Political newcomer seeking Conservative nod in former St. John’s South-Mount Pearl riding

By Mark Squibb

Manoj Khandavelli says that if you had asked him a few years back if he would ever consider seeking nomination in a federal election, the answer would be an easy ‘No.’

But, said Khandavelli, much has changed since then.

“Politics was not in my plan initially,” said Khandavelli. “If you had asked me a couple of years ago, ‘Would you ever run?’ the answer would be ‘No,’ but over the past few years, a lot of my friends, and myself included, have been complaining about inflation, limited consumer choices, divisive politics, housing prices and such, and so I felt like it was my duty to give back to the province that has given me everything, and so I wanted to put my name out and do this as a way to give back , and as a thank-you.”

Khandavelli is seeking the Conservative Party nomination for the riding of Cape Spear, an electoral district newly minted following the 2022 federal electoral redistribution. The district covers much the same ground as the former St. John’s South-Mount Pearl district, with the notable exception that the new riding cedes Witless Bay, Bay Bulls, Southlands, and the Goulds to Avalon while gaining all of Paradise from Avalon – previously, Paradise was split between the two ridings.

A self-described ‘Newfoundlander by choice’, Khandavelli spent much of his childhood in India and Kenya and has lived in Newfoundland for the past decade.

A Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Certified International Wealth Manager (CIWM), and Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI), Khandavelli, said he believes his work experience will pay dividends should he be first, nominated, and then elected.

“I believe with the finance and business experience I have I can put up a good fight in Ottawa and bring prosperity back to our province,” said Khandavelli. “People have trusted me to build their wealth, and I want to use the experience I have accumulated for the province.”

Along with Avalon MP Ken McDonald, incumbent MP Seamus O’Regan announced earlier this summer that he would not be running in 2025. Coupled with national distaste for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party (recent Abacus data indicates that if the election had been held on July 14, some 43 percent of voters would have voted Conservative, while only 23 percent would have voted Liberal) a Conservative upset in the Liberal riding is not impossible.

Khandavelli said he had committed to running some months prior to O’Regan’s announcement that he would not be seeking re-election, and he believes he can offer a fresh perspective on issues that matter to voters.

“I’m not part of the political establishment here,” Khandavelli said. “I’m a newcomer, and I think that is what people want.”

Khandavelli also said he believes Pierre Poilievre to be the leader that Canada needs.

“At this particular time, Poilievre is the best choice we have,” said Khandavelli. “You have Trudeau, who seems to be addicted to power… and the NDP are great at prioritizing these utopian policies, which are never reality. Pierre, meanwhile, you can see his history, he came from nothing, and worked hard to be where he is, and he has good policies.”

Khandavelli, along with wife Tracey and cat Aurelius, live “right beside the district” in downtown St. John’s.

The Party has not yet announced a date for the nomination vote.

Mount Pearl City Days 2024

The many people who attended the Mount Pearl City Days annual ‘Block Party’ were treated to great weather and entertainment last weekend.

Among the participants were (left photo) Seth and Quinn Walsh, ages 3 and 9 respectively, who enjoyed meeting some new furry friends from the Black Label Farm petting zoo, including bunnies, goats, a sheep, and even an alpaca.

Still with a farm theme, The Swinging Belles (centre photo), put on their usual high energy performance. The group includes from left; Laura Winter, Erin Power, and Duane Andrews.

Meanwhile, little Stevie Matthews, age one, of Portugal Cove-St. Phillips, was happy to soak up all the excitement and atmosphere. Mark Squibb photos

Council purchases land off Topsail Road for ‘Find your Centre’ plan

By Mark Squibb

Mount Pearl city council last week approved the purchase of a small parcel of land along a busy stretch of Topsail Road.

Councillor Mark Rice explained council had previously reviewed the matter in a private meeting of the committee of the whole and agreed to authorize staff to buy 827 Topsail Road for $100,000. The committee also supported, in relation to the environmental testing and minor remediation required, the demolition of the building on the property at a cost of approximately $40,000.

Rice moved that council both approve the purchase of the land and award the demolition contract to Eastern Demolition.

The motion was approved unanimously.

The purpose for the purchase was not discussed in council chambers. Following an inquiry by The Pearl, staff explained the purchase of the land will play a role in the Find Your Centre Renewal Plan, although the City has not yet determined exactly what it will do with the land.

The land is zoned Commercial Mixed and backs onto the Waterford River Conservation zone. It marks the beginning of the Mary Queen of the World Elementary school zone heading east.

