Locke named interim deputy

By Tyler Waugh / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Mount Pearl council has voted unanimously to appoint councillor Jim Locke as the interim deputy mayor, filling the void left by Deputy Mayor Nicole Kieley taking medical leave until the fall.

Kieley was granted leave effective May 27 to September 30.

“With the absence of the Deputy Mayor, council has determined that it is in the best interest of the council to appoint an acting Deputy Mayor for the period of the leave of absence,” read a recommendation from staff.

Locke is the longest-serving member of council. This is his fifth-consecutive term since being first elected in a 2007 byelection.

Kieley was first elected in September 2021, earning the most votes of any council candidate and served as deputy mayor. She was re-elected in October 2025, again earning the most votes and resuming duties as deputy mayor.

‘Bell owes us,’ says Mount Pearl mayor

By Tyler Waugh / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

There is an end in sight to the disruption caused by an ongoing lane closure on Commonwealth Avenue. Mount Pearl Mayor Dave Aker, however, believes the City is entitled to compensation.

“Bell owes us,” Aker told council during its June 23 round table discussion. “I think after all they put us through, and our residents in that neighborhood, in terms of the roadway being shut down since December of 2025.”

Re-opening of a 140-metre section of the southbound curbside lane between the Whiteley Drive intersections was delayed for several months due to ongoing engineering challenges and road structure concerns stemming from the initial repair of an underground concrete chamber conducted by Bell Aliant.

Public Works Director Scott Batt told council he’s optimistic that ‘we’re in the end game’ after a communication with Bell, which stated work would begin that week and the lane is now projected to reopen July 27.

“So, a lot of work to happen between now and then but feeling optimistic that this time we’re going to see it through,” Batt said.

Aker said the City should ask Bell for a contribution to one of the municipal parks and indicated he will be drafting a letter for council’s consideration before sending it to the CEO of Bell.

Mount Pearl approves MOU for new development at old pool site

By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative, The Pearl

Mount Pearl council has approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with BDK Contracting Ltd./Avalon One Residences Ltd. that will pave the way for a new development at the old pool site on Stapleton Road.

The MOU outlines a sale price of $500,000 for the land at 11 Stapleton Road, and the city estimates around $69,300 in new property tax revenue once the development is occupied. The city also projects economic stimulus for nearby businesses due to the development, which is projected to include 55 units with 10 per cent of those being accessible. Locke said council saw artistic rendering of the buildings at committee last week.

“They are beautiful, they are modern,” said councilor Jim Locke said, adding that the city did some consultation with neighbouring properties to discuss concerns about sightlines. “In working and communicating with BDK there were some changes made that alleviated some of the concerns of the residents there.”

The MOU received unanimous approval from council at the June 23 public meeting.

City obligations outlined in the MOU include subdividing and surveying the land parcel, continued maintenance of public access points and public parking leading to the adjacent baseball field, conveyance of 7,700 square meters of land and leasing of an additional 2,530 square meters to BDK upon approval of the development permit.

BDK is responsible for servicing, sanitary and storm, and  water and storm pipes through city land to the proposed new building, though the city will engage in further discussions regarding potential municipal participation or assistance.

BDK will also relocate and donate the playground to the city and lead implementation of a communications plan to keep residents informed and highlight key project milestones. Mount Pearl commits to assist BDK with those communication efforts.

The MOU represents the latest step in a process that began back in 2024 with demolition of the old pool.

“This was the site of the previous pool where I swam in and did my lessons in all these years ago,” said councilor Jim Locke, adding that the pool was demolished after it became an eyesore and after consultation with residents.

The city began a municipal plan amendment process in 2024 that led to the vacant land being rezoned from open space to high-density residential, a process that concluded on April 24 of this year. The city invited proposals in 2025 for high-density development proposals and BDK’s proposal was selected to advance discussions.

Locke said the development aligns with the city’s strategic and economic development plans, as well as provincial and federal housing priorities.

Mount Pearl ponders e-bike/e-scooter ban

By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative, The Pearl

Mount Pearl city council has tasked administration with bringing back options to address safety concerns related to the use of e-bikes and e-scooters on city trails, including a potential ban.

