Youth award show dinner well worth the money, says Rice

By Mark Squibb / June 29, 2023

If you’ve ever wondered how much it costs to feed a couple hundred of Mount Pearlites, we might have the answer.
During the June 13 public meeting, council voted to pay a number of invoices, among them an invoice made payable to Fireside Catering in the amount of $11,310 for the Focus on Youth Awards Dinner held earlier this year.
Councillor Mark Rice made it a point to voice his support for the dinner, despite the cost.
"That was a fabulous event, and I was so blown away by the talent of the arts community and of everyone who was nominated and also the award winners," said Rice. "But when you look at the money we spend on this, it's well worth the money we put into our youth. The youth are growing up to become the next leaders of the province, of our community, or whatever else they decide to do. I just want to say that it's so good to see that money being spent on a worthwhile cause."

The dinner in question, the thirty-third of its kind since it’s inception, was held this past May. All told, 14 awards were handed out, recognising the athletic, artistic, and academic achievements of students, as well as their volunteer and community service efforts.

Spend it or lose it, Province advises Mount Pearl

By Mark Squibb / June 29, 2023

Mount Pearl City council earlier this month approved a number of project closures and fund reallocations.
"The Committee was advised that in 2021, funds were transferred out from the 2012-2014 Multi-Year Capital Works (MYCW) Funding Programs, and into the 2017-2020 Funding Program," explained councillor Isabelle Fry during the June 13 public meeting. "Of the funds transferred, a balance remains. So, the City has been advised by the Province that those remaining funds must be spent this year, and that the funds cannot be transferred into future programs."
Council voted to close all completed projects funded in the 2017-2020 MYCW program, and transfer $1,576,991 (HST included) of leftover funds into two new projects: Surface Course Asphalt, Partial Sidewalk Replacement and Sewer Manhole Adjustments Olympic Drive ($1,256,991) and Birch Avenue Water Line Loop and Sanitary Trunk Re-alignment ($320,000).
Council also voted to close all projects that were completed using 2014-2017 MYCW funding and transfer the remaining funds ($128,468, HST included) to the Pedestrian Underpass Assessments project, which was within the 2014-2017 project listing.
"So, in a nutshell, the 2014-2017 multi-year capital program is coming to an end once we spend the $128,000 on the underpass," said Mayor Dave Aker. "Also, for 2017 to 2020, we have created a final project. Part one is the Olympic Drive area part and part two is Birch Avenue."
Councillor Bill Antle asked whether any money would be returned to the Province and also whether the City would likely save money down the road by transferring the funds into new projects now.
Councillor Fry said it was a matter of reallocating funding to projects that were not on "this year's project bucket list."
Assistant Manager of Engineering Services Darryl Drover explained further that $450,000 worth of funds being transferred to the Olympic Drive project date back to 2012.
Aker allowed that no money will be returned and that all monies from 2014-2017 and 2017-2020 funding pools would now be accounted for.
"The essence is we're closing '14-‘17 and we're about to close '17-'20," said Aker.
"I believe these are funds that were saved from previous allocations, and so there are a few extra dollars left over," clarified Fry further. "And with that money that we saved we're able to do another project on our bucket list."
Councillor Jim Locke took a moment to applaud the motion, which passed unanimously.

Hutchings, Drover named top athletes

By Mark Squibb / June 29, 2023

The Mount Pearl Sports Alliance last week held it’s annual Sports Hall of Fame and Athletic Awards ceremony and recognized a number of athletes and other prominent members of the sporting community.

Campia Gymnastics and Mount Pearl Soccer were big winners, and took home five prizes between them.

The Official of the Year Award was presented to Shannon Tobin of Mount Pearl Soccer. Tobin is a Provincial level referee and Director of Referees with Mount Pearl Soccer. Last season Tobin refereed nearly 200 weekend games for U7, U9 and U11 Metro League tournaments, while also refereeing U7 to U13 games Monday to Thursday.

