City rolls out new social program for marginalized residents

By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

RISE, a Mount Pearl program that provides skill-building and social connection for marginalized community members, has seen slow but steady growth since it began in February.

The need was identified through public consultations carried out during the development of the City’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan.

“Equity-deserving groups – particularly women and young women – consistently emphasized that safety and support come from building community connections, accessing supportive programming, and creating spaces for shared learning. These insights formed the foundation of the RISE program,” said Kerri Hodder, communications officer for the City of Mount Pearl.

The program is funded through a $50,000 grant from the provincial government. The City didn’t have the resources to run the program itself so it called for proposals from groups and companies interested in doing it. An organization called ElevateHER was asked in January to partner with the City in running RISE, though Hodder said Mount Pearl will also work with other community groups, including First Light.

“Because RISE is rooted in trauma-informed practice, the program required facilitation by a professional with appropriate accreditation and experience,” Hodder said.

Stephanie Atwood, founder of ElevateHER and coordinator of the RISE program, says it responds to a need for accessible, low-barrier spaces where marginalized people can build connections, skills, and a sense of belonging in a safe environment.  

“Many individuals are navigating isolation, financial stress, or life transitions, and may not meet the criteria for formal support, but they just simply want to connect,” said Atwood. “RISE fills that gap by offering free, welcoming, and flexible programming that integrates wellness, skill-building, and social connection. It creates entry points for people who might not otherwise engage and does so in a way that is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and grounded in dignity.”

The Program launched in February with wide-ranging sessions several times a week in different locations. Session topics have ranged from a grief café, to micro finance, safety planning, wellness walks and legal education. The Topics were chosen through a combination of community feedback, observed needs, and ongoing engagement.

Atwood said the programming is designed to be accessible and engaging, which means sometimes reframing topics.

“For example, conversations around safety planning or mental wellness may be embedded within creative, social, or skill-based activities like craft nights or community meals because we've learned that this is how people feel most comfortable engaging,” Atwood said.

Upcoming sessions in April include micro finance on April 2 at the Park Place Community Centre, a community drop-in and swim at the Summit Centre on April 7, a wellness walk April 9, a queer social on April 11 at Park Place Community Centre, a community skill swap at the Summit Centre, and a women and newcomer women job readiness program on April 15 at the Gloria Pearson Community Centre.

Atwood said there have been some storm cancellations so far, and new program take time to build trust and awareness, but there has been growth in participation.

“We also look at success in terms of how people are engaging, not just how many,” she said.

Fire skid may prove to be a big help in the woods, says firefighter

By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Thirty-two fire departments across the province each received a new piece of equipment for early wildfire response March 17, a welcome addition to existing resources in light of the devastating fires that ravaged parts of Newfoundland last summer.

Pickup trucks from departments as far away as Port Aux Choix lined up at the Loblaws Atlantic warehouse on a rainy morning in Mount Pearl to load specially designed fire skids that are the creation of Global Medic, a Canadian-based nonprofit established in 1998.

Rahul Singh, the group’s executive director, said the Canadian-made skids are revolutionary as they transform a pickup truck into a first response fire suppression unit.

“It's a 1,000-gallon tank. You see the tank, it's mounted on a welded (aluminum) skid, right? There's a pump and a hose, and it turns any pickup truck into a fire truck,” Singh said during a press event prior to distribution of the skids.

The units come with 50 feet of forestry hose and are 43" wide by 76" long with an overall height of about 46". They weigh 280 pounds empty and around 2,500 lbs full.

Singh added the skids – which cost around $4,000 each – are more economical, considering fire trucks cost in the neighbourhood of $1.4 million or more. The skids also bring more operational flexibility.

“A fire truck can't get into the woods. It isn't easy to manage, and you can't take fire trucks from communities to other communities because you’ve got to protect that initial community,” Singh said.

Global Medic is also training teams on drones with thermal technology to better locate fires and hit hot spots early.

Chris Murphy, a five-year firefighter with the Conception Bay South Fire Department, said the fire skids are a welcome addition to supplement existing resources for wildfire suppression.