Mayor Dave Aker queried why, as a limited example, if the city doesn’t allow dirtbikes on the trails, why would it allow e-bikes considering the speeds some of them can now reach.

Councilor Jim Locke went one step further, clarifying that the bylaw already states that motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trails and a distinction should not be made between conventional motorized vehicles and newer models like e-bikes and e-scooters.

“It’s a tough one because you see some people that are using their e-bikes responsibly – if they are going up an incline and they just want to kick in the motor to help them with their pedaling,” Locke said.

However, Locke added that many current models have morphed into an electric version of motorbikes and, as such, they should be banned.

“I agree with you mayor, the city needs to make a statement,” said Locke.

Councilor Isabelle Fry stated that e-bikes and e-scooters were a topic of discussion at a recent Joint Council of the East Avalon, and that a motion to have the province explore further regulation of electric vehicles was passed at last year’s Municipalities NL meeting.

Aker said he is aware of e-bikes with engines upwards of 1,500 watts, and he believes it’s also problematic that e-bikes have evolved from a traditional pedal-assist model to more of an autonomous electric vehicle with a throttle that results in higher speeds.

“Why would we wait years for the provincial government, and I don’t really know what their timeline is, but we put the MNL resolution in place last year,” Aker said, adding that he knows it’s on the province’s radar. “But even if they, tomorrow, said the following bikes need to be registered for the roadway, why wouldn’t this council consider a ban on some of our trails like we do with dirtbikes?”

Councilor Mark Rice was the first to raise the issue of e bikes during the roundtable portion of the June 23 public meeting, saying he has received several calls that e-bike users are creating chaos on local trails.

Rice relayed to council that one call he took outlined an incident where residents walking on the trail had to jump off to avoid being hit.

“People are just getting so frustrated now,” Rice said, adding that the city has markings on the trailways that bikes and scooters – conventional or electric - are obligated to have a bell in order to notify other users if they are approaching and passing.

Recreation and Community Services Director Jason Collins stated there are multiple challenges, including the fact that the city has more than 60km of trails and actively promoted multi-modal transportation up to this point.

“Do we move towards banning? If that is the case then we also need to look at our integrated transportation study, so there are a lot of factors that come into play if we are going to change. But we certainly should be having that discussion,” Collins said.

He told council that 10 members of the park patrol just started for the summer a short while ago. He said that regulations in general – and not just in Mount Pearl – have not kept up with the advances in technology.

He stated that the biggest thing, regardless of the type of bike, is maintaining appropriate speeds.

“Just be courteous,” he said.

Multiple councilors noted instances of stunting, people not wearing helmets and folks driving on roads.

Fry stated she had youth on an ebike in front of her on Ruth Drive keeping up with the speed of traffic.

“All I could think about was when we learn to drive, we got to do driver training and learn the rules of the road and all of the safety requirements,” said Fry. “Same thing with motorcycles. You know, if you want to have a motorcycle license you have to do the same. So, to have these young kids using our roadways, keeping up with – because of technology the speeds are the same as traffic at 50km/h, 40km/h. They don’t know the rules of the road, they don’t have the training, the safety training. Like this is just a disaster waiting to happen.”

Aker asked administration to look into what an interim ban would look like, and also how that could intermingle or go hand in hand with any potential changes that could be coming to the Highway Traffic Act.

