CBS scraps the dome and goes for steel for community centre

By Craig Westcott

You can either blame Donald Trump or thank him, but the U.S. president's tariff war on Canada appears to be responsible for CBS council's decision to scrap plans to use an inflatable dome for the town's new community centre opting to go with a conventional steel building instead.

Ward 3 councillor Gerard Tilley made the announcement at last week's public council meeting.

Tilley said council changed its mind after getting updated estimates showing the balloon structure would cost an extra $4 million to build, bringing the total to $20 million because of trade and tariff issues. 

"At that point, council accepted the recommendation of its external consultant and staff to revisit pricing for a self-supporting steel structure," Tilley said. "The new cost estimate for a steel structure came in at $22 million, but with significantly lower annual operating costs, which would quickly absorb the $2 million difference."

Tilley said council initially decided to go with the balloon structure because it was the cheapest alternative at the time. 

"That cost preference has essentially been eroded with escalating prices to the point that it is no longer the lowest cost long term," he said.

Despite the change, the centre will still be built on time, with work starting this year and an opening date in 2027, Tilley said.

None of the work conducted so far, including road upgrades to the site in Gateway off Legion Road, has been wasted, Tilley added. “The overall project scope and timeline remain unaffected by any change in structure type. In addition, the footprint and size of the playing surface remain essentially the same."

Council announced it was going ahead with an inflatable structure in January last year. It hired Lat49 Architecture to serve as its prime consultant to oversee construction and changed its development regulations to accommodate the dome’s expected 30-metre height.

Tilley said like the dome, the steel building will also provide some 100,000 square feet of space. 

"The facility will continue to support a wide range of activities, including court sports such as basketball, volleyball, and pickleball, as well as turf-based activities like football, soccer, baseball, softball, and ultimate frisbee," he said. "Community spaces and amenities will also be included to support local programming and events."

In a written statement – because her voice was hoarse from the flu – Deputy Mayor Andrea Gosse, who chairs council's finance committee, said the decision reflects the Town's responsibility to minimize the tax burden on residents.

"The purpose and programming for this project have not changed," Gosse said. "The Community Lifestyle Centre will provide a modern, year-round space for recreation, programming, and community use, and the revised approach strengthens its long-term financial sustainability for residents.”

Council approves Mad Rock vacation rental properties

By Mark Squibb

The Town of Bay Roberts last week approved construction of two vacation rental homes in the Mad Rock area, with a potential third to come.

“The developer wants to develop a couple of vacation homes right now, and later construct a third dwelling down there, which will be different from the two vacation homes,” Director of Protective Services Gregory Squires said. “The recommendation is to grant an approval in principle for a proposed three-unit detached development that will be on Water Street East.”

The development does not yet have a civic address.

Councillor Silas Badcock moved that council approved the application subject to a number of conditions, including submission of a ‘plot plan’ complete with all setbacks.

Badcock noted the property will not be eligible to avail of municipal services such as snow clearing and garbage collection. The property will also not be eligible for fire protection services during the winter months due to its location.

Should the owner ever decide to sell, the two vacation homes would need to be sold as a pair to maintain the Town’s building lot standards.

Deputy Mayor Neil Kearley said the conditions imposed on the application should alleviate any concerns council may have.

The rocky peninsula, which juts out into Spaniard’s Bay, boasts a number of walking trails and views of the famed Mad Rock and Three Sisters rock formations and has drawn countless tourists over the years.

Another developer was not quite as lucky, as council revoked a development permit for a new home on Butler Drive as the permit had been issued in error.

Councillor Badcock said the permit was awarded based on an outdated survey. The lot also lacked frontage access from Butler Drive.

The applicant will be advised of council’s decision and notified of the right to appeal.

Badcock noted any future development must adhere to the Town’s frontage and access regulations

Holyrood seeking defense sector funding

By Mark Squibb

Holyrood Bay may become a testing site for military technology.

Council recently applied for $150,000 in federal funding to support research and development in the defense sector.

During council’s April 7 public meeting, Deputy Mayor Michele Woodford said the Town has received a positive initial response from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), an arm of the federal government, and was awaiting a response from the Province.

Councillor Bruce King noted that military base 5 Wing Goose Bay recently received some $8 billion in federal funding for improvements, and that other defense organizations across Atlantic Canada have also received funding.