“We do have some things that we are outfitted with – small pumps and forestry packs and hoses,” he said. “But this is going to be a great tool to help supplement those tools that we already have. We're going to be able to get this piece of firefighting equipment into tight areas, and our objective is going to be to get a quick knock on the fire before it gets the chance to grow and become something that's a major situation like we saw last year. Fire knows no borders, so this will be a potential big help for other communities as well.”

A wildfire that started near Kingston last August burned some 10,000 acres, prompted several community evacuations and destroyed around 200 structures over the span of three weeks.

Murphy said those wildfires prompted the re-evaluation of action plans leading up to this coming fire season.

“It’s going to be here before you know it,” he said.

Pleaman Forsey, Newfoundland Minister of Disaster Preparedness, began his comments by addressing the dozens of volunteer fire personnel in attendance, and thanking them for their service.

“This initiative from Global Medic will help you continue the supports we need for our communities,” he said, adding the Province will be working with the departments to provide equipment and training to prepare for this fire season.

Rice says Bell’s Commonwealth delays not acceptable

By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The further delay of an ongoing lane closure on Commonwealth Avenue has drawn the ire of Mount Pearl councillor Mark Rice.

An estimated 140-metre stretch of the southbound curb side lane of Commonwealth between the Whiteley Drive intersections has been closed since late November 2025 to accommodate work being done by Bell.

Rice spoke at the March 10 council meeting about the ongoing closure and advised as an information item that Bell had notified the City of an additional delay that he feels is unacceptable.

"I've had my calls from residents wondering what's going on, and I am sure other councillors have had calls as well," Rice said.

The work on underground equipment below the road was completed and the road surface restored, but before the lane could be reopened the City required a professional engineer to review and sign off on the repair.

“That engineer determined that the repair was not adequate,” said Kerri Hodder, the communications and marketing officer for Mount Pearl, in a written response to follow up questions from The Pearl News.

Hodder said Bell had obtained the required excavation permit before beginning work. She said Bell’s consultant will have a new design completed by the end of this month and the contractor plans to complete the repair work by mid-May.

“However, the City has requested that this timeline be accelerated,” Hodder said.

Rice believes the delay is unacceptable, adding the closure through the winter has created traffic congestion, complications for City snow clearing services and damage to City resources.

“That is one of our major thoroughfares in Mount Pearl and having it narrow to one lane is not ideal, especially during times with high traffic volume,” he said.

Hodder said the lane closure significantly affected the City's snow clearing operations this winter. Because crews could not widen Commonwealth Avenue in that area, snow accumulated along the closed inside lane and remained there for the entire season.

“Under normal conditions, crews push snow from the road over toward the sidewalk, and then a loader comes afterward to clear the sidewalks. But with that lane closed, that process wasn't possible. Instead, staff had to run the sidewalk blower inside the cordoned area to clear the sidewalk safely. This added time and operational challenges to each storm response,” Hodder said.

Hodder added that signage at the site was damaged several times by high winds and snow and that public works staff had to monitor the area frequently. The signage was replaced several times.

Hodder said the delays occurred due to poor weather conditions affecting field inspections, Bell's internal review timelines, and the need to engage a structural engineer. The City is not pursuing any actions or recourse against Bell related to the delays.

A 140-metre section of the southbound lane on Commonwealth Avenue has been closed since late November 2025 to accommodate work by Bell. The company informed the City of Mount Pearl this month that it could remain closed until mid-May. Tyler Waugh photo

Eager group of athletes will represent Canada again at world championships

By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A special team of athletes will defend their world title next month in Orlando at the 2026 International Cheer Union’s World Cheerleading Championships.

The Unified Special Abilities Team from Coastal Wave Elite (CWE) in Mount Pearl garnered gold in their first-ever trip to the nationals in 2025 and are working hard to take another shot at top spot yet again.

“As world champions, it’s an incredible opportunity for these athletes to once again represent Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada on the world stage and continue showing everyone that athletes of all abilities belong in this sport,” said coach Taylor Anthony during a showcase event held at CWE on March 5.

The Unified Special Abilities Team started as a recreational program in 2019 and has evolved into a competition team that includes 20 athletes, with one mentor member for every special abilities athlete.

