Sandra Whiffen of Habitat for Humanity was in council chambers on December 10 as Mount Pearl City council formally recognized a land swap that council says will benefit both parties. In November, the City swapped land on Croucher Crescent for land on Glendale Avenue. The City will build a turnaround near the Croucher Crescent property to better accommodate snow clearing while Habitat NL will build a duplex on Glendale Avenue. “We’re very excited to be doing this build in Mount Pearl,” said Whiffen. “I think we’ve done nine builds in Mount Pearl over the years. So, we’re excited to start this within the next year hopefully and get two families moved in.” The group partners with municipalities across the province to help build homes for lower-income families. Members of staff who played a hand in negotiating the land swap were also on hand for the recognition. From left are Manager of Economic Development and Housing Jeremy Schwartz, Marketing and Economic Development Officer Brian Power, councillor Jim Locke, Mayor Dave Aker, councillor Isabelle Fry, Sandra Whiffen, councillor Bill Antle, outgoing CAO Dana Spurrell, councillor Chelsea Lane, and councillor Mark Rice. Mark Squibb photo
Mount Pearl Lions on the prowl for more members
Lions Roxanne Oates and Robyn Kenny filling candy bags for the Santa Claus Parade.
By Mark Squibb
The Mount Pearl Lions Club, like any Lions Club, does a lot of good in the community.
But those good deeds can’t be done without volunteers, something the club says it needs more of.
Currently, the club boasts 18 members, about nine of which are active. The low membership makes hosting large events such as the annual Santa Claus Parade and Grandparents Day difficult.
“If we had more Lions, we could make a bigger impact,” said member Roxanne Oates, who holds a number of positions within the group.
The club is busy year-round bettering the community, from collecting garbage in the summer to helping the less fortunate at Christmas, with lots in between, but needs more members to keep things going.
“Mount Pearl has been through a lot the last couple of weeks, and Mount Pearl has kind of been shown in a bad light,” said Oates, referring to the random assaults committed by some youths recently. “I myself, as a Mount Pearl Lion, want the community to know that there’s still a lot of good happening. And there could be more good things happening, but our Lions are stretched thin.”
Oates said being a member may not be as big a time commitment as some might think. The club meets about once a month, and members are not expected to attend every event.
“It can be busy, but we are willing to work with anybody within their time frame,” said Oates. “There are times that I can’t attend events. And nobody is going to hold it against me, and nobody will hold it against you.”
Oates, who joined the Club nearly a decade ago through her husband John, said a Lion’s biggest reward is being able to help others and see firsthand the impact the club can make in the lives of others, sometimes even by something as simple as hosting a seniors bingo.
“I get all warm inside when I know that I made somebody’s day a little bit brighter,” said Oates. “If you want to feel good by making others feel good, be a Lion… If you want to make a difference in your community, give back to your community, be a Lion. We give back.”
The Lions Club, she noted, accepts members regardless of things such as race, gender, or sexual orientation, and while many members of the club hail from Mount Pearl, Oates, who herself recently moved from Mount Pearl to Paradise, said the Club accepts members from outside Mount Pearl as well. She also recommended checking to see if there is an active club in your own town.
Those interested in joining can get in touch with a member or reach out to the club through its Facebook page.
Mount Pearl CAO Dana Spurrell calling it a day
Outgoing Mount Pearl CAO Dana Spurrell during her four-year tenure at City Hall guided the City through a workplace harassment investigation, the pandemic, a union strike, and, more recently, the city-wide fear caused by random, violent attacks allegedly committedly by a group of Mount Pearl youths. Members of council praised her for her calm demeanor in the face of challenges. Mark Squibb photo
By Mark Squibb
Cool, calm and collected.
Those were some of the words used by Mount Pearl councillors to describe outgoing Mount Pearl Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Dana Spurrell, and given some of the municipal quandaries Spurrell has had to lead the City through during her four years tenure, they were good qualities to possess for someone in her position.
