Pearl Pulse - Winter 2025 - FINAL

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PEARL PULSE

Welcome

A MESSAGE FROM CITY COUNCIL

We are excited to share the latest updates about our city in this edition of The Pearl Pulse. Whether you're a long-time resident or new to our community, this guide is your gateway to everything that makes Mount Pearl special.

Inside, you’ll find information about the ever-popular Frosty Festival, our participation in the 2025 Canada Games, and our ongoing commitment to sustainable growth.

Construction of our new Community Centre at the Team Gushue Complex is well underway. This state-of-the-art facility will bring our community together and serve as the backdrop for magical Mount Pearl memories, no matter the season.

With our new Municipal Plan, Plan the Pearl, city staff continue to support housing projects, welcome new residents, and lay the groundwork for our future. This forward-thinking initiative will help shape our city's development while maintaining the high-quality services we all value.

Once again, we have included the Garbage and Recycling Guide in the back of this booklet, continuing our commitment to feature it in each winter edition of The Pearl Pulse.

Thank you for being part of what makes Mount Pearl a wonderful place to live, work, and grow. We look forward to building an even brighter future together!

Dave Aker | Mayor

daker@mountpearl.ca

709 748 1030

Nicole Kieley | Deputy Mayor

nkieley@mountpearl ca

709 330 0203

bantle@mountpearl ca

Bill Antle | Councillor 709 763 5328

ifry@mountpearl ca

Isabelle Fry | Councillor 709 687 2298

clane@mountpearl ca

Chelsea Lane | Councillor 709 690 0256

Jim Locke | Councillor

jlocke@mountpearl ca

709.364.4746

mrice@mountpearl ca

Mark Rice | Councillor 709.682.7544

Come to Grow

PLAN THE PEARL

We are excited to advance the renewal of our Municipal Plan and the creation of a new Integrated Transportation Plan. Municipal Plans are like blueprints for shaping our city's future

This updated Municipal Plan will be our roadmap for the next decade, guiding how our city grows and develops We are revisiting our development regulations to embrace opportunities for innovative housing, business growth, and evolving transportation needs.

Here’s what we are focusing on:

New zoning for higher-density areas, single lots, and redevelopment.

Public transit improvements.

Public parking requirements.

Changes to rules around building height, the distance of dwellings from the lot’s perimeter, and square footage.

These focus areas will drive transformative change over the next four years and beyond.

Thank you to everyone who completed the survey and attended the town hall. On the next page, you'll find highlights from our Plan the Pearl Community Survey. Visit heymountpearl.ca to learn more, share your ideas, and help shape our city. The future starts here!

WE HEARD YOU WHAT IS THIS?

THE PLAN THE PEARL COMMUNITY SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED IN JUNE 2024, BOTH ONLINE AND AS A PAPER SURVEY DELIVERED TO ALL HOUSEHOLDS IN MOUNT PEARL YOUR

A TOTAL OF 1,755 SURVEYS WERE COMPLETED, AND WE ARE EXCITED TO SHARE SOME KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR FEEDBACK!

RESPONDENTS

64%

BETWEEN 25 & 54

55+ YEARS OF AGE

TRANSPORTATION PRIORITIES

CLOSE TO DAY TO DAY AMENITIES

EASY ACCESS TO MAJOR ROADWAYS

ACCESS TO PARKS AND TRAILS

WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT MOUNT PEARL’S FUTURE?

A GREEN CITY WITH PARKS, TREES, NATURE AND TRAILS A CITY WITH A WIDE RANGE

HOMEOWNERSHIP

WOULD YOU BE ABLE TO BUY THE HOUSE YOU ARE CURRENTLY LIVING IN WITH TODAY’S HOME PRICES AND MORTGAGE RATES?

65% OF YOU INDICATED NO.

SURVEY RESULTS

WHAT CONCERNS YOU MOST ABOUT THE FUTURE FOR MOUNT PEARL?

LACK OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING TRAFFIC CONGESTION

BASED ON YOUR RESPONSES, WE ARE NOW FINALIZING A NEW MUNICIPAL PLAN TO BE ADOPTED LATER THIS YEAR!

NEW HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES

MULTI-UNIT BUILDINGS

HOUSING FOR SENIORS

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

SINGLE DETACHED HOMES

TRAVEL PREFERENCES

FOR WORK, RESPONDENTS WERE HEAVILY VEHICLE ORIENTED, GREATER THAN 75% FOR RECREATIONAL TRAVEL IN THE SUMMER, “WALK/ROLL” AND “CYCLE” RANKED THE HIGHEST

Come to Play

CANADA SUMMER GAMES 2025

Canada is coming to Mount Pearl! We are proud to be part of the 2025 Canada Summer Games, hosting elite athletes from across the nation. We will be showcasing wrestling at The Glacier and baseball at the Team Gushue Sports Complex.