Mount Pearl councillor glad province is working to address crime

By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Mount Pearl councillor Isabelle Fry was encouraged to hear that the provincial government is working on legislative changes to better address community safety and rising concerns about ‘shake houses’ that attract criminal activity.
The update comes in the wake of increased incidents province wide, and just a couple weeks after a shelter-in-place incident June 2 in the Sauve Street neighbourhood of Mount Pearl that saw one man arrested on multiple weapons charges.
Mount Pearl council had reported it met with Justice and Public Safety Minister Helen Conway-Ottenheimer not long ago relaying community concerns and despite those mounting concerns, Fry believes the city remains one of the safer communiities in the region.
"I believe that is important to recognize. We are fortunate to have strong neighbourhoods, engaged residents, and many people who care deeply about their community," she told The Shoreline, adding there is complexity in the issues involved.
"My concern is that issues related to drugs and addiction are becoming a bigger problem than many people realize. Trap houses and drug activity are not unique to Mount Pearl - they exist in communities of all sizes throughout the province. The consequences can be far-reaching, contributing to property crime, violence, and other criminal activity as individuals struggle to feed addictions."
Minister Conway-Ottenheimer stated government has already taken measures to hire more officers and that the department is reviewing the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act, adding that the review will examine different enforcement mechanisms.
"t’s encouraging to hear that the Province is reviewing the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act, including concerns related to criminal activity and so-called trap houses. While there is still work to be done, I am confident the Minister understands the concerns being raised by residents and municipalities and is committed to moving this work forward," Fry said.
Fry said this is not about assigning blame and is, instead, about recognizing where action is needed and urging those with the authority to act with the urgency the situation demands.
Fry encouraged residents to continue to contact Minister of Justice and Public Safety Helen Conway Ottenheimer at justice@gov.nl.ca, MHA Paul Lane at MHAPaulLane@assembly.nl.ca, and MHA Lucy Stoyles at MHALucyStoyles@assembly.nl.ca.
“Respectful, constructive messages from residents can help reinforce the need for immediate action,” Fry said.
ry also said it is important to recognize the work that has been taking place in Mount Pearl, with creation of a Community Safety and Well-Being Committee that brings together representatives from the RNC, Municipal Enforcement, schools, Council, youth addictions services, social workers, the Mount Pearl Seniors Independence Group, the Mount Pearl-Paradise Chamber of Commerce, faith groups, underrepresented groups and other community partners.
"The committee has invested a tremendous amount of time into understanding the needs of our community through surveys, research, engagement sessions, and in-depth analysis," she said.
A release by the RNC said its Criminal Investigation Division executed a search warrant at the Sauve Street residence in question, where two firearms, ammunition, a knife, and a crossbow were seized. The man was held in custody and faces charges of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm, Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Weapon, Carelessly Using a Firearm, Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose, Breaching Firearms Regulations, and Failure to Comply with a Release Order.
The RNC continues to encourage anyone who witnesses suspicious activity to report it directly to police by calling 709-729-8000. Crimes in progress should be reported by contacting 911.

Exchange host families needed

By Tyler Waugh

A few international students are still looking for host families in Mount Pearl and Carbonear in the hopes of getting a firsthand Newfoundland family experience starting in September.
And while September may seem like a long ways off yet, representatives from the Newfoundland International Students Exchange Program (NISEP) said time is running out to find homes for two potential exchange students.
"A lot of people like when I put up my ads or posts to, you know, search for families, I think people's general idea is that they're not coming till September, so there's lots of time, but the students in their own countries do have to apply for visas and be approved and that sort of thing so it is a process," said Annette Osborne of NISEP. "So that's why, like the big push is on now, because a lot of these students are over there wondering if they will have a home to come."
NISEP has already found homes for eight students planning to attend Mount Pearl Senior High, but there are two more students looking for homes in Mount Pearl.

Two hosts are also needed for a pair of grade 11 students from Brazil hoping to attend Carbonear Collegiate in September.
The mission of NISEP is to foster an educational, fun, and culturally diverse experience for everyone, so international students and their host families can learn and grow together. The program matches students with host families based on shared interests and goals, to better ensure everyone feels at home. NISEP is also available to support students and families throughout the exchange.
"We really hope for families that will be engaged and make them feel part of the family - show them their Newfoundland experience," said Osborne.
Host families receive $875 per month to help with the additional costs of caring for a student.
Mount Pearl families interested can contact Annette Osborne at annette.osborne@nisep.ca. Carbonear families interested can contact Christine Power at christine.power@nisep.ca

Trailway crossing upgrades resume at Commonwealth

By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative, The Pearl

A long-awaited upgrade at the intersection of the T’railway and Commonwealth Avenue is expected to be complete sometime in July.