Spurrell was hired in January of 2021, seven months after former CAO Steve Kent quit his position after having been suspended due to allegations of workplace bullying. Kent quit the position before council had cast an official vote on whether to fire him outright. Shortly after, councillors Andrea Power and Andrew Ledwell were dismissed from council for allegedly communicating with Kent inappropriately during the imbroglio.
On top of all that, the province entered it’s second COVD-19 lockdown on February 12 — Spurrell’s first week in office.
In 2022 Spurrell had to lead the City through a workplace strike that lasted nearly two months and occasionally turned ugly, with accusations of wrongdoing flying from all sides. And in the final weeks before her departure, the City has been rocked by a number of random, violent acts allegedly committed by youths that have left members of the community on edge.
“Talk about a baptism by fire,” said councillor Jim Locke. “Your tenure at the City was bookended by challenges… you have faced challenges, no doubt, but you always handled it with calm and poise.”
Locke said that Spurrell’s calmness in the face of adversity was a superpower, and that the City staff blossomed under her leadership. He wished her all the best with her future endeavours.
Deputy Mayor Nicole Kiely, who was elected to council in September 2021, said Spurrell made her feel welcome at the municipal table.
“You have led by example, and I know, for one, that I am a better councillor because of your guidance and leadership,” said Kieley.
Mayor Dave Aker said Spurrell was the perfect person to lead the City the last four years.
“Your leadership was second to none,” said Aker, who added that anybody on staff would back up his claim.
After a round of accolades and well wishes from council, Spurrell herself took a few minutes to address council and staff.
“If nicer words are ever said about me, it’ll probably be when I’m dead, so thank you all,” quipped Spurrell. “Councillor Locke caused me to reflect a little bit. My first day, I had a cell phone, with no contacts, and I was home at my dining room table in the middle of a shut down. And maybe that was a sign, because if nothing else I’ve been steeped in crisis management.”
Spurrell said that as a work family, City staff and council have experienced weddings and funerals and births and deaths together over the last four years, and through it all have carried on the work of the City. She called it a privilege to lead the City these last four years, and expressed her thanks to staff and council both.
“I’m proud of the work we’ve done to position the City for growth and change,” said Spurrell.
She added that her massage therapist might disagree with council’s assessment of Spurrell as calm and collected.
T’Railway lighting and lighted crossing highlight Mount Pearl budget
Mount Pearl councillor Chelsea Lane brought forth the City’s 2025 budget last week, balanced at $58 million. Residents will see no increases to either residential or commercial mil rates.
By Mark Squibb
Mount Pearl City council has approved a balanced budget of $58,858,583 that will see no increases to the residential or commercial mil rate, which stay at 7.7 and 12.4 mils respectively.
Water fees and waste disposal fees will also be held steady.
“As financial stewards, we must balance today’s needs with tomorrow’s aspirations,” said councillor Chelsea Lane, who brought forward the budget. “Rising costs, aging infrastructure, and growing demands for services present challenges —but they also offer opportunities. Opportunities to invest wisely, innovate boldly, and build a Mount Pearl that thrives.”
The budget greenlights a number of big-ticket infrastructure projects for 2025. Some $700,000 has been allocated to replace the Glencoe Drive culvert, $185,000 to modernize plant operations at the Glacier arena, and $100,000 to upgrade the lighting system at the Summit Centre. Additionally, the City has budgeted $2 million for fleet renewal, including the purchase of another ice resurfacer for the Glacier, two new garbage trucks, and a rear loader. The City is also increasing the road maintenance budget by 20 percent, committing $1.075 million to essential tasks such as crack sealing, asphalt repair, and line painting, and has committed to the purchase of a new bus.
The City has earmarked $187,000 for community groups such as the Seniors Independence Group and Association for the Arts, $120,000 to construct an accessible boardroom at City Hall, and $140,000 to upgrade flooring and add new equipment racks at the Glacier area.