Phillip Molloy of Mount Pearl Soccer was named Coach of The Year. Molloy holds a National "C" Coach’s License, and this past season coached with the U11 Tier 1 Girls, acting as Assistant Coach for the U17 Boys (finishing 1st in the Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association’s Premiere Youth League) and as Head Coach of the U13 Girls A Team. He was also selected to coach as a part of the Vancouver Whitecaps Soccer Camp.

President of Campia Gymnastics Anna Dominic received the Peter Halliday Memorial Award for the Executive of the Year. Dominic set new goals for the organization, established new fundraising committees, reviewed and ratified Campia’s recreational handbook, reviewed and established new guidelines for strategic planning, attended meetings and conferences, spearheaded social events, and much, much more.

The Female Athlete of the Year and Male Athlete of the Year awards both went to Campia Gymnastics members.

Jillian Hutchings, the Female Athlete of the Year, placed in a number of competitions this past year. At the 2022 Dream Big Provincial Invitational she placed first on vault, second on bars, third on beam, second on floor and second all around. At the Atlantic tournament she placed second on vault, first on bars, second on beam, second on floor, and first all around; and at Canadian Championships qualifiers, she placed twenty-seventh on vault, thirteenth on bars, eighth on beam, twenty-third on floor, and fifteenth all around, qualifying for finals, where she placed twentieth on vault, fourteenth on bars, fourteenth on beam, twenty-fourth on floor, and twenty-second all around.

Michael Drover, the Male Athlete of the Year, this past year placed first on pommel horse in the Senior High-Performance category at both the Dream Big Invitational and Provincial Championships. He placed ninth at National Gymnastics Canada’s Technical Trials, and fifteenth at the Canadian Championships.

The Team of The Year is the Open Starlites Synchro Skating team. The team, which is member-led rather than coach-led, won gold in the 2022 synchro skating nationals in Calgary, Alberta, making them the first synchronized skating team from the province to earn a medal at the national level.

Mount Pearl Soccer Association (MPSA) member Craig Dyer was accorded the Dave Holloway Memorial Award Adult Volunteer with Youth Award. Dyer is a full-time MPSA volunteer, and spends his time coordinating tournaments, organizing fundraisers, attending meetings, taking photographs, and cheering on from the sidelines.

Two members of the Mount Pearl sports community were also inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Olympic gold medalist, World Champion, and five-time Brier champ Brad Gushue is no stranger to accolades, and his induction into the Hall of Fame was just the latest. Recognized as one of the best curlers in Canadian history, you may be surprised to learn that Gushue was also a competitive golfer in his youth. Gushue won the NL Junior Golf Championship consecutively from 1996 to 1999 and won two NL School Championships with the O’Donel Patriots golf team. He also won the Men’s Provincial Amateur Championship in 1999 and was a member of Golf Canada’s High-Performance Junior program.

Long-time referee Derm Bishop was also inducted into the Hall of Fame. Bishop’s referee career began in 1976 and spanned more than 35 years. During that time, he officiated more than 5,000 games, from novice thru to All-Star. He served eight years with the Referees Association, including a time as President. He was also instrumental in helping establish the referees mentorship program. He has earned a number of accolades over the years and was inducted into the Mount Pearl Minor Hockey Hall of Fame in 2016.

Another change order for Farrell Drive

By Mark Squibb / June 23, 2023

Councillor Isabelle Fry last week brought forward a recommendation to council from the Planning, Engineering, and Development Committee to approve a change order to the Farrell Drive upgrade project. 

“We were advised that there is a requirement for one additional valve on the secondary transmission watermain for Farrell Drive upgrading for Phase 1,” said Fry. “The Committee recommends approving the inclusion of this valve, as it will allow the City to complete leak repairs in the future.”

Council approved the installation of the valve at a cost of $19,468, HST included.

Council had previously approved two change orders, one in the amount of $143,361 back in March related to the increased price of materials.