The Find Your Centre Plan was launched in 2020 with the goal of rejuvenating the City’s geographical core over the next 20 to 40 years.

Achievement, humour and appreciation

Mount Pearl councilor Isabelle Fry (left) presents Candice Udle with the 2024 Impact in Music, Arts and Culture award during the City’s Best in Mount Pearl award gala held last Thursday evening. Mark Squibb photo.

Calvin Smith, left, was named the 2024 Mount Pearl Citizen of the Year at last week’s Best in Mount

Pearl awards gala. Presenting the award are Deidre Levandier, centre, wife of the late Richard

Levandier, for whom the award is named, and councillor Chelsea Lane, right.

Mayor Dave Aker, left, presents Mike Mooney with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his volunteer

activities in the community.

15-year-old Ryan Easton, founder of Ryan’s Recycling, was awarded the 2024 Environmental Award

at the Best in Mount Pearl Awards. Presenting the award is councillor Bill Antle, left.

Community Care Mount Pearl founder Cindy Hall, left, accepted an award for Community Group of

The Year at the Best in Mount Peal Awards gala last week. Presenting the award is councillor Jim

Locke, centre, and councillor Mark Rice, right. The 1st Lions Scouting Group and Men’s Slo Pitch

Softball League were also named Community Groups of the Year.

By Mark Squibb

The City of Mount Pearl kicked off it’s annual City Day celebrations with the Best in Mount Pearl Awards ceremony at the Reid Community Centre last Thursday.

The City recognized a number of individuals and community groups that make Mount Pearl a better place for everyone.

K-Rock radio host Candice Udle received the Impact in Music, Arts, and Culture award. Udle has hosted a number of city events over the years, including Mount Pearl City Days and Frosty Festival, and is a regular participant in the annual Lions Club Christmas parade.

“One of the things that is so special about Mount Pearl is the community,” said Udle. “I don’t know anybody else who can say they have such a strong group of friends from high school alone that still hang out. Most of those friends are here tonight with me. It’s amazing that you stay so connected, and it’s because you stay so involved with each other, be it events, be it school. It’s a wonderful place.”

Udle joked that her husband Paul, who hails from Portugal Cove, will never get her out of Mount Pearl, try as he might.

The City handed out not one, but three Community Group of the Year awards. The first went to the 1st Mount Pearl Lions Scouting Group.

The group, which boasts over 200 youth members and over 50 adult volunteers, annually plant trees, clean up their community, support local food banks, and more.

Community Care Mount Pearl, formed in 2022 by librarian Cindy Hall, was also named a Community Group of the Year. The group combats hunger in the community through little free pantries and food collections.

The Men’s Slo Pitch Softball League was named the third and final Community Group of the Year.

The league boasts some 240 members and celebrated it’s 47th anniversary this year. Over the years, the league has made significant contributions to local food banks, the Janeway Children’s Hospital, and Ronald McDonald House.

Fifteen-year-old Ryan Easton, founder of Ryan’s Recycling, was awarded the Environmental Award.

Easton founded Ryan’s Recycling in his parents’ backyard in 2021 and has since moved operations to a 10,000 square-foot storage yard in Donovan’s Industrial Park. Easton specializes in scrapping cars, recycling appliances and metals, and electronic recycling, and also offers dumpster services.

Longtime volunteer, resident, interior designer and Paint Shop employee Calvin Smith was named Citizen of the Year. Smith has over 30 years’ worth of volunteer experience in the City of Mount Pearl, including with the Mount Pearl Scouts. He serves as president of the Royal Canadian Legion and is involved with the Mount Pearl Men’s Softball League.

Smith expressed thanks to his family, friends, City council, and the many volunteers who work alongside him.

Smith was nominated by his daughter Sara.

“She nominated me, but she wasn’t allowed to tell me — I think she’s allowed to tell me now,” joked Smith.

The final award of the night, the Lifetime Achievement Award, went to Mike Mooney.

“I’m deeply honored and sincerely grateful to receive this recognition this evening,” said Mooney. “I’m honoured to join the ranks of previous recipients of the Lifetime Achievement award, individuals who I know personally, and admire and respect for their long standing and outstanding community service.”

Mooney expressed thanks to family, friends, council, and fellow volunteers, and closed with a message for his wife Wanda.

“Wanda, when you go home tonight, and get ready to go to bed, you’re not going to bed with just your husband, Mike Mooney,” he joked. “You’re going to bed with Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Mike Mooney.”

There was not much to say after that, and organizers wrapped things up for the night.

