Lane looking to give it another go

By Mark Squibb

Mount Pearl councillor Chelsea Lane has put her name forward for re-election in the upcoming municipal race.

Lane was first elected to council in 2021, placing fourth out of 12 candidates.

“The last four years of council have been amazing,” said Lane. “I feel like I’ve grown so much and learned so much. I’ve definitely made a lot of strong connections within the community. But I feel like I still have so much to learn and so much to give. I think I have a good voice on council. I offer some diversity and have been able to add things to the discussion that others on council perhaps would not have thought of because they don’t have the same lived experiences as I have, being a young mother in the community.”

Lane said the biggest concern she has heard from residents is a lack of affordable housing.

“With the economy as it is, everything is so expensive, and I think our residents are feeling it here as well,” said Lane. “A lot of seniors are looking to sell their single-family homes and move into smaller units, but with the prices right now, they just can’t afford it, so they’re in a position where it’s hard to keep up with the house that they have, but there’s nowhere else for them to go.”

Lane noted the Kenmount Hill development, which has seen headway in recent years, includes plans for a variety of types of housing.

As a mother of three children (Serena 4, Max 2, and Nathan 13 months), Lane said removing barriers for young families and making Mount Pearl more accessible is a major priority for her.

When Lane became pregnant with her second child, Max, in 2022, it led to the discovery that the City had no parental leave policy for councillors. Council approved such a policy shortly thereafter, which Lane said opened doors for young people to put their names forward for office.

Lane has been known to attend meetings at City Hall first with Max and now with 13-month-old Nathan in tow.

As a breastfeeding mother, Lane said she’s excited the City is looking to install more change tables at City facilities, including City Hall. Lane said that while attending meetings at City Hall with her babies, oftentimes she would have to lay down a change pad and change diapers on the floor.

Lane is also looking forward to the completion of the new community civic, which will boast both a splash pad and ice surface, and said the new facility will be a draw for young families. That facility is expected to be completed next year.

Lane, who describes herself as a hard worker and great multi-tasker, is also a volunteer with the Mount Pearl Kinnette Club, and was recently named one of Kin Canada’s Top 30 Under 30.

She also just recently landed a permanent position at Mount Pearl Intermediate as a special needs teacher.

“I have four years experience under my belt now, and I’m just getting started,” said Lane. “I offer a different perspective than councillors currently there, and over the last four years I’ve been able to advocate for residents on various issues. I’m accessible – despite the fact that I have three children. When they go to bed at night, I pick up my phone and respond to emails and phone calls and will continue to do so if I’m elected.”

T’Railway lighting comes in slightly overbudget

Former Citizen of the Year Wanda Tiller has volunteered with everyone from the school crossing guards to the Frosty Festival and is now running for council. Submitted photo

By Mark Squibb

Folks in Mount Pearl are seeing the light — although the light has come in slightly overbudget.

Council set aside $250,000 this year to install lights along the City’s portion of the T’Railway.

The light poles were installed this past spring, and council was billed for the work earlier this summer. All told, the Grand Concourse Authority charged some $282,914— about $32,000 more than budgeted.

Director Jason Collins explained that some extra lights had to be ordered for the project, resulting in a cost overrun.

The City also earmarked $250,000 in Budget 2025 to improve the T’Railway crossing at Commonwealth Avenue.

Those upgrades will include pedestrian-activated traffic signals, crosswalk realignment, and a raised median island in the centre of Commonwealth Avenue. Drivers will also no longer be able to turn left onto Commonwealth from Glendale Avenue.

Though budgeted, the work has not been tendered so the exact cost has yet to be determined.

Tiller says she’s ready to listen and eager to serve

By Mark Squibb

A familiar face to many in Mount Pearl, Wanda Tiller is putting her name forward for municipal election this fall.

“I have the utmost respect for the council that we have there now, but sometimes change is good,” said Tiller. “It’s good to have a new voice and a new view….I’m retired, and so I can give my full attention to council, and to the citizens. Right now is the right time.”

Tiller moved to Mount Pearl from St. John’s 45 years ago. She has volunteered with the Frosty Festival for 35 years and with the Girl Guides for 40 years. She has also volunteered with Mount Pearl City Days, served as a crossing guard for Morris Academy, sat on the Morris Academy School Council, taught Sunday School at First United Church and sat on the church’s board, is a member of the Mount Pearl Kinettes, and volunteered with the 2025 Canada Summer Games. In 2019, she was named Mount Pearl Citizen of the Year.

“I’ve forty-some years being heavily involved in the city through different organizations, and being involved has put two things into perspective for me – you can’t do it alone, and public involvement is paramount,” said Tiller. “My reason for running for council? Just to continue being a part of Mount Pearl.”

