Hi everybody and welcome to our council meeting. We're getting through. It's the
middle of August. The weather is great and council you see before you
an agenda and I don't see anything out of the kid. Although I do some see some
messaging about e-bikes and e-scooters. Should be a good conversation hopefully
tonight. So to adopt the agenda I need a motion and moved by Councillor Fry.
Thank you and seconded by Councillor Deputy Mayor Lock. All in favor? Those
opposed? And that's carried. Um in recognition of the city of Mount
Pearl's commitment to foster respectful and collaborative relationships with
indigenous peoples here in the city of Mount Pearl and beyond.
We hereby acknowledge that the land on which we gather is the ancestral and
unceded territory of the Beothuk and the Mi'kmaq. Mount Pearl and the broader
metro region continue to be home to diverse indigenous peoples including
First Nations, Inuit and Métis.
Once said a minute's there an action report from July 26th before we discuss
any business arising council need your approval for these minutes. So any
errors or omissions?
All good? Everybody good?
All right. Calling for motion moved by Councillor Rice and seconded by
Councillor Antle that we approve those minutes. All in favor?
And opposed? And that's carried. Business arising please quote the number
in the minutes or the action report.
No business arising tonight. There is no proclamations. There's no presentations
or correspondence but we do have corporate services
and I believe taking the lead there will be Councillor Antle. You're yours.
» Thank you, Your Worship. And now we have to pay our bills. We have a lot of work
to do in the city. And the first one is our payment
register for August 18th, 2026. And for the payment register for
July 1st to the 31st, 2026 for the for a total of 4,572,818.56.
And the purchase card report from May 28th, 20 May 28th, 2026 to June 25th,
2026 for a total of 445,060.59.
And if you look at your kit there on the the
uh items to pay, there's a few large ones
there, one in particular for Dexter Construction for $797,000.
That's up there on Jackman Drive. And there's three different to the city
of St. John's for our regional services, and they total for $700,000 or
thereabouts. And you can see in your kit, and they're all good, and I so
move. >> It is moved by Councillor Antle and
seconded by Deputy Mayor Lock. Any questions?
Hearing none, I'll call for approval of the payment register and purchase card
report. All in favor? Contra-minded? Thank you. Carried.
» And number two has to do with professional development. And you know,
with professional development, I guess I stated there last uh 2 weeks ago, it's
so good for us to be able to travel around to different parts of the country
to see what other communities are doing, what other councilors are doing.
And this one has to do with economic development, and that's for myself. And
the Economic Development Association this year is going to be held in Moncton
from September the 14th to the 7th from September 14th to 7th, 2026. And I so
move. >> Thank you for the motions, Councillor
Antle and Deputy Mayor Lock. This is in accordance with policy, and even though
it's not routine, it does come It is routine, but it does come to this table
for approval. All in favor?
And those opposed? And that's carried, thanks.
» And our next professional development, this is really good to see. It's for
Deputy Mayor Locke for the Atlantic Planners Institute and this is held in
PEI and it's really good to get together with other planners and I'm sure our
planners will learn this is a great conference to take an effect and it
starts from October 7th to the 9th, 2026 and I so move.
» Again, moved by Councillor Antle, seconded by the Deputy Mayor. All in
favor? Opposed? Nets carried as well.
» And uh number four is a professional development request. This is for Mayor,
Deputy Mayor and all counselors, I would think. Well, no, I'm sorry, it's for
Counselors Fry and Antle and this is for MNL here in St. John's. All right, and
this is a great conference on November 5th to the 7th and we're very lucky to
have the uh Vice President of MNL here in our chambers as well as Councillor
Fry. This is a great uh opportunity for us to
to chat with other counselors and this goes from November 5th to the 7th and I
so move. >> Again, moved by Councillor Antle,
seconded by Deputy Mayor for these four members of our council to go to MNL in
the fall. All in favor? Opposed? Carried, thanks.
» And another professional development request for our CAO, Cassie Rideout, to
attend the same conference, MNL here in St. John's and I so move.
» Moved and seconded. All in favor? Opposed? Thank you, carried.
» And number six is another professional development training and again, it's a
fabulous to see. It's for our Director, Jason Collins, to handle a
recreation and community safety event at Sombra 2026
in Shediac, New Brunswick from September the 8th to the 11th and I so move.
» Again, moved by Councillor Antle, seconded by Deputy Mayor Locke. All in
favor? Opposed? Again, carried, thank you.
That's everything for corporate services, your worship. Thank you.
Going to move on to the public works report, and that is Councillor Fry,
please. >> Thank you, your worship.
Our report this evening is just for information purposes, just to give
everybody an update on what our crews have been doing cuz they're very, very
busy and they work very hard. Our roads division, the repairs on
maintenance holes, catch basins, curbs, sidewalks, lawn, and and asphalt
continues. And street sweeping is ongoing. For our
parks division, there's of course maintenance on our our sports fields,
that continues. Our flower plant planters and baskets have been installed
and they look amazing, too, by the way. Uh our commemorative bench installations
and required maintenance, providing ground maintenance for summer
tournaments, and that's busy this summer.
Grass cutting throughout the city is ongoing, providing support throughout
the summer for community events, court resurfacing projects are underway and I
think people have seen those on social media, they're doing a great job there.
And playground structures for Farrell Drive and Branscombe Pond have arrived
and the installation will start uh soon in late summer.
Our fleet division is ongoing uh ongoing service and maintenance, and our UTM
division of course have their general calls, their water and sewer repairs,
leak detection, which is always important, fire hydrant inspection and
maintenance are ongoing, the water main valve servicing and exercising, the lift
station inspections and maintenance, catch basin and storm sewer cleaning,
and as always, you can see in your kit here the water levels of Bable's Big
Pond as of August the 10th, taken a little bit of a dip, but still quite
healthy. And that's it for our report, your
worship. Thank Thank very much. Now we're going
to turn to recreation and in the absence of the Deputy Mayor Kylie, I should say,
who is on a leave of absence and without Councillor Lane, I'm going to turn to
Councillor Fry and Councillor Rice.
