Soccer stars of yesteryear recognized at Hall of Fame induction

Greg Noble

Leah O’Grady Blackburn

Malorie Harris

The Mount Pearl Sports Alliance inducted three individuals and one team at the 31st Sports Hall of Fame and Annual Athletic Awards during a ceremony at the Reid Centre.

Greg Noble (rugby/builder), Malorie Harris (soccer), Leah O’Grady Blackburn (soccer) and the O’Donel High School Patriots female soccer team (2009-2014) were all called to the hall during the June 24 ceremony.

“Tonight we should reflect on the hundreds of volunteers who continue to help, for without them, there would be no awards and no competitions,” said Roy Locke, chairman of the Mount Pearl Sports Alliance (MPSA), which hosted the event. “So on your way to your success, do not ever fail to say thanks to the people around you.”

Noble was inducted posthumously for rugby and as a builder after more than four decades of work in different roles.

“Widely respected for his leadership, he helped shape the infrastructure and volunteer culture that continue to support local sport today,” read the nomination form for Noble. “From the earliest days of the Sport Alliance, Greg played a central role in the success of major fundraising events.”

Noble volunteered for 43 consecutive weeks on one of the Alliance’s final fundraisers, netting $175,000 for local sports. He is also credited with a lasting impact on rugby in Newfoundland and Labrador, serving as president for 17 years after being elected in 2009.

“Greg will be remembered for his steady leadership, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to community sport. His contributions have helped ensure that local clubs remain strong, accessible, and sustainable, and his legacy continues to benefit future generations,” the nomination decision read.

Noble passed away on March 16 of this year.

Harris enjoyed an exceptional soccer career that started in Mount Pearl Minor Soccer. She was named a second team all-Canadian in 2007 by Canada Interuniversity Sport for her play with the Memorial University Seahawks women’s team. Her university career also included a second team all-star honour from Atlantic University Sport in her freshman year in 2005, and first-team honours in each of the following four seasons.

Harris cemented her legacy at a national level as the all-time Golden Boot leader in goals scored at Canada’s National Jubilee Trophy tournaments. She competed at the senior level with the Mount Pearl Soccer Association Jubilees in 2004, 2005 and 2007 and scored a memorable overtime goal to secure the team a championship title.

She earned junior player of the year honours in 2005 from the Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association and was also a member of the Mount Pearl Summer U13 girls team.

She was inducted into the Mount Pearl Soccer Association Hall of Fame in 2022.

Leah O’Grady Blackburn also enjoyed a decorated soccer career, including rookie of the year honours in 2004 and offensive player of the year honours from 2004-2007 as a member of Bethel College. She also represented Canada on the international stage as a member of the U17 squad in 2001 and was the youngest member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Canada Games squad at only 15 years old.

She was named the Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association (NLSA) Junior Female Player of the Year in 2002, and the NLSA Female Player of the Year and Gold Boot Award winner in 2003. She added the Breen’s Golden Boot Award and the Jubilee Trophy MVP in 2004.

O’Grady Blackburn was inducted into the MPSA Soccer Hall of Fame in November 2022.

The O’Donel High School Patriots female scorer team established itself as one of the premier teams in provincial high school sports from 2009 - 2014.

During that time, the Patriots captured 4A Provincial championships in 2011, 2012 and 2014, and also earned a silver medal in 2010.

“Their back-to-back provincial titles in 2011 and 2012 were especially notable, as both seasons were completed undefeated, an outstanding achievement at the highest level of female high school soccer in the province,” read the nomination. “Their sustained excellence, combined with their positive impact off the field, secured the O’Donel Patriots Female High School Soccer Team a lasting place among the most accomplished programs in provincial school sport history.”

The Annual Sports Awards were also handed out, with Helena Gorina earning Official of the Year in part due to her longstanding commitment to the growth and development of the sport of gymnastics. Her dedication and impact were also recognized with the Campia Gymnastics Official of the Year Award in 2025.

Jira Hiscock (gymnastics) was named female Athlete of the Year after emerging as one of the province’s top young gymnasts. She placed 9th among 26 competitors in the inaugural Open High Performance category at the 2025 Canadian Championships in Alberta in 2025. She also finished 8th on balance beam and ninth on vault.