The first change order was approved in March for Dexter Construction Company Limited for the amount of $143,361.21 (HST included).

The $7.1 million project, funded in part by the federal government, will see water, sanitary and storm sewer, asphalt, curb, and sidewalk replaced along Farrell Drive between Evan’s Place and Holden Street. The work was awarded to Dexter Construction earlier this year. Work began in May, and construction is expected to finish this fall, although landscaping won’t be completed nor the final layer of asphalt laid until 2024.

O’Donel student wins bursary for showing leadership on school safety

O’Donel High School First Aid Responders Jenna Blackmore (left) and Jorja Snow raised funds at O'Donels Relay for Life last week. Blackmore was recently named a recipient of the provincial government’s Safe, Caring and Inclusive Schools Leadership Bursary. Submitted photo

By Mark Squibb / June 23, 2023

Jenna Blackmore of O’Donel High School in Mount Pearl has been named a recipient of the provincial government’s 2023 Safe, Caring and Inclusive Schools Leadership Bursary.

Blackmore is one of 15 graduating students being recognised from across the province, and will receive a $500 scholarship for helping make her school a safer space for students.

“I was definitely excited to be named a recipient,” said Blackmore. “Obviously it’s good just to get a scholarship, but I was particularly happy with this because I think it’s a good opportunity to raise more awareness for good causes, because there’s a lot of bullying and cyber-bullying these days. I think its really important for schools to focus on making school a place for all students.”

Blackmore is a head leader of the First Aid Responders team at O’Donel.

The school is one of only two high schools in the entire province with a student first responder group. Team members are trained by St. John Ambulance to provide basic and advanced care when called upon to do so. Students attend weekly meetings and monthly training scenarios, and are “on call” to provide help during school hours and at events outside of the school.

But Blackmore said you don’t need to be a first responder to build a safe and welcoming school.

“There’s a lot of different things you can do to make school feel more safe and caring, and inclusive, like walking in with a smile everyday, and saying ‘Good Morning’ to everyone who passes by,” she said.

Blackmore plans to attend Memorial University this fall to study engineering.

The first responders team, meanwhile, was named Youth Group of The Year during this spring’s 2023 Mount Pearl Focus on Youth Awards ceremony.

Council joined in chamber by representatives of Newfoundland and Labrador Brain Injury Association

Mount Pearl Mayor Dave Aker last week designated June as Brain Injury Awareness Month in the City of Mount Pearl. Council was joined in chamber by representatives of the Newfoundland and Labrador Brain Injury Association including Carrie Lynn Shepard, Jennifer Smith, and Nick Mercer during the June 13 public meeting, each of whom has been diagnosed with a brain injury. “All three of us have different injuries, and it’s invisible injuries, as we all know, it’s not like a broken arm that you can see,” said Shepard. “And all across Canada, about 1.5 million of us live with brain injury every day.” Brain injuries continue to be the number one disabler and killer of those under 40 years of age, and the association was developed in 1984 to advocate for brain injury survivors. In the back row, from left to right, are councilors Isabelle Fry, Jim Locke, Chelsea Lane, and Mark Rice. In the front row, from left to right, are Jennifer Smith, Carrie Lynn Shephard, Mayor Dave Aker, Nick Mercer, and councilor Bill Antle. Mark Squibb photo

Council touts benefits of upcoming youth leadership camp

City able to help with registration fees if necessary, says Locke

By Mark Squibb / June 23, 2023

Councillor Bill Antle notified council this week of the City’s intention to host a youth leadership camp this summer.

“Our Youth Leadership Program, and this is a great program, runs through July and August, and the registration starts on June 20 for residents and June 22 for non-residents,” explained councillor Bill Antle. “The City will offer a four week Youth Leadership Program for the month of July and August. The Youth Leadership program will provide the opportunity for participants to work as a team member to develop their leadership and community engagement skills. Throughout the program, youth will work as a team to accomplish the three program tiers. As the youth work through the tiers, they will be developing their leadership skills, putting these developed skills into action, and in the final tier completing their community service project. “

The three tiers include skill development in a classwork setting, work as a Junior Day Camp counsellor, and a commitment to action, in which students demonstrate what they have learned during the leadership camp.