» Always happy to talk about our recreation department.
Okay, so we have a request for milestone funding for an event for Ladies
Auxiliary Knights of Columbus for their 50th anniversary and they're planning on
having an anniversary dinner. Be it resolved that the requested
funding of $3,500 through milestone event funding be released to the Ladies
Auxiliary Knights of Columbus once all receipts have been submitted for their
50th anniversary celebration dinner on October the 24th.
So, the Ladies Auxiliary submitted a request advising that they will hold a
dinner to celebrate the past and present of the Ladies Auxiliary,
which was founded in 1976 as a church ministry.
The ministry involved volunteering with church functions, supporting food banks,
and providing assistance to the Knights of Columbus with all their events.
The Ladies Auxiliary Knights of Columbus is a long-standing and valued community
organization with a significant history of contributions within the City of
Mount Pearl. So, therefore, the committee recommends
approval to provide the Ladies Auxiliary Knights of Columbus with written
confirmation of the requested $3,500 for their 50th
anniversary celebration dinner on October the 24th, 2026.
And furthermore, it is recommended that the funds approved by council, $3,500,
be released once all receipts have been submitted, ensuring the cost of the
event is or exceed the requested amount. And I so move.
» Thank you. Moved by Councillor Fry, seconded by Councillor Rice. Any
comments? Coming out of policy overdue, Councillor
Anstey. >> Just a quick question. I'm a member of
Knights of Columbus. Am I in a conflict on this, Your Worship? Thank you.
» Only if you are on the executive of the
ladies auxiliary. >> I'm not, so I guess I'm good. Thank you.
» Further? Call the question then. All in favor?
And those who are opposed? None? Thank you. Carried.
» Finally, for the recreation department, is just some information notes here.
Information for the for the attention and consideration of council and the
public. Registration for swim lessons, the Mount
Pearl Seniors Independence Group fitness programs, general recreation programs,
as well as the time and care programs will open on the following dates.
The Mount Pearl Seniors Independence Group fitness programs for Mount Pearl
residents is August 25th at 1:00 p.m. And for non-residents, August 27th at
1:00 p.m. The general fitness programs, now of
course, proof of residency residency is required for resident registration.
Mount Pearl residents will register for general fitness programs on August the
25th at 5:00 p.m. and non-residents, August 27th at 5:00 p.m.
The time program, and this program requires a referral before participants
can register. For Mount Pearl residents, it's August 25th at 5:00 p.m. and
non-residents, August 27th at 5:00 p.m. And our care program, this program also
requires a referral before participants can register.
Again, Mount Pearl residents will register on August 25th at 5:00 p.m. and
non-residents, August 27th at 5:00 p.m. And swim lessons registration, of
course, this one's always popular. And proof of residency is required for
resident registration here as well. Mount Pearl residents will register for
this one on August the 31st at 5:00 p.m. and non-residents September the 2nd at
5:00 p.m. As I mentioned, residents are required
to provide a valid proof of residency prior to the registration date and
participants are encouraged to register early as programs program spaces are
limited and may fill up quickly. So, for more information, please visit
the city of Mount Pearl website. And that's it for this report, Your Worship.
Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Nothing for
community safety, this meeting, engineering, Councillor Rice.
» Thank you, Your Worship. Our first one in our
our kit here tonight is a uh is a contract award for electrical
maintenance services, which is our TP-26-017.
So, uh the council uh approval is requested to award the contract for
electrical services. This approval will allow the city to engage in preferred
proponent to complete electrical maintenance and
services throughout the city. The tender for the electrical
maintenance services TP-26-017 closed on July the 27th, 2026
and four bids were received. The lowest qualified bidder was Pro Circuit
Electrical Incorporated for the bid amount of $129,375
HST included. So, this contract is for an initial
period of 3 years from September the 1st, 2026
until August the 31st, 2029. The city reserves the right to extend
the contract by increments of 1 year for a period of up to
not more than 2 years upon the same terms and conditions provided both
parties agree. So, planning, engineering, and
development recommends that the contract for electrical maintenance services
TP-26-017 be awarded to the lowest qualified
bidder Pro Circuit Electrical Incorporated for
the bid amount of $129,375 HST included for the period of September
the 1st, 2026 to August the 31st, 2029 with the right to extend the contract by
increments of 1 year period for the period of the not more than 2 years, and
I so move. >> Move by Councillor Rice and seconded by
Councillor Antle. Any questions? 3 to 5 years. It's like a sentence.
But it's a tender. All in favor.
Those opposed. Thank you, sir. It's carried. Over to
you for plumbing. >> Thank you. Our second one is our
contract award for a plum plumbing maintenance services TP-26-018.
So, this one council approval is also a contract
required or requested for the plumbing maintenance services. This approval will
allow the city to engage in preferred performance to complete the plumbing
plumbing maintenance and services throughout the city.
Uh so, the background this one is the tender for plumbing maintenance services
TP-26-018
closed on July the 28th, 2026, and one bid was received. The lowest qualified
bidder was King's Plumbing and Heating Limited
for a bid amount of $60,375, HST included.
Uh this contract is for initial period of 3 years from September the 1st, 2026
to August 31st, 2029. The city reserved the right to extend the contract by
increments of 1 year for period of up to not more
to no more than 2 years upon the same terms and conditions provided both
parties agree. So, the planning engineering development
recommends that the contract for plumbing
maintenance services TB-26-018 be awarded to the lowest qualified
bidder King's Plumbing and Heating Limited for
the bid amount of $60,375, HST included for the period of September
the 1st, 2026 until August the 31st, 2029 with the right to extend the
contract by increments of 1 year for a period of not more than 2 years and I
shall move. >> Moved again by Council Rice, seconded.
