City to take on more active role in this year's Frosty Festival

By Mark Squibb

The City of Mount Pearl held the kickoff for the 43rd annual Frosty Festival in council chambers last week, allowing volunteers, staff, council, and, of course, Frosty himself, to meet and mingle, and while the festival will look much the same at the ground level, Mayor Dave Aker said this year the City has taken on a more active role at an operational level.

“We had a board that ran the festival for the last 42 years, and a lot of those people were on the board for a very long time and decided to retire this year, and so we decided as a City to take a little bit of the burden off the volunteers,” said Aker. “A lot of people don’t realize, but the Frosty Festival begins organizing in September, October every year, and so it’s a real burden on volunteers.”

Aker allowed that this year’s festival may be slightly smaller than in years past, but mainstay celebrations such as Frosty’s Birthday Bash, Light the Night Festival Launch, Snowball Dinner and Dance, and Frosty’s Extravaganza, will go ahead as usual.

“We have a good group of volunteers involved, we have our events staff here at the City organizing it all, we have 29 events from the sixth of February onwards, and I don’t think the residents will be disappointed with this year’s festival at all,” said Aker. “I think there’s something there for everybody, from seniors to youth.”

Aker said that in previous years, the City provided the Festival with an operations grant, and so having staff take a more active role in the festival ought not cost the City “very much more or less” than previously.

Last year’s grants totalled $65,000.

“I think we have to talk about doing things in new ways than we have in the past,” concluded Aker.

One thing that has not changed is the need for volunteers. Sheri Philpott is a member of the planning committee and has been tasked with organizing the many volunteers needed to make the festival a success, as she has done for the last number of festivals. Philpott said the committee needs about 150 volunteers, all told. As of last week, about a hundred had committed to volunteering.

“We have about a month left to go, so we’re putting a push on now for more volunteers,” said Philpott. She added the committee is also looking for youth volunteers, and have reached out to local high schools. She noted that students volunteering for the festival can apply those hours to their career development volunteer requirements.

Philpott said regardless of a volunteer’s ability, there is a task fit for them, whether collecting tickets, cleaning up, serving food, or helping folks find seating.

“Volunteering encourages a sense of community,” said Phillpott, who herself has volunteered with the festival for a number of years. “I grew up in Mount Pearl, I’ve lived here all my life, and volunteering with the Frosty Festival is a way that I can give back to the community. It gives you a sense of belonging.”

Anyone interested in volunteering can apply at frostyfestival.ca/volunteer.

“If you’re looking to get involved with something, if you’re looking to meet new friends, if you’re looking to satisfy your volunteer hours for school, just reach out,” said Phillpott. “We have a spot for you here at the festival.”

'Intensification' key to 2025, says Mount Pearl Mayor

By Mark Squibb

Mount Pearl Mayor Dave Aker says the City is committed to “residential intensification” this year.

In plainer English, that means more homes and apartment units on smaller lots.

Guiding the City’s plan to build more homes faster will be the new 10-year Municipal Plan and Integrated Transportation Plan, which Aker said is drawing nigh to completion.

“We’ve been listening to residents though the municipal plan engagement process, and as part of that, we realise that we will have to transform the city, or parts thereof,” said Aker. “But I think the best thing we’ve accomplished this year in terms of the long-term plans for the city, is the Municipal Plan and Integrated Transportation Plan that’s being put forward. We’ve finalized the process and are waiting for it to come to council very early in the New Year, and then it’s off to Municipal Affairs for further approval. But it’s going to change the development landscape somewhat in the city. We’ve had good engagement and very positive feedback.”

While it will take a decade to fully realize the new plan, Aker said people will begin to notice new builds around the city as early as this year.

“In 2025, our residents will notice a big change in the area of Mount Carson Road, whether it’s the commercial piece over on Kenmount or the piece above Wyatt,” said Aker. “And you’re going to see some more intense housing in the city. I think we’ve recognized, along with most of the country, that the housing demand outstrips supply. And so, the Municipal Plan was built on that. We also want to be very cautious moving forward. We’re not expecting apartment buildings to go up on every corner. So, we’ve given lots of thought to the plan.”

Aker added that staff hope to issue a request for proposals for a water tower for Kenmount Hill this spring and construction to start shortly thereafter.

One of the challenges facing council and staff this year, said Aker, will be to secure funding for and maintain cost control of the Northlands development.

The City estimates the new development, consisting of approximately 1,800 homes and $100 million in infrastructure sandwiched between Kenmount Road and Topsail Road, could potentially boost Mount Pearl’s population by 15 per cent, once completed.

Moving further south, Aker said he’s excited to see work progressing on the new community centre at the Team Gushue Sports Complex off Smallwood Drive.

The new centre, which will include a combined ice surface and splash pad, is being posited as a replacement for the Park Place Community Centre.

“Park Place has seen it’s day,” said Aker. “It’s very old, very antiquated. There are issues with the building itself, including accessibility issues. The challenge was coming up with the financial plan to replace Park Place, and we’ve come up with that.”