Those who enjoy hiking the T’railway will be happy to hear $250,000 has been earmarked to light the City’s portion of the trail. Council has also committed $250,000 to improving the T’railway crossing at Commonwealth Avenue. That item in particular elicited a cheer from councillor Bill Antle, who has long campaigned for a light activated crosswalk at that particular section of trail.
The City has also budgeted $200,000 to it’s Urban Forestry Plan in a bid to preserve some of the City’s natural green spaces.
Heading into 2025, businesses can still avail of incentive programs such as the scaled taxation program, which will be expanded to attract businesses in the energy and technology sectors, façade improvement program, and energy efficiency grant program.
Following a number of random assaults committed by youths in recent weeks, Lane pointed out the City has budgeted $735,000 for municipal enforcement, some $29,508 of which has been earmarked for traffic calming devices, compared to last year’s budget of $695,646.
The City has also committed to the continuing development of the land north of Topsail Road, which will include the construction of a new water tower to support residential and commercial growth.
The City anticipates taking in $18.8 million in residential property taxes, roughly 32 percent of the City’s projected income. Business and utility taxes will account for 22 precent of the City’s budgeted income, and commercial property taxes will account for about 16 percent.
Transportation and Technical services, which include snow and ice control, fleet management, roads, traffic lights, and public transit, accounts for the City’s single largest expenditure, budgeted at $12.9 million. Some $1.2 million of that is earmarked for administration.
General government, which includes salaries and operations at City Hall, accounts for about 18 percent of the City’s total expenditures, or about $10.7 million.
Smiles for Food Bank contributors
Members of the Mount Pearl Lions Club were out and about at supermarkets and stores November 30 collecting donations for the city’s two St. Vincent de Paul food banks and the Salvation Army food bank. Club treasurer and Past President Gerald Coombs, left, and past treasurer Sean Keats, right, had a grateful word and warm smiles for all contributors. Craig Westcott photo
City approves land swap with humanitarian group
By Mark Squibb
The City of Mount Pearl and the Newfoundland and Labrador chapter of Habitat for Humanity this November agreed to a land swap that should prove beneficial to both parties.
“The land exchange is intended to provide mutual benefits, enabling both the city and Habitat NL to acquire parcels that are better aligned with their respective needs,” said councillor Chelsea Lane. “For Habitat NL, this exchange would enable the development of a much-needed multi-unit housing project while the City would be able to construct a bulb (a wider turn area) in the Croucher Avenue location, eliminating a safety risk during the operation of heavy city equipment. The Committee discussed and agreed in principle to support the City proceeding with an exchange of land between the City and Habitat for Humanity.”
The committee had recommended that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) be signed, which was approved by council during last week public meeting.
“I think this is great news,” said councillor Bill Antle. “Habitat NL have been asking us for a piece of land for I don’t know how long. Since I’ve been on council, they’ve been trying to find a piece of land, and we finally got this to work, and it’s to the benefit of both of us. Down on Croucher Crescent, it’s hard for the snowplows and garbage trucks to make that turn down there. And up on Glendale Avenue, that’s a fine piece of land that the City owns, so this is great. We’re looking for new housing within the City so this is good news all around.”
Deputy Mayor Nicole Kieley voiced her support of the motion as well.
“When we talk about the larger picture, when we talk about a safer, violence-free community, these are the type of organizations, these are the type of initiatives, that support that,” said Kieley, who said financial stress and desperation can breed violence and crime.
Council delegates more power to staff
By Mark Squibb
Mount Pearl council recently approved a new delegation of authority that could see some developments contrary to City rules cleaned up quicker.
The move allows council to delegate authority to staff to administer orders to “pull down, remove, stop construction, fill in or destroy” a building or development that has fallen contrary to the City’s regulations.
Previously, the regulation required that a cleanup order be passed through a number of committee meetings before being presented to council for a public vote. The new delegated authority will allow the director to issue the order directly once non-compliance is identified by staff.
“I’m glad this is coming forward and I certainly support the recommendation,” said councillor Mark Rice. “We have a lot of areas in the city that are starting to get run down and dilapidated, so I’m glad this is coming forward. At least we have some autonomy and authority to move forward and make some decisions on behalf of the City.”