Last year, coaches decided to apply for entry to the world championships but didn’t tell the team members so as not to get their hopes up. The application included a video of the team’s routine, among other details.

The squad was accepted for the championships and the rest, as they say, is history and the team continues to revel in its golden moment from 2025.

“It was amazing. The experience was like the best thing I’ve ever done,” said Julia Crocker, a team member since its inception.

She looks back on the gold medal memory fondly and is grateful for the opportunities the program provides.

“Well, a lot of us cried. We were just not expecting it at all, like the fact that eight years ago this wasn’t even a thing for us to do. And the fact we’ve grown so much is amazing,” said Crocker. “We know that we fit in and the fact that we fit in is so amazing, that feeling of belonging. It’s just no words. I truly truly, truly feel this gym has given all of us something that’s beyond measurable. In terms of being an athlete and being able just to come in here and my disability is left at the door – no one sees my disability. Everyone sees me for who I am.”

And while the 2026 world championships mark a triumphant return for the team, it’s also a chance for one of the team members to get a second shot at a first impression.

Abigail (Abby) Roberts was forced to miss last year’s championships in order to undergo a kidney transplant, but she’s back in good health and looking forward to joining her team to defend the title.

“Last year I was so mad and upset about it,” Roberts said. “I’m excited. It’s really fun. I’m (excited) to be part of Team Canada.”

Coaches found out in November that CWE had been accepted to the 2026 world championships and told the team prior to one of its pep rally performances. Getting accepted for the worlds means the routine needed to be tweaked for international competition standards. The squad has been practicing once a week, though the coaching staff may add extra sessions leading up to the event.

There are also administrative and course requirements behind the scenes for team members to complete, as well as re-introducing a separate, “Let’s Go Canada’ cheer. But it’s a small price to pay to represent the country, they say.

“There were a few routine upgrades. We definitely narrowed down on the details of our routine once we figured it out, and our music changes a little bit,” said coach Jenna Phillips. “It’s definitely super surreal, (and) just shows how capable these athletes are to be able to do that. It’s definitely a once in a lifetime experience for sure. So grateful that we’re getting to do it again this year and defend our title.”

Similar to the Olympics, the team will get the honour of an opening ceremonies, which will be live-streamed. There’s also a cultural exchange where teams can trade things like souvenirs and pins they bring from home. While the team is representing Canada, they also hope to bring some items from Newfoundland as well.

“I think we’re trying to up our swag game this year, too, and bring as much as we can,” said Phillips.

The itinerary leaves some downtime since all work and no play wouldn’t make for the best experience. Like a lot of champions, they are going to Disney.

“That’s something they all look forward to,” said the coach.

The Mount Pearl based CWE Cheerleading team will represent Canada at the world special abilities cheerleading competition again this year. The team members heading to Florida next month for the event include, starting in the front row, from left: Taylor Anthony, Abigail Roberts, Laila Roche, Ava Walsh, Carrie Parsons, Maddy Roche, Emily Wiseman, Kyla Crann, Keeanna Morgan and Jenna Phillips; and in the back row, from left: Shaelyn Ivey, Olivia Power, Scarlett Nicholl, Kaleigh Morgan, Julia Crocker, Barbara Badcock, Cassie Coates, Emily McIsaac, Kaylee Hillier, Claire Coates, and Courtney White. Tyler Waugh photo

Mount Pearl rec hockey boys net a big milestone of memories

By Mark Squibb

The year was 1976.

Rocky dominated at the box office, while Paul McCartney and the Wings’ disco-inspired Silly Love Songs dominated the charts. Over a million workers walked off the job to protest Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau’s wage legislation. And on November 29 the Mount Pearl Men’s Recreational Hockey League was formed. Tom Vardy was named president, a position which he held until 1980, when the reins were handed to Bren Rumsey.

“I have a little bit of a puffed-out chest, knowing that I was involved from the beginning,” admits Rumsey, who joined the league in it’s inaugural year at the urging of his neighbour, Bob Voisey.