The contract for the new community centre, valued at $15.5 million, was awarded to JMJ Holdings Ltd., last summer with a groundbreaking event in July at the Team Gushue Sports Complex.

Aker said much of the landscaping has been completed and the foundation laid. Construction is expected to wrap up in 2026.

Following the retirement of Chief Administration Officer (CAO) Dana Spurrell this December past, the City entered the new year minus a CAO. Aker said the process to hire Spurrell’s replacement began this past fall and council should be ready to announce it’s new CAO by the end of January.

“Dana really served us well,” said Aker. “She raised the standard of leadership from an administrative point of view. There are big shoes to fill in this particular case.”

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.

Her term at City Hall was short, but eventful. Spurrell was tasked with leading the City through the Kent Investigation, the pandemic, and a City workers strike. Towards the end of her tenure, the City was rocked by number of random, violent attacks that left citizens on edge. A number of youths were arrested in connection with the attacks.

“It’s not just about fighting crime, it’s about fighting the perception that your community is not safe,” said Aker of the violence. “We have a lot more seniors in our community now, and the feedback I’m getting is that they’re a little bit afraid and averse to doing things in the city, unlike in the past, whether it’s walking to the grocery store in the evening or walking along a trail. So, we’ve got to work together, all levels of government to restore that sense of security.”

To that end, said Aker, the City will present to the public a report of findings from a recent town hall on public safety. Additionally, council has partnered with the provincial government to develop a community safety plan.

Aker said if you see a crime, report it.

“We know, generally, what the problem is,” said Aker. “Now we have to start working on a solution.”

On the awards front, Aker said he’s pleased that in 2024 Mount Pearl was named a recipient of three Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC) marketing awards for it’s ‘Come to Life’ resident attraction campaign in the Advertising Campaign, Website, and Video categories.

As for the 2025 municipal election, Aker said he has already decided that he will once again run for mayor. He quipped that while the municipal election date — October 2 — has been more or less set in stone, dates for provincial and federal elections are a bit harder to nail down, as rumours around early elections are circulating at both levels of government.

“You never know, as they say, when the writ will drop,” said Aker. “But we’ll continue to work with out current MP and our current MHAs, and I’m sure that after the election, we’ll continue to roll up our sleeves and work together.”

This year will mark Aker’s ninth as mayor.

Province, City, police pledge public safety plan

By Mark Squibb

Newfoundland Constabulary Chief of Police Pat Roche have pledged to work together to develop a community safety plan and safety group for Mount Pearl, according to a joint statement issued on December 20.

“Crime prevention is most effective when it involves a holistic, community-based approach including multiple sectors, in addition to police enforcement and justice measures,” read the statement. “Collaborative partnerships across multiple agencies can improve access to programs and supports, improve communications between agencies, and lead to more effective and efficient services and improved safety and security.”

The trio also committed to consulting with the public to help guide the development of safety initiatives.

The announcement comes after several violent attacks by teenagers that made headlines in recent months. Several youths have been charged in relation to the attacks.

A public meeting on safety issues held by the City shortly after the most serious attack, attracted over 200 residents.

'Let's get rid of the glycol'

By Mark Squibb

Additional asbestos sheeting and the discovery of a yellowish liquid believed to be propylene glycol drove up the cost to demolish the old Mount Pearl swimming pool on Stapleton Road.

Asbestos sheeting under the exterior shell of the building was estimated to total 602 metres but all told 1002 metres worth of sheeting had to be disposed of. The propylene glycol, which was missed during the initial hazmat assessment, was discovered in a hydronic heating piping system. The liquid was later disposed of at a special treatment facility.

The additional work cost the city $14,082, HST included, payable to contractor Pinchin Ltd.

“Let’s get rid of the glycol,” quipped Mator Dave Aker before putting the matter to a vote.

Council approved the motion unanimously.

Council gave Pinchin the greenlight to move ahead with the demolition of the pool and remediation of the land back in September at a cost of $344,634, HST included.

City to ask Province for money to help develop Kenmount Hill

By Mark Squibb

Mount Pearl City council has given staff the greenlight to apply for provincial government funding for two major infrastructure projects.

The first is for the full replacement of water, sanitary and storm sewer, asphalt, curb, gutter, and sidewalks on Wyatt Boulevard and Mount Carson Avenue in the amount of $12,459,990, HST included. The City will be on the hook for $3,389,745.

The second is for a new, second water tower, water transmission line, and tower site upgrades on Kenmount Hill in the amount of $5,817,153 (HST included). Mount Pearl will pay $1,582,559 with the Province paying the rest if the application is approved.

Staff hope to tender the construction of the water tower this spring, and the City intends to move ahead with the project with or without government funding.

Mayor Dave Aker said the projects will open land for future development in the Kenmount Hill area.

This past November, council awarded an Owners Advisor Services contract – the new bureaucratic term for what used to be called the prime consultant – to Altus Group for management of the area’s development. That contract was approved at a cost of $862,143, HST included, for one year.

Land swap will benefit City and Habitat for Humanity

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