Over 90 and still spryer than spring chickens

From left are Hilda Murray, 91, Kay Halliday, 95, Alice Kilfoy, 95, and Shirley Kelloway, 91, who keep active by attending three fitness classes a week at the Reid Centre. The ladies say they enjoy the exercise but like the company even more. Mark Squibb photo

By Mark Squibb

Among those who attend the weekly 60-plus low-impact aerobics and trim and tone classes at the Reid Centre are Hilda Murray, 91, Kay Halliday, 95, Alice Kilfoy, 95, and Shirley Kelloway, 91.

The four women, who attend three fitness classes a week, have become an inspiration to those around them because of their winning attitudes and zest for life, and also because they so obviously enjoy being around others.

“Being here, and being in the company of others, and seeing everyone else, doing so well, is just good,” said Murray. “It’s really, really, really good.”

“I like being out and mixing with people,” added Kilfoy. “Otherwise, we would be home sitting and doing nothing. So, we come here and do our exercise.”

“The people here are so nice,” said Halliday. “That’s what brings us here. I like the exercise too, but it’s the people.”

All four praised the staff at the Reid Centre, saying they go above and beyond to make them feel welcome each class.

“The staff are very nice to us and treat us with respect,” said Kilfoy, noting the staff members often help carry their bags and the like. “They’re good, they’re excellent.”

The exercise, say the ladies, helps keep them young, and they will continue to attend classes as they have done for many years now so long as they are healthy.

The ladies also find ways to stay active outside of class.

“I’ve been active all my life,” said Kelloway, who hails from the west coast, and who still drives. “I kayak every summer. So, I’ve always been into exercise.”

Their time at the Reid centre keeps Murray feeling young. “I don’t feel as if I’ve grown up yet,” she said, laughing.

City introduces new policies to counter tariffs

By Mark Squibb

The City of Mount Pearl has adopted new measures in response to significant tariffs levied against Canada by U.S. President Donald Trump.

The measures include a review of the City’s procurement policy to prioritize Canadian-made goods and services, a cross departmental review to identify alternative sources for goods and services that are currently directly or indirectly sourced from the U.S., an emphasis on the 10 per cent local preference section of the Public Procurement Act in order to support local businesses where feasible, a restriction on travel to the U.S. for either City business or professional development, regular reevaluations of the financial impact of tariffs on the 2025 budget (including whether major capital projects should proceed or be out on hold,) and a commitment to support any provincial or federal initiatives.

Mayor Dave Aker said while the City only spends about $150,000 on direct purchases from the U.S. yearly — typically on software and licensing agreements — the challenge will be to dig deeper to determine which suppliers purchase products from the U.S., and to what extent.

“We’re working together as a community of government on behalf up our people to ensure that we stand up to what many people would call economic warfare against our country,” said Aker.

The mayor also suggested the City ought to help local export businesses looking to cut ties to the U.S. in favour of other markets.

Councillor Jim Locke reiterated Aker’s claims about the difficulty of untangling an economy that is so tied to the U.S. and said he hopes the impacts are not as bad as folks fear.

Councillor Bill Antle, meanwhile, expressed his disbelief at the situation, while councillor Mark Rice expressed his appreciation for the hard work put in by staff compiling financial data and information behind the scenes.

City hoping to save millions on road, sewer work

By Mark Squibb

The City of Mount Pearl called a special public meeting March 21 to approve several federal government funding applications, and while the meeting itself only lasted about five minutes, it may save the City millions.

The first motion was to apply for funding to the federal government’s Canada Housing and Infrastructure Fund (CHIF) for the two-phased Park Avenue Infrastructure upgrades project. Phase 1 will consist of installation of a new sanitary trunk sewer along Park Avenue from Dunn’s Lane up to Smallwood Drive, while Phase 2 will consist of installation of a new sanitary trunk sewer from Smallwood Drive up to Stapleton Road. Work will also include new sanitary service lines, storm sewer system upgrades, some water distribution upgrades, full street reconstruction and property reinstatement.

“The purpose of this project is to increase capacity in the city’s sanitary sewer system by diverting sanitary flows through a new sanitary trunk sewer which will be located in Park Avenue,” explained councillor Bill Antle. “Doing so will relieve strain on the existing sanitary trunk sewer, and I think this is a great thing for the City of Mount Pearl.”

The City is applying for $11.7 million for Phase 1 of the project, and just over $6.3 million for Phase 2.