The Hall of Fame selection committee included chairman Harold Stapleton, Barb Predham, Jim Bulger, Pat O’Keefe Sr., and Darren Windsor.

Admiralty House prepping for exhibit upgrades this fall

By Tyler Waugh / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

All looks to be operating as usual at the Admiralty House Communications Museum in Mount Pearl, calm like a duck on water.

Staff are helping visitors as they come through the door. There are summer camps taking place and tours being conducted. But similar to a duck’s frantic paddling below the water surface, there’s a lot of action behind the scenes this summer as staff prepare to implement big changes this fall.

The museum will be closed from September to sometime in December as staff overhaul the exhibits for the first time in decades, ushering in new technology and interactive displays to freshen up what’s offered to visitors. It’s the implementation of a strategic vision that was adopted by the board in 2022.

“People can expect more accessible interpretive panels, as well as a variety of different artefacts that will be on display,” said museum manager Megan Webb, who has been in place as manager since 2023, and also spent the summer of 2021 as collections manager. “We’ll have some items rotated out from our current display and some of the items that have been living in our collections room viewable to the public, and many more interactive opportunities. We will have some tablets throughout that people can choose the option to learn more if they so desire.”

The museum is housed in an historic building constructed in 1915 by the Marconi Telegraph Company as a top-secret HM Wireless Station for the British Royal Navy. The station, now the last standing of 11 identical stations built around the world, was meant to intercept secret naval transmissions, track icebergs and ships in distress. Mount Pearl was chosen as a site because, at the time, it was fairly remote and away from the water.

“It definitely became less top secret in time because the large towers kind of gave it away,” said Emily Mills, programming and rental officer for Admiralty House.

The building’s future was in question near the turn of the century and Mount Pearl council decided in a 5-4 vote to keep it based on the historical significance. The City launched an initiative in 1997 to turn it into a museum and Prince Philip himself was on hand to open the Admiralty House Communications Museum.

The museum currently showcases the history of Mount Pearl, the tragedy of the S.S. Florizel and the history of wireless communication highlighting the contributions of Roger Morse, Alexander Graham Bell, Guglielmo Marconi and… actress Hedy Lamar?

“We like to highlight that one, for sure. It’s a name and face people wouldn’t anticipate, but she was an innovator and an inventor,” said Mills, adding she co-invented a radio guidance system for torpedoes in partnership with George Antheil.

The Lamarr-Antheil patent expired, but the principles of their work were used for secure wireless networking.

Another showcase for the museum is highlighting the history of the building and men who served on site in the Newfoundland Royal Naval Reserve, including the commanding officer’s sitting room. That feature will continue with the exhibit refresh, but it will see a considerable overhaul from a look but don’t touch exhibit to something interactive.

“People right now can view it but not touch it, it’s been roped off for almost 30 years. That’s a common theme in museums is that, you can look, but don’t touch, but people love to touch things,” said Webb. “When we re-open, visitors can actually go in and they can sit down at the writing desk, they can type out something on the typewriter. People love to engage with things, touch them, and that’s something we are planning for looking ahead.”

The Admiralty House is one of the few community museums that is open year round, thanks to continued funding from the City, as well as other grants. The province’s Cultural Economic Development Program just awarded it $11,335, and Webb said it was a small increase from last year that helps offset heat and power costs for the facility.

Webb and Mills work full-time all year, and various grants help them employ a few other people through the summer.

Michener Avenue to see four phases of traffic calming

By Tyler Waugh / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Mount Pearl residents can expect short-term lane interruptions on Michener Avenue as the first phase of a four-phase traffic calming project kicked off July 9.

The project looks to address concerns about speeding and improve safety for residents, pedestrians, cyclists and students. The first phase will see the installation of traffic cushions to reduce vehicle speeds while allowing emergency vehicles to continue through the area.

The City said there are no definitive timelines for completion of this phase, or the project as a whole.

“The public works department will provide us with updates as they progress and we will inform the public before each new phase starts,” said Kerri Hodder, communications advisor for the City of Mount Pearl.

The second phase will see installation of radar speed signs in key locations near Toope Place, Paddon Place, Sauve Street and Nelder Drive to increase driver awareness and encourage motorists to reduce their speed.