“I had never played organized hockey,” said Rumsey. “We either played on the street or went into Burton’s Pond and cleaned off enough snow to play on the ice, and that was the extent of it. So, I had never really played organized hockey, so it was a golden opportunity for me.”

Rumsey held the presidency until 1984. Shortly after, he would bow out of the league following surgery.

“I got very involved, and at the same time, I got to meet a fair number of people living here in Mount Pearl, some of whom have become lifelong friends,” said Rumsey.

A decade ago, Rumsey was asked to help organize the clubs 40th anniversary celebration. Now, he’s been asked back to help organize the 50th anniversary.

He has nothing but good things to say about how the league is run.

“I’m sitting there, absolutely amazed, and feeling great, that I’ve had a hand in this from the beginning, and that these people have continued it on in the best way possible,” said Rumsey. “It’s as good, if not better, today, than it was when we started out. I’m quite amazed by the involvement on the part of the executive of the league, and the dedication that they have, to keep this league going as it was intended from the very, very beginning.”

At the forefront of the present executive is president Steve MacDonald, who has held the post since 2012. He said the league is all about making friends and having a bit of fun.

“It’s the camaraderie, and a bit of exercise,” said MacDonald. “It’s a lot of fun.”

The league, which is open to men 37 years of age and older, began with four teams, and grew to a six-team league within a year.

Today, the league boasts eight teams, 112 full-time players, and a waiting list of about 50. The boys play every Tuesday night at the Glacier.

During the league’s regular season, each team plays 21 games. The top four teams then compete for Championship ‘A’ and the bottom four teams compete for Championship ‘B.’ The league also hosts an annual Easter tournament and invites clubs from across the province to compete. That event has been held since 1979 and is one of the province’s oldest running recreation tournaments.

The league employs a two-ref system to keep games from getting out of control, and fighting is not tolerated. Players who fight are automatically suspended for one year.

Aside from having fun on the ice, the boys also take up a collection around Christmas time to help families in need.

“We refer to it as ‘Toonies for Turkeys,’ but basically it’s for groceries and other items that families need,” said MacDonald. “Through the schools’ guidance councillors, we target it to the people who need it.”

The 50th anniversary dinner and dance, featuring Bic & The Ballpoints, will be held March 28 at the Reid Centre. Tickets are $40 a couple and are being sold until March 21.

To purchase tickets, call MacDonald at 709-685-7978 or email mpmrhl@gmail.com.

“Anybody who has played in the league is more than welcome,” noted MacDonald.

Two pillars of the league who won’t be there, but will surely be missed, are Tom Vardy, who has moved out of province, but will be sending greetings, and the late David Sheppard.

“The number of adults, middle-aged and guys fairly up in years, who have still been able to enjoy a game of hockey, and the fellowship and camaraderie every night that those games go on, is a credit to them, and certainly to many others, and there have been quite a number of others who have had a hand in running this league over the years,” said Rumsey. “It’s a compliment to all of them.”

The Mount Pearl Men’s Recreational Hockey League boasts eight teams, such as the one pictured, and over a hundred players. The league is celebrating it’s 50th anniversary this year. Team sponsors include Precision Excavation (pictured), North Atlantic, City Tire, AllStar Rebar, DBA Engineering, Carpet Factory, Nutrilawn, and Pinnacle Office Solutions.  Molson has sponsored the league since 1976. In the back, from left, are Greg Quinn, Todd Randall, Tim Ford, Chad Batterton, Rob Baldwin, Richard Kennedy, Steve MacDonald, and Mark Witherall. In front, from left, are Scott Peddle, Shane Curnew, Darrin Penney, and sponsor Brad Pike. All players, past and present, are welcome. The 50th anniversary dinner and dance, featuring Bic & The Ballpoints, will be held on March 28 at the Reid Centre. Tickets are $40 a couple, and are being sold until March 21. To purchase tickets, call MacDonald at 709-685-7978 or email mpmrhl@gmail.com. Submitted photo

Kin Clubs mark Kindness Day by paying for hospital parking

By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Members of several local Kin Canada clubs spent the day spreading smiles at St. John’s hospitals as part of Kin Kindness Day, held February 21. Volunteers from the Mount Pearl Kinettes, Mount Pearl Kinsmen, Paradise Kin Club and St. John’s Kin Club, gathered at the Health Sciences Centre and the Janeway Children’s Hospital to pay the parking fees of patients and visitors.