Thank you by Council Antle. All in favor?
» Aye. >> Those opposed?
Seeing no cut hands up and that's approved.
» Our third one is our adoption of the National Building Code 2025 part nine,
the energy efficient requirements. Just a little background on this one.
The province of Newfoundland and Labrador has adopted the 2025 National
Building Code. However, municipalities retain authority to adopt part nine
residential energy efficiency requirements
and determine the applicant energy performance tier one
tier for one and two family dwelling units. Council must
therefore determine whether the adoption section 9.36, which is the energy
efficiency and establish an implementation approach for the city of
Mount Pearl. So background on this one. The 2025
Building Code and National Fire Code came into
force in Newfoundland and Labrador on July the 12th, 2026.
While the province adopts most provisions of the National Building Code
part nine residential require part nine residential requirements
related to one and two family dwellings remain subject to municipality
adoptions. As a result, municipalities must independently determine whether the
adoption section 9.36 energy efficiency efficiency and
establish the applicant applicable minimum
compliance tier. So section 9.36 introduced a five-tier residential
energy efficiency framework ranging from tier one, which is the base compliance,
to tier five, which is the net zero energy ready.
Uh so, the city of Mount Pearl, just a second, I'll just get down to the bottom
here. The committee recommends that the council adopt National Building Code
2025 part nine, including section 3.3 9.36,
and the energy efficiency for one and two family dwellings within city of
Mount Pearl, and establish tier two as the initial mandatory compliance
standard. Staff further further recommended
uh that council consider a future review of tier tier three
implementation once municipal processes, industry readiness, and staff capacity
have been established. Tier four and tier five are not recommended at this
time, and I so move. >> Again, moved by Councillor Rice,
seconded by Councillor Antle. Come to you, Councillor Deputy Mayor
Lock. >> Uh thank you, Mayor.
» Thank you, Councillor Rice. >> You know, just just for clarity here, I
know Councillor Rice indicated that there's up to tier five tiers in this
particular uh part nine of the National Building Code, and it seems that we're
only achieving tier two of a possible five. And the
rationale for that, of course, is um I mean, this will be mandatory
requirements if if and council discussed this at large with with staff and based
on staff recommendations. If we were to adopt mandatory tier five,
that would that would increase the cost of housing tremendously. That it
wouldn't be it wouldn't be viable. So, um we figured the most prudent thing to
do was tier up to tier two, which is still energy efficient. I don't want to
get the I don't want the message out there that Mount Pearl is sort of
reneging on energy efficiency and climate initiatives, because we are not.
Uh so, we recognize, in consultation, you know, with the the builders, that uh
most of the tier two requirements are already being undertaken. So, by making
that mandatory in the city of Mount Pearl, we're not causing any undue
hardship or any increased costs on potential home buyers. With that said,
we have committed to review the requirements for tier three in
consultation with the builders and the experts in the field and our staff and
maybe we can move to adopt that in the years to come. So, I just want to make
that point of a clarification there, Mayor. Thank you.
» Yeah, what's the staff? Director Bett, are we one of the first to do this and
uh how far ahead of everybody else are we?
Um I think it's a good thing as Councillor Deputy Mayor Locke is saying,
but uh um I'm glad to see the initiative being
undertaken by you and your department.
» Yeah, I'm not sure if we're one of the first, but there's conversation around
municipalities on Northeast Avalon. Um what approaches are being taken. Um
at a staff level, we've been coordinating back and forth on where we
believe is the appropriate path. Uh that's been communicated to the other
municipalities as well. But, as Councillor Locke said, uh tier two is
uh not far off from what we're already
achieving with most modern homes. So, that's a good place to start with, you
know, ambition to move forward uh as we understand the process more.
» Would this apply to uh renovations or is it just new builds? How does that
carry itself through the processes? >> It is primarily new builds. Renovation
would have to classify for a certain area to be renovated in order to comply.
Otherwise, it would be I'd say grandfathered under prior building
codes. >> Uh no, Councillor Angel, and then you,
Deputy Mayor. Sorry about that. No worries.
» Uh just a quick question. I know this comes in effect in the province July the
12th. When is it effective for the city of Mount Pearl and does the builders get
some a notification? Thank you.
» Yeah. >> so after it's been adopted tonight, it
would be into effect. However, we wouldn't we would give a grace period
and a notification period to developers and contractors before we roll it out
officially. Um I'm expecting probably late fall to make it uh a mandatory
compliance criteria. It'll give us some time to get our forms and policies in
order uh to check to make sure this is being achieved.
» Uh thank you, Director. Uh just for the question, Mayor, based on on your
question earlier, I know we we give out grants for people to upgrade, put in
subsidiary basement apartments. And I I'm just thinking back to past years, if
people wanted to if they had their apartment deregistered and then wanted
to register it again, they'd have to upgrade it to existing standards.
So, would that apply to the funding that we're giving, the grants that we've been
giving out under the Housing Accelerator Fund, they
would have to meet this this new building code or this this
national building standard here? >> Or is that just egress?
» I believe they would have to meet that as well, but it's not an onerous
standard to meet. Tier two is is fairly basic with most modern homes.
» Further thoughts, anybody or everybody? Hearing none, I'll call the question.
Then, all in favor? Opposed? And we've adopted it. Thank
you.
» Thank you. Our next one is I want to give an update on our capital work
capital work projects that's happening around the city.
