City uses leftover money for asphalt repairs

By Mark Squibb

The City of Mount Pearl will use some leftover federal funding to complete asphalt repairs around the city.

Councillor Mark Rice explained the City has about $749,770, HST included, in unused federal government funding as a result of some completed capital works projects that came in underbudget.

Staff recommend the unused money be reallocated to the 2025 Asphalt and Concrete Project budget.

“This project targets several high priority areas identified in the City’s infrastructure plan and will also provide flexibility to address urgent repairs that may arise during the construction season,” said Rice.

In order to use the money, the City must submit a formal Minute of Council to the department managing the federal program, asking to reallocate the money from the completed projects.

Council approved the motion unanimously, and later in the meeting awarded the 2025 Asphalt and Concrete contract to Dexter Construction Company Ltd., in the bid amount of $958,158, HST included.

Completed projects from which funding has been reallocated included road upgrades to Sunrise Avenue, Topsail Drive, Old Placentia Road, Park Avenue, upgrades to Dunn’s Road bridge and Commonwealth Avenue bridge, and upgrades to the storm sewer on Topsail Road.

Mount Pearl approves $6 million Kenmount Hill contract

By Mark Squibb

The City of Mount Pearl is one step closer to seeing the Kenmount Hill development come to fruition.

During the July 22 public meeting council awarded a contract for upgrades to Wyatt Boulevard and Mount Carson Avenue as well as the development of a new roadway into the proposed development.

The contract was awarded to lowest qualified bidder Eric Taylor Ltd., for the bid amount of $6,196,210 (HST included).

Mayor Dave Aker said it’s one of the largest contracts the City had ever approved, other than building contracts.

“It’s work that’s overdue and it’s going to prime the city for growth,” said the mayor.

The motion was approved without further discussion.

Council is currently developing conceptual plans for the land east of Mount Carson Avenue, and land along the rear yards of Elmcliffe Street has been reserved to accommodate a future roadway. That roadway is now being considered for development.

Work is continuing on the lot near Mount Carson Avenue and the Kenmount Road intersection. It’s being developed by the Penney Group and the City is considering an active development application for the entirety of the land.

Former CAO contributes to academic text

Former city manager Gerard Lewis was in Mount Pearl council chambers earlier this month to present council with a copy of The Role of Canadian City Managers: In Their Own Words, an academic text which Lewis contributed to. The book is published by the University of Toronto Press. From left are councillors Isabelle Fry, Jim Locke, Lewis, Mayor Dave Aker, and councillors Bill Antle and Mark Rice. Mark Squibb photo

By Mark Squibb

It must have felt like déjà vu for seasoned staff and councillors when Gerard Lewis walked into Mount Pearl council chambers ahead of the July 22 council meeting.

Lewis had served as city manager for six years before becoming a municipal consultant about a decade ago.

Lewis was in chambers to present council with a copy of The Role of Canadian City Managers: In Their Own Words, an academic work that Lewis had contributed to at the request of one of the book’s editors, Dr. Gordon McIntosh, who had reached out to Lewis in April 2020.

“The idea was to analyze the daily issues and challenges that (CAOs) faced in their roles within municipal government,” said Lewis. “The book was supposed to be for professional public servants, elected officials, and academics for use in the classroom. It will be of interest to current and aspiring city managers, CEOs, elected municipal officials, and anybody interested in municipal government.”

The book was published by the University of Toronto Press in 2023, and Lewis said the University of Toronto has also expressed an interest in using it in courses on local government.

Lewis worked with Tony Haddard and Jim Pine on a chapter entitled, ‘Mentoring: Building the Next Generation of Municipal Professionals.’

The chapter, said Lewis, touches on why mentoring is important and why city managers and CEOs ought to consider mentorship as a part of their role.

Lewis himself was well-suited for the task, having himself led a number of municipal training and mentoring sessions over the years.

“I think it appropriate, Gerard, that they asked you to write the chapter on mentoring, because you served as a great mentor of mine,” said councillor Jim Locke. “I had the privilege of working with you for six years around the table here. And it’s a steep leaning curve, all my colleagues will tell you, when you first get on council, but you always found time for me, personally, and I know other colleagues under your tutelage, too. And you never told us what to do. You would always give us options. You would always make sure that we were informed of the circumstances, of the context, of the political context, of the community context, and then we made our own decisions.”

Dave Aker gunning for the mayor’s seat once again

Mount Pearl Mayor Dave Aker.

