Tourist Arrested for Pulling Weeds at Colonial Building

The Colonial Building in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, has become the center of a public maintenance debate after an American tourist took it upon herself to weed the historic grounds just four years after a multimillion-dollar renovation, according to local interviews and government statements.

Tourist Clears Overgrown Weeds at Former Legislative Building

Sharon Adams, a visitor from Michigan, was touring the former provincial legislature as part of a 12-day excursion across Newfoundland and Labrador when she noticed neglected landscaping, according to her interview with CBC Radio’s The St. John’s Morning Show. As she left the site, Adams observed weeds growing along the steps and surrounding the building’s columns. Being an avid gardener, she returned the following day to pull weeds from the path and flower beds.

“You’ve got some pretty flowers here that the weeds are taking over. You don’t really see them,” Adams stated to CBC Radio. Her impromptu cleanup quickly drew the attention of nearby residents, including Mark Norman, who approached her to ask what she was doing before rolling up his sleeves to help.

Residents Point to Broader Maintenance Issues After $23M Restoration

The exterior upkeep of the Colonial Building has frustrated local residents who watched the grounds degrade, according to Mark Norman. The site completed a 13-year-long restoration project in 2022 with a total budget of $23.4 million, backed by nearly $15 million from the provincial government and the remainder from the federal government. Today, the facility offers exhibits and guided tours for seven months out of the year.

Despite the significant investment, Norman told CBC Radio that the grounds suffer from accumulated garbage, overgrown weeds, and the removal of a rusted-out fence. “Somebody needs to be accountable for this,” Norman said, adding that Adams provided a “proverbial kick in the backside.” Norman’s wife, Bev, also joined the weeding effort, and Norman paid another nearby resident, Mike Lawrence, to lend a hand.

Government Responds to Public Criticism Over Site Upkeep

Transportation and Infrastructure spokesperson Janelle Simms outlined the current maintenance schedule for the property in a statement to CBC News. Simms stated that the department contracts a landscaping service to perform biweekly grass cutting and trimming around the building, curbs, and perimeter, along with regular garbage collection.

“Weed control has not historically been part of the department’s grounds-maintenance contracting practices; however, the current approach may be reviewed as part of ongoing efforts to ensure public spaces are well maintained,” Simms stated. Additionally, the department noted that cleaning the concrete surface where the old fence once stood has faced delays due to “limited contractor interest.”

Frequently Asked Questions

How much did the Colonial Building renovation cost?

According to government records, the 13-year restoration project totaled $23.4 million, with the provincial government contributing nearly $15 million and the federal government funding the remainder.

Who is responsible for maintaining the grounds?

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure contracts a landscaping service for biweekly grass cutting, trimming, and garbage collection, though weed control has not historically been part of the standard contract.

Why did the tourist start weeding the property?

Sharon Adams, a tourist from Michigan and avid gardener, noticed weeds overtaking the flower beds and steps while touring the facility and decided to clear them voluntarily.