Local Bike Enthusiast Raises Alarm on E-Bike Safety After Close Call
A local bike enthusiast is raising awareness about the presence of e-bikes and scooters on the roads after a near-miss Tuesday evening in Mount Pearl.
Chef Steve Watson has a variety of bicycles – from a penny-farthing to an e-bike – and says some e-bikes can reach speeds of up to 20 km/h.
Watson says he nearly struck a rider who was part of a group traveling in the area of Topsail Road and Commonwealth Avenue.
He told VOCM’s Open Line with Brian Callahan that as the weather warms up, he’s seeing more and more young people out on e-bikes, but that can also be a problem especially after dark and with high snow banks still obscuring views.
“It was almost a close accident” says Watson. “Unfortunately, I did come upon an accident two years ago, and I was the first one on-site. That was an accident down on Water Street, and unfortunately, the gentleman didn’t survive, so it’s certainly top of mind for me. It’s rider beware, driver beware as well.”
Brendan Bottcher Not Returning to Team NL
The dismantling of the Gushue curling team continues as Brendan Bottcher is moving on.
That leaves only Mark Nichols who hasn’t revealed his intentions for next season.
Brad Gushue announced at the beginning of the season that he was giving up active curling after one more trip around the circuit, and Geoff Walker followed suit a few days ago, saying that he was moving on.
Bottcher says playing with the guys this past two seasons has been an honour, and he thanked Newfoundland and Labrador for welcoming him into the family.
Oceana Canada Urges Caution Despite ‘Healthiest in a Decade’ Capelin Report
Conservation group Oceana Canada is urging caution despite a positive assessment of the capelin stock off Newfoundland and Labrador.
The latest report from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans shows the capelin stock is healthier than it has been in a decade. However, Oceana Canada says the biomass is still only about 20 percent of what it was in the late 1980s before its collapse.
Jack Daly argues that a healthy capelin stock is crucial for the recovery of cod – and calls for cuts in the way capelin is fished.
“If our fishery just grabbed some capelin like people do on the beaches every year, that’d be one thing. But it’s targeting females carrying eggs. It’s really getting that next generation before we have a chance,” he told VOCM News.
“(The report) showed a lot more age threes. So it showed three-year-olds. Now that coincides with the fact that there was actually no fishery in 2022. So this is the assessment for 2025. It shows a lot more three-year-olds. What didn’t we do three years ago? We didn’t harvest the eggs.”
‘A Legend’: House Honours Long-Serving Librarian Norma Jean Richards
The House of Assembly has paid tribute to a woman who was a stalwart member of their team for three decades.
House Speaker Paul Lane opened a session this week by acknowledging the passing of Norma Jean Richards, who was a legislative librarian with the House of Assembly from 1967 to 1997.
Lane says that during her time with the legislature, the woman was a “legend.”
Lane says Richards served during the tenures of six different premiers and eight speakers, and was a recipient of the Canada 125 medal in 1993. He says “she can be credited with building the foundation of the library collection still used to this day.”
City Extends Deadline for Feedback on Neighbourhood Plans
The deadline for feedback on three neighbourhood plans in the capital city has been extended by a week.
St. John’s has developed draft recommendations for plans for Rennie’s River, Central, and Mundy Pond.
The initial deadline for feedback was supposed to be today, but that has been pushed ahead to next Sunday, March 22nd.
World Record Achieved at Labrador Winter Games
A world-record was achieved at the Labrador Winter Games in one of the competition’s most popular categories – the Northern Games.
Christopher Penney of Charlottetown broke the previous record in the Seal Kick – a traditional sport that requires the competitor to lift off the ground with one leg and touch a seal suspended in the air with the other.
Penney was able to reach the height of 9.3 feet, astounding crowds and setting a new record in the sport.
Stephenville Dome Named Provincial Winner for Kraft Hockeyville
The Stephenville Dome has been named a provincial winner for Kraft Hockeyville.
The project provides funding for arena upgrades and repairs to rinks across the country, totalling $50,000 each.
Hockeyville is set to announce the top two communities, with the winner receiving $250,000 for rink upgrades and host for a NHL Pre-Season game.
Finalists will be announced next week.
Winter Storm Moving Off Coast Later Today
A winter storm that impacted much of the province is expected to move out of Newfoundland and Labrador today.
Environment Canada issued several weather warnings for Newfoundland yesterday and into today, but says the storm should be mostly wrapped up by about noon.
The weather agency was expecting 15 to 20 centimetres of snow in parts of the island.
Some municipalities have closed some of their facilities for the morning.
Arrest Made After Property Damaged in Metro Last Night
A 46-year-old woman is facing a number of charges after an incident last night in metro.
Police were called just after 8:30 to a report of damage to property in the center city.
Police arrested the woman on the scene, and now facing a number of charges, including mischief, breach of probation, uttering threats and resisting arrest.
She was held for court.
NDP Urges Province to Continue Advocacy for Pharmacare Sign-On
The provincial NDP believes it may not be too late to sign on to the National Pharmacare Program, but says government needs to continue to advocate to the federal government.
The program’s deadline has come and gone under the Liberal administration, which would have provided free coverage for diabetes medications and contraceptives.
The PCs have been pushing Ottawa to allow them to sign on to the program since.
NDP MHA Sheilagh O’Leary says the move would save big money for people who need it, but government needs to advocate further in order for that to happen.
“We have to keep pushing that, I mean, that is an issue that should have happened with the last government, and I don’t know why they didn’t push on that issue,” she told reporters.
“Other provinces obviously have benefited from it, and it is a big issue and it’s again another huge cost to the public.”
Support a Good Cause This St. Paddy’s Weekend at ‘Pack the Pub’
If you’re looking to head out for a pint this St. Paddy’s day weekend, you can do so while also supporting the Community Food Sharing Association later today.
It’s VOCM Cares’ annual Pack the Pub Fundraiser. It’s taking place from noon until 4 p.m. today, with food and monetary donations being accepted in support of the association.
Development Coordinator Erin Collett says she is excited for the fundraiser.
She says there will be live music, food, and lots of community support.
Those who cannot make it down to the public can make a donation online as well.
Calls Mount to Expand Ankle Monitoring as Government Studies Options
Calls are mounting for the province to expand its ankle monitoring program, but government is mum on when that will come to fruition.
This week, the NDP presented a petition in the House of Assembly with nearly 1,500 signatures calling for an expansion.
While in opposition, the PC has
long advocated for further use of ankle monitoring programs, specifically for people who may be on probation or bail.
Justice Minister Helen Conway Ottenheimer says she would like to see the program expanded, but notes there’s more work to do before that can happen.
“Individuals who are out on bail, we will be looking at the requirement of them having ankle bracelets or electronic monitoring,” she told reporters.
“I have directed the team in the Justice Department to look at what’s involved, to look at other jurisdictions as well. It’s something that has