Seeing the upside - Construction work on Topsail Road may aid safety in school zone, says Locke

By Craig Westcott/September 2, 2021

The City of Mount Pearl is using some $70,000 in savings from its federal Gas Tax Allotment to add to the upgrades of Old Placentia Road.

Infrastructure and public works chairman and deputy mayor Jim Locke noted the $461,840 contract to repave Old Placentia Road was awarded back in June to Modern Paving Limited. This additional $70,000 will cover extra upgrades to the asphalt at the intersections between Richard Nolan Drive and Commonwealth Avenue.

The money will pay for repairs to the cracked paving and dips in the road that lead to further deterioration and poor drainage. Locke said the money will be accounted for as a change order to the project.

“I’m already hearing it when knocking on doors, ‘Old Placentia – when will it be done?” said Mayor Dave Aker. “People like pavement. They don’t like when it’s being laid, but I think that’s only a natural reaction. I think this is a great piece of work. So, congratulations to all and happy navigating throughout our city as we rebuild our city and invest in it further.”

Locke agreed the inconveniences caused by the construction is short term pain for better roads in the long run.

In other capital works news:

Council has approved $24,422 in fees for CBCL Limited to act as the Engineer of Record in overseeing the $861,754 contract to upgrade the storm sewer and outfall on Topsail Road. The construction is being done by Dexter Construction Limited.

“I’m sure we’ve all traversed there and seen the extensive construction work that’s being carried out,” Locke said. “It’s a sizeable piece of work.”

Noting he has been getting a few calls about the project, councillor Bill Antle asked if the completion date is known.

“Good question,” said Mayor Aker.

“The work on Topsail Road should be finished, on the Topsail Road portion itself, within about two or three weeks,” said the City’s director of infrastructure and public works, Gerry Antle. “There’s extensive work required to rebuild the storm sewer outfall that leaves Topsail Road towards the river. That’s a substantial piece of the work that is still underway and that will continue likely up to October.”

In response to a further question from councillor Antle, the director said it’s unlikely the Topsail Road work will be finished by the time schools reopen. “It’s pending weather, as well,” he cautioned.

Councillor Antle then asked if there is any way the contractor can work extra hours, such as in the evenings and on Sundays to complete that portion of the work before the schools open.

“We could speak to the contractor on that,” said the director. “Bear in mind that would be at premium (cost) because that would be outside their schedule. They have a schedule to perform and they are in accordance with that right now. So, at this point in time I would not anticipate (that happening). I think the best we can expect now is (that it will be completed) within the next two or three weeks.”

Councillor Antle said people are concerned about the impact the construction will have when extra traffic flows in and out of Mary Queen of the World School once classes resume. The concern is that it will cause traffic backups.

“I think what we could do is speak with the contractor about reducing (construction activity to allow for heavier) traffic in the morning and the afternoon,” said director Antle.

“I think the key time is going to be in the morning when people from some of the newer subdivisions northwest of Topsail Road have to get down to Mary Queen of the World,” said Mayor Aker. “They’ve got to come down say Mount Carson, Moffat (Drive), or Farrell Drive, but they’ve got to back towards Mary Queen of the World. So, it would be nice if some preference was given to the buses. But then again there’s going to be a lot of families driving cars too, and people going to university and back to the high school. I suspect there’s going to be a lot of cars on the road. But the buses will stand out. Perhaps our flag people can help them along.”

Deputy Mayor Locke allowed councillor Antle and the mayor raised good points. Council has had many discussions over the years about nighttime construction, he said.

“But it comes at a cost,” Locke added. “You’ll have to pay more for that, and it’s all a balance, isn’t it? We’re trying to maximize our financial resources to get as much upgrade as we can to our infrastructure… And I think the mayor is touching on an important point as well – whether or not there is road work anywhere in the city, the fact that people are returning to the reality of going back to work in September. You’re going to see more people returning to their places of employment, more students going to Memorial University and our trades colleges, more people going to our high schools, and they’re going to be driving. So, (even) without this construction we are going to see a change in human behaviour. There is going to be some increased frustration. People aren’t used to this waiting in back logs. So, I would just reach out and encourage people to practice courtesy, to practice some manners while you’re driving and who knows, maybe this backup on the traffic may be a safety issue, it may slow down traffic in the school zones when all the kids are super excited about going back to school. It might actually work in our favour. I know people will be frustrated.”

Mayor Aker said another problem with night construction, is that even the thoroughfares and main roads in Mount Pearl are close to houses and the noise generated by construction could easily affect those areas. “Can you imagine the disruption to people’s sleep and peace and quiet in the dead of night if even just a little way down the road there was a paver working or a shovel going bang, bang, bang?” said the mayor. “Just think about that.”