To make the most of the national spotlight, Mount Pearl City Days will take place August 15 to 17 - right in the heart of the Games! This is an exciting opportunity for Canadians from coast to coast to coast to join in our celebrations and to experience the Mount Pearl spirit

While we work closely with Canada Games staff to finalize the details, one thing is certain - this year’s birthday bash will be better than ever!

Stay tuned for updates on what’s sure to be an unforgettable summer in our city!

SNOWSHOE & CROSSCOUNTRY SKI PROGRAM

Gather your friends and head to Power's Pond! The City of Mount Pearl offers free snowshoe and cross-country ski rentals for residents and visitors alike.

Hours of Operation*

Monday to Friday 6:00pm to 9:00pm

Saturday and Sunday 10:00am to 6:00pm

Days of operation are weather dependent

Please call the info line at 709-764-7635 for the most up-to-date facility information. *

Location

Power’s Pond Boat House

43 Clyde Avenue, Mount Pearl

Please note

Accessible equipment available!

The rental period is two hours per person. Equipment is provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. Both child and adult sizes available.

Events

Mount Pearl hosts a variety of exciting events year-round, appealing to all interests. From family-friendly activities to outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone! Please note, some events may be added or updated throughout the year.

For the latest details, visit mountpearl.ca/events

EVENT DATES

Frosty Festival February 6-16

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny April 19

Easter Egg Hunt April 21-25

Youth Week Activities May 1-7

Focus on Youth Awards May 14

Outdoor Movie Night June 26

Canada Day Celebrations July 1

Pride in the Pearl July 19

Movie in the Park August 14

City Days August 15-17

Mount Pearl Kitchen Party for Canada Games

August 16 Oktoberfest

October 3-4

Craft Fair

Haunting of Powers Pond

October 13

October 17-26 Pumpkin Parade

November 1

December 6

with Santa December 14

Free Public Swim December 31 First Night Celebrations December 31

YOUTH DROP-IN CENTRE

The City of Mount Pearl has drop-in centres for youth ages 13 to 18 at the Reid Community Centre and Gloria Pearson Community Centre.

These spaces provide a safe and fun environment to hang out, play games, use the gym, and participate in programs organized by the Youth Services Team

See more: mountpearl.ca/recreation/programs/youthprograms

YOUTH OPPORTUNITY FUND FOUNDATION

This foundation provides funding to groups, non-profits, and organizations focused on "youth helping youth."

It supports innovative projects that empower youth to create positive change within the community.

Want to learn more?

Check out the guidelines and application by scanning the QR code!

DAY CAMPS

Mount Pearl runs two popular day camps: the Easter Explorers Day Camp and the Summer Day Camp Please note that Registration is online only, and due to the camp’s popularity, spots fill up quickly.

Registration for the Easters Explorer Day Camp is in late February & Summer Day Camp opens in early May.

For more details on all youth programs, visit mountpearl.ca/youth-programs

Summit Centre

The Mount Pearl Summit Centre is a modern recreation facility featuring:

A 25,000-square-foot aquatics complex with two pools and a slide. A fully equipped fitness centre (gym, weight room, cardio room, indoor track).

A gymnasium and multi-purpose rooms.

Check the city’s website for details on the recreation swim schedule, aquatic programs, and fitness classes.

FITNESS MEMBERSHIPS

Membership Benefits Include:

Access to the walking track, cardio equipment, and weight room

A 10% discount on registered fitness programs.

Access to fitness change rooms.

Family Discounts: 15% for the second member, 10% for each additional member. (Conditions apply)

Drop-In Workout:

$6.50 for Students and Seniors

$8.00 for Adults

AQUATIC MEMB

Membership Benefits Include:

$60/month (or $50/month for 50+)

Access to all adult and recreation swims.

10% discount on registered programs

Access to fitness change rooms.

Drop-In Swim:

$4.00 for Children, Youth, and Seniors

$5.00 for Adults

Ask about our 10 and 20 swim packages for additional savings!

For more details on all Summit Centre programs, please visit mountpearl.ca/summitcentre

Come to Learn

WINTER IN MOUNT PEARL

Winter in Mount Pearl is pure magic. Whether it’s the Frosty Festival, snowshoeing on the T’railway or our exceptional snow clearing, city staff always have your safety top of mind This guide will help you stay informed so that you can embrace the winter season and enjoy all that Mount Pearl has to offer.