The crossing upgrade at one of the trail system’s busiest points began in 2025 before halting for the winter. Work resumed June 1.

“We’ve been saying it’s going to be done, it’s going to be done. But now it says June 1, how long will it take? When will it be done?” asked councillor Bill Antle during the May 26 public meeting.

Director Scott Batt said that upcoming work includes some curb and sidewalk replacement as well. He said pole bases that are being put in place are pre-cast off-site and are being worked on.

“When June 1 comes we’re going to excavate and install those pole bases. A lot of the hardware like the poles themselves and the buttons and things like that, that’s going to come shortly thereafter but we’re hoping and targeting for the beginning of July for this to be operational,” said Batt.

The city says that more than 60 per cent of trail users were choosing to cross there, despite the absence of formal crossing infrastructure like crosswalks or signals, and that the intersection would greatly benefit from design improvements that better support safe and seamless movement.

A construction notice outlines how lane reductions will be in place on Commonwealth Avenue; however, through traffic will be maintained.

“There may be travel delays during this work, so please plan extra travel time.”

Council expands CAO authority on financial transactions

By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative, The Pearl

Mount Pearl council has passed a series of motions to delegate authority to senior administrators for transactions that fall within a certain dollar threshold and are consistent with policy and legislation.

“Delegating these routine matters within the parameters of procurement legislation will improve process and timelines and reduce administrative burden,” said councillor Bill Antle in introducing the motions during the May 26 public council meeting.

The first motion empowered the chief administrative officer (CAO) to authorize a change order or an aggregate value of change orders up to a value of 10% of the original contract or $15,000, whichever is greater, within the published scope of a call for bid or negotiated contract.

The second motion delegated authority to the CAO to approve invoices for payment of goods and services rendered up to $50,000 per invoice, subject to approved budget and compliance with procurement and financial control policies. The department of corporate services will provide monthly reports to council on these approvals.

The third motion delegated authority to the CAO to approve the write off of business tax accounts deemed uncollectible, up to $25,000, following documented collections efforts, and that periodic reports of said write-offs be provided to council.

Lastly, council delegated authority to the manager of finance to write off small tax balances of less that $15 for under or over payment.

An associated administrative report in the May 26 agenda outlined how, currently, the director of engineering and development and the manager of engineering services can currently approve individual change orders up to 0.5% of the original contract value pursuant to a delegation of authority from council in 2015.

“Change orders exceeding the threshold of 0.5% require council’s approval, often causing unnecessary delays and operational inefficiencies,” explained the report, adding that the City’s internal project execution historical data shows that change orders for facilities management often range around 8.7%, while these accumulate to 8% of total contract value for street projects, both of which far exceed the current 0.5% delegated limit set by council in 2015.

Mayor Dave Aker explained that what the motions achieve are to clean up what he called ‘immaterial’ transactions and that there are internal checks and controls associated with delegating these authorities.

“So, I think this is going to streamline some of the payment processes at the end of the day,” Aker said.

Mount Pearl dissects factors for low voter turnout in 2025

By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Pearl

Mount Pearl council believes several factors under provincial control contributed to ‘disheartening’ voter turnout numbers in the October 2025 municipal election.

The City’s municipal election report was presented at the May 26 public meeting and outlined only 5,327 residents cast votes. That’s just 28 per cent of eligible voters, down from 6,999 votes cast in 2021, or some 40 per cent of voters.

Councillor Jim Locke told his colleagues that a number of factors contributed to the drop, including the voter list provided by the Province.

“It was inaccurate. We know the number of people that were added to the voter list, but there didn’t seem to be any evidence that people were taken off the voter list – those that moved from the city and those who are deceased,” he said. “And of course that’ll impact the voter turnout. If there were 400 or 500 people on that list that shouldn’t have been on that list that would drive up our voter turnout from 28 per cent to higher.”

The municipal election was held October 2, while a provincial election was called September 15 and held October 14 – creating confusion as political campaigns and election officials from two different levels of government competed for attention.