Deal inked to protect City of Mount Pearl workers with high vis gear

By Craig Westcott/September 2, 2021

The City of Mount Pearl has entered into a two-year agreement with Campbell’s Ship Supplies to provide high visibility clothing for its outside workers.

Deputy Mayor Jim Locke, who chairs council’s infrastructure and public works committee, told his colleagues at last week’s public meeting the deal is worth some $23,151, HST included.

“It is noted that quantities purchased may increase from the RFP (Request for Proposals) estimates depending on actual usage,” Locke added.

Five bids were received from three vendors and department staff recommended the contract go to the lowest bidder, which was Campbell’s.

“It’s a large expenditure, but well thought out through a competitive bidding process,” said Mayor Dave Aker.

In other council news:

The City has approved the second installment of the 2021 operating grant for Admiralty House Museum. Councillor Isabelle Fry, who chairs council’s community development committee, said the installment amount is $45,000.

Council has approved a variance to allow a resident at 9 Pinware Crescent to expand the size of his driveway to accommodate more parking.

Fry said the variance will allow for a 10 per cent deviation from the City’s requirement that 50 per cent of frontage be set aside for landscaped grounds. The application met all other requirements of the development regulations for residential – medium density zoning.

Council approved development permits for site improvements to an ancillary building at 99 Clyde Avenue and a variance for an accessory building at 5 Kelburn Place. Fry said those permits were issued for the period from July 26 to August 20. A total of $1.4 million in building permits were issued for the same period covering everything from residential renovations to fence constructions and in one case, a demolition at 24 Park Avenue.

Five occupancy permits were issued for the period; for an office for Campia Gymnastics at 21 Old Placentia Road; a retail store for Simply Supplies at 1C Sunrise Avenue; a retail unit for S&M Beauty & Wellness at 1 Centennial Street; a temporary campaign office for federal Liberal candidate Seamus O’Regan at 39 Commonwealth Avenue; and a music studio for The Music Collection, also at 1 Centennial Street.

Oil & gas exec Darlene Careen new head of MP - Paradise chamber

By Staff/August 26, 2021

The Mount Pearl - Paradise Chamber of Commerce has a new board in place for the coming year.

At its recent annual general meeting, the board members elected Darlene Careen, who works on the West White Rose oil project, as the chamber’s president, replacing marketing consultant Dave Halliday.

Careen studied Business Administration at Memorial University, and has enjoyed a successful, progressive career in the oil and gas industry. Her work experience on major industrial projects has covered many facets of commercial management including contract development and negotiation, change management, labour relations and claim management.
Careen has also volunteered with the Beavers, minor soccer, minor hockey, and dance. She has served as a director with Mount Pearl Minor Hockey, the Alzheimer’s Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, treasurer of the Mount Pearl Frosty Festival board of directors, as a Mount Pearl City Days committee member, an Avalon Dragon Boat racer for breast cancer survivors, an instructor for Junior Achievement, and as a member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs (NLOWE). Careen has also volunteered as a Techsploration role model and mentor to several young women as they launch their careers. She is also involved with Ronald McDonald House and the Jimmy Pratt Breakfast Service.

“It is a privilege to sit as president of our chamber and work with such strong, dedicated and like-minded directors to support our commercial communities and attract and retain business, prosperity, leaders and mentors for today and tomorrow,” said Careen.

The new vice president of the chamber is Colleen Glynn, co-owner of EASY Safety Training & Services, located in Mount Pearl. She replaces lawyer Jillian Hewitt.

Glynn’s career started as a software developer and business analyst in the information technology industry, working for various companies throughout Canada and the U.S. In late 2017 Glynn and her husband Scott started EASY Safety Training.

Glynn said she is a firm believer in what the chamber of commerce stands for and how it brings the business community together. She said she welcomes the chance to develop her own business knowledge while drawing on the experiences and support of other members.

The chamber’s secretary this year is Brad Bragg, a realtor with Royal LePage Vision. Bragg has been a member of the chamber since 2015, and said he is eager to contribute as a board member to improve his professional and leadership skills. The Mount Pearl native has an Information Systems degree from St. Francis Xavier University.

The treasurer of the chamber this year is Coffee Matters co-founder and owner Scott Hillyer. He enjoys taking on leadership roles in professional organizations and is a past vice chairman of both Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador and the Restaurant Association of Newfoundland and Labrador. Hillyer also helps out a number of local charities.