By Mark Squibb

Mount Pearl Mayor Dave Aker is hoping for a third term as mayor of the Avalon’s second City.

“Our City is evolving, and circumstances are always changing, but I will always be that mayor who is about community first,” said Aker. “We’ve got a great team of people and a great team on council, and the environment is ever changing. What the City has done in the last four years is— through strategic planning and budgeting—position the city for something new… and I’m offering my leadership in managing that change. Nothing ever remains the same. I think any politician will tell you that there are always new challenges. Some will say that municipalities are never perfect, and that’s true you know. Look at the budget requests that come in every year from staff, and its council’s job to pare them down. But I remain really enthusiastic, and I think I’m well-suited to take on the next four years.”

In recent years, the City has shown an appetite for growth, whether by paving the way for suburbs to come in the Northlands or partnering with the federal government to offer incentives to encourage housing construction.

While Aker has committed to encouraging growth if re-elected, the retired accountant, who noted more development is coming, especially in the Northlands and Masonic Park area, cautioned that “growth for the sake of growth” without proper infrastructure to match it leads to big problems.

“You have to have the infrastructure in place to take away stormwater, to bring water in, to bring sewer out,” said Aker. “It’s a bit of a complicated piece, but you need to have responsible and smart development, and what we’re doing right now throughout the city, whether it’s upgrading pipes for example to meet new density goals we have, or dealing out new lands in the Northlands, you have to right-size it first before you just start approving subdivisions.”

Looking ahead Aker, said council, under his leadership, would continue to focus on keeping Mount Pearl affordable for all residents.

“I think one of the most important things on people’s minds is affordability,” said Aker, adding the City will continue to focus on affordable housing and improving public transportation.

Aker is also hoping to be around the council table when the new 24,500 square-foot community centre opens its doors in 2026.

First announced in 2021, the centre will replace the aging Park Place facility and will boast a splash pad that can be converted to an ice surface during the winter months.

Aker said sports and recreation within the City is at an all time high, and that once the new community centre is up and running, the Reid Centre will be used solely as a sports facility while community events will be held at the new community centre.

Meanwhile, the City’s debt remains low said Aker, noting his decades of experience in financial management, and promising to “always have the taxpayers pocketbooks in mind.”

“The mayor doesn’t make all the decisions,” said Aker. “The mayor is not the boss. The mayor works with council, and we all have our different viewpoints and agendas in terms of how we want to see the City grow. By working with staff through good, sound strategic planning this term is my resumé for the next term. That’s the way that I, as a leader, can do my best for the residents of the City. We’ll always put our residents first, and we’ll always manage the City responsibly under my leadership.”

No other candidate has, as of print deadline, stepped forward to challenge Aker’s bid for the mayor’s chair. If Aker were to be acclaimed, it would be a first for the long serving mayor.

Aker bested mayoral candidate Roy Locke in the 2021 election and Travis Faulkner in the 2017 election.

Prior to serving as mayor, Aker served for a number of years as a councillor.

squibb@theshoreline.ca

Impressive lineup of volunteers celebrated at Best in Mount Pearl awards

Gary Martin was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 Best in Mount Pearl Awards this month. Outside his volunteer work with hockey and soccer , Martin is a frequent blood plasma donor. As of the most recent count, he has donated plasma over 400 times. City of Mount Pearl photo

By Mark Squibb

Longtime hockey and soccer organizer Gary Martin was among those celebrated for their contributions and achievements at the annual Best in Mount Pearl awards ceremony this month.

The awards, which are sponsored by the City, recognize citizens from all walks of life for their contributions to the community at large.

Martin, who has volunteered in Mount Pearl and beyond for well over 40 years, was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Martin has coached players of all levels and calibers over the years and has served as Assistant Chef de Mission with the Canada Games since 2005 and currently serves as Chairperson of Venue Operations for the 2025 Canada Summer Games.

He is also an RCMP Deputy Fire Marshall, Frosty Festival committee member, and community safety advocate. On top of all that, Martin has donated blood over 400 times.

Martin has been awarded two Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medals and a 75 Years of Confederation Volunteer Community Services Medal for his volunteer efforts.

Sheri Philpott was awarded the Richard Levandier Citizen of The Year Award.

Philpott has volunteered with the 807 Mount Pearl Air Cadets for over two decades and recently joined the Kinette Club of Mount Pearl. In 2024-2025, she served on the Board of Directors for the Mount Pearl Frosty Festival, and currently volunteers for the 2025 Canada Summer Games.