SNOW CLEARING REGULATIONS

Mount Pearl residents are reminded to follow snow clearing regulations to ensure a smooth winter season for everyone:

No Street Parking: From December 1 to March 31, vehicles are not allowed to park on city streets between 1:00 AM and 8:00 AM

During a Storm: No parking is permitted on streets while snow or ice is falling, and for 12 hours afterward.

Shoveling Snow: Keep driveways and parking lots clear, but remember not to shovel or plow snow onto streets, sidewalks, or carriageways.

These rules help ensure the city's snowplows can operate safely and efficiently. Non-compliance may result in fines, so be sure to check the full regulations.

SNOW PLOW TRACKER

Curious about when your street will be cleared? The Mount Pearl Snow Plow Tracker is here to help! This interactive tool lets you track city snowplows, allowing you to see where they've been in the last 2, 4, 12, and 24 hours. Think of it as your personal snow-clearing GPS. Visit mountpearl.plowtracker.com to track our plows.

WEATHER INFORMATION CENTRE

Stay ahead of winter storms with the Weather Information Centre

This resource offers tips on storm preparedness, links to local authorities, and up-to-date information on closures and service disruptions

For more details, visit: mountpearl.ca/weatherinfo

WINTER TRAILS

Winter is no reason to stay indoors!

The city grooms parts of its trail system for walking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, giving residents a chance to enjoy a beautiful winter wonderland.

MAILBOXES

If snow piles up around your mailbox, making it hard to access your mail, don’t worry!

You can create a service ticket with Canada Post by visiting their website or calling 1-866-607-6301.

WINTER DAMAGE

If your property is damaged by city snowclearing equipment, you can submit a request for repairs online.

Keep in mind that the city doesn't repair damages caused by large amounts of snow or damage to structures within residential yards.

SAFETY TIPS

Safey Snowplow says the best place to build snowmen is in your backyard! Here are some more reminders to stay safe this winter:

Stay away from roads

Snowplows are huge and take longer to stop, so give them plenty of space

Wear bright clothes so drivers can see you easily

If you get cold or wet, take a break inside to warm up

Slide one at a time and always sit or kneel, facing forward

Play in the snow with a friend and keep an eye on each other

MUNICIPAL ENFORCEMENT

Our Municipal Enforcement Team is steadfast in their commitment to addressing, identifying, and investigating violations of regulations in Mount Pearl. They cooperate and collaborate with the RNC when a crime occurs in our city and facilitate the Neighbourhood Watch Program to encourage residents to contribute to a secure community With that in mind, here are some things we can all do to stand up for safety:

Protect your home by locking doors and windows, installing outdoor lighting, and using security systems to deter crime.

Teach children and teens to recognize unsafe situations and how to respond appropriately.

Join the Mount Pearl Citizens’ Crime Prevention Committee. Contact 709.368.7071 or nlcrimeprevention@gmail.com Report suspicious activities and stand united against violence. Contact Crime Stoppers at 1.800.222.TIPS (8477) or visit nlcrimestoppers.com to report crimes anonymously.

Non-Urgent Contacts:

Mount Pearl Municipal Enforcement: 709.748.1000

RNC: 709.729.8000

RNC’s Online Reporting System: rnc.gov.nl.ca/file-a-policereport/online-reporting

Safety requires collaboration am businesses, community groups, Let's work together for a safer c FOR EMERGENCIES, CALL 9-

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

Join the Neighbourhood Watch Program and be part of the solution in keeping our community safe!

This innovative crime prevention initiative brings neighbours together to combat crime before it starts. By working collaboratively, we can create a safer environment for everyone

Learn more: mountpearl.ca/neighbourhood-watch

SIGN UP FOR CITIZEN ALERT

Sign up for alerts to be in the know about what is happening in our city.

Stay connected! Citizen Alert is a tool that provides communication from the city directly to you, our residents. By signing up, we’ll keep you in the loop on emergencies, service interruptions, and more!

Learn more at mountpearl.ca/citizen-alert

UPGRADE TO MOUNT PEARL

We’re in the business of helping your business take off. With streamlined permits, tax incentives, and an ‘open for business’ policy, we treat you as a partner.