The third phase will see a new crosswalk and pedestrian activated signal installed near the intersection of Michener and Nelder Drive and a redesign of the crossing area between Sauve Street and Darby Place, and across from Moores Drive.

The proposed redesign includes moving the crosswalks, adding pedestrian-activated flashing beacons, new accessible curb ramps and new sidewalk connections.

As part of the project, two of the three existing trail connections between Sauve Street and Darby Place will be removed and one of the two existing trail connections across from Moores Drive will be removed. The remaining trail connections will lead directly to the new crosswalk locations, according to the City.

The fourth and final phase of the project will see a new four-way stop installed at Michener Avenue, McGrath Crescent and the rear access road to Mount Pearl Intermediate.

“Traffic studies show that about 75 per cent of vehicles exiting the school’s rear access road turn left despite existing right-turn-only signage,” stated a report prepared for council. “The new four-way stop is intended to improve site access and enhance safety for drivers, students, and pedestrians.”

The City’s traffic calming policy outlines how it assesses and responds to concerns about speeding, high traffic volumes, and road safety in residential areas.

Designed with guidance from the Transportation Association of Canada (TAC), the policy gives residents, business owners and commuters tools to get involved and make a difference in their neighbourhoods.

Crime Prevention committee promoting safety after trail robbery

By Tyler Waugh / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) continue the search for a suspect in a June 26 robbery on a trail in Mount Pearl, but in the meantime a community safety group is promoting a new program that can maybe help deter future incidents.

The Mount Pearl Citizens Crime Prevention Committee kicked off its inaugural safety whistle assist program (SWAP) in late spring, with the goal of handing out 1,000 whistles to residents.

“There are situations in parking lots and on the trails, like the one that just happened, where people don’t feel safe. This whistle is a tool that can be used to let people nearby know that you need help, or scares off somebody,” said Rosalind Pratt, chair of the MPCCPC, adding that the committee doesn’t have many whistles remaining.

The incident in question took place a little after 9:30 am in the Carroll Drive area of Mount Pearl, where a female reported she was approached by a man on the Admiralty walking trail. The suspect, described as a tall, thin Caucasian wearing a black hoodie and black pants, presented a weapon and attempted to take her belongings before fleeing the area in the direction of Richard Nolan Drive.

“Operational Patrol Services responded to the call, and immediately engaged Police Dog Services, a drone operator, officers on all-terrain vehicles, as well as Mount Pearl Municipal Enforcement, to assist in the search of the man responsible,” stated a release from the RNC.

The female was treated by paramedics for minor injuries. It is believed the pair were unknown to one another.

The City of Mount Pearl released a statement stating that violence of any kind has no place in the community.

“This incident is understandably concerning. We remain committed to maintaining a safe environment for all residents through ongoing investments in lighting and trail upgrades, ensuring our network continues to be a safe, accessible, and valued community asset,” read the statement from Mount Pearl. “The safety and well-being of our community remains our top priority, and we encourage residents to follow any direction provided by police as the investigation continues.”

The Major Crime Unit continues to investigate the matter and is encouraging anyone who was in the area between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. and who may have information to contact police by calling 709-729-8000.

To provide anonymous information on criminal activity, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com.

Residents looking to contact the crime prevention committee about SWAP, or any of its other initiatives, can email mtpccpc@gmail.com.

Soccer stars of yesteryear recognized at Hall of Fame induction

By Tyler Waugh / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Mount Pearl Sports Alliance inducted three individuals and one team at the 31st Sports Hall of Fame and Annual Athletic Awards during a ceremony at the Reid Centre.

Greg Noble (rugby/builder), Malorie Harris (soccer), Leah O’Grady Blackburn (soccer) and the O’Donel High School Patriots female soccer team (2009-2014) were all called to the hall during the June 24 ceremony.

“Tonight we should reflect on the hundreds of volunteers who continue to help, for without them, there would be no awards and no competitions,” said Roy Locke, chairman of the Mount Pearl Sports Alliance (MPSA), which hosted the event. “So on your way to your success, do not ever fail to say thanks to the people around you.”

Noble was inducted posthumously for rugby and as a builder after more than four decades of work in different roles.

“Widely respected for his leadership, he helped shape the infrastructure and volunteer culture that continue to support local sport today,” read the nomination form for Noble. “From the earliest days of the Sport Alliance, Greg played a central role in the success of major fundraising events.”