Kin Kindness Day, formerly known as National Day of Kindness, is held annually across the country in honour of Harold (Hal) Rogers, the founder of Kin Canada. The day celebrates the organization’s long-standing mission of ‘Serving the Community’s Greatest Need’ by encouraging members to perform simple acts of kindness in their communities.

The hospital parking project began many years ago through the efforts of the former Kinsmen Club of St. John’s East. Today, the St. John’s Kin Club has taken the lead in continuing the tradition and expanding it to include other clubs in the region.

Throughout the day, volunteers paid parking costs for visitors arriving at the hospitals, many of whom were there supporting loved ones facing serious health challenges. The gesture was met with heartfelt gratitude from patients and families alike.

Kin members said they were often humbled by how much such a small act meant to people during difficult times. After long and stressful days in the hospital, many visitors expressed appreciation for the unexpected kindness. For the volunteers, the experience was equally rewarding. Members described the day as a privilege and a reminder of the impact simple acts of generosity can have.

Kin Kindness Day is also an opportunity to recognize the ongoing support communities provide to Kin Canada clubs. As a volunteer service organization with a 106-year history, Kin Canada clubs rely on the generosity of citizens across the country to carry out their work.

The local Kin members say they look forward to continuing the tradition in the years ahead to bring a little kindness, and a few more smiles, to those who need them most.

Mount Pearl Kinettes, from left, Evelyn Butt, Kim Smith, Susan Ayers, Deborah Noseworthy, Nora O’Brien and Sandra Anstey spread a bit of kindness recently by paying the parking charges for visitors to the Health Sciences Complex and Janeway Children’s Hospital.

Trepassey mayor says town is ready to face the challenges

Wanda Waddleton was named Mayor of Trepassey on October 15, and less than a month later, was baptized not by fire, but by hurricane force winds and heavy rains when Hurricane Melissa hit in early November.

The storm caused severe damage to the town’s breakwater and cut off the Lower Coast for several hours.

“It was a challenge believe me,” said Waddleton. “But the biggest challenge is getting the government to realize the residents in rural areas shouldn’t be forgotten.”

The breakwater had been damaged in successive years prior and was still in need of repairs when Hurricane Melissa hit, deteriorating the structure further.

Waddleton said residents were thrilled when the newly minted PC government announced it would tender repairs, and are excited to see work commence.

That contract, valued at $1.6 million, was recently awarded to Rock Construction Company Ltd., with work expected to begin in January.

Waddleton said the completion of the breakwater remains the town’s biggest project in the coming year, but council has other ideas on its agenda as well, including the implementation of a town plan, emergency plan, and a new set of by-laws.

“We’ve been talking about this since I went on council four years ago, but I have stated that we are going to complete these plans this year,” said Waddleton.

Perhaps the biggest challenge for council, Waddleton allowed, is to spend within its means, given the cost of services and the need for expensive infrastructure repairs, coupled with a limited tax base.

“We only have 420 residents, so our tax base is very limited, and most of our infrastructure, like our water lines and sewer, is in great need of repair,” said Waddleton. “Culverts are collapsing underneath roads. And all of this is costing the Town a lot of money. But our biggest ongoing challenge is our snow clearing, which is costing us upwards of $100,000 a year. Plus, garbage collection is up to $83,000 a year. With 420 people, most of whom are seniors, it’s very hard to face these challenges. We’ve been trying to get government to come on board and see if they can help with snow clearing. But it’s been an ongoing challenge. It’s a challenge that comes up every meeting. And we don’t want to increase taxes because we can’t really afford to do that.”

The Town’s budget, said Waddleton, is usually shy of $600,000.

Challenging as it may be, Waddleton, who had just completed a four-year term as councillor, and had previously served as mayor back in the early nineties, said she’s up to the task.

Longstanding, outgoing mayor Rita Pennell secured a council seat but opted to serve as a councillor this time around.