“There’s money out there for defense related projects and research,” said King. “And the Marine Institute is probably located in one of the best places around to do anything related to the ocean and underwater technology, drones, you name it. You got a harbour there free of ice. It’s calm. You know, it’s the perfect place to do any type of research related to the ocean. It’s there, and all anybody has to do is set up shop and start.”

Holyrood already boasts one of two NATO DIANA (Defence Innovator Accelerator for the North Atlantic) sites in the province at the Marine Institute. The second, the Ocean, Coastal and River Engineering (OCRE) Research Centre is a joint operation between St. John’s and Ottawa.

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s defense strategy aims to increase the amount of military and defense spending done “in house” in a bid to reduce reliance on international partners.

Paradise updates employee and purchasing policies

By Mark Squibb

Paradise council this past March approved amendments to two Town policies.

The first affects the compensation policy for both management and non-management non-union employees, which was adopted in August, 2017.

Deputy Mayor Kimberley Street explained that discrepancies were recently identified in the policy between the treatment periods of leave without pay, including maternity, adoption, parental leave, worker’s compensation, and unpaid leave due to illness as it relates to the recognition of service. Staff recommended the policy be amended to update the definition of ‘service’ to state that periods of approved leave without pay up to 18 consecutive months will be recognized as continuous service.

The move will benefit employees on leave when it comes time to calculate benefits such as vacation time, pay raises, or severance packages.

Council also updated it’s purchasing policy.

“The Town currently has a purchasing policy that guides purchasing activities,” said Street. “This policy includes thresholds for open calls and reporting requirements as outlined in the Public Procurement Act regulations and policy. These thresholds are reviewed by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador public procurement agency every 18 to 24 months, and changes are made based on inflationary indicators. On March the 9th, 2026, the public procurement agency issued notice to the municipalities that thresholds for open calls had been increased effective March the 6th. The Town has updated its past purchasing policy to reflect these changes in legislation to make it easier to expedite the public procurement agency threshold changes in the future.”

Both amendments were approved unanimously.

Rectory Road rezoning goes to commissioner for a look

By Craig Westcott

CBS council has appointed a commissioner to hold a public hearing into plans to amend the Town Plan to allow for more housing on Rectory Road in Topsail.

The hearing is set for May 13 at the Town Hall but will be cancelled if council receives no written submissions up to two days prior to the date.

"This property on Rectory Road is the remaining undeveloped portion of a larger property," said Ward 3 councillor Gerard Tilley. "Six lots have been subdivided from the property and two single dwellings have been built and two more are under construction. The developer indicates the remaining property will be subdivided into four lots with two lots each fronting on Rectory Road."

The area is located near St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church and once belonged to the Anglican Diocesan Synod of Newfoundland and Labrador. The 1.9-acre parcel of land is full of mature trees and at least one old path that runs down a grassy slope from Rectory Road emerging onto Topsail Road across from the soccer pitch. The developer applied to the Town last year asking to rezone the land from Public to Residential Low Density. In order to approve the application, council needs to make an amendment to the development regulations, a process which includes an opportunity for public comment and examination by a commissioner, all of which is covered by the applicant. Retired architect Glenn Barnes will serve as the commissioner.

Savings on Holden Street upgrades go to community centre

By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Mount Pearl City Council is awaiting provincial approval for reallocation of some $2.4 million in multiyear capital works (MYCW) funding from the Holden Street Upgrades project to the new community centre currently under construction.

Council approved the reallocation of $2,405,060 to the new civic centre, which is slated to replace the Park Place Community Centre, at its March 31 regular meeting.

“Just some housekeeping here as we move some cost-shared money around,” said Mayor Dave Aker. 

The council motion is just the latest part of a formal process to get the balance of funds transferred from the Holden Street Upgrades to the new community centre.

“Upon completion of a provincially and/or federally funded project, City management conducts an internal review of any remaining balances. The Province is then consulted to discuss potential options for the use of those funds,” said Kerri Hodder, the marketing and communications officer for the City of Mount Pearl. “A final recommendation is subsequently presented to council for consideration and approval, consistent with standard practice. If approved by council, the request is forwarded to the Province for final authorization, as the reallocation of these funds is not solely within the municipality's discretion.”

Councillor Mark Rice noted at the council meeting that, as part of the process, the City will also officially close out the Holden Street Upgrades project.