Noble volunteered for 43 consecutive weeks on one of the Alliance’s final fundraisers, netting $175,000 for local sports. He is also credited with a lasting impact on rugby in Newfoundland and Labrador, serving as president for 17 years after being elected in 2009.

“Greg will be remembered for his steady leadership, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to community sport. His contributions have helped ensure that local clubs remain strong, accessible, and sustainable, and his legacy continues to benefit future generations,” the nomination decision read.

Noble passed away on March 16 of this year.

Harris enjoyed an exceptional soccer career that started in Mount Pearl Minor Soccer. She was named a second team all-Canadian in 2007 by Canada Interuniversity Sport for her play with the Memorial University Seahawks women’s team. Her university career also included a second team all-star honour from Atlantic University Sport in her freshman year in 2005, and first-team honours in each of the following four seasons.

Harris cemented her legacy at a national level as the all-time Golden Boot leader in goals scored at Canada’s National Jubilee Trophy tournaments. She competed at the senior level with the Mount Pearl Soccer Association Jubilees in 2004, 2005 and 2007 and scored a memorable overtime goal to secure the team a championship title.

She earned junior player of the year honours in 2005 from the Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association and was also a member of the Mount Pearl Summer U13 girls team.

She was inducted into the Mount Pearl Soccer Association Hall of Fame in 2022.

Leah O’Grady Blackburn also enjoyed a decorated soccer career, including rookie of the year honours in 2004 and offensive player of the year honours from 2004-2007 as a member of Bethel College. She also represented Canada on the international stage as a member of the U17 squad in 2001 and was the youngest member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Canada Games squad at only 15 years old.

She was named the Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association (NLSA) Junior Female Player of the Year in 2002, and the NLSA Female Player of the Year and Gold Boot Award winner in 2003. She added the Breen’s Golden Boot Award and the Jubilee Trophy MVP in 2004.

O’Grady Blackburn was inducted into the MPSA Soccer Hall of Fame in November 2022.

The O’Donel High School Patriots female soccer team established itself as one of the premier teams in provincial high school sports from 2009 - 2014.

During that time, the Patriots captured 4A Provincial championships in 2011, 2012 and 2014, and also earned a silver medal in 2010.

“Their back-to-back provincial titles in 2011 and 2012 were especially notable, as both seasons were completed undefeated, an outstanding achievement at the highest level of female high school soccer in the province,” read the nomination. “Their sustained excellence, combined with their positive impact off the field, secured the O’Donel Patriots Female High School Soccer Team a lasting place among the most accomplished programs in provincial school sport history.”

The Annual Sports Awards were also handed out, with Helena Gorina earning Official of the Year in part due to her longstanding commitment to the growth and development of the sport of gymnastics. Her dedication and impact were also recognized with the Campia Gymnastics Official of the Year Award in 2025.

Jira Hiscock (gymnastics) was named female Athlete of the Year after emerging as one of the province’s top young gymnasts. She placed 9th among 26 competitors in the inaugural Open High Performance category at the 2025 Canadian Championships in Alberta in 2025. She also finished 8th on balance beam and ninth on vault.

The Hall of Fame selection committee included chairman Harold Stapleton, Barb Predham, Jim Bulger, Pat O’Keefe Sr., and Darren Windsor.

Council approves purchase of $434,500 worth of new vehicles

By Tyler Waugh / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The City of Mount Pearl has added some pieces to its vehicle fleet.

Council approved two separate motions last month totalling $434,537, plus HST – one for the purchase of five SUVs and one to buy three pickup trucks.

The purchases include a mix of new and replacement units including electric, gas and hybrid vehicles.

“As part of the City’s commitment to addressing climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, various powertrain options were evaluated,” read a report prepared for council that was included in the June 23 agenda. “Although one fully electric vehicle will be purchased, existing servicing challenges within the City’s electric fleet make a full transition impractical at this time… A blended approach, incorporating electric, gasoline and plug-in hybrid vehicles, is recommended as a balanced fleet management strategy. This approach helps optimize operational availability while minimizing the risk of service disruptions due to maintenance delays.”

The City received four responses for the supply and delivery of five SUVs of various power configurations.