Showing their pride

Mount Pearl City council members signed a declaration of support for the queer community during this week’s public meeting. The St. John’s Pride 2024 Festival kicked off on July 10 and runs until July 21. The City of Mount Pearl, meanwhile, will be hosting Pride in the Pearl today at St. David’s Park as part of the city’s annual City Days festival. From left are Deputy Mayor Nicole Kieley, who joined the meeting by video, councillor Chelsea Lane with little newborn Nathan Benoit, who was born July 9, councillor Jim Locke, Mayor Dave Aker, St. John’s Pride co-chair Eddy St. Coeur, and councillors Bill Antle and Mark Rice. Mark Squibb photo

A new roof for Admiralty House

By Mark Squibb

The Admiralty House Communications Museum will be getting a new roof.

Council awarded the contract during this week’s public meeting.

“The existing roof of Admiralty House has reached the end of its service life and requires replacement to preserve the integrity of the building and its historical value,” said councillor Bill Antle.

He moved that council award the contract for the roof replacement to the lowest qualified bidder, Fort Property Construction, for the bid amount of $51,865, HST included.

The motion was approved unanimously.

Council also voted to extend both its electrical and plumbing maintenance service contracts, which were set to expire on August 31, for an additional year. The contracts, awarded to Pro Circuit Electrical and King’s Plumbing and Heating Ltd., run at an annual cost of $129,375, HST included, and $60,375, HST included, respectively.

Both contracts are unit price contracts, meaning the City only pays for services rendered.

The City has the option to extend both contracts for another year.

Council approves another change order for Olympic Drive

By Mark Squibb

The cost of laying new asphalt on Olympic Drive has increased again, necessitating approval of another change order this week by city council.

The additional $21,375, HST included, is over and above previously approved project costs to accommodate an increase in flag person hours and more asphalt patching.

Director of Planning, Engineering, and Development Gerard Antle, in response to a question from councillor Mark Rice, said money to cover the change order was available within the existing budget.

The contract was awarded to Farrell’s Excavating Ltd., in the amount of $798,933, HST included, last July. Council has since approved roughly $270,000 in contract change orders, pushing the project over the million-dollar threshold.

The change order is the eighth change order approved for the project.

Some of the previous change orders include $48,037 for additional materials, $7,475 for the installation of new traffic loops, $22,425 for the installation of a watermain valve to the Glacier, $51,390 for the supply and installation of ‘four-inch minus’ gravel, and $25,012 for the relocation of fire hydrants.

Junior constables on the beat

Charlotte Whittle of Newtown Elementary and Bella Norman of Mount Pearl Intermediate were recently named Junior Constables for a Day by the Mount Pearl Citizens Crime Prevention Committee. Among their many stops Tuesday was a quick visit to Mount Pearl council chambers for a meet and greet with Mayor Dave Aker. The Junior Constables also toured RNC headquarters, visited the RNC horses at their barn, rode police vehicles, met the K9 unit, completed an ATV patrol around Powers Pond, and lunched at Boston Pizza. Whittle and Norman, along with over 500 Mount Pearl students, submitted cards of thanks to local police officers. Those cards were then judged by a panel of volunteer judges, and the two winners selected. Whittle’s card was chosen because of the amount of thought put into her card, which spanned several pages, while Norman’s card was chosen because of its wonderful artwork. The cards are sent to police officers within Mount Pearl. “I have every card that I’ve ever received over the years, and a lot of officers have told me that they’ve kept every card ever given to them,” said Cst. Danielle Greavette. “So, this is a really good way for the students to bridge the gap between officers and themselves and learn a little bit about law enforcement and feel that they have law enforcement that they can trust, and know people like myself and Cst. (Stephen) Fitzgerald by name.” The two junior constables were joined at City Hall by their mothers and members of City staff. In the back, from left, are Karen Norman, Cst. Stephen Fitzgerald, Mayor Dave Aker, Cst. Danielle Greavette, Mount Pearl Superintendent of Municipal Enforcement Blair Tilley, and Beth Whittle. In front, from left, are Rosalind Pratt, who is the chairperson of the Mount Pearl Citizens Crime Prevention Committee, along with Jr Cst. Charlotte Whittle, Jr Cst. Bella Norman, and Helena Turner. Mark Squibb photo

Mount Pearl approves 24-units for Greenwood Crescent

By Mark Squibb

In line with the City’s recent push for greater housing density, including the recent launch of a number of initiatives under the federal government’s Housing Accelerator Fund, council last week approved an application by Nickel Properties Inc., to develop a 24-unit row dwelling development at 43 Greenwood Crescent.