The second motion was to apply for funding, once again to the CHIF, for the full replacement of water, sanitary and storm sewer, asphalt, curb, gutter, and sidewalk on Wyatt Boulevard and Mount Carson Avenue in the amount of $13.6 million, and for funding for a new second water tower, transmission line, and Tower Site Upgrades on Kenmount Hill in the amount of nearly $6.3 million.

Council had previously applied for provincial funding for both the work on Wyatt Boulevard and Kenmount Hill upgrades, and while only one funding stream can be applied to a project, staff determined to apply to both to increase the City’s funding chances.

Councillor Mark Rice noted the City had decided to forge ahead with plans for the water tower rather than wait for the Province to announce it’s own plans for construction of a new water tower relative to the construction of a hospital at Kenmount Crossing. That hospital was announced in November.

“We had already made a decision as a City and as a council that we’re not going to be waiting for anybody else,” said Rice, who then asked if the Province was made aware the City is seeking funding for the new tower.

To that end, Mayor Dave Aker said CAO Cassie Rideout would be giving the provincial government the heads up.

Earlier that same day, the provincial government announced $123.1 million in CHIF funding for infrastructure projects across the province, including replacement of asphalt, sidewalks, and underground water, sanitary and storm systems for Jackman Drive. CHIF projects are cost shared between the federal, provincial, and municipal governments. For Jackman Drive, the federal government will be pitching in $1.8 million, while the City and the Province will both be pitching in $1.3 million each.

Mount Pearl hits new low

By Mark Squibb

Mount Pearl has hit a new low — but in a good way.

The city hit a record low for water consumption in January, consuming 340,985 cubic meters. That’s about 31 million liters less than the former record of 373,033 cubic metres, which was set in January 2020.

City staff and council attribute the new record to both the City’s leak detection service and recent upgrades to municipal infrastructure.

Councillor Jim Locke applauded the efforts to reduce water wastage.

“The Province, a couple of weeks back, perhaps it was last week, announced the Climate Change Challenge fund, money that will help not-for-profits and municipalities that may want to switch operations that are more climate-friendly,” said Locke. “And I spoke to a few folks at that particular announcement, and I highlighted some of the things that we do in the City of Mount Pearl, and they were absolutely shocked. I listed, just from memory, all the operations that the City of Mount Pearl has undertaken that have reduced our impact on the climate. And one person in particular said, ‘How come you guys aren’t promoting it?’ And we do a lot, but we sort of fly under the radar. We do things because we know it’s the right thing to do.”

Locke noted that over at the Summit Centre, the City uses a heat recovery system to recapture heat which is diverted back into the facility’s heating system, and that rainwater is collected and filtered for further use, amongst other city-wide initiatives.

The councillor also credited residents with being good stewards of the city’s drinking water.

“We know it’s finite, its not unlimited, and so our residents have also been taking action to con-serve water where they can,” said Locke.

Planning director Scott Batt said the trend is expected to continue.

“Going forward, we expect to be setting record numbers as a regular occurrence,” said Batt.

Despite the tariff war, there’s still a need for change, says Cape Spear Conservative

By Mark Squibb

Corey Curtis of Paradise has been named the Conservative candidate for Cape Spear district.

Curtis is vice-president of marine fleet operations at Oceanex Inc., and boasts several decades of experience in the oil and gas industry, including over a decade with Husky Energy.

“I’m not a career politician by any means,” said Curits. “I think I bring some real-world experience to the table, especially from the marine and oil and gas sector. I come from a humble family where hard work paid off. I bring fresh ideas and a fresh voice to Ottawa. I’ve always prided myself as someone who will speak up.”

Curtis, who worked on Conservative candidate Matt Chapman’s 2021 campaign in Avalon, said the top issues this time around are the rising cost of living and the need to promote Newfoundland’s offshore industries and the fishery.

“I’ve talked to families that have two really good jobs and they’re still struggling to make ends meet,” said Curtis. “Between taxation, the cost of living, the uncertainty of the economy — even before Trump’s tariffs people don’t have a lot of disposable income.”

Regarding the tariffs, Curtis said if the Canadian government had invested more in pipelines, strengthened the offshore energy sector, diversified the economy, and reduced taxes, Canada would be in a better position to respond to Trump’s constant threats.

Newfoundland and Labrador in particular, said Curtis, has much to offer the world, from the fishery to oil and gas to minerals.

And while the Conservatives have taken a hit in the polls following the election of Mark Carney as new Liberal leader, Curtis said that hasn’t impacted his campaign message.

