Soccer stars of yesteryear recognized at Hall of Fame induction

By Tyler Waugh / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Mount Pearl Sports Alliance inducted three individuals and one team at the 31st Sports Hall of Fame and Annual Athletic Awards during a ceremony at the Reid Centre.

Greg Noble (rugby/builder), Malorie Harris (soccer), Leah O’Grady Blackburn (soccer) and the O’Donel High School Patriots female soccer team (2009-2014) were all called to the hall during the June 24 ceremony.

“Tonight we should reflect on the hundreds of volunteers who continue to help, for without them, there would be no awards and no competitions,” said Roy Locke, chairman of the Mount Pearl Sports Alliance (MPSA), which hosted the event. “So on your way to your success, do not ever fail to say thanks to the people around you.”

Noble was inducted posthumously for rugby and as a builder after more than four decades of work in different roles.

“Widely respected for his leadership, he helped shape the infrastructure and volunteer culture that continue to support local sport today,” read the nomination form for Noble. “From the earliest days of the Sport Alliance, Greg played a central role in the success of major fundraising events.”

Noble volunteered for 43 consecutive weeks on one of the Alliance’s final fundraisers, netting $175,000 for local sports. He is also credited with a lasting impact on rugby in Newfoundland and Labrador, serving as president for 17 years after being elected in 2009.

“Greg will be remembered for his steady leadership, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to community sport. His contributions have helped ensure that local clubs remain strong, accessible, and sustainable, and his legacy continues to benefit future generations,” the nomination decision read.

Noble passed away on March 16 of this year.

Harris enjoyed an exceptional soccer career that started in Mount Pearl Minor Soccer. She was named a second team all-Canadian in 2007 by Canada Interuniversity Sport for her play with the Memorial University Seahawks women’s team. Her university career also included a second team all-star honour from Atlantic University Sport in her freshman year in 2005, and first-team honours in each of the following four seasons.

Harris cemented her legacy at a national level as the all-time Golden Boot leader in goals scored at Canada’s National Jubilee Trophy tournaments. She competed at the senior level with the Mount Pearl Soccer Association Jubilees in 2004, 2005 and 2007 and scored a memorable overtime goal to secure the team a championship title.

She earned junior player of the year honours in 2005 from the Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association and was also a member of the Mount Pearl Summer U13 girls team.

She was inducted into the Mount Pearl Soccer Association Hall of Fame in 2022.

Leah O’Grady Blackburn also enjoyed a decorated soccer career, including rookie of the year honours in 2004 and offensive player of the year honours from 2004-2007 as a member of Bethel College. She also represented Canada on the international stage as a member of the U17 squad in 2001 and was the youngest member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Canada Games squad at only 15 years old.

She was named the Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association (NLSA) Junior Female Player of the Year in 2002, and the NLSA Female Player of the Year and Gold Boot Award winner in 2003. She added the Breen’s Golden Boot Award and the Jubilee Trophy MVP in 2004.

O’Grady Blackburn was inducted into the MPSA Soccer Hall of Fame in November 2022.

The O’Donel High School Patriots female soccer team established itself as one of the premier teams in provincial high school sports from 2009 - 2014.

During that time, the Patriots captured 4A Provincial championships in 2011, 2012 and 2014, and also earned a silver medal in 2010.

“Their back-to-back provincial titles in 2011 and 2012 were especially notable, as both seasons were completed undefeated, an outstanding achievement at the highest level of female high school soccer in the province,” read the nomination. “Their sustained excellence, combined with their positive impact off the field, secured the O’Donel Patriots Female High School Soccer Team a lasting place among the most accomplished programs in provincial school sport history.”

The Annual Sports Awards were also handed out, with Helena Gorina earning Official of the Year in part due to her longstanding commitment to the growth and development of the sport of gymnastics. Her dedication and impact were also recognized with the Campia Gymnastics Official of the Year Award in 2025.

Jira Hiscock (gymnastics) was named female Athlete of the Year after emerging as one of the province’s top young gymnasts. She placed 9th among 26 competitors in the inaugural Open High Performance category at the 2025 Canadian Championships in Alberta in 2025. She also finished 8th on balance beam and ninth on vault.

The Hall of Fame selection committee included chairman Harold Stapleton, Barb Predham, Jim Bulger, Pat O’Keefe Sr., and Darren Windsor.

Council approves purchase of $434,500 worth of new vehicles

By Tyler Waugh / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The City of Mount Pearl has added some pieces to its vehicle fleet.

Council approved two separate motions last month totalling $434,537, plus HST – one for the purchase of five SUVs and one to buy three pickup trucks.

The purchases include a mix of new and replacement units including electric, gas and hybrid vehicles.

“As part of the City’s commitment to addressing climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, various powertrain options were evaluated,” read a report prepared for council that was included in the June 23 agenda. “Although one fully electric vehicle will be purchased, existing servicing challenges within the City’s electric fleet make a full transition impractical at this time… A blended approach, incorporating electric, gasoline and plug-in hybrid vehicles, is recommended as a balanced fleet management strategy. This approach helps optimize operational availability while minimizing the risk of service disruptions due to maintenance delays.”

The City received four responses for the supply and delivery of five SUVs of various power configurations.

Council moved, as recommended by staff, to award a contract for two gasoline Chevrolet Trax SUVs to Terra Nova Motors for $74,324, plus HST, and a contract for one plug-in hybrid Ford Escape to Capital Ford for $44,772, plus HST, which was the lowest bidder.

However, as Capital Ford only had one of those vehicles, a contract for one plug-in hybrid Ford Escape also went to the second-highest bidder, Avalon Ford, for $49,214, plus GST.

Council also purchased one fully-electric Chevrolet Bolt from Hickman Motors for $42,959, plus HST.

“The nice thing about this is how it works out is that we’re kind of spreading it around a bit unintentionally,” said councillor Isabelle Fry.

The motion passed unanimously.

The City also received four responses for the supply and delivery of three pick-up trucks and the motion was made to award a contract to Avalon Ford, which was the lowest qualified bidder, for both the half ton regular cab 4x4 at a cost of $68,300, plus HST, and the two three-quarter ton crew cab 4x4 pick-up trucks at $77,484 each, plus HST.

One of the trucks is a new purchase and two trucks are replacements to ones in the existing fleet.

That motion passed unanimously as well.

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.