It will consist of six buildings, comprising both single-storey and two-storey units.

Staff published discretionary use notices and circulated letters to over 250 area residents, in addition to the Member of Parliament, two MHAs, and the Mount Pearl-Paradise Chamber of Commerce and received five written submissions. The City also held a public briefing session which 14 people attended.

Complaints raised by residents, in summary, included fears about increased traffic and noise, a potential negative impact on property values, and a loss of mature trees. Residents also posed questions about the development’s ownership model.

With those concerns noted, planning committee staff recommended the application for approval.

That approval, however, will be subject to a number of conditions — ten, all told.

The St. John’s Regional Fire Department, the provincial government’s Water Resources Management Division, and the City’s inspection, finance, and planning divisions will all need to sign off on the project.

The developer will also have to submit both a condominium agreement and a landscaping plan that illustrates the preservation of existing mature trees, and agree to construct a permanent privacy fence, in addition to other conditions.

Councillor Bill Antle said staff and council have reviewed the application for “many, many hours,” and noted there were 43 requirements that had to be met before the committee recommended approval.

“I talk to residents my age who want to move out of their homes, who are looking for another place to live, who are looking to downsize, but there’s no place to live” said Antle. “People want to move, they want to sell their homes and let younger people move in. So, that was one of the things we had to consider when we looked at Greenwood Crescent.”

Antle touched briefly on some of the conditions that will need to be met following council’s approval of the project, including the preservation of mature trees.

“I think this is going to be a good development for the neighborhood,” said Antle. “It’s needed in this city. People are looking for these types of homes. Each one of us councillors have been talking to people who want to move… Those trees can stay as long as they don’t affect the building. Our inspectors will go over there and mark the trees and make sure they’re safe.”

Councillor Jim Locke noted several other intensification projects the City has undertaken over the years, and said similar complaints were made at the start of those projects. Since construction, however, he said he has not received any complaints from residents.

“I know I and my council colleagues often say, is it something that we would accept in our own backyard, and in this case I would happily welcome this development in my neighbourhood,” said Locke. “It’s fit, it’s not going to be a heavy traffic generator given the potential clients here (seniors). There’s going to be a condominium agreement in place. And as we said under the Housing Accelerator Fund, we need intensification to be sustainable in this city.”

Locke added that just because he was voting in favour of the development does not mean he did not listen to residents' concerns.

“Sometimes, in the past, residents have said, ‘Well, you didn’t listen to us,’” said Locke. “Well, I did listen, but I just arrived at a decision that was contrary to what you would have liked.”

Councillors Isabelle Fry, Mark Rice, Deputy Mayor Nicole Kieley, and Mayor Dave Aker echoed comments made by both Antle and Locke.

“This is in keeping with allowing this city to grow,” said Aker. “We have a lot of green space in this City — we’ll have less after this, but I think this is going to be a nice place for people to live.”

Council approved the project unanimously, excepting that councillor Chelsea Lane was not present at the meeting.

The project will receive funding through the Housing Accelerator Fund, though an exact amount was not specified.

Meanwhile, council also approved Phase 7 of the ongoing Moffat Road Subdivision project.

This will be the final phase of the project. It will see the construction of 63 new, single-family, detached homes. A number of the homes will include apartments.

The subdivision encompasses Lawn Point Avenue, Moffatt Road, LaSalle Drive, Iron Springs Road, and St. Lawrence Place.

Cost of high-vis gear up slightly

By Mark Squibb

Like everything, the cost of high-visibility clothing has also gone up.

Councillor Mark Rice last week explained the City’s Collective Agreement with its outside workers makes provision for work clothing, and the acquisition of clothes for members of the public works department is by a combination of requests for proposals and request for quotes, with some items custom ordered as needed to accommodate unusual or urgent needs.

In August 2021, council awarded a contract for the supply of select high-vis clothing (winter parkas, insulated snow pants, rain suits, and non-insulated coveralls), to the lowest qualified bidder, Campbell’s Ship Supplies at a cost of $23,151, HST included, and renewed the contract for another year in July, 2023.

With the renewal set to expire, staff contacted Campbells to request a two-year extension.

“The vendor indicated that, should the City wish to do so, they would be willing to extend the agreement for an additional year to August 24, 2025; however, due to continuing inflation, their source pricing has increased, and this would result in some minor increases to the pricing to the City,” said Rice. “The unit price increases from the 2023-2024 pricing on all six items is an average of 1.96 percent.”

Staff recommended council approve the contract renewal despite the minor increase, and council obliged, approving the motion without further discussion.