Uh so, this is just for information purposes only. So, Farrell Drive
pumphouse upgrades construction is ongoing on that project is around 80%
complete. Our 2025 concrete works
uh construction is around 99% complete. Uh work is ongoing. Our White Boulevard
upgrades construction is 85% complete on that project and work is ongoing up on
that project. Our sewage lift station, which is on Mount Carson Avenue,
construction is ongoing on that one. That one is around 99% complete. Jackman
Drive upgrades, if you've been over in that area, you can certainly see that
they're moving along with that project and that one is around 80% complete. Uh
work is ongoing. Uh our water tower access road construction is 85% complete
and work is ongoing on that project. Our water storage tank, which is our design
build construction, is 64% complete. Work is ongoing on that project as we
speak. Our Trailway Crossing Commonwealth Avenue construction is 85%
complete. Work ongoing and hopefully have that open up in the next couple of
weeks. Our 2026 our 2028 street markings is 85% complete. Work is ongoing on that
project as well. And our 2026 asphalt services uh work is expected to start in
August of 20 26. That's it for that one project. That's the end of the report.
» a question. Councilor Rice, yeah.
» Just a quick question. I'm sorry because I get this I I get this question almost
daily and you know what I'm going to ask. I think Councilor Rice said it
though. The Trailway Crossing, is it 85% complete? You said in a couple of weeks,
so we we think we'll have it done before September 1st. All right. I know it's
almost there. I I stopped doing some electrical work the other day, so I'm
looking forward to see that done. But people do ask cuz one or two people
watch. I want to know what to ask that
question. Thank you. >> Is that a question or just commentary?
» I have a question, but go you go first, Councilor Rice, unless you're continuing
your report.
» I can go back to you. Does it matter? No, I I just wanted to add to that one
that we had some work there that Lake and Power had to do down in that area
for uh because there are two uh poles that are
going to go that's going to carry the uh I guess the
sign is out over the street there. We're too close to the wires, but those wires
have been moved. Moved up and uh so hopefully now over the next couple of
weeks we'll get the uh pole bases down and everything will move along there and
get the crosswalk put in. So, that's the next plan.
» Sounds good. No, I'm good. Thank you very much. Anybody else?
Um let's move on, sir, to I guess you're going to occupancy. Are you?
» Yeah, okay. >> So, these are already pre-approved by
our director of engineering. Uh so, I just want to uh
just read that anyway. Occupancy permit listing from uh June the 1st to July uh
31st, 2026. You'll see four there in your kit.
And that's that just for information purposes only.
And our next one is our building I got to open up here.
Next one is our building uh permit listing, which is also
pre-approved. This one runs from June the 1st to July the 31st.
And you see uh quite the substantial amount there. There's 85 listed off in
our kit there. And they range in uh from accessory
buildings to patio, decks, verandas, uh basically
uh you know, home round Most of these are
actually uh that are renovations or I guess they're uh putting new decks on,
verandas, exterior renovations around their homes. As you know, Mount Pearl is
an aging uh city. So, we got uh retaining walls and fences being
repaired. It's nice to see actually uh residents keeping up their properties in
the city. We got a certain standard here in the city and uh it's nice to see
these 85. And I'm encouraging every time I uh
you know, you're always got residents asking, you know, so you got to put in a
permit for that, right? And you know, you got to put in a permit and get a
permit and get it approved before you do it. If that's If that's a new shed,
extension to a house, or fence, retaining wall, or anything that's to do
with your property, you need to uh get a permit. And that's it for our report.
Thank you, Your >> Okay, thank you very much. We're going
to go to planning and development, Deputy Mayor Lock.
» Thank you, Mayor. Three items here. The first is stop development order
confirmation. A council decision is required here
to confirm an order to cease commercial activity at a residential property.
Pursuant to the Mount Pearl development regulations, council has the delegated
authority. Has the authority to delegate authority
to an employee of council to issue an order in accordance with our
regulations. And this order is required to be confirmed by a majority of council
at the next public meeting on July 23rd. Our director of planning and engineering
development issued the attached stop development order pursuant to a
delegated authority resolution of council. So, here we're just
recommending that council confirm the order to cease an unpermitted automated
automotive-related business. And this activity is taking place at 20 Gadwall
Place, and I so move.
» Is there a motion required to confirm this order? I'm going to ask the
legislative officer just to make sure, right?
» I think so. >> Because if we delegated the authority to
the director, it still has to come here. Okay, just
making sure. I'm going to need Councillor Fry, I
think, to second that. And thank you for to both of you. Any further questions?
Councillor Rice.
» No, I'm glad this one is coming. This is happening happening quite frequently in
the city now, and I know we got other areas in the city that that, you know,
residents think they're sticking up right in a commercial or business out of
their property, but that's not the case. I mean, we have several other areas as
well in the city that that this is happening, and it's not allowed in a
residential area. I'm glad this is coming through, and I drove over there
this afternoon, and I just want to have a quick look, and there was five or six
cars in the driveway in that area. So, something happening there and I'm I'm
glad, you know, our inspectors and our municipal enforcement, whoever's doing
the inspection on those are are traveling there and uh and reporting
that back. Uh this stuff is not you know, if you want to operate a garage or
something like that, you go to a proper location and set it up. So, uh that's
just my view on that one. And I'm glad this happening. Thanks.
» Yep, well said. You uh live in a residential area, you should be able to
enjoy living in a residential area, not living in a commercial area or have
commercial activity. I'm going to call the question. All in
favor? And those opposed? And that's carried. Thank you.
» Uh thank you, Mayor. Uh the next item is the St. John's urban regional urban
region regional plan amendment number 110 2025. This is an update here.
And it's again it's for the attention and consideration of my members of
council as well as the public. Um it's a public consultation summary regarding uh
the St. John's urban regional plan amendment. No objections were received
during the referral and consultation process
of this urban regional plan uh which closed on August 10th of 2026. In
summary, the city received four responses
from our neighboring municipalities, CBS, St. John's, Bay Bulls, Portugal
Cove, St. Philip's, and none of the responses raised any concerns nor
objections regarding the proposed provincial amendment.