We’re here to help - whether that is finding the perfect location to scale your growing business, or reaching the epiphany that will take things to the next level We’ve got your back So you can forget ‘business as usual’

To learn more, visit upgradetomountpearl.ca

Come to Thrive

WE ARE BUILDING A MORE INCLUSIVE CITY

Together, we’re creating a city where everyone can thrive. Our Accessibility Plan is a living document, outlining clear strategies to make Mount Pearl an inclusive, accessible community for all

Here are some things we have already done:

Enhanced accessibility at Team Gushue Complex. Replaced wooden pathways with accessible alternatives at Brandscombe and Power’s Pond.

Expanded sensory-friendly swim sessions at the Summit Center. Hosted town hall meetings and conducted an online survey to provide opportunities for residents to share their thoughts on our Accessibility Plan and how to best move forward.

Things we are working on:

Training for city staff on accessibility and inclusion.

Creating a fully accessible boardroom at City Hall.

Workplace accommodation guidelines.

Equitable access to city programs and services.

Accessible stages at the Reid Community Center and Glacier.

Enhanced accessibility at Team Gushue Complex.

WCAG 2.1-compliant city website.

Public space accessibility audits and barrier removal.

Accessible job advertisements and application processes.

For more details, visit mountpearl.ca/accessibility

AMPLIFYING VOICES

In 2024, the City of Mount Pearl has strengthened its commitment to historically underserved communities through two significant declarations: the Declaration of Support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community in July and the Declaration in Support of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in September.

These declarations demonstrate our dedication to implementing meaningful changes, developing inclusive policies, and amplifying the voices of both communities. As a city that prioritizes positive change, acceptance, learning, and growth, we are creating safe spaces where our Indigenous and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities can actively participate in shaping events, programming and more.

To stay informed about these initiatives, please visit our website, follow our social media channels, or express your interest directly by emailing inclusion@mountpearl.ca

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

In Mount Pearl, community means everything! We have some amazing community organizations that regularly go above and beyond to ensure Mount Pearl is a great place to live, work and play.

Check out our list of Community Connections at mountpearl.ca/communityconnections

Are you a part of a community group that would like to be on the list?

Tell us about yourself, email info@mountpearl.ca

Come to Build

INCREASING HOUSING SUPPLY

Mount Pearl’s partnership with the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation continues to boost our city’s population density through the Housing Accelerator Fund

This initiative aims to create more housing options, benefiting not only landowners and developers but our entire community

Additionally, the Housing Accelerator Fund enables the city to offer a range of incentives and reduced permit fees to encourage housing development. As part of this program, developers can receive up to $100,000 per project upon completing high-density housing units.

With a goal to optimize existing spaces, and to redevelop underused land, we are already halfway to reaching our target of adding 386 units over three years! The word is out! Mount Pearl is the place to be!

Learn more about the incentive programs available to you at mountpearl.ca/housing

Come to Life

SHOWCASING MOUNT PEARL'S VIBRANT COMMUNITY

In the last edition of The Pearl Pulse, we introduced Come to Life, our resident attraction campaign highlighting what makes Mount Pearl such a special place to call home. You may have noticed this theme was woven throughout this guide, as we believe it perfectly captures everything our city has to offer.

Our residents already know Mount Pearl as a vibrant, welcoming place where people can thrive, whether they’re living, working, or building a business. Now, we’re sharing that message with the world, inviting others to discover the opportunities here where they too can Come to Life.

We’re proud to share that the Come to Life campaign has been embraced far and wide, even winning three Marketing Canada Awards from the Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC). It’s a testament to the spirit of our city and the pride we all share in calling Mount Pearl home.

Check out our campaign here: mountpearl.ca/cometolife

WASTE GUIDE

Weekly Waste Collection

HOW IT WORKS

2 3 1 4 5

Place recyclables in clear blue bags.

Place household garbage in clear bags inside the city-provided cart

CART PLACEMENT

PARK IT

Place the cart with the wheels against the curb

Two small privacy bags are allowed per cart

No loose garbage in carts.

Place recycling and garbage cart at the curb

POINT IT

The arrows on the cart should face the road

PLEASE NOTE: If you live on Ruth Avenue, Commonwealth Avenue or Topsail Road, please place cart at the end of your driveway

ADDITIONAL NOTES

SPACE IT

Leave at least an arm's length of clearance on all sides

All garbage must be placed in the city-provided carts. Carts must be at the curb by 8:00 AM on collection days. Carts shouldn’t be placed on the curb the evening before collection day.

Lids must be fully closed, and cart weight should not exceed 136 kg (300 lbs).

Privacy bags (two allowed) must not exceed 54.9 cm x 58.4 cm.

