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.

Budget 2026 aims to make Mount Pearl more pedestrian friendly

By Mark Squibb

Mount Pearl council has approved a balanced budget of $62.6 million that will see no tax increases, despite a $3.9 million, or seven percent, increase in operating expenses.

Council warned that some residents may see an increase on their tax bills due to rising property values assessed by the provincial Municipal Assessment Agency.

“We’ve had enough budget control to ensure that we haven’t overstretched ourselves, we have a lot of working capital in the bank and so don’t have to borrow as much for big projects,” said Mayor Dave Aker. “By investing in the future and managing your dollars, you can position yourself so you’re not freewheeling out of control. The new Community Centre is not anticipated to have any budget overruns. It may be a bit late getting constructed (fall instead of winter), but it’s going to last 50 years and we’re not going to see any cost overruns.”

One buzz word of the night was ‘safety,’ which was expected given the emphasis council placed on public safety following a spat of violent incidents that rocked Mount Pearl around this time last year. To that end, the City will spend $200,000 to implement a five-year Community Safety and Well-Being Plan, as well $200,000 on traffic calming measures to improve pedestrian safety. The City is also planning a pilot project to make the section of Smallwood Drive between Commonwealth Avenue and Old Placentia Road more pedestrian and cyclist friendly. The roadway will temporarily be reduced from four lanes to three, with a centre turning lane added, and space reallocated for foot and bicycle traffic. The City will also spend $1.3 million on new sidewalks and pedestrian crosswalks in Donovans Business Park to improve life for the 5,000 or so people who work there.

“Our survey with the business owners up there suggest they want to see more pedestrian activity,” said Aker. “When employees come to work, they want a nice place to get around. So, we’re going to be putting in crosswalks and sidewalks in some of the main areas. We already did this a few years ago with Stone Avenue. We want people to be able to get out and go to a restaurant, get a breath of fresh air, go for a walk. We’re working with the owners up there, and that’s the feedback they’ve been giving us. They want to have more offerings for their pedestrians. And that all goes back to job creation, doesn’t it? If you don’t have a nice work environment, you’re not necessarily going to attract people to work. It also encourages using public transit more.”

To that end, the City will extend Metro Bus hours.

“We have heard from the business community about the need for transit options that offer a more convenient commute to and from work in Mount Pearl,” added councillor Bill Antle, who presented the new budget. “In this budget, we’re taking a fresh look at public transit routes to ensure they truly meet the needs of our community. Our goal is simple: make transit as efficient, reliable, and convenient as possible for the people who depend on it ever day. By extending service hours on Route 21 and providing all-day coverage on Route 22, we’re improving mobility for workers and residents, reducing congestion, lowering emissions, and strengthening connections between neighbourhoods and businesses.”

Also in the spending plans are $565,000 for trailway enhancements, including construction of a new washroom, laying of granular stone in select areas, bridge repairs, the continuing roll out of more trail lighting, and $250,000 for phase one of the Commonwealth Avenue bridge replacement.

On the recreation front, staff have budgeted $87,000 for organizations within the Mount Pearl Sport Alliance, $200,000 to fully resurface most of the city’s outdoor courts, and $100,000 for the replacement of playground equipment at Branscombes Pond and Farrell Drive playgrounds. The City will also fund the conceptual design of a new park off Larsen Street.

Some $1.8 million will go bolstering the City’s fleet of vehicles, including the purchase of electric or hybrid vehicles “when practical and cost-effective,” said Antle. Some $1.3 million is earmarked for road upgrades, and $606,000 for facility improvements in addition to $1.5 million for cost-shared infrastructure projects.

Council approved the budget and tax structure unanimously.

Mount Pearl councillor Bill Antle presented council with a balanced budget of $62.6 million last week that will see no increases in the mil rate or commercial taxes. Mark Squibb photo

Jubilee Scholarship winner sets record grades

By Craig Westcott

This year’s winner of the Provincial government’s Jubilee Scholarship is the first one to ever record straight 100s in all his courses upon graduating high school.

Samuel Power of Paradise, who graduated from Mount Pearl Senior High last year and is now studying towards an engineering degree at Memorial University, has a simple formula for success, though it’s one that eludes many.

“There’s a lot of work, a lot of study, a lot of late nights,” said Power, 18.

Power received 100 per cent in each of Advanced Math, French, Social Studies, Calculus, English, and Chemistry in his final year at MPSH. His favourite subjects were calculus and math. 

Power is finding that university courses come with even more work.

“It’s good, it’s a challenge, it’s definitely a change of scenery compared to high school,” said Power. “It’s more compact, the course loads are heavy.”

Power is undecided about which type of engineering he will pursue but is leaning towards process engineering.

“I’m big into chemistry,” he said. “It will be something in the energy field, I’m sure.”