We did, however, receive one email from a resident and they were seeking
clarification as to how this might impact their
individual residential property, but after discussing this with our staff, uh
the resident did not express any objection again to this proposed
provincial amendment. Now, next steps. It's a very thorough
process as we know here trying to get our municipal plan uh Mount Pearl's city
municipal plan updated. So, these are the required upcoming steps.
Um we await confirmation from the province regarding this proposed St.
John's urban region regional plan amendment. We're expecting that late
August. Then we're going to resubmit a revised
draft municipal plan and development regulations
spanning 2026 to 2036. This of course is based on internal revisions, the outcome
of the amendment that we just referenced, and response to general
commentary and review comments from the province. Um so we're expecting this by
mid-September. Then we're going to await section 15
release for the um municipal plan development
regulations 2026 to 2036 from the province. We're expecting that late
September. Then we'll proceed with the adoption of
our municipal plan development regulations by the by our public
council. Again, late September, early October.
Then we have to schedule and hold a joint public hearing. We're expecting
that in mid-October. Then we'll await the public commissioner's report,
council approval of our municipal plan development regulations, submit the plan
and regulations to the province for ministerial register registration. We're
expecting that in early November. Then we'll um
await uh ministerial registration letter from the province. Again, late November,
early December. And finally, publish the notice of registration in the
Newfoundland and Labrador Gazette. And that's estimated at the end of December.
This will then conclude the required process. And the Mount Pearl uh the new
Mount Pearl municipal plan and development regulations for 2026 to 2036
will officially come into effect on the date that the notice of registration is
published in the Newfoundland and Labrador Gazette. So this is a very a
fullsome and and thorough process here. And we are following due process. So I
just wanted to provide that update there, Mayor.
And the last uh for our report is the um development permit listing
from uh June 1st to July 31st of 2026. And you can see that there are 11 listed
there. And um we're open any questions should
council have any questions on this. >> I think Councillor Antle does.
» Just a question and maybe uh we can answer this. I noticed this is
just for our FYI, right? But it stated June the 1st uh to
running through to July 20th. Is there any way we can have that earlier like
instead of having already happened? What's going to
happen? Is that a possibility?
Well, no. Well, this is uh this is uh development permit listings that are
happening like you know what? Open air assembly that happened on June the 16th.
There were hockey tournament that happened over top the road. I didn't
know that was happening. But if we had a known it if we have it beforehand. Is
there any way you can have it beforehand like it's going to happen in September?
No, I think things don't I'm asking instead of having it now as an FYI that
already happened. Like is an FYI that already happened.
I'd like to know what's going to happen. >> Well, I guess the only thing we could do
is if is show permits have been approved right up to today I'll say to exaggerate
the case perhaps. But we can't really forecast into the
future unless you're talking about an activity that was approved
that may happen in the future. But they're all future oriented, right?
Because when the permit's issued it's about to you're about to do something.
So, help me out here either director or CAO. I'm trying to answer Councillor
Antle it would in a practical way, but uh
could we get them earlier? Um or more up to date for lack of a
better word. I don't mean that to be critical. Just asking the question.
» No, I mean listen. I we can certainly take it away. I I don't see um
a procedural way to provide guaranteed advance notice of all permits issued
because our permits are processed based on event date. So, or activity date. So,
I I can't guarantee you that cuz we may not even be in receipt of the permit
application 2 months out from an event happening. We may only be able to issue
the permit in that appropriate time period. So, unfortunately, I think we
have to take that away and give it more consideration as to how we can achieve
and I know what you're asking for, but I I, you know, the it's a manual
process to deliver that and so we have to give that more consideration.
» Yeah, just to go back on that one. Like for the ball hockey tournament, that's
one I was just noticed that was happening on July the 9th. You know, and
this is a it was an FYI. Like I didn't I walked over it. I didn't know what was
happening. Is there any way that we know if something's happening in September?
It was going to be an FYI or October. Maybe it doesn't happen, but that'd be
nice to know if it's going to happen. Something like
» That's the takeaway, I think. That's the one you've got to
But I would ask this, um not for decision tonight, but to
Councillor Angel's point, if the if the report is being prepared the Friday
before the Tuesday, maybe the cut-off could be the Thursday before the council
meeting. And the spreadsheet, which I'm assuming this is what this is, could be
uh tabulated. The other issue, I think we're going to leave that in your hands
until next meeting. Uh Councillor Angel, that work for you?
Okay. Um that report was from Deputy Mayor Locker. You finished, sir?
» sir. Thank you. >> I'm going to move to round table.
Councillor uh Rice, please.
» No, just a couple things for me there. Uh I just wanted to uh
just wanted to add about the city website. Uh also, there's a couple
things I wanted to highlight actually, uh because a couple of people uh
residents called me about a couple of things happening in the city and one of
them was a citizen's alert about signing up for the citizen alert. Anything
that's happening in the city, you get it through that uh
through that, you know, process there because you you once you sign up and
give your email, you'll get notification of it cuz a couple people mentioned to
me that they didn't know what was something was happening, but if you sign
up for that, you will get it. Also, the construction is notices are all up there
as well on the city site. Very important because I know we got lots of
construction happening now around the city. Uh you know, uh you over on uh
you know, up around Farrell Drive area is a lot of
stuff happening up in that area, so you know, uh same thing as well. And uh the
other the other one I want to mention is the Hey Mayor Pearl uh
Your Voice. So, you can go down that app and you can put actually on the Hey
Mayor Pearl, you can actually click on the on the link there
and you can go in and give your opinion on stuff, upcoming stuff in the city.
So, I just want to That's it for me. Thank you.