“I have big shoes to fill,” said Waddleton. “Rita has been a strong voice for the people of Trepassey. She’s in her 35th year of municipal politics this year, not always in the capacity of mayor, but as a member of council. But I feel like I’m capable of doing the job at hand, and I’ll do everything in my power for the people of Trepassey. As mayor, my main job is to run our town in an efficient and cost-effective way, but also to be there to obtain whatever funds are available for the betterment of our town. I’m working with an awesome council, and together, I feel we are up to the task we face in the next four years.”

Going the distance as father and son

By Mark Squibb

For many, having someone register you for a 42-kilometre run as a Christmas gift might seem like a cruel joke.

But when Eric Hutchings did just that back in 2023 and registered his dad, former Ferryland MHA Keith Hutchings, for the 2024 Toronto Waterfront Marathon, he did it with the best of intentions.

“He opened it and said, ‘Holy smokes, I have to run a marathon in 10 months,” laughed Eric.

The annual marathon is held in October. When Eric ran it in 2023, Keith, who in his youth had been a runner, flew to Toronto to cheer him on.

“I could see there was an itch, and that it was something he wanted to do,” said Eric. “He’d even say, ‘I always wanted to run a marathon.’ So, I did the marathon, and he was super happy that I did it and he was super proud of me. And I was thinking that it takes a lot for a person to commit and sign up for a marathon. That’s the hardest step. So, I thought that if I got him his (registration) for Christmas, the race wouldn’t be until the following October, and this would probably be all the motivation he needs.”

Father and son ran the marathon together in 2024, and again in 2025.

“That was pretty amazing to share that experience with him,” said Keith. “He was obviously in a different speed category. But I had gone up to watch him run his first marathon, so I was there to cheer him on his first marathon, and then he was there at the end, with my wife and my daughter. So, it was amazing to complete a feat like that with him and to have that experience. It was a memory we’ll share forever.”

Eric shared a similar sentiment.

“It was an awesome experience,” said Eric. “I remember growing up playing hockey, and even when he wasn’t coaching me anymore, I would look at the stands to see if he was there. Once I saw he was there I was like, ‘Alright, I’m good to go, let’s play the game.’ So, it felt like it was the reverse of that. I finished and I was tracking him along and I got to see him cross the finish line. That was a really cool experience, to give him a big hug and say congrats when he finished and tell him how proud I was of him for taking on that journey and at his age doing a marathon for the first time. It was cool to be able to coach him along the way and give him advice, and to see him do it and be happy with his time, it was an awesome, awesome time.”

Eric began running in 2022. He admits that growing up he always found running boring. Keith, meanwhile, was a competitive runner in his younger years who always dreamed of one day completing a full marathon.

“I’ve always wanted to complete a marathon, so last year was just about completing it,” said Keith. “So, after I did that, I said, well, maybe I should do it again and see what it would be like to do it a second time.”

This year, both men managed to improve upon their previous year’s time. Eric, 27, completed the marathon in 3:39:09. Keith, 58, completed it in 4:29:14.

“The big thing is to start small and just grow your distances,” advised Keith, who did much of his distance training along the Witless Bay Line. “Don’t get into a situation where you’re doing a lot of miles initially and you’re getting sore and uncomfortable. Pace yourself in terms of building up your pace and your distance. I’ve learned that doing a lot of miles is not always best. It’s more about quality than quantity. Give your body time to rest… A lot of it is mental. It’s about overcoming the barrier of thinking you can’t do it.”

The course itself is flat, and, as the name suggests, runs along the waterfront in downtown Toronto. The marathon doubles as a qualifier marathon for other world marathons.

Looking ahead, the pair are considering doing a marathon elsewhere in the coming year, but have yet to make a final decision.

Meanwhile, if you’re considering picking up running in the new year, Eric has a few tidbits of advice.

“Just get out there and get moving,” said Eric. “With each run that you do, you’ll slowly build your confidence in yourself. The hardest thing is putting the shoes on and getting out there and getting moving. You just have to trust in yourself that you can do it, and believe you can, and commit to it.”

Keith and Eric Hutchings at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon earlier this year.