“Mark Carney has been involved with the Liberal Party and created some of the situation we’re in today,” said Curtis. “His track record is available, as it relates to his focus on carbon tax and what not. So, for me specifically, everything stays the same. Everything we’ve been saying we want to do as a party still resonates.”

Curtis said he stands firmly behind Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, whom he believes should be the country’s next leader.

“Poilievre has always had a clear message right from day one, which has been reducing overall taxes, driving the resource sector, and reducing red tape, which ultimately helps small business,” said Curtis.

A family man, Curits lives with children Sierra and Jayden, partner Andrea, and their dog, Rhea. He’s also vice president of Paradise Minor Hockey and has volunteered with other sports groups within Paradise.

The Liberal party has not yet named a candidate, although former MHA Tom Osbourne, Mount Pearl Deputy Mayor Nicole Kieley, and Home Builders executive director Victoria Belbin have all thrown their hats into the ring for that party’s nomination. The riding includes Paradise, Mount Pearl, and a section of St. John’s extending into Petty Harbour. The riding was reconfigured for this coming election from its previous incarnation of St. John’s South – Mount Pearl, which is held by Liberal Seamus O’Regan, who is not seeking re-election.

Council approves deeper look at underpasses

By Mark Squibb

Mount Pearl council last week approved additional expenses for the structural assessment of pedestrian underpasses at Richard Nolan and Smallwood Drive.

The City awarded the contract to Nova Consultants in the amount of $28,060, HST included, on February 25 during a special public meeting of council called for that purpose.

Last week, council approved a change order in the amount of $14,260 (HST included) to cover the costs of the excavation and reinstatement work of both underpasses.

“This will ensure a comprehensive visual inspection of the below grade portions of the structures, which is imperative for assessing their structural integrity,” explained councillor Bill Antle.

Engineering Director Scott Batt said the underpasses have been on the City’s radar for some time, and that it’s important from a safety perspective that the assessment be undertaken.

Kieley bringing fighting spirit to federal campaign

Mount Pearl Deputy Mayor Nicole Kieley last week announced her intention to seek the Liberal nomination in Cape Spear, a riding encompassing the City of Mount Pearl, the towns of Paradise and Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove, and a portion of the City of St. John’s.

“A lot of work I’ve done started with community, and with people,” said Kieley. “And when you work with people, you find that the issues on the ground and in front of you are related to the larger structures and organizations in government.”

Kieley said she feels that running for federal office is the best way to advocate for folks in her community.

“I believe we need someone who is a fighter, who knows the people, and understands the value of unity,” said Kieley. “I think it’s important for us to recognize that our world is changing. We are going to need fresh voices; we are going to need innovative thoughts and initiatives.”

Kieley said she had been considering putting her name forward since incumbent Seamus O’Regan announced his resignation back in July, and after much self-reflection and conversations with friends and family, decided to do so, despite the challenges the position poses.

“To quote some people, ‘You don’t owe nothing to nobody - go explore the world, or go grow a garden,’ and that’s what I absolutely can do,” said Kieley. “I don’t need to be where I am, but this is where I want to be, it’s who I am, and who I’ve always been. This is my garden, that I want to tend to. And yes, it’ s going to be a challenge, and it’s going to take energy, but it is also meaningful and gives me purpose and fills my cup at the same time.”

If selected as candidate and, following that, elected to office, Kieley swears to push for housing that is accessible and inclusion for all members of the community and to support a greener energy economy.

“I’m someone that people know they can go to and talk to,” said Kieley. “And I’m a fighter. And when I’ve listened to someone, and listened to the experts in the region, I am going to fight for them as strongly as I’ve fought for myself.”

She added that, especially in light of tariffs imposed upon Canada by U.S. President Donald Trump, political parties must find a way to work together moving forward.

“I believe in the values and ideology of the Liberal Party, but it’s necessary to find common ground with other parties around policies, and around how we move forward,” said Kieley. “Division in politics is going to be our downfall. But, as you see in municipal politics, learning to debate, and work, and exercise our ideas and solutions together without making it about politics is going to be key.”

In light of her decision to run for the federal nomination, Kieley has taken a leave of absence from council.

“It has been probably the most incredible experience I’ve had in my life, career wise, and even personally,” said Kieley of her time on council. “It has been an honour and a pleasure to serve. I love my city, I love where I come from.”