» Yeah, citizen alerts really valuable, especially for service notifications or
uh or emergencies. Um okay, so thank you, Councillor Race.
Over to you, Councillor Fry.
» Thank you, Mayor. There are two things I want to speak
about tonight. The first one is something I think we'll all be
interested in and that's of course, e-bikes and uh scooter regulations.
As um as part of Municipalities Newfoundland
and Labrador, I've been involved with meeting with the province and the team,
Minister Goosney and his team there in terms of what how to go forward in
terms of regulating this. Of course, this is all so new. It's new technology
and we're still trying to trying to catch up with it.
But, everyone agrees that regulations are needed for for a number of reasons.
I mean, first of all, you've got a lot of young people using these. They don't
know the rules of the road. They haven't applied for a permit and did a test and
then did their driver's training and then had to do another test. Like, it is
kids are kids and of course, as kids, kids do things that they probably
shouldn't do. They don't have the fear, so we need regulations first of all to
keep them safe. But, also, I know after talking to a lot
of people over the last couple of weeks, especially, there are a lot of people
who have had near misses with people on e-bikes and e-scooters. I know I have.
And uh I can't imagine if I had hit somebody. I
mean, I would never be the same again. It would You know, that's something that
stays with you. So, we also, of course, need to protect the drivers as well. So,
I think we're moving in the right direction. I I I'm so impressed with uh
with Minister Goosney and his team. I believe they've taken this very
seriously, and they've done a lot of consultations and
a lot of research, and and that's including with e-bike manufacturers, and
and I've learned a few things about that, too.
So, the province has now launched a public
engagement survey, and this is focused on strengthening road safety, including
the regulation and safe operations of e-bikes and e-scooters.
So, I encourage people to go into that site
and participate in the survey and share their views on how road safety can be
improved for all users. And I do believe that we're going to get a lot of similar
things, you know, like a lot of repeat things, but there's probably going to be
one or two those little gems in there that's going to make a difference. So,
everybody's Everybody's views are important there.
And the survey can be found at engageNL.ca.
And uh this stems from growing public discussions across the province
regarding e-bike and e-scooter safety. And it includes concerns raised by
municipalities, residents, and law enforcement. So, of course, the city of
Mount Pearl will also complete a survey as it's open to municipalities as well
as the general public. And uh I I'd strongly encourage people
to uh to have their say. And this is this is new. It's kind of like when
seatbelt regulations first came in. You know, nobody wanted it, but now it's
just now it just keeps us all safe and it's
just um a habit. So, we're at a place now where
this is coming into play and it's something that people should should have
their have their voices heard. So, that's one thing I wanted to talk
about there. I don't know if anybody else wanted to comment.
The other thing I wanted to talk about is um
I've as you guys all know, I'm an animal
lover. And I've had a number of residents reach
out to me over the summer with concerns that our animal when when they call in,
if they if they've captured a stray animal, when they call in, they're told
that we don't collect stray animals if they're in custody.
So, this this got some people shaking their heads
because I mean, if you see a stray cat, you're going to
entice them somewhere, enclose them, and then call animal
regulations and say, "Please come get this."
But, they're being told now, "If you have If you have the animal,
we're not coming to take it." So, this is something of concern. I just bring it
forward because I've had a number of residents reach out to me on this.
This is the season when the you know, you've got a lot of animals roaming and
they're we're coming into kitten season, and you don't want an excess of animals
on the streets. Plus, you also don't want, you know, for
the safety of the animals as well. So, this is something I just wanted to bring
forward for future discussion. I just wanted to table it here today and and
let residents know that this is something on our radar and we're going
to revisit it. And that's it for me, Your Worship.
Thank you. >> Yeah, I guess part of your plea is is it
something new we're doing or not doing, whatever the case may be, but
yeah, it's nice to be able to communicate that to residents.
» We used to We used to collect animals. Um and I believe it changed in 2019. So,
I'm just asking that it be revisited because this is something, you know,
like I said, we don't want we don't want animals on on the street and you've got
all these good Samaritans who are collecting and are trying to save
animals and trying to get them off the street. And if people won't come and if
our if our if our
bylaws say that we won't go collect them, what are they going to do with
them? Put them back out on the street. And we don't want that. So, um I just
wanted to bring it forward and have it revisited.
Thank you. >> So, the direction is will staff take it
away? I think that's what I'm sensing, right? That's your plea? Yeah, good
stuff. Okay, thanks so much. Over to Deputy Mayor.
» Uh thank you, Mayor. Two quick things. Well, the first about the e-bikes, I
won't go on at length because I'm uh Councillor Fry summarized it uh
nicely there. I'm just delighted to see the province uh
you know, taking an initiative and and and reaching out seeking feedback, but
as Councillor Fry said, I think I think there's going to be significant
overlap um in the responses. So, I I await that. Um
I also want to just extend the congratulations to the event Sunday, the
uh the Sunset Market out here out front. I
mean, people were just they were charmed. I got to say. Um so many people
came and said, "What a lovely event." It was pop-up. Some people said, "I didn't
know about it. I heard the music. I was over the tennis courts. I decided to
drop down." The music was great. The um the food was great. The uh you
know, all the vendors. So, I just want to extend congratulations Director
Collins and others who were involved in that
uh making that such a success. That's it for me, Mayor. Thank you.
» Thank you. And over to you, Councillor Antle, and
uh let's talk about e-bikes. Go ahead. >> I I have a
two things to talk about. One, I'll talk about e-bikes, believe it or not. I just
filled out Engage NL. I have a call in to the minister. and to
chat with the minister because I I am on a knee bike.
And I'm I'm on the bike and trail every week every day.