One of the new board’s first matters of business was the hosting of a round table several weeks ago featuring local business owners, the federal Minister of Small Business, Mary Ng, and St. John’s South - Mount Pearl MP and federal Natural Resources Minister Seamus O’Regan.

Roy Locke enters race for Mayor

By Staff/August 26, 2021

Mount Pearl’s contest for mayor will be at least a two-man race with the filing of nomination papers by long time community volunteer Roy Locke on Tuesday.

Incumbent Mayor Dave Aker is also seeking election.

Locke said he is making the run with the encouragement and support of his family, friends and business associates.

Locke, who has run a number of times in provincial elections for the NDP in the past, said he loves Mount Pearl and knows it well and is ready to help the city get “back on track.”

“I want to re-open the doors at City Hall,” said Locke. “Over the past few years there seems to be a real disconnect between City Hall and the community. We need to turn that around. We need to truly engage citizens. The only way a mayor can effectively govern is with the people’s support, participation and respect. We need new leadership in the mayor’s office. I would like to restore respect and pride in our great city. We need more openness and transparency between City Hall and taxpayers. The mayor and council need to always remember where the money comes from. It is from the taxpayers’ pockets. With over fifty million dollars being spent in our city annually, taxpayers have a right to know more about how their hard-earned money is being managed. I feel I am the right person to provide the leadership needed to accomplish these goals. It’s time for change at City Hall.”

Locke is the president of Pearl Entertainment and Promotions and a long time member of the Mount Pearl Kinsmen. He has also volunteered with the Frosty Festival and other civic groups.

Locke said the City needs more business sense around the council table. “We need to manage tax dollars wisely,” says Locke. “There are infrastructure needs that need to be addressed. From roads and sidewalks to fleet and underground infrastructure, there is always lots of work to be done. Taxpayers have to be at the centre of all spending decisions. And there needs to be better communication with citizens – taxpayers need to know what’s happening at City Hall. After all, it is their money.”

More trees for Mount Pearl

By Staff/August 19, 2021

Mount Pearl is starting to look a little greener this month and not just because of the great summer weather we’ve been having.

The City of Mount Pearl recently kickstarted a major part of its urban renewal plan: an urban forestry scheme to make the city’s urban zones a little more welcoming and refreshing with the presence of more trees.

The City got started with the first tree planting event on Thursday, June 3. Councillor Isabelle Fry reported back to council that she was happy to see the work get underway and had high hopes for its impact.

“We’ve developed a new urban forestry plan which will guide sustainable management and growth for the city’s treasured urban forests for today, and for generations to come,” Fry said.

The tree planting was the first of many planned this summer.

“I really enjoyed it,” Fry said. “It’s going to be an active summer, for sure.”

The trees planted that day were near the boathouse along Power’s Pond.

“I think they look really nice, especially the one furthest up … That’s the one I planted,” Fry said, smiling.

Realtor hoping to sell herself to voters

By Chris Lewis|August 5, 2021

After trying her hand a couple of times in provincial politics as the PC candidate in Fortune Bay – Cape La Hune, realtor Charlene Walsh is putting her bid in for a seat on Mount Pearl City council.

Walsh said she has lived in Mount Pearl for some 30-years and would like to be part of the city government, which sees as an agent for change.

“I thought this would be a good match for me, for sure,” Walsh said.

Walsh said one of the biggest things she has heard discussed by voters is the potential for tax increases. People are happy where their taxes are, she said, and are not interested in an increase of any kind.

“But, that probably goes without saying,” she said. “Mount Pearl is a wonderful place. We’ve got good infrastructure, and it’s a well-run city. I haven’t heard a lot of complaints.”

Walsh said the job of a councillor is to maintain that level of satisfaction people have with City services, and keep in mind a good plan for Mount Pearl’s future.

When she moved to Mount Pearl years ago, Walsh said, it was a City of young families. Noe the demographic is much older, like many places in the province.

Although she does not know how feasible it would be right now, Walsh said she has a vision for the City that entails infrastructure geared toward seniors.

“We’d have to build up, not out. There’s not as much land as there once was,” she said. “That way, seniors can still live here in Mount Pearl. It’s important to keep our population base. The seniors that I’ve spoken to have expressed interest in that kind of thing, so to have infrastructure like that would benefit everyone. That way, we’ll grow our population. Once the demographic changes, we’re looking at young families in the city once again. This way, we’re not losing seniors and we’re gaining families.”

One of her biggest strengths, Walsh said, is her ability to take people’s concerns and morph them into plausible ideas that can be taken into serious consideration at the council level.

“It’s all about finding solutions, and I’ve been doing that my entire life,” she said.