Bryan Efford was awarded the Impact in Music, Arts & Culture award. Efford has been a member of the CLB Regimental Band since 1992 and now leads the Corps of Drums. From 1991 to 2014 he volunteered with the Mount Pearl Show Choir, and in 2004 founded The Music Collection Drumline, a province wide youth music program.

NewfoundSand Glass Recycling was awarded the Environmental Award. The not-for-profit collects clean glass jars and bottles that would otherwise end up in a landfill and crushes them into sand.

The Urban Agriculture Award went to The Masonic Park Community Garden. Overseen by a group of dedicated seniors, the garden boasts crops — including root vegetables, leafy greens, peas, beans, and herbs — specifically adapted to the province’s climate and cultivated using environmentally sustainable methods. The garden is designed with accessibility in mind, encouraging participation by folks of all ages and abilities.

The Mount Pearl Lions Club was named the Community Group of the Year. The Club, active since 1956, organizes the annual Santa Claus Parade, numerous Frosty Festival events, community cleanups, as well as collecting eyeglasses for redistribution locally and internationally. This year, the club partnered with Goulds Anglican Church to grow vegetables for those in need through the “Sowing the Seeds – Building Community” project.

Plenty of places to park at Team Gushue

By Mark Squibb

Mount Pearl’s new community centre won’t be completed for another year or so, but in the meantime, folks can avail of the centre’s parking lot.

The City opened the parking lot to the public on July 7 to accommodate heavy summer traffic at the Team Gushue Sports Complex, which is expected to peak once the 2025 Canada Summer Games is underway – as Mount Pearl will be hosting baseball at the Team Gushue Smallwood Field.

“The parking lot is mostly complete in preparation for the Canada Games,” said Deputy Mayor Nicole Kieley. “We know that (adequate parking) will be such an important factor in ensuring that we are a great host.”

Work on both the splash pad and the building is ongoing.

Council approved construction of the $15.5 million community centre last June. The new facility, which will boast a splash pad that can be repurposed as a skating rink during the winter months and indoor community space capable of seating 500, will replace the ageing park Place Community Centre.

The City has made several upgrades to the Smallwood Field to bring it up to snuff, including construction of a new clay infield, enhanced team dugouts, new pitchers’ bullpens, a new batting cage, enhanced clubhouse, new scoreboard, and enhanced spectator seating.

Aside from baseball, Mount Pearl will host wrestling at the Glacier Arena.

Council approves funding for senior housing units

By Mark Squibb

The City of Mount Pearl has approved upwards of $100,000 in Housing Accelerator Funding (HAF) for the construction of 20 new seniors housing units.

Councillor Chelsea Lane brought forward a motion during the July 8 public meeting to approve between $85,520 and $100,000 in funding to Masonic Park for construction of the units. The amount is dependent upon the time it takes the group to obtain an occupancy permit.

Masonic Park estimates a project price tag of $4.2 million and have projected an estimated construction timeline of 12 to 18 months.

“I think it’s fantastic to see this type of housing going forward,” said councillor Mark Rice. “I certainly support it one hundred percent.”

The City, in partnership with the federal government, launched the funding program in 2024 as a means to expedite construction of new housing units.

City approves construction of new lift station

By Mark Squibb

The City of Mount Pearl has approved the decommissioning of the Wyatt Boulevard Lift Station and construction of a new one at a cost of about $1.2 million.

During the July 8 public meeting, councillor Bill Antle brought forward a recommendation to award the contract to Rodco Mechanical. Rodco was one of four companies that had submitted bids on the project by the June 19 deadline.

Mayor Dave Aker said the new lift station will accommodate development in the Northlands, the large tract of land situated between Kenmount Hill and Topsail Road.

The City estimates up to 1,800 homes will be constructed in the area, leading to a potential increase of the city’s population by 15 per cent.

The motion was approved unanimously.

Antle ‘ecstatic’ with plan for Commonwealth T’Railway crossing

Mount Pearl councillor Bill Antle said he is ecstatic with council’s decision to install a proper crossing along Commonwealth Avenue where the busy road bisects the T’Railway. Behind Antle to the right is the City’s notice to residents to cross at the dedicated crossing further up the road, advice that few residents heed. Mark Squibb photo

By Mark Squibb

The City of Mount Pearl is undertaking an upgrade of the Commonwealth and T’Railway intersection, and perhaps no one is happier with the news than councillor Bill Antle, who has advocated for years for a proper crossing there.

