Author

Elizabeth Whitten

Elizabeth Whitten is a St. John’s-based journalist and The Independent’s St. John’s municipal politics reporter. She’s previously worked for allNewfoundlandLabrador and Downhome Magazine, and her work has been published by CBC, The Overcast, and the Toronto Star. She’s currently writing a book about how Dr. Cluny Macpherson invented the gas mask in World War One.

Elizabeth's Latest Articles

St. John's City Hall on New Gower Street.
What Odds at City Hall: 10 January 2022

In its first meeting of 2022, Council signed off on a pop-up business, one new parking space on Gower Street, and downtown waste removal.

St. John's City Hall on New Gower Street.
What Odds at City Hall: 20 December 2021

The last Council meeting of the year wrapped up on Monday. 2021 is going out with a bang—though Covid is once again challenging celebrations.

St. John's City Hall on New Gower Street.
What Odds at City Hall: 13 December 2021

After the budget, Council signed off on selling land, the late Gordon Breen gets a nod, and the Adelaide Motors Brewing Co. keeps moving.

St. John's City Hall on New Gower Street.
What Odds at City Hall: 6 December 2021

Council moves forward on Mews, a Persian restaurant is coming to the East End, and the West End Fire Station inches toward Heritage status.

St. John's City Hall on New Gower Street.
What Odds at City Hall: 29 November 2021

Council signs off on another Christmas Parade, Hudson & Rex gets permission to make some noise, and the City tackles parking woes.

Train crew and steam locomotive engine, no. 3, Newfoundland, c. 1890s.
‘@NeedTrains and Millennials’ Newfoundland Railway Nostalgia

All aboard as the guy behind @NeedTrains sheds light on Newfoundland and Labrador’s once glorious railroad history—and very unlikely future.

St. John's City Hall on New Gower Street.
What Odds at City Hall: 22 November 2021

Wherein Council signs off on downtime for the holidays, dishes out contracts, and the contested Parish Lane project is back on the agenda.

St. John's City Hall on New Gower Street.
What Odds at City Hall: 15 November 2021

Council signs off on taxi fare increases and says ‘no’ on some construction next door, and Churchill Park Music Festival 2022 gets some dates.

St. John's City Hall on a clear day
What Odds at City Hall: 8 November 2021

The City gears up for Christmas holiday celebrations, sells some land, and York Construction is planning further work on Aberdeen Avenue—but first a technical problem (again).

Main Entrance to the Mary Brown's Centre
‘Growlersgate’ Puts Mary Brown’s Centre in a Pickle

Tensions mount between the City and Dean MacDonald over workplace harassment allegations at the old Mile One Centre.