Council moved, as recommended by staff, to award a contract for two gasoline Chevrolet Trax SUVs to Terra Nova Motors for $74,324, plus HST, and a contract for one plug-in hybrid Ford Escape to Capital Ford for $44,772, plus HST, which was the lowest bidder.

However, as Capital Ford only had one of those vehicles, a contract for one plug-in hybrid Ford Escape also went to the second-highest bidder, Avalon Ford, for $49,214, plus GST.

Council also purchased one fully-electric Chevrolet Bolt from Hickman Motors for $42,959, plus HST.

“The nice thing about this is how it works out is that we’re kind of spreading it around a bit unintentionally,” said councillor Isabelle Fry.

The motion passed unanimously.

The City also received four responses for the supply and delivery of three pick-up trucks and the motion was made to award a contract to Avalon Ford, which was the lowest qualified bidder, for both the half ton regular cab 4x4 at a cost of $68,300, plus HST, and the two three-quarter ton crew cab 4x4 pick-up trucks at $77,484 each, plus HST.

One of the trucks is a new purchase and two trucks are replacements to ones in the existing fleet.

That motion passed unanimously as well.

Locke named interim deputy

By Tyler Waugh / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Mount Pearl council has voted unanimously to appoint councillor Jim Locke as the interim deputy mayor, filling the void left by Deputy Mayor Nicole Kieley taking medical leave until the fall.

Kieley was granted leave effective May 27 to September 30.

“With the absence of the Deputy Mayor, council has determined that it is in the best interest of the council to appoint an acting Deputy Mayor for the period of the leave of absence,” read a recommendation from staff.

Locke is the longest-serving member of council. This is his fifth-consecutive term since being first elected in a 2007 byelection.

Kieley was first elected in September 2021, earning the most votes of any council candidate and served as deputy mayor. She was re-elected in October 2025, again earning the most votes and resuming duties as deputy mayor.

‘Bell owes us,’ says Mount Pearl mayor

By Tyler Waugh / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

There is an end in sight to the disruption caused by an ongoing lane closure on Commonwealth Avenue. Mount Pearl Mayor Dave Aker, however, believes the City is entitled to compensation.

“Bell owes us,” Aker told council during its June 23 round table discussion. “I think after all they put us through, and our residents in that neighborhood, in terms of the roadway being shut down since December of 2025.”

Re-opening of a 140-metre section of the southbound curbside lane between the Whiteley Drive intersections was delayed for several months due to ongoing engineering challenges and road structure concerns stemming from the initial repair of an underground concrete chamber conducted by Bell Aliant.

Public Works Director Scott Batt told council he’s optimistic that ‘we’re in the end game’ after a communication with Bell, which stated work would begin that week and the lane is now projected to reopen July 27.

“So, a lot of work to happen between now and then but feeling optimistic that this time we’re going to see it through,” Batt said.

Aker said the City should ask Bell for a contribution to one of the municipal parks and indicated he will be drafting a letter for council’s consideration before sending it to the CEO of Bell.

Mount Pearl approves MOU for new development at old pool site

By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative, The Pearl

Mount Pearl council has approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with BDK Contracting Ltd./Avalon One Residences Ltd. that will pave the way for a new development at the old pool site on Stapleton Road.

The MOU outlines a sale price of $500,000 for the land at 11 Stapleton Road, and the city estimates around $69,300 in new property tax revenue once the development is occupied. The city also projects economic stimulus for nearby businesses due to the development, which is projected to include 55 units with 10 per cent of those being accessible. Locke said council saw artistic rendering of the buildings at committee last week.

“They are beautiful, they are modern,” said councilor Jim Locke said, adding that the city did some consultation with neighbouring properties to discuss concerns about sightlines. “In working and communicating with BDK there were some changes made that alleviated some of the concerns of the residents there.”

The MOU received unanimous approval from council at the June 23 public meeting.

City obligations outlined in the MOU include subdividing and surveying the land parcel, continued maintenance of public access points and public parking leading to the adjacent baseball field, conveyance of 7,700 square meters of land and leasing of an additional 2,530 square meters to BDK upon approval of the development permit.

BDK is responsible for servicing, sanitary and storm, and  water and storm pipes through city land to the proposed new building, though the city will engage in further discussions regarding potential municipal participation or assistance.