And I stopped talking to people most times to ask them about how they feel
about e-bikes. And a lot of people do we have to
there's distinguish between e-bikes. E-bikes are pedal assisted e-bikes and
e-bikes without pedals. And we got to make sure that we're not
going to ban e-bikes that pedal assisted. I think I know minister even
said we're not looking for a banning e-bikes with pedals. Pedal assisted
bikes I mean we got to there's car what is two there's a big difference.
And I won't go on about that too much. But you know Sunday when I went up from
my house to CBS 90% of the bikers were e-bikers on the trails and they were
following rules of the road. Now I'll get to my topic and I'll just
get into that. I was up on uh Saint David's and I contacted a
counselor Wednesday or Thursday last week with my grandchildren.
And when I went there there was six youngsters and they were they were
electric dirt bikes or whatever these called pedal they never had no pedals.
And they were going across Saint David's field
in the parkway and I'd say they were doing 40 or 50 km an hour. They were
flying. I mean there was youngsters all over the field. My youngsters were
there. My grandchildren were there. There was other children there playing.
We our parks our parks and rec were playing with
their kids. I contacted our CEO and I said this is terrible. I mean this is we
have to do something. So I stopped I chatted with other parents while I was
there. And a lot of people don't realize that
these motor these e-bikes without motors are not legal here in the city of Mount
Pearl. They can be confiscated. So one of our MEOs came by and I chatted
with one of our MEOs and we talked about this like they can confiscate these
bikes. I think what we have to do is let parents know like right up front they're
illegal in the city of Mount Pearl and we can confiscate them. They're in our
bylaws. We had them sent out today that our bylaw states that we can confiscate
motorized vehicles within city of Mount Pearl. And e-bikes without pedals can be
confiscated. I think what we need to do is put a on our website, on our
Facebook, that we're going to start confiscating these bikes. Parents need
to know they're illegal in the city of Mount Pearl. Somebody's going to get
hurt. The bylaws, like Counselor Friel just said, the minister's working on
something. But our bylaws are already in the city.
Our MEOs can pick up a bike and confiscate that bike. Now, as regards to
scooters, I don't know how the scooters work. But the scooters are just as
dangerous as If they don't have pedals, someone's going to get hurt on these
bikes. But right now, we already have the bylaws in our city that we can
confiscate the bikes. I think what we need to do is put out a some kind of
notification within the next 30 days or next 2 weeks, we're going to start
confiscating. And I think that will stop people from using Parents don't know
that they're illegal. Yeah. I was up in Costco
a couple of days ago. They're selling scooters now for I won't say the price,
but they're selling People are buying them all over the place. Parents need to
know they're illegal in the city of Mount Pearl. And however we do that, we
can put a sign on the beginning of We have signs all the times.
Yeah. And And you know, that's uh
me on e-bikes. So, anybody else? >> passionate. You're a bit of a cyclist
from what I understand. >> I'm on the e-bike. I talked to lots of
people in the city, right? You know, my age around the e-bikes, and I contacted
I put on the Engage NL, and I put a sign my name, and I said you can give me a
call. I talked to e-bikes. You can go down on the trail, and I just rode my
bike across the walk, and I talked to people on the e-bikes.
And I stress that. I think any of us are looking We don't want to ban e-bikes.
Pedal-assisted e-bikes are what are safe. It's the speed and these motorized
dirt bikes have to be banned. And we have the laws in place to confiscate
them. And that's my rant on that one.
» Unfortunately, we don't Well, it depends on the classification. Electric dirt
bikes, these little guys that go, you know what I mean? Like like the old
Yammie, remember the old Yammies? They are classified as off-road vehicles in
the city of Mount Pearl and they are enforceable. Right now e-bikes with
pedals and e-scooters are permitted within the city because to see a sign
doesn't always define what the regulation is and the regulations don't
necessarily back that up and we're trying to coordinate with the province
and I got the CAO and I saw the corner of my
eye Deputy Mayor Lock. Can you expand on that as I know we had some notes done up
and but Councillor is right, speed is the issue. I'm not sure I agree with him
on the pedal assist bikes but e-scooters and e-bikes it's free range
unfortunately. Is that a fair statement unless we ban them specifically just
from our infrastructure?
» Um listen, no doubt that this is a topic of interest particularly with the news
as of late. So the city is working on a submission
outlining many of the concerns raised here today but Mayor is right. It's very
clear legislatively in our own regulations around e-bikes without
pedals because they don't have to propel they cannot operate on a propel assist.
So we do have regulations support that we do not have the support of
regulations for e-scooters or e-bikes and so at this point in time
any enforcement is limited in terms of what we can do as a municipality so we
have to work with the province. We have to govern
we have to work from a governance and advocacy perspective to find a path
forward on that. So we're doing what we can. We are enforcing the regulations
that are within our control. So for example helmets helmets are required
under our current regulations and our municipal enforcement team have been
enforcing helmet regulations and requirements more so and
and Director Collins has given this direction to his team
to ensure that we are stopping we are working with youth
for e-bikes e-dirt bikes, sorry. and It is all very complicated, but for e-dirt
bikes, we are we have given the direction to our
enforcement team to confiscate where appropriate, and if you're operating
outside of that to call a parent and ensure the parent comes to collect the
bike in those times. So, the challenge, you know, the challenge is around
enforcement of e-scooters and and e-bikes that have
um pedal pedals with them because our
ability to enforce is limited. However, we are working more on an awareness
angle right now, and we're we're going to work with the province to support
better legislation that we can better enforce.
» I'm going to save you for last, Councillor Rental, because you started a
great conversation, but I think we've got two colleagues that want to speak,
and maybe more for all I know, but I'm going to go to Deputy Mayor Lock and
then Councillor Fry. >> Uh thank you, Mayor. I just further to
what Councillor Rental was saying, I I mean, he's dead on the money here,
but I think we got to get into the semantics because we're using the term
e-bikes, but and I think that's where the confusion comes, Councillor Rental.