COLLECTION SCHEDULE CHANGES

Regular garbage and recycling are collected weekly, Tuesday to Friday. For holiday and bulk garbage collection, please refer to the schedule below:

Good Friday Friday, April 18, 2025 Saturday, April 19, 2025

Canada Day Tuesday, July 1, 2025 Monday, June 30, 2025

Regatta Day The day that the Regatta proceeds Monday, August 4, 2025

Remembrance Day Tuesday, November 11, 2025 Monday, November 10, 2025

Christmas Day Thursday, December 25, 2025 Saturday, December 27, 2025

Boxing Day Friday, December 26, 2025 Monday, December 29, 2025

New Year’s Day Thursday, January 1, 2026 Monday, January 5, 2026

UNEXPECTED SCHEDULE CHANGES

For collection postponements due to adverse weather or other circumstances, please stay tuned to social media and our website, mountpearl.ca/residents/garbage

You may also sign up for the city's Citizen Alert service to receive notifications through phone calls, text messages, and/or emails. For more information, please visit mountpearl.ca/citizen-alert

WINTER COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS:

Adjust cart placement to avoid obstructing snowplows. Find a clear space and place your cart as close to the street as possible, without obstructing the street or sidewalk. Remember, the arm on the collection truck can only reach a maximum of 10 feet. Avoid placing carts on or behind snowbanks. After collection, promptly return your cart to a secure location on your property.

Use discretion when setting out recyclables on windy days, they may be held until the following week.

Bulk Garbage Collection

Prescheduled bulk garbage collection occurs in May and June. If you need bulk collection outside these dates, a special service is available from May 1 to Novemeber 30, 2025 for a fee To learn more, call 709-748-1000

WHAT’S ALLOWED IN BULK GARBAGE?

ACCEPTED NOT ACCEPTED

Sofas, Chairs & Furniture

Bathroom Fixtures

Minor Renovation Materials

Mattresses & Boxsprings

(Must be sealed in a plastic bag)

Glass

(Must be securely packaged)

Garden Waste & Twigs

(Must be enclosed in a paper bag)

Wood Waste

E g trees, branches, and small logs

Must be a diameter of 6 inches or less, a length of 4 feet or less, and neatly bundled, tied and free of the following:

Construction or building materials

Anything that contains dirt, sand, gravel, rocks, or metal lumber, fence posts, signs, roots or stumps

For more info visit: mountpearl ca/residents/garbage

Other Bulk Garbage Items

Normally associated with household

Construction/Building Materials

Concrete

Landscaping Materials sods, soil, rocks, gravel, or pebbles

Oil Products

driveway sealant, motor, cooking oil

Auto and other machine parts

including tires with or without rims

Paint, Electronics & More

See MMSB website to learn more

Any items with nails attached

Loose Materials not boxed, bundled or placed in bags

THINK BEFORE YOU TOSS

Please consider donating items that are not soiled or damaged - this helps us divert waste from our landfills!

OTHER GUIDELINES:

You MUST separate metals from other bulk garbage.

Bulk items must not be placed to the curb until the evening before the scheduled pick-up day

Items must be placed at the curb by 8 a.m. on your collection day.

Loose materials must not exceed 22kg (50 lbs).

Items not intended for bulk collection should be removed from the curb.

Not sure what do you do with your other waste? Visit mountpearl.ca/recycle

UNDERSTANDING YOUR BULK ZONE

Find your street name in the table on the following pages. Your regular collection day is next to the street name and to the immediate right you will find your “Bulk Zone”.

Refer to pages 26 - 30 to find your bulk garbage zone.

June 9, 2025

Monday, May 26, 2025

Tuesday, June 24, 2025 5 Monday, June 16, 2025

ORGANIC YARD WASTE COLLECTION

Once the snow melts, yard maintenance begins! We’re going green with organic yard waste bags. In 2024, the city launched a new Organic Yard Waste Collection Program

By placing grass clippings in compostable paper bags, you can help save the city thousands of dollars in tipping fees each year. That’s money we can put back into maintaining and improving city services! Grass clippings should not be put in garbage carts and must be placed in compostable paper bags.

For more details, visit: mountpearl.ca/residents/garbage/yard-waste

2025 MOUNT PEARL WASTE COLLECTION SCHEDULE

2025 MOUNT PEARL WASTE COLLECTION SCHEDULE

2025 MOUNT PEARL WASTE COLLECTION SCHEDULE

2025 MOUNT PEARL WASTE COLLECTION SCHEDULE

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