Her first time ever volunteering was as a candy striper at the Grace Hospital as a high school student.

“Volunteering gives you, not a sense of worth, but a feeling of giving to other people, of helping other people,” said Tiller. “I really can’t tell you why I volunteer, but I absolutely love it. If you need help, I’ll be there.”

In regard to both her volunteer work and decision to run for municipal office, Tiller noted a quote attributed to newspaper humorist Erma Bombeck — “When I stand before God, I hope I don’t have a single bit of talent left and was able to use everything you gave me.”

Prior to retiring, Tiller had spent 15 years as a home support worker. Following the passing of her mother, Tiller wanted to volunteer as a caregiver. Being told that the agency didn’t accept volunteers, she took a job instead. She has also operated a home daycare in years past.

In the lead up to her decision to run, Tiller brushed up on the City’s by-laws and municipal procedures and tuned into a few council meetings to get a better sense of how the City operates.

Tiller, whose campaign slogan reads, ‘Your City, Your Voice, Your Vote, Your Choice,’ said many residents have raised concerns about traffic and community safety. She also wants to encourage development without seeing Mount Pearl “falling prey to urban sprawl.”

If elected, Tiller said she will be a voice for residents.

“Because of social media fallout or whatever else, we’ve become so connected that we’ve disconnected,” said Tiller. “You can’t do this job without listening, really listening, to the residents of Mount Pearl. In my years of working, I’ve learned to listen, to be quiet and listen, and then continue the conversation.”

New transpo plan aims to make Mount Pearl less ‘car-centric’

By Mark Squibb

Mount Pearl council has approved a new transportation plan that aims to make it easier to get around the city without a vehicle of your own.

“The Integrated Transportation Plan (ITP) for the City of Mount Pearl was developed to guide future growth and mobility by transitioning the city from a car-centric model to a multimodal, sustainable, and smart transportation network,” said councillor Bill Antle. “The plan integrates road, transit, active transportation, and parking systems, aligning with the City’s Municipal Plan and strategic goals. Key objectives included reviewing the 2015 Integrated Transportation Study, conducting a comprehensive transportation analysis, and preparing a plan that supports safe and sustainable infrastructure.”

Mayor Dave Aker asked Chief Administrative Officer Cassie Rideout for clarification on how the plan meshes with the municipal plan and how it might affect the City’s regulations.

Rideout said there are no immediate impacts on the municipal plan and described the new transportation plan as a “guiding framework.”

“So, an issue may arise, and we’ll utilize the ITP to assess, with the information we have, the risk and the outcome and make an informed decision or recommendation to council that way,” said Rideout. “So, for example, if we were looking at future trail use planning, if we were looking at speeding concerns, if we were looking at development in a neighbourhood, and what active verses passive transportation looks like, if we were looking at regional transit planning with Metrobus, the ITP is a guiding framework. So, it may result in eventual changes to bylaws or regulations, but at this point in time there’s no immediate impact.”

Deputy Mayor Nicole Kieley voiced her approval of the plan.

“This is going to be an incredibly important document moving forward,” said Kieley, adding that looking at transportation in a big-picture and long-term sort of way will have many benefits.

Councillor Mark Rice also applauded the plan, especially as it allows residents to request traffic calming measures on their streets.

“I’m so happy that we’re signing off and we’re actually taking part in putting this plan together, and at the end of the day, it’s going to be great for the city,” said Rice.

The new plan was approved unanimously during the August 5 public meeting.

Kieley likes progress on community centre

By Mark Squibb

Work is proceeding apace on Mount Pearl’s new community centre, says Deputy Mayor Nicole Kieley.

The deputy mayor brought forward the update on the $15.5 million facility during council’s August 5 public meeting.

Kieley said the design phase of the community centre is mostly complete. Landscaping around the newly completed Canada Games parking lot has been completed as well, and several critical components of underground infrastructure necessary for the combined splash pad and ice surface have been delivered to the site.

Staff, meanwhile, remain in touch with the contractor to ensure things are running smoothly.

“I cannot reiterate how closely our team has been working with the development team,” said Kieley. “There’s been an incredible amount of work being done by some of our team members.”

Earlier this summer, council was given a tour of the facility.

“It was absolutely astounding,” said Kieley. “Certainly, everyone has seen, if you’ve passed by, the work being done. However, it was certainly special to see all the different areas, and you can start picturing and imaging services and events, and what it’s going to feel like being in the actual building, so it’s quite exciting.”

The new facility is set to replace the ageing Park Place community centre.

Antle looking to tackle Metrobus if he wins another term

Bill Antle is seeking re-election to Mount Pearl council. Submitted photo

By Mark Squibb

Mount Pearl city councillor Bill Antle will be putting his name forward for re-election for a third term of council in the upcoming municipal election.

