artistic expression. The Heritage & Arts stream is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the unique traditions and stories that define Newfoundland and Labrador’s towns.
The way a town is designed and built has a profound impact on the health and well-being of its residents. The Healthy Built Environment stream promotes community planning and infrastructure development that prioritizes accessibility, active living, and social connectivity.
Access to safe, nutritious, and locally sourced food is a fundamental pillar of a thriving community. The Food Security stream supports municipalities in building resilient food systems that reduce reliance on imported goods and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
Newfoundland and Labrador’s natural landscapes—its rugged coastlines, vast forests, and freshwater ecosystems—are among its most valuable assets. The Environmental Stewardship stream focuses on the responsible management and protection of these natural resources to ensure they remain healthy and accessible for generations to come.
The impact of climate change is becoming increasingly evident in Newfoundland and Labrador, with rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and more frequent extreme weather events threatening communities. The Climate Action stream equips municipalities with the knowledge and tools needed to mitigate these risks and adapt to a changing environment.
Tomorrow’s Towns is a program available to any member of Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador in good standing.
No. Tomorrow’s Towns is an MNL program offered through your regular membership fee.
Municipalities who participate in Tomorrow’s Towns join a network of partners and experts who can help you complete projects in your town. You also receive assistance in facilitating meetings with these partners; webinars relevant to your proposed project; and access to training designed to bolster your municipal council and staff’s skill sets.
Tucked along the rugged northern coastline of Newfoundland, Birchy Bay is a community where tradition runs deep and nature is always close at hand. This small yet spirited town sits along the inner reaches of Notre Dame Bay, a place where time slows, and the land, sea, and sky stretch out in peaceful harmony. Once shaped by the pulse of the logging industry, Birchy Bay carries the legacy of hard work and resilience in every root and ripple.
The town’s history is told through the stories of its people—generations of Newfoundlanders who carved a life from the forest and the bay, harvesting timber and fishing the bountiful waters. Today, while the old mills may be quiet, the heart of Birchy Bay beats just as strong. Locals are proud stewards of their land, creating a life of quiet simplicity, deep connection, and unshakable community.
Surrounded by pristine wilderness, Birchy Bay offers access to walking trails, ATV routes, and the nearby shores that draw anglers and boaters alike. The annual Come Home Year and other community events are infused with heartfelt hospitality and the unmistakable warmth of rural Newfoundland.
In Birchy Bay, neighbors are family, and strangers are greeted with a smile. There’s a reverence here—for the natural world, for the stories of the past, and for the sense of peace that only small-town living can bring. With its tranquil setting, rich history, and deeply rooted community, Birchy Bay invites you to pause, breathe deeply, and feel at home.