It's it's the e-motorcycle that we're we're concerned about because
I know I mean, I was reading here today some
information that was sent to us about micro-mobility devices.
And then the examples that were given here, e-bikes, pedal-assist bikes,
e-scooters, electric skateboards, and Segways.
But to me, what distinguishes an e-bike from a pedal-assist bike? In my mind,
they're the same. It's the e-motorcycles is what we're
I think what what you're referring to here, right? But
or electric dirt bike, right? But, you know, a bicycle a
The pedal-assist is what we permit. As long as you got pedals that you can
propel with your feet, that's what's permissible.
Of course, and I said that a couple of weeks ago, that I'm on the trail
sometimes, and people on you know, you know, mountain bikes that
aren't e electric, they're exceeding the speeds on our trails. So, you know, but
we need to we and I'm sure the province is going to do this, they need to
clarify to your point, Councillor Randell, so that parents know what's
legal, what's not. What's not legal in the city of Mount
Pearl. Thank you, Mayor. Councillor Fry. And Councillor Racey,
are you next in the queue or you want to wait? You going to You're going to pass
for now. I think it's all being discussed. Councillor Fry and then
Councillor Randell. >> I just wanted to add because there was
one thing that I I learned this week. These uh scooters, you know, the ones
that kids have, they come in factory uh from the factory at set at 30 km/h.
That's what is recommended, 30 km/h. But apparently, there's a way you can, I
don't know, YouTube it or something and this is what kids are doing. There's a
way to override that 30 km/h. So, now you've got these scooters that should be
going 30 km/h and they're going much, much faster. So, that's one of the
things that we need to keep in mind, too, when you're talking
about speeds and and e-scooters. Like, there's You've got the ones from the
factory that are 30 km and then others that can go much faster.
Uh I also wanted just to to I think uh CAO Rideout hit the ball hit the nail
right on the head because in terms of regulation, we need provincial
regulation. We need to keep it consistent across across the province
across municipal boundaries. And by having provincial regulation, that will
help in terms of enforcement and giving more more clout to enforcement. And uh
that's all I just wanted to say. I just I was fascinated about the I was down at
the e-bike shop and they have what they call moto bikes or something and they
look really amazing. There was one there like $20,000.
But it is I mean, there's the technology is there and one of something else that
he said that I found was interesting, too. He said, "This is new here, but
people tourist come and they want to rent these bikes because they've they're
so used to having them in other parts of Canada that when they come, they know
how to use them and that's that's their mode of transportation. So, we're just a
little bit uh I guess a little bit later getting it here, but it's like the
Cabbage Patch effect, you know, one kid gets it, everybody else wants one,
right? >> Now, you're dating yourself.
» Yeah. >> Coun. Tilley,
you stared at this. >> How do you want to finish, sir?
» Just on a high note. I talked to some kids that use scooters and I thought
this was fabulous. Couple of scooters, like you can leave my house for any
Mount Pearl now and you can take these scooters and that's what they're
planning to do, go right to university, 10 km from Mount Pearl, 10 km on our
trails and it's nice trails and they can take the scooters, put them in their
backpack and put them in the locker. So, it's ideal for university students.
There is a way we can keep these scooters and work with these. Like the
mayor said, speed is the key. 20 km on our trails, that's it. If you do 20 km,
with something director Collins, we both have e-bikes and you know, we do speed
them at 20 km. It's no problem. I have an e-bike, my son has a regular bike, I
cannot keep up with him. I have an e-bike, my bike tops out at 28 km, it
won't go any faster in life. I can't keep up with Ryan. This is just
impossible. It's just So, it's it's speed. Any other I'll go on and that's
it. So, we can go on that. My last one is really uh it's good news.
And I think we need to send out a letter congratulations to Read Music.
Junior and Junior Reed are celebrating 35 years of successful business here in
the city of Mount Pearl. Junior and Junior started our business
off here on number three Commonwealth Avenue, all right? And one they had one
little office there off Amulree Electric.
That's where he started, a little tiny office. It was just They had a couple of
guitars and a piano and they started off 35 years ago.
And now you look at them, they're over on Topsail Road, they have the I think
the top floor, they have classes. They have
I've taught so many people how to play music here in City Mount Pearl.
If any time we want any kind of donation, you call Junior and Janior and
they're there right away. So, for 35 years successful business here in City
Mount Pearl, congratulations from almost, I'm sure, and a nice letter from
the City Mount Pearl would be nice. And uh maybe we can drop over and uh
drop it off to him. And that's everything from me, Your Worship. Thank
you. >> Consider it done. I'm going to finish
with a few thank yous. Thank you to Carrie Hotter in our community city
communications for putting together all these great e-bike and e-scooter and
e-messaging uh for the city. Thank you very much uh
Carrie. Uh thank you to council and staff for um Mount Pearl putting the
initiative in through MNL to uh put a resolution on the table so that
Councillor Fry, who's the vice president of MNL and is also, I think, head of
advocacy, uh could meet with Minister Goosney
along with her colleagues at MNL. Um but I can also give you an update. I think
the minister is very confident in the process and it's going to be very
thorough, but there are timelines. And he, I believe, mentioned to me yesterday
that they're hoping to bring in some legislation the fall. They're they're
not dithering cuz he's not just hearing it, say, from the City of Mount Pearl. I
think all quarters are are speaking to it.
Um and I think CAO, we talked about
setting up a meeting with Minister Goosney just to follow up our
engagement. I believe we would have no trouble getting Councillor Antle to go.
Yeah. So. With that in mind, uh
thank you everybody for your attention, your discussion of the issues, and
giving up um um the evening of your Tuesday, which is
a quite evening outdoors, and I'm going to now call for a motion, please, to
adjourn the meeting. Moved by Councillor Fry, seconded by Councillor Rice.