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.

City signs work clothes contract

By Mark Squibb

The City of Mount Pearl has awarded the contract for the supply and delivery of clothing for municipal workers to the lowest qualified bidder, Brogan Safety Supplies, in the amount of $25,074, HST included.

The City received four bids, the lowest of which was the bid submitted by Brogan.

Councillor Isabelle Fry added the company is a local one, and the City had a pre-arranged offer from Brogan’s to provide the clothing at a set price.

Powers Pond haunting scares up thousands in donations

Representatives of the city’s three food banks were on hand for a cheque presentation in council chambers last Tuesday evening. From left are Bob Lovett of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at Mary Queen of the World, councillors Jim Locke and Chelsea Lane, Sandra Milmore of St. Vincent de Paul at Our Lady Queen of Families foodbank, councillor Isabelle Fry, Mayor Dave Aker, Felicia Cowan of the Salvation Army, and councillors Bill Antle and Mark Rice. Mark Squibb photo

By Mark Squibb

Folks from Mount Pearl and beyond brave enough to face the annual Haunting of Powers Pond this past October helped raise thousands of dollars – as well as tonnes of food – for local food banks.

All told, approximately $21,000 was raised. As a result, the City gifted three local food banks $3,600 each, for a total of $10,800 in donations. The remaining monies will help fund other community initiatives.

The money is in addition to the five tonnes of food donated.

“That shows both how popular the event was, and just how incredibly engaged our community members were, but also the importance of partnerships,” said Deputy Mayor Nicole Kieley, who extended thanks to staff and volunteers involved with the event.

“It was a win-win-win-win,” said Kieley. “I’m so happy to hear that in a time that we’re going into Christmas that we’re helping to stock our food banks and support those community groups.”

The event was scheduled to run from October 17th thru to the 26th, but the City extended it by two days as dreary weather shuttered the walk on a number of nights.

That Sunday, which people believed would be the last night for the event, vehicles were lined up as far as Donovan’s Irving, with people waiting their turn to get in. Recreation director Jason Collins estimated some 5,000 people came out that Sunday evening alone.

Intensity levels were adjusted on a night-by-night basis so that everyone had an opportunity to enjoy, whatever their level of scare-tolerance.

A number of food bank representatives were on hand for the cheque presentation in the council chamber last Tuesday.

“This was a great event, and I’d like to thank all the staff,” said Sandra Milmore. “I didn’t go around though because I was too scared. That stuff freaks me out. But so many people came through. The weather wasn’t really on our side, but people still came, and it was a great event.”

Milmore said the foodbanks have been hit by both an increase in demand for food and an increase in the price of food.

Hosting the event, however, comes with a hefty security bill. Council approved the payment of that bill – $19,458 all told – during last week’s meeting.

“It’s too bad we have to do this,” lamented councillor Bill Antle. “But without the security there, the products could be broken up and all this kind of stuff. But that’s a $19,000 cost to the City.”

The event was first launched in 2024, and was a resounding success from the get go, as the City estimates some 28,000 people braved the trial in it’s inaugural year.