Halloween 2023
Safety Skeleton crew patrol streets
Danielle Greavette of the City of Mount Pearl municipal enforcement poses with a gaggle of trick-or-treaters on the annual Safety Skeleton Halloween run. The Safety Skeleton crew patrolled the streets of Mount Pearl to ensure the safety of those roaming the streets, while giving out treats like glow sticks along the way. On hand are, from left: William Ash, Danielle Greavette, Thomas Hollett, Lily Hollett, Samantha Ash, Michelle Filonenko, and Nicole Filonenko. Photo by Chad Feehan
Two public service groups and Employers’ Council get tax breaks
By Chad Feehan
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
November 3, 2023 Edition
Three organizations will be exempt from 2023 business taxes in Mount Pearl after a unanimous vote at City council this week.
St. John Ambulance, the Newfoundland and Labrador Employers’ Council, and Alzheimer Society NL all operate within the city and will receive 100 per cent exemptions.
The exemptions total $22,882 for St. John Ambulance, $8,665 for the Newfoundland and Labrador Employers’ Council, and $3,099 for Alzheimer Society NL.
Mayor Dave Aker described the tax breaks as “routine” for organizations of this nature.
“These are three valuable organizations that help not only our city but with our region,” he said.
Full business tax exemptions have been approved multiple times over the past year and have included the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association, Heart & Stroke Foundation, and Co-Operator Housing. Masonic Park, Masonic Lodge, and Columbus Center were given 60 percent exemptions.
This year’s Remembrance Day ceremony especially poignant, says Locke
By Chad Feehan
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
November 3, 2023 Edition
Mount Pearl’s annual Remembrance Day ceremony will run as usual next Saturday, November 11.
A parade will begin at Mount Pearl Intermediate School at 10:40 a.m. and will proceed down Ruth Avenue. Members of Branch 36 of the Royal Canadian Legion have organized a wreath laying ceremony at the cenotaph in St. David’s Park.
At a recent council meeting, councillor Jim Locke said that while every year is important, the role of service men and women will hit home for him personally, given the state of current world events.
“In light of what’s on the go in the world today in Gaza and Israel in Ukraine and other areas of strife, it certainly brings home when you watch every night the devastation,” he said.
Locke also noted the increased number of residents attending the ceremony in recent years.
Stride Running Club, meanwhile, is holding its own Remembrance Day event that morning.
The club’s annual Run to Remember trail race will begin by Sobey’s in Paradise at 8 a.m. and will reach the Great Canadian Dollar Store on Commonwealth Avenue by way of the T’Railway before returning to its point of origin.
Due to the race, there may be traffic disruptions in the Donovan Industrial Park and Corisande Drive area.
Registration is closed due to reaching its event cap.
City helping O’Neill Group pretty up its façade
By Chad Feehan
Local Initiative Reporter
November 3, 2023 Edition
City council has motioned to approve a grant to a new business under its facade improvement grant program.
The program aids businesses in improving the look and feel of the buildings they operate in.
O’Neill Group / Countryside Farms Butcher at 969 Topsail Road will receive $9,700 under the program.
Councillor Mark Rice said the application had been “reviewed, scored, and evaluated by the judging and selection committee” which deemed it within the criteria of the program.
The program offers up to 50 per cent of total project costs to a maximum of $10,000.
Some improvements included in the program include doors and windows, signage, exterior lighting, patio and outdoor seating, and cleaning and painting.
To be considered, businesses must have no outstanding debts to the City, the proposed improvement must improve the aesthetic appeal of the building, and the economic viability and benefits to the community must be identified, among other criteria.
Ever After Bridal Boutique was approved to receive a grant under the program earlier this year.
New playground next to St. David's Park
The City of Mount Pearl unveiled a new smart and accessible playground next to St. David's Park last week. In addition to a variety of playground equipment with improved accessibility, it also includes gender neutral washrooms with improved lighting and an adjustable change table. The playground’s smart technology is meant to "inspire imaginative play" and track usage. The project received funding from the federal government. Melanie Mullaley's Grade 4 and 5 class from Morris Academy were invited to the event and made good use of the playground’s structures. "Our commitment always is going to be to offer inclusivity and innovation," said Mayor Dave Aker. "When it comes to accessibility, that journey is not just beginning today. It began a while ago and it will continue for a long time." On hand for the opening were, starting in the back row, from left: councillors Isabelle Fry, Bill Antle, Jim Locke, Mayor Dave Aker, Mount Pearl North MHA Lucy Stoyles, and Melanie Mullaley. In the third row, from left are: Isaac Lidstone, Jaden Situ, Jaxon Greene, Karina Savchenko; in the second row, from left: Kenzie Peddle, Faith Costello, Dasha Kindrat, Luke Crocker, Gabrielle Matchim, and Emma Butt; and in the front row, from left: Ayla Thornton-Horvath, Ella Drover, Mackenzie Whalen, Marcus Giangrande, Thomas Legge, Abel Rockwood, and Madison Marshall. Chad Feehan Photo.
Stuttering association praised for shedding light on poorly understood condition
By Chad Feehan
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
October 27, 2023 Edition
Mount Pearl City Council declared October 22nd as International Stuttering Awareness Day, welcoming Newfoundland and Labrador Stuttering Association founder Greg O’Grady to shed light on the day's significance.
“There is still little known about stuttering, said O’Grady. “This is a day for celebrating and to create awareness, understanding and acceptance of stuttering.”