Antle added the cost of the program is $200, but that it would be “$200 well spent.”

Councillor Isabelle Fry said she thought the camp was a wonderful idea, but asked for clarification on the age group it is intended for.

Director of Recreation and Community Safety Jason Collins said the camp is aimed at youth aged 12 to 15.

“So, it’s for children that are kind of a little bit too old for day camp but not quite old enough for summer positions,” explained Collins.

Along with Fry, councillor Jim Locke applauded the motion.

Locke also noted that though there is a cost associated with the camp, youth should not view that cost as a barrier to registering, as the City may be able to help with registration fees.

“Should youth be interested in this, but think money might be an issue, we do have some programs in place,” said Locke. “If money is an issue, or if affordability is an issue, please don’t think you can’t attend. Reach out to our City staff. There are programs and funding in place. We do everything in our power to accommodate anybody who wants to join this youth leadership camp but may not be able to afford it. Again, the skills you’ll get from this will serve you the rest of your days. So, I just wanted to remind folks that we do have multiple programs here in the city to help people who may not be able to afford the registration.”

Mount Pearl approves asphalt contract

By Mark Squibb / June 16, 2023

Mount Pearl City Council this week approved the 2023 asphalt and concrete service contract, a sure sign summer is hiding somewhere around the corner.

The City received two bids, and the Planning, Engineering and Development Committee recommended council award the contract to the lowest compliant bidder, Black Diamond Construction Limited, in the amount of $213,911, HST included.

The motion was moved by councillor Isabelle Fry and seconded by councillor Mark Rice and was passed unanimously by council with no further discussion.

Last summer, the City awarded the asphalt and concrete services contract to Modern Paving Ltd., in the amount of $270,129.25, HST included.

The Pearl followed up with city staff regarding the difference in pricing between the 2022 contract and the 2023 contract and was informed the scope of work and necessary quantities of material were less this time around than in 2022, which would account for the price difference.

Mount Pearl to host street art contest

By Mark Squibb / June 16, 2023

While many municipalities are looking for a means to clamp down on graffiti, the City of Mount Pearl is encouraging it — in a limited fashion at least.

The City is hosting a Street Art Contest from July 15 to 16 in which artists will have an opportunity to beautify the Ruth Avenue tunnels.

“I think this is a great way to promote street art in a way that beautifies our city,” said councillor Chelsea Lane, who brought forward the motion to approve the contest during this week’s public meeting. “You often hear about people who are doing graffiti, which is illegal street art, but this is an opportunity for people to use the tunnels as a creative outlet and create beautiful murals to beautify the tunnels and our city. So, I think this is absolutely a positive thing, and I cannot wait to see the tunnels when they are done.”

Those wishing to participate must submit an art sample and accompanying submission form via the City’s website by July 5. Successful applicants will be notified shortly thereafter.

“Artists will have from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day to complete their murals,” said Lane. “After 5 p.m., each day the tunnels will be closed, and artists will not be permitted to continue their work. In the case of severe weather, the contest may be rescheduled.”

The City will provide supplies for the contest, and art containing depictions of nudity, foul language, bloody or gory imagery, discriminatory content, or drugs and alcohol will be prohibited.

Mount Pearl Beaver Colony members busy as beavers

Mount Pearl Beaver Colony members were as busy as beavers (pardon the pun) this past week building bird houses for the city’s feathered wildlife. Third year Beavers built the bird houses to donate to the City to help preserve endangered bird species. Pictured, from left, are 1st Mount Pearl Lions Colony C members Grayson Neville, Lucas Snow, Michelle Wareham, and Sam Hayward. Submitted photo