Locke, the longest-serving council member, pointed out this wasn’t the first time during his tenure when provincial and federal elections overlapped with municipal ones, resulting in voter fatigue and proving a disservice to the municipal election process.

“I’d like to communicate to our provincial counterparts the importance of having a big enough buffer between (elections) because, in my humble opinion, municipal council and politics, this is where the rubber hits the road,” Locke said. “I would suggest (municipal) is an important election where we need people’s input because it more directly impacts their day-to-day life.”

Locke added he would also like to see online voting explored and see more options for advance voting similar to provincial and federal elections.

“We need to engage our electorate to get the vote count up,” said the councillor.

Lower than usual voter turnout was seen in municipalities across the province, the report stated, noting that comparable communities like Paradise, which saw a 28.2 per cent turnout, Conception Bay South a 30.9 percent draw, and Corner Brook a 19.6 per cent turnout, were also impacted.

Councillor Bill Antle presented the report at council and said there were several deficiencies in the Municipal Elections Act (2001). As a result, council submitted a resolution to Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador (MNL) to ask the provincial government to make legislative improvements.

The resolution was adopted during the MNL’s November meeting, and at the recent MNL symposium, there was a session hosted by the Department of Municipal Affairs that kicked off a review of the Municipal Elections Act.

“The City of Mount Pearl is encouraged to see both MNL and the department respond promptly to these concerns and begin this important work,” Antle said. “This includes enhanced accessibility for municipal elections, strengthening protections for candidate’s privacy and addressing other identified concerns through the view of the Act in consultation with MNL and municipalities across the province.”

Council adopted the report, which outlined 17 recommendations – seven that have been either fully or partially implemented, seven new ones, one standing recommendation and two items that are no longer recommended.

Mayor Dave Aker pointed out that adopting the municipal election report does not necessarily mean the recommendations will be acted upon. Specific actions would have to come back to council for adoption.

Mount Pearl among many awaiting municipal plan updates

By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Pearl

Progress is being made on the City of Mount Pearl’s municipal plan update, says Mayor Dave Aker, but it’s been with the Province for around 18 months and he’s eager to learn when it will be back to the City for implementation.

Operating without an updated plan that reflects modern realities hinders Mount Pearl’s goals about density and developing the community, he said. “Because it’s got to come back here for adoption and then there has to be another hearing, I think, in order for it to be written into law. And listen, it’s hurting us,” said Aker.

Aker, in response to a question from councillor Mark Rice during a roundtable discussion at the May 26 public meeting, said the technical part of the update is pretty much finished, noting he spoke with Municipal Affairs Minister Chris Tibbs about it at the recent Municipal NL symposium.

Scott Batt, the City’s director of planning, told council there is ongoing dialogue with the Province on different items, but the approval is out of the City’s hands for now.

“We’ll have to wait and see when we receive final approval,” Batt said.

Mount Pearl submitted its plan in January 2025. Other municipalities on the Avalon are also awaiting approval from the Province, including Bay Bulls, which submitted its plan in early 2023, as well as Petty Harbour and CBS.

Sherri Breen, the media relations manager for Municipal Affairs, said that as of May 29, there are 48 new municipal plans and sets of development regulations in various stages of review and four have been completed this year. There are also 66 municipal plans and sets of amendments predating the new ones still with the department at various stages, with 25 completed since January.

“There are a number of factors that will contribute to the timeline for review, including the complexity of the amendments and the number of full reviews or amendments being requested,” Breen said.

She added the department has all six planning staff positions filled.

“A full plan review for a new municipal plan and development regulations will be a longer process than an amendment to a municipal plan, development regulations, or a stand-alone amendment to development regulations,” she said.

“For instance, a full plan and development regulation could take a year or more. A stand-alone amendment to development regulations could take several weeks to months. As such, it is difficult to place a timeline, as it may vary depending on the type of review and the municipality.”

Breen said after the provincial review, next steps include a council resolution to adopt the plan, a public hearing with a commissioner, a council resolution to approve it, a final provincial review and registration through the Department of Municipal Affairs and, finally, a public notice in the Newfoundland and Labrador Gazette.