“I’ve got some more things I want to get done, and I know I can deliver,” said Antle.

Antle was first elected to council in 2017 following his retirement from Heinz Canada, where he served as District Key Account Manager. He decided to run for council, he said, as a means of giving back to the community, and initially only intended to stay on for one term.

“So far, I think I’ve been fairly successful, and that’s why I want to do it again,” said Antle.

Over the last two terms of council, Antle has co-chaired the Planning, Engineering and Development committee, the Corporate Services (Finance) and Economic Development committee, and the Community Development and Planning committee. He has sat on the Regional Fire Services board, Regional Water Services board, Eastern Regional Service Board, served as vice-chairman of the Northeast Avalon Joint Council, and as council’s liaison with both the Mount Pearl Library Board and Ministerial Community Supper board.

When working for Heinz, Antle would draft annual budgets for the company, and said he carries that financial literacy over to his position as a councillor.

“I know how to be fiscally responsible, and that’s my key job in the city, to be fiscally responsible,” said Antle. “When we do our budget, we make sure it’s dead on. I think Mount Pearl is one of the most financially well-run municipalities in the province. We have a six percent debt ratio, which is fabulous when you think about it.”

Antle is an advocate for maintaining and improving the city’s 65-kilometres of trails and increasing recreation offerings and said over the next term he wants to advocate for a regional water tower and increased police presence in Mount Pearl.

He also wants to see changes in public transportation.

“I want to focus on Metrobus,” said Antle. “I want to fix Metrobus. The way Metrobus works now, it’s just not working, so I want to spend my time focusing on Metrobus the next four years and make that better. Paradise does it right. Paradise has a destination drop-off. You don’t go up and down every street in Paradise to get a bus. In Mount Pearl we go up and down every single street, and we pay $7 a kilometre for Metrobus. Metrobus costs us $2 million a year and it’s not delivering what we need.”

Antle said that on the campaign trail residents have raised concerns about safety, affordability, and housing, particularly housing for seniors.

Meanwhile, he thinks the current iteration of council is doing a pretty good job.

“We are doing the right things right, and I think the council we have now all work well together,” said Antle. “Sometimes we have disagreements, but we always have the betterment of the city in mind.”

Antle was born and bred in Mount Pearl. His parents, Mary and Irv Antle, moved to the Pearl in 1952 — well before the city was incorporated. He married Roxanne Ryan in 1984, and the couple raised their children, Ryan and Megan, in Mount Pearl. Today, Antle is the proud grandparent of five, two of whom are being raised in Mount Pearl.

“Experience counts, and my history counts,” said Antle. “Over the last eight years there’s not a resident that’s called me and said they can’t get a hold of me. That’s what counts. When I say something, I deliver it.”

Mount Pearl MEO sworn in

Jordan Cole was sworn in as the City of Mount Pearl’s newest Municipal Enforcement Officer (MEO) during the August 5 public meeting. Cole served with the RCMP in Alberta, worked as an insurance fraud investigator, and with people suffering from addiction and mental health crises. MEOs patrol the city’s many trails, enforce the Highway Traffic Act, and partner with police to investigate crimes. All told, the City boasts a team of seven MEOs, led by superintendent Blair Tilley. From left are Tilley, recreation and community safety director Jason Collins, councillors Chelsea Lane and Isabell Fry, Mayor Dave Aker, Cole, CAO Cassie Rideout, and councillors Bill Antle and Mark Rice. Mark Squibb photo

Council hands off building permit powers to planning director

By Mark Squibb

If you’re submitting a building application to the City of Mount Pearl in the near future, you may find your application approved quicker than anticipated.

Council, last month, approved a motion delegating Planning, Engineering and Development Director Scott Batt the authority to approve residential and commercial building permits in an effort to streamline the permit approval process.

“I think this is a smart, efficient, way of doing business,” said Mayor Dave Aker, allowing council doesn’t want to be a “hold up” in the permit process. “Staff obviously understand the guidelines and will seek our approval when there’s variance. But when it’s in accordance with regulation and policy, I think it will be a little quicker from a service level point of view.”

Councillor Bill Antle added that in some cases council has been approving permits that have already been issued.

Council approved the motion to increase Batt’s authority unanimously.

Permits will still be brought forward to council, but for information purposes only.

Jackman Drive project split into phases

By Mark Squibb

Upgrades to Jackman Drive approved earlier this year will now be split into two phases of work.

Council this July approved a change order in the amount of $15,582, HST included, to accommodate costs associated with the change to the project.

The upgrades include the full replacement of water, sanitary, and storm systems, as well as asphalt, curb, and sidewalks. Council awarded the contract to Englobe this spring in the bid amount of $365,269 (HST included).

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.