In addition to academics, Power was a top student athlete in high school. He played three seasons on the hockey team, which speaks to his athletic ability as not all players make the Huskies in the first year or two of high school. Power also played on the baseball and softball teams, and of course, the math league team. He was asked to try out for the Blades’ junior hockey team this year but decided he would take this first year of university to focus on his studies.

Power’s brothers are also good students. His younger brother Henry is in Grade 10, while older brother Jacob is in medical school.

Power allowed that all the hard work in high school paid off.

“It was definitely worth it in the end, I wouldn’t change a thing,” he said. 

Power is also grateful to his teachers.

“They were awesome, the amount of work and time they put into me and helping me achieve what I wanted,” he said. “I set out on that goal as soon as I started high school, I wanted to be valedictorian. It just so happened that I was able to get this scholarship along the way. But the amount of time and effort they put into helping me, teaching me and guiding me along the path was much appreciated.”

The Jubilee Scholarship, which is awarded to the student with the highest scholarship score in the province, is worth $2,500.

The Province also late last month announced the winner of the Constable W.C. Moss Scholarship, which went to Gonzaga High graduate Isla Growns, and the 120 winners of the Electoral District scholarships, and the 79 winners of the Centenary of Responsible Government Scholarships.

Samuel Power

The Mount Pearl Soccer Association annual awards ceremony

The Mount Pearl Soccer Association recognized the best of the best at its annual awards ceremony last month. In the back row, from left, are Official of the Year Henry Green, Recognition Award recipient John Bennett, Youth Male Player of the year Xavier Dray, and Senior Male Player of the Year Paris Kahunga. In the middle row, from left, are Female Player of the Year and GU15 Premier League team member Claire Gibbons, Volunteer of the Year Kate Gibbons, and GU15 Premier League team members Lia Donovan, Paige Andrews, Caroline Bragg, Aleah Philpott, Penney Laine Ryan, Emma Thomas, Payten Harnum, Cassie Pennell, and assistant coach Courtney Abbott. In the front row, from left, are Coach of the Year Mauricio Modica, Alumni of the Year Cecil Noseworthy, President’s Award recipient Chris Follett, Senior Player of the Year Sebastian Locke, and GU15 Premier League coach Mike Oliver. Missing from the photo are GU15 Premiere League players Abby Myron, Jane Caines, Lily Molloy, Sarah White, Audria Peddle, Paityn Williams, Adrienne Shannahan, and Eloise Lush. Also missing is Achievement Award recipient Olivia Burton. Photo courtesy of Mount Pearl Soccer Association

Mount Pearl inks deal with Bell for cellular service, new iPhones

By Mark Squibb

Trying to pick a cellular provider can be a headache.

Staff at the City of Mount Pearl have put that headache behind them, for at least the next five years.

The City recently inked a deal with Bell Mobility to provide cellular service for City employees at an estimated five-year cost of $157,836, plus HST.

Previously, the City’s contract with Bell was on a month-to-month extension. Staff have budgeted $55,000 per year for cell phone services, and so the new contract should reduce overall monthly service costs based on the projected estimate.

That cost will also include the purchase of 43 new iPhone 15s and the porting of another 43 City cell phones to the provider. Staff also anticipate the purchase of five voice-only devices and 10 mobile internet devices.

The City received three bids, but public documents did not identify the other two bidders.

Council approved the motion unanimously.

Johnny on the spot

By Mark Squibb

An RNC officer was in the right place at the right time late last month.

On November 29th at 2:20 p.m., the officer was at a Mount Pearl business investigating a separate matter when a 54-year-old man attempted to steal a shopping cart full of product from the same store.

The officer quickly apprehended the man, who was charged with one count of theft. He was released and will appear in court at a later date.

Police responded to a number of other calls in Mount Pearl over the weekend.

On November 28, police responded to a complaint of a 34-year-old man supposedly at a residence that he was on conditions to remain away from. The man was located and arrested a short distance from the home in question. He was held at the St. John’s lock-up to appear before a judge in the morning.

In the early morning of November 30, police responded to a disturbance at a Mount Pearl home. Officers say an individual at the home had been assaulted by another person in the same home. As a result of the investigation, a 36-year-old man was charged with assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm, and uttering threats. The man also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was transported to the lock-up and held for court in the morning.

Mount Pearl issues order to Greenwood emergency shelter

By Mark Squibb

Mount Pearl City council has issued a stop development order to Nickle Properties Inc., in relation to a for-profit emergency shelter at 53 Greenwood Crescent, the site of the former Riverwalk Hotel.

It’s not the first-time council has issued an order in relation to the property. In May 2022, council ordered Nickle Properties and the Elizabeth Fry Society NL (a not-for profit that aids women in need) to cease operations at the address. That order named Steven Saunders of Nickle Properties and the executive director of the Elizabeth Fry Society Newfoundland chapter.

Councillor Bill Antle brought forward the most recent order, this one directed at Nickel Properties Inc.