Kieley expressed gratitude to staff, members of council, and the city as a whole, for the love and care shown to her following a traumatic car crash that robbed her of a leg.

“After my accident, the city carried me,” said Keiley. “And I mean everybody. I woke up, and yes, it was really difficult at the time, and it was traumatic and there was a lot going on, but at the same time, everybody stood by me. It was everywhere. I received countless notes from schools and from colleagues. Every Facebook message I received was important to my recovery at the time, and mental health.”

Opposing the Liberal candidate will be Paradise resident Corey Curtis, who secured the Conservative nomination earlier this winter.

A date for the election has not yet been set.

Mount Pearl Deputy Mayor Nicole Kieley, second from left, drew a crowd for the launch of her campaign for the Liberal nomination in the federal riding of Cape Spear. Among the supporters who showed up were, from left, Pat O’Keefe, former Mount Pearl Mayor and longtime PC MHA and cabinet minister Dave Denine and his wife Shirley Denine.

Council calls special meeting to order underpass assessments

Mount Pearl council called a special public meeting February 25 to award a contract for structural assessment of two pedestrian underpasses in the city.

“The City of Mount Pearl recently invited consultants to submit a quotation to complete a structural assessment of the pedestrian underpasses at Richard Nolan Drive and Smallwood Drive,” said councillor Bill Antle. “A previous assessment was completed in 2016, and staff have identified a need to complete an updated assessment. Both structures are showing signs of deterioration and there is a concern regarding their remaining useful life. The proposed updated assessment will evaluate the structural condition of each underpass, provide recommendations for improvements to address potential risks, and reduce uncertainties to ensure the safety and longevity of the infrastructure.”

The request for quotes closed on February 5, and the City received three bids. Antle moved that council award the contract to Nova Consultants in the amount of $28,060, HST included, and that remaining funds from the 2014-2017 provincial Multi-Year Capital Works fund be reallocated to the project.

The motion was approved unanimously.

Councillors heading to annual municipal conference

Mayor Dave Aker, Deputy Mayor Nicole Kieley, and councillors Jim Locke, Isabelle Fry, Mark Rice, and Chelsea Lane will be heading to Ottawa this spring for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Annual Convention.
Sessions slated for this year’s conference boast titles such as, ‘Ottawa Unseen: A Journey Through Accessibility,’ ‘Watering Village: Canada Lands newest diverse housing community,’ and ‘Ottawa’s digital twin: Helping seasonal flood mitigation.’
Attendees will also be able to participate in the 2025 FCM trade show, featuring vendors from across the country.
Councillor Bill Antle will be the lone councillor not attending the conference.
Mayor Aker will also be attending the Urban Municipalities Committee (UMC) Meeting in Marystown from March 28 to 29.
The travel requests were approved during the February 18 council meeting.

'Not a cadet...a Kinette!'

By Mark Squibb

The City of Mount Pearl declared Thursday, February 20, as Kin Canada Day and February 16-22 as Kin Canada Week during a recent public council meeting.
Kin Club members, and members of the all-female Kinette Club offshoot organization, participate in a wide variety of community events, including the recent Frosty Festival, during which members helped organize events, sell tickets, clean up and more.
More recently, the club marked February 22 as the Kin Club Day of Kindness, and the club hosted a number of initiatives to show kindness in the community.
“One of our goals this year was to make ourselves known in the community,” said lifelong member Donna Collens. “Because a lot of times, I’ve told people I’m a Kinette and they’ll say ‘Oh, you’re a cadet!’ And I’ll say, ’No, I’m a Kinette.’ So, we want to get our name, the Kinette Club of Mount Pearl, out in the community so everybody knows.”
Both councillors Chelsea Lae and Isabelle Fry are proud to call themselves members of the club.
“What drew me to the club was the motto, ‘Serving the Community’s Greatest Needs,’” said Fry. “And when you have 22 women come together just for the sole purpose of volunteering and making the world a better place, that’s a pretty special thing.”
Lane, meanwhile noted the club is always looking for new members.
“In order to keep organizations like this going, we need new members to join,” said Lane.
This year marks the 105th anniversary of the community service group, which was founded by Harold A. Rogers in 1920.

From left are councillor and Kinette Chelsea Lane, Kinette Donna Collens, Kinette Sanra Milmore, councillor Jim Locke, Mayor Dave Aker, councillor and Kinette Isabelle Fry, Kinette Sandra Anstey, councillor Bill Antle, and councillor Mark Rice.

Members of the Kin Club were unable to attend.