Stuttering is a minimally understood disorder that affects roughly one per cent of the population and approximately 350,000 Canadians of all ages and backgrounds.
Various councillors shared their experiences with people in their lives who have stuttered, all remarking on how far stuttering awareness has come over the years.
“Never doubt the impact one person can have,” said Councillor Isabelle Fry. “This is something that everybody needs to know about.”
Councillor Chelsea Lane recalled a classmate from her school years who struggled with embarrassment over the condition due to a lack of conversation about stuttering in the community.
Lane, who is a teacher, also spoke of the positive impact that public awareness can have on children who stutter.
“The work you’re doing makes people feel like they’re seen, they’re accepted, and they’re not alone,” said Lane.
Councillor Bill Antle mentioned O’Grady’s online presence and the educational benefit it’s given the council.
“I’m learning everyday more and more about stuttering,” he said.
The NLSA is going into its sixth year of operations this November.
“We’ve accomplished a lot but there’s still more work to be done,” said O’Grady.
Mount Pearl singer credits voice coach with driving her towards success
By Chad Feehan
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
October 27, 2023 Edition
Fifteen-year-old Mount Pearl resident Emma Nev-ille cried when she learned she had won a Conservato-ry Canada award for sing-ing.
Neville scored 91.7 per cent in her examination, placing her in the top spot for Level 6 contemporary idolism voice in New-foundland and Labrador.
“It was crazy, I was like, ‘Are you sure it’s the right person?’” she said.
Having been singing for years, Neville began Con-servatory Canada examina-tions during the pandemic, finding the challenge ben-eficial to her practice, with constructive criticism com-ing from the adjudicators.
This is the first year she has won an award with the organization.
“I honestly think anyone who has any kind of musi-cal talent should look into them, because they are re-ally beneficial,” she said of the Conservatory.
Neville plans to pursue music after graduating high school, and is propelled in that direction by her en-gagement with the conser-vatory examinations.
With a penchant for musical theater, pop and country, Neville gravitates towards the contemporary category of the conservato-ry’s examinations, as it en-compasses many different styles that she is passionate about.
Her repertoire this year consisted of “I Give My Life for You” from the musical Miss Saigon, “I’m With You” by Avril Lavgine, “Pulled” from the Addams Family musical, “Only Hope” by Mandy Moore, and “Come to Your Senses” from the musical Tick Tick Boom.
Neville credits her life-long voice teacher Justin Goulding for fostering her passion for voice.
“I think if we didn't have the relationship that we have, I don't think I would have had the same dedica-tion to it that I do now, and I think that's really, really special,” she said.
From her first voice lesson with Goulding at 10-years-old, Neville said, she knew singing was something she wanted to do and he’s constantly pushed her limits since then.
“He really opened my eyes to the abundance of opportunities that I could potentially have in music,” she said.
Aside from her parents, Neville considers her nan as her number-one support-er, whom she credits with instilling her love of music at a young age through pia- no lessons.
“She always tells me to dream big and now I under-stand why,” said Neville.
Surprised as she is at her own success, she wants people to recognize their own dreams and go for it, whatever they are.
“They’re never not val-id,” said Neville. “I think keeping your mind set on your goals and dreams no matter what is the most im- portant thing.”
Emma Neville is seen here during a voice performance at New Gower Street Church. The Mount Pearl teenager recently won accolades from the Conservatory of Canada. Amongst her repertoire for next year’s examinations are "Before He Cheats" by Carrie Underwood, “Midnight Train to Georgia,” by Gladys Knight, and "The Girl in 14G" by Kristin Chenoweth.
Frightful Power's Pond
The City of Mount Pearl has turned the peaceful trail around Power's Pond into a veritable fright fest. Until October 29th, Power's Pond will remain transformed into a ghoulish, yet family friendly boardwalk of horrors. Around the pond perimeter you'll find skeletons, witches, unsettling dolls, and even the headless horseman dead-set on berating passers-by. Admission is a monetary donation to local food banks, and is open 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. each night, depending on the weather. Chad Feehan photo
City looking for outside talent to oversee Northlands development
By Chad Feehan
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
October 27, 2023 Edition
Plans to develop the area north of Topsail Road in Mount Pearl are underway, and the City is set to issue a request for proposals for an “owners advisor” for the project.
The owners advisor will consist of a team that will advise the City in planning, engineering, business, legal and other matters related to developing the area.
The so-called “Northlands” between Kenmount Hill and Topsail Road is the last significant area of developable land within the boundaries of Mount Pearl. When development of the area was first announced during the last term of council, it drew a long list of questions, concerns and objections when council held a public meeting with residents in the area to discuss the idea.
The City estimates approximately 1,800 homes can be built there, potentially boosting the population by 15 per cent, and consisting of approximately $100 million in infrastructure.
Councillor Bill Antle said the request for proposals will be advertised broadly to ensure the project's success.
“It’s certainly going to bode well for housing,” Antle said
Mayor Dave Aker was curious about “marketing, sales, and assembling land,” in regards to the project.
Chief administrative officer Dana Spurrell assured the Mayor that the request for proposals references skills and credentials for business development and marketing.
“We’ve been very cognizant of that,” said the CAO. “It’s not just an engineering firm we’re looking for, it's not just a developer we're looking for, it's a team of expertise that will help us develop that last tract of land in Mount Pearl.”
Development of the area north of Topsail Road was included in the Mount Pearl Strategic Plan 2023-2027 released earlier this year.
A plan to attract investment into the area was also mentioned in the strategic plan.