“This has been ongoing on for a number of years,” said Antle. “The City has received ongoing complaints and reports regarding 53 Greenwood Crescent. Complaints have included, but are not limited to violence, drug use, and discarded drug paraphernalia. Recent reports have raised concerns that the property is not operating as a hotel… it may be operating as a for-profit emergency shelter. Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation has acknowledged that it is now placing individuals at the property to meet demands related to an emergency shelter. The property owner, therefore, has made a material change in use of intensity of the property without a permit or application as required by the City.”

Councillor Mark Rice voiced his support of the motion.

“We’ve had many conversations with residents in that area – not so pleasant conversations,” said Rice. “My perspective as a city councillor, is that you’ve got to listen to the residents that live in that area. Sometimes, when you’re trying to make decisions as a city councillor, for all areas of the city, you listen to the residents in that area, and their concerns, and they have some major concerns over there. There’s been criminal activity at times. I know we’ve had conversations about how many times the RNC have been called over there the past several months. And we have to listen to residents in the area... I certainly support this because we have some residents over in that area that have actually moved out of their house and are living in their cabins.”

Council, minus Deputy Mayor Nicole Kieley, who was absent from the meeting, voted unanimously in favour of the order.

Of interest, council approved a 24-unit row dwelling development at 43 Greenwood Crescent in June 2024 to the same company, Nickel Properties Inc.

The Pearl could not reach either Saunders or the Elizabeth Fry Society for comment.

Nothing can be done with Park Place ‘eyesore’ just yet

This development on Park Avenue stalled after the developer filed for creditor protection. City staff say there is nothing that can be done, despite the structure being an eyesore. Mark Squibb photo

By Mark Squibb

Mount Pearl city staff say that there’s nothing to be done, at this time, in regard to an abandoned development at 166 Park Avenue, the site of the old Park Avenue Elementary School.

In May 2024, the City gave Karwood Contracting Ltd., approval to construct three apartment buildings consisting of 33 units at the location.

Karwood filed for creditor protection in January this year.

Councillor Bill Antle broached the subject during the November 18 public council meeting. Antle said a resident had called him earlier that day to inquire about the development, which has been seemingly abandoned. Antle called the development an eyesore and asked what the City could do to rectify the matter.

Engineering director Scott Batt said the City had received an update from BDO and the matter was still before the courts and that BDO was unable to disclose any more information at the time. Batt said staff have been following the court case on a weekly basis.

“So, there’s nothing the City can do?” asked Antle.

“No,” said Batt.

Mayor Dave Aker interjected and said that after a certain length of time the structure may become a safety issue rather than just being an eyesore.

“If we don’t get any determination from the court soon, maybe we will have to act, but I guess that will be premature as of tonight,” said Aker.

Council had formerly approved $100,000 in funding for Karwood Contracting for the development at 166 Park Avenue through the federal government’s Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) program. That was in August 2024.

The Pearl followed up with City staff following the most recent meeting. A staff member said the City does not have a status update to provide on the project at 166 Park Avenue as it stands with the landowners and developers. As for the HAF funding, the staff member explained the City does not issue the funds until issuance of the Occupancy Permit. If the Occupancy Permit is not issued and the project is not completed on time, the money will be reallocated to other projects.

Council approves crosswalk at T’Railway and Commonwealth

By Mark Squibb

Mount Pearl council has approved construction of a pedestrian-activated crosswalk light and pedestrian island where the T’Railway crosses Commonwealth Avenue.

There’s probably no one in the Pearl happier with the news than councillor Bill Antle, who has for years advocated for a better crosswalk in the area.

“This is a great thing to see,” said Antle. “We have talked about this in council at great lengths. Safety is key, and we had to make sure this was safe. We just couldn’t put a crosswalk across Commonwealth Avenue and it not be safe.”

The crossing lights will be tied into both Topsail Road and Park Avenue intersections. Due to the placement of the pedestrian-island, left-hand turns out of Glendale will no longer be possible.

The City had budgeted $317,500, including $60,000 of Trans Canada Trail Network funding, for the program. Council last week awarded the construction contract to Dexter Construction Company Limited in the amount of $298,418, HST Included.

Engineering director Scott Batt said while construction was scheduled to start within days of the contract being approved, the crosswalk signals may not be operational by year’s end.

Batt said the public will be notified before work commences, and residents on Glendale Avenue will receive hand-delivered notices.

Approval of the contract comes after years of debate, given the speed of the traffic coming down Commonwealth Avenue, the steepness of the hill, and the close proximity to the crosswalk at the intersection of Commonwealth and Park avenues.

But its advocates, including Antle, maintain the crosswalk is necessary because many people simply cross the road, crosswalk or not, where the T’Railway meets Commonwealth, rather than use the Park Avenue crosswalk further up the road.

Councillor Isabelle Fry herself admitted to having a close call recently after a pedestrian darted across the road in front of her one dark evening.

She said that crosswalks can sometimes create a false sense of security, and that lights or no lights, residents still need to look both ways and cross carefully.

The contract was approved unanimously.