The new civic centre is designed to offer increased space, enhanced accessibility and improved parking compared to Park Place. It will feature a flexible, multi‑purpose hall with a stage and retractable bleachers, making it suitable for a wide range of community events, programs, and gatherings.

An outdoor splash pad that converts to an ice rink in the winter will provide a year‑round recreational space.

Project funding includes $2.28 million in federal money, approved in July 2024, and a little more than $3.71 million in provincial funding approved in November 2023, and now also the proposed transfer of the MYCW funds.

Any remaining portion of the project costs will be covered by the City.

The new civic centre is targeted for completion by the end of this year.

Petty Harbour council gives cautious approval to development on Motion Bay Road Extension

By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Petty Harbour Council has approved in principle three separate applications to build houses on the Motion Bay Road Extension.

The decision was made at council’s April 6 regular meeting, but not without some reservations.

Council approved applications for 41-45 Motion Bay Road Extension, 51-59 Motion Bay Road Extension and 30 Motion Bay Road Extension – all with conditions that included signed legal agreements about the width, condition and standard of Motion Bay Road Extension, as well as acknowledgement of no Town commitment to any future upgrades, as well as limitations on services, among other caveats.

The council motions state the agreements are necessary to protect the Town’s interests, ensure public safety and manage impacts on public infrastructure.

Councillor Kayla Parsons, who made the motions, said she is pro-development and supports reduction of red tape and other barriers. However, she added council has a responsibility that goes beyond any single application or short-term decision.

“We have to carefully consider the financial impact on the Town, the economic sustainability of our decisions, the environmental implications and the long-term obligations that we place not only on ourselves, but on all residents,” Parsons said, adding that something as significant as a road is not a simple or inexpensive undertaking considering the level of planning, engineering, and financial analysis required.

“It would not be prudent for us to make commitments today that we may not be able to support tomorrow at the same time,” Parsons said. “I do believe it is fair that property owners should have the opportunity to develop their land. This motion is an attempt to strike that balance to allow reasonable development to proceed while being transparent about the current limitations and protecting the Town from obligations we are not yet in a position to take on.”

A public consultation meeting was held March 30 on two of the applications. The third application, for Lot 30, was submitted after the meeting was called and was not included in the public consultation.

The public consultation also centred around a 2018 amendment to the Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove Town Plan and Development Regulations, which removed restrictions for development on the Motion Bay Road Extension.

Mayor Ed Dyke said he doesn’t understand the rationale for council’s change at the time and believes the resulting regulations should have better protected the Town. He said replacement costs are not well defined in the regulations for future councils to go by.

“In my opinion it should not have been done without better descriptions and limitations. I think it was the wrong decision at that time,” Dyke said. “This council should, over the next few years, update this policy again. This is my opinion.”

Dyke outlined how the Town approached the provincial government in recent years for a cost-sharing grant that was obtained exclusively to protect the water main of Maddox Cove and not upgrade the Motion Bay Road Extension to Town standards.

“There’s nowhere in the provincial government grant that states, that I’m aware of, that Motion Bay Road Extension was to be brought up to Town standards, to the best of my knowledge,” said the mayor.

Dyke said the Town paid an additional $6,000 to get the road extension up to its current standard by adding crushed stone.

The motion also outlined how applicants must submit a drainage plan signed by a qualified engineer, receive approval from the appropriate provincial authority for all on-site sewage and disposal systems, and that any future upgrades or improvements to the Motion Bay Road Extension may be funded through a Local Improvement Fee and subject to the adoption of a formal council bylaw.

CBS hires architect for new depot, fire hall

By Craig Westcott

The Town of CBS has hired Fougere Menchenton Architecture to come up with concept plans for a new public works depot, likely to be situated in Kelligrews, and a new fire station to replace the one in Topsail.

The of St. John's based firm will be paid $70,000 to come up with the plans.

Ward 4 councillor Melissa Hardy, who made the motion to hire the architects, said given the Town has a number of facilities that need replacement and there are funding opportunities from other levels of government coming up, it's a good idea to get the concept plans in place.

"Absolutely," said Mayor Darrin Bent. "Station 2 (in Topsail) and the depot are in desperate need of replacement and hopefully we'll get there. Of course, we'll need help from our friends with the Province and the federal government and anybody else who can help."