BDK will also relocate and donate the playground to the city and lead implementation of a communications plan to keep residents informed and highlight key project milestones. Mount Pearl commits to assist BDK with those communication efforts.

The MOU represents the latest step in a process that began back in 2024 with demolition of the old pool.

“This was the site of the previous pool where I swam in and did my lessons in all these years ago,” said councilor Jim Locke, adding that the pool was demolished after it became an eyesore and after consultation with residents.

The city began a municipal plan amendment process in 2024 that led to the vacant land being rezoned from open space to high-density residential, a process that concluded on April 24 of this year. The city invited proposals in 2025 for high-density development proposals and BDK’s proposal was selected to advance discussions.

Locke said the development aligns with the city’s strategic and economic development plans, as well as provincial and federal housing priorities.

Mount Pearl ponders e-bike/e-scooter ban

By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative, The Pearl

Mount Pearl city council has tasked administration with bringing back options to address safety concerns related to the use of e-bikes and e-scooters on city trails, including a potential ban.

Mayor Dave Aker queried why, as a limited example, if the city doesn’t allow dirtbikes on the trails, why would it allow e-bikes considering the speeds some of them can now reach.

Councilor Jim Locke went one step further, clarifying that the bylaw already states that motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trails and a distinction should not be made between conventional motorized vehicles and newer models like e-bikes and e-scooters.

“It’s a tough one because you see some people that are using their e-bikes responsibly – if they are going up an incline and they just want to kick in the motor to help them with their pedaling,” Locke said.

However, Locke added that many current models have morphed into an electric version of motorbikes and, as such, they should be banned.

“I agree with you mayor, the city needs to make a statement,” said Locke.

Councilor Isabelle Fry stated that e-bikes and e-scooters were a topic of discussion at a recent Joint Council of the East Avalon, and that a motion to have the province explore further regulation of electric vehicles was passed at last year’s Municipalities NL meeting.

Aker said he is aware of e-bikes with engines upwards of 1,500 watts, and he believes it’s also problematic that e-bikes have evolved from a traditional pedal-assist model to more of an autonomous electric vehicle with a throttle that results in higher speeds.

“Why would we wait years for the provincial government, and I don’t really know what their timeline is, but we put the MNL resolution in place last year,” Aker said, adding that he knows it’s on the province’s radar. “But even if they, tomorrow, said the following bikes need to be registered for the roadway, why wouldn’t this council consider a ban on some of our trails like we do with dirtbikes?”

Councilor Mark Rice was the first to raise the issue of e bikes during the roundtable portion of the June 23 public meeting, saying he has received several calls that e-bike users are creating chaos on local trails.

Rice relayed to council that one call he took outlined an incident where residents walking on the trail had to jump off to avoid being hit.

“People are just getting so frustrated now,” Rice said, adding that the city has markings on the trailways that bikes and scooters – conventional or electric - are obligated to have a bell in order to notify other users if they are approaching and passing.

Recreation and Community Services Director Jason Collins stated there are multiple challenges, including the fact that the city has more than 60km of trails and actively promoted multi-modal transportation up to this point.

“Do we move towards banning? If that is the case then we also need to look at our integrated transportation study, so there are a lot of factors that come into play if we are going to change. But we certainly should be having that discussion,” Collins said.

He told council that 10 members of the park patrol just started for the summer a short while ago. He said that regulations in general – and not just in Mount Pearl – have not kept up with the advances in technology.

He stated that the biggest thing, regardless of the type of bike, is maintaining appropriate speeds.

“Just be courteous,” he said.

Multiple councilors noted instances of stunting, people not wearing helmets and folks driving on roads.

Fry stated she had youth on an ebike in front of her on Ruth Drive keeping up with the speed of traffic.

“All I could think about was when we learn to drive, we got to do driver training and learn the rules of the road and all of the safety requirements,” said Fry. “Same thing with motorcycles. You know, if you want to have a motorcycle license you have to do the same. So, to have these young kids using our roadways, keeping up with – because of technology the speeds are the same as traffic at 50km/h, 40km/h. They don’t know the rules of the road, they don’t have the training, the safety training. Like this is just a disaster waiting to happen.”

Aker asked administration to look into what an interim ban would look like, and also how that could intermingle or go hand in hand with any potential changes that could be coming to the Highway Traffic Act.