“I was ecstatic,” said Antle. “Because if someone was killed here, how bad would we feel because we never did anything to fix it?”

The City will install a user-activated pedestrian signal, realign the trail for clearer sightlines, install a raised island on Commonwealth Avenue, and make the Glendale Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue intersection a right-turn-only lane. Because of the raised island, folks will also no longer be able to turn left onto Glendale Avenue from Commonwealth Avenue.

The question of a T’Railway crossing at Commonwealth has proved contentious over the years for a number of reasons.

Currently, the City encourages people using the T’Railway to walk up Commonwealth and use the dedicated crosswalk at the Park Avenue and Ruth Avenue intersection rather than cross Commonwealth. According to City data, however, more than half of T’Rrailway users chance crossing Commonwealth unassisted rather than use the dedicated crosswalk further up the road. (Anecdotally, in the 30 minutes a Shoreline reporter and Antle sat on a bench near the crossing one Monday afternoon, perhaps a dozen people crossed the road, and only one walked up Commonwealth to the dedicated crosswalk.)

Antle, however, argued that the steep grade and narrow sidewalks of Commonwealth Avenue are not conducive to bikers or people with mobility challenges.

In times past the Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) had actually recommended against installing a T’Railway crossing along Commonwealth, citing traffic speeds and proximity to the Commonwealth, Ruth, and Park Avenue intersection.

“My first question when I got on council was, ‘When are we going to fix this crosswalk?’” said Antle. “And all I heard was reasons why we can’t. ‘We can’t put it here because the TAC manual says we don’t have the right distance,’ or we don’t have this or we’ don’t have that. But guess what? We do. We’ve had studies done on this, and we just had one done by Harbourside (Consultants), and we do have a line of sight, and we do have those pedestrian activated crosswalk lights (at Commonwealth.)”

Adding to the confusion are folks trying to merge onto Commonwealth from the Mount Pearl Plaza parking lot and a bus stop at the mouth of the T’Railway.

“This was not an easy fix,” allowed Antle. “There are so many complications with this trail.”

Mayor Dave Aker said the solution will be a good fix, but allowed the City may revisit it in the future when work is undertaken to replace the bridge just a couple of minutes walk up the road.

“I don’t look at it as an interim measure, but it’s something we can revisit,” said Aker. “What we’re finding is that there is some traffic there, and it’s a little bit unsafe for pedestrians, but that peak in pedestrian traffic is not throughout the entire day and it’s rarely at the time of peak traffic, such as the commute in the morning…. Some of the solutions we looked at, like putting a bridge (over Commonwealth) were going to cost in the millions of dollars. If there was consistent pedestrian and bicycle traffic going across, I think we could justify it. But at the end of the day, I think the glove is fitting the situation quite perfectly. How long that intersection will be there will depend on how long the bridge will be there. When the bride is rebuilt, reconfiguration of the crossing may take place at that time. But I think we’re in for the long haul. We wouldn’t be spending $650,000 to throw it out in three years time.”

As the tender has not yet been awarded, the City could not give an exact cost of the project.

Construction is expected to start later this summer, and the new crosswalk is scheduled to open in the fall.

‘Cut it out and take some pride in where you live’

By Mark Squibb

Mount Pearl councillor Chelsea Lane says the City has received multiple complaints about graffiti in recent weeks.

“We take a lot of pride in our beautiful parks, our benches, and trailways here in Mount Pearl, and it’s really disheartening when we get more and more messages of graffiti with slanderous words all over the city,” said Lane, who herself had a recent run in with fresh graffiti.

The councillor said she had brought her children to the playground at Pine Bud Crescent and came across some fresh graffiti.

“Max was playing on the slide, and he came over and his hands were all white,” said Lane. “I said, ‘My gosh, what have you gotten into?’ And someone had spraypainted the whole slide white and wrote slanderous words over the rest of the equipment. And that’s just one example we’ve heard of in the last couple of weeks.”

Lane said City staff made short work of the graffiti, but it’s disheartening they have to deal with graffiti time and time again.

“If you’re the one who is doing graffiti, please cut it out and take some pride in where you live, and have some respect for the people utilizing our facilities and our equipment,” said Lane.

The councillor also asked parents to talk with their children about graffiti and its impacts.

“It’s not just a Mount Pearl issue, but we certainly have it here, and given the current weather, it’s happening more and more,” said Lane, who also made a plea for people to report graffiti when they see it.