Councillor-at-Large Rex Hillier agreed. 

"These are two projects that have been on our books for – I won't say decades, but certainly for a number of years," Hillier said. "It's really great to see us taking this first step to move forward with putting those much-needed facilities here in the town."

Paradise business told to hold fire on seagull cannon

By Mark Squibb

A Paradise business is seeking approval to set off loud, controlled bangs upwards of 20 times a day to scare off seagulls which have allegedly been diving at employees and making a mess of the property, but council is hesitant to approve the application, citing the potential impact on neighbours.

Councillor Sheldon Antle, during council’s March 31 committee of the whole meeting, brought attention to the application from Superior Pipe, located at 1345 Topsail Road, which wants to use propane cannons that produce loud, timed blasts to scare away pests. The blasts are between 110 and 120 decibels loud.

Antle said aggressive seagulls are diving at employees during nesting season, and the business has had to spend a considerable amount to clean up bird droppings, in addition to $10,000 on non-lethal deterrence, both visual and auditory, which have had little effect.

The business has contracted Rentokil-Terminix to alleviate the problem, and the pest control company has recommended the use of cannons.

“Propane cannons are designed for safe, controlled outdoor use and are commonly utilized in industrial and agricultural settings,” noted Antle. “When operated in accordance with manufacturing guidelines, these systems present minimal risks while delivering effective results.”

If approved, the application would be good up until September. To start, the cannons would be fired 20 times a day between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Should the application be approved, the company would notify neighbouring businesses and alert the community at large via social media.

The recommendation of staff was to approve the use of the cannons. Councillors, however, were not so sure.

Antle allowed that while the cannons are approved for use in industrial settings and while he understood the predicament the business was in, the noise volume of a cannon, which he described as a “muted thunderclap,” or shotgun blast, was a cause for concern.

“My issue is Elizabeth Park,” said Antle. “The proximity to Elizabeth Park is very concerning to me. Even limiting the time and use and position of the cannon, I feel residents in Elizabeth Park would be very sensitive to 20 muted thunderclaps throughout the run of a day.”

He said the cannons are in use at Robin Hood Bay, and to great effect.

The councillor also noted that should council grant approval for the use of the cannons, that approval can be revoked if necessary.

Councillor Glen Carew echoed similar concerns.

“One hundred and twenty decibels is pretty loud,” said Carew. “I have a bit of experience as a musician and audio engineer. If you’ve gone to a concert anywhere locally, outside, the requirement is 100 decibels at 100 feet…. And if you’ve been at a concert, you know it’s pretty loud.”

The councillor asked if the permit, if approved, could be revoked immediately should the need arise.

Antle said it could.

Councillor Erin Furlong also expressed concern, given the proximity of neighbouring homes and businesses.

“These cannons, as far as I can tell, are used in industrial and agricultural areas, more so than anywhere else,” said Furlong. “I don’t know if I would consider where this is as an industrial area. So, I’d like to keep that in mind as well. I think about the residents, and their right to live peacefully. I also have the same concerns I had when we were talking about fireworks recently, which is individuals who are not neurotypical, individuals with autism or dementia living in the area, and how it will impact those individuals.”

Furlong asked if there was any information available on how pets and other wildlife might be impacted.

Antle said staff would have to do a little more digging on the potential impact on other animals.

Furlong then asked whether Rentokil-Terminix had determined the root cause of the problem of the seagull infestation, suggesting that otherwise the propane cannons may simply serve as a Band-Aid.

Antle said seagulls have been nesting in the areas for years, and it may be difficult to root them out altogether.

Councillor Tommy Maher pointed out the town’s one and only motel, Crossroads Inn &Suites, is just a few roads over.

“I really think it’s going to be a nuisance noise, for not only residents and businesses, but the general area of Elizabeth Park and St. Anne’s Park,” said Maher.

The councillor said he would like to know the decibel levels of the cannons used at the Robin Hood Bay Landfill, which he described as a massive bang, and compare the two.

The Shoreline paid a visit to the property last Tuesday, and at least three seagulls flew overhead in the space of just a few minutes. A representative of the company said it would not be commenting on the issue.

Rather than move the application to the next public meeting for a vote, council agreed that staff would gather more information.

Deputy Mayor Kimberley Street, meanwhile, declared a potential conflict of interest, as her brother-in-law works for the business in question.