Councillor Bill Antle, who made the motion on behalf of the engineering committee, said he believed it was a great idea.
The motion passed unanimously.
Remembrance Day fundraisers
Alex Taylor, 16, of Mount Pearl has been volunteering with the Poppy Campaign in honour of his great grandfather Victor Taylor and other family members since he was 10 years old. Taylor, a talented musician, has also written a number of songs about Remembrance Day. Volunteering with Taylor is dad Dave Taylor. Submitted photo
'We'll put it to good use'
By Mark Squibb
Mount Pearl City council last week presented a cheque to local food banks thanks to donations raised during the second annual Haunting of Power’s Pond.
The $11,745 cheque will be split evenly among the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s food bank at St. Peters, its food bank at Mary Queen of the World, and The Salvation Army. Each food bank will receive $3,915, in addition to food donations.
St. Vincent de Paul Society of Newfoundland and Labrador President Sandra Milmore spoke on behalf of a number of food bank representatives who attended the presentation.
“We are very grateful for this money,” said Milmore. “We will put it to good use, I guarantee you. Our numbers are increasing… We’re doing the best to help the needy in our city, and we take great pride in doing so. So, again, thank you for this donation. We will put it to good use, we promise.”
Members of council applauded City staff and volunteers for their dedication to the event.
Councillor Isabelle Fry, meanwhile, encouraged residents to take advantage of the food bank if necessary.
“There is no shame, if you need to, to reach out and contact a food bank,” said Fry. “That’s what it’s there for. Everyone needs help from time to time. It’s hard to make that first phone call, but if you need it, that’s what it’s there for.”
Bob Lovett of the St. Mary Queen of the World food bank encouraged folks to consider donating cash to food banks, explaining that food banks stretch their dollars by buying products in bulk when they’re on sale.
The City estimates some 28,000 people braved the spooky Power’s Pond trail, which was open to residents this past October.
Members of council presented a cheque to local food bank representatives during last week’s public council meeting, representing monies raised during the second annual Haunting of Powers Pond Halloween spooktacular. From left are recreation director Jason Collins, councillor Jim Locke, councillor Chelsea Lane, Sandra Milmore, Mayor Dave Aker, Linda Vincent, Bob Lovett, councillor Bill Antle, and councillor Mark Rice. Mark Squibb photo
Community centre "off to a little bit of slow start" but still on schedule
By Mark Squibb
While construction of a new community centre poised to replace the aging Park Place facility has gotten off to a slow start, the contractor should hit all the construction milestones right on schedule, said Mount Pearl’s Director of Planning, Engineering and Development, Scott Batt.
Mayor Dave Aker broached the subject during the October 29 public council meeting. Aker said it appears that things are off to a slow start, but noted the steel has been ordered, the foundation has been poured, and the design is underway. He then asked Batt for further clarification.
“As you said, they’re off to a little bit of a slow start, but things have picked up substantially,” said Batt. “The foundation has been poured, and there are a couple sets to be poured next week. Excavation is complete for the building, we’re anticipating final design drawings in the next couple of weeks, and all the critical milestones are on course, so congrats to the team for helping keep that on track. It’s good news going forward.”
The contract for the centre, valued at $15.5 million, was awarded to JMJ Holdings Ltd., earlier this year, and a groundbreaking event was held in July at the Team Gushue Sports Complex, the site of the new facility. It will boast a splash pad and ice rink combination surface, and a multi-purpose space complete with stage and retractable bleachers.
“I think it’s important for our residents to know where we stand with this,” said Aker. “There’s a lot of money being spent over there, and it’s important that we do it right, and I think the schedule is top of mind for not just us, but our residents, especially next year with the Canada Games starting to take over some of that parking area.”
Council approved the building permit for the centre’s splash pad and ice surface during the October 29 meeting, and construction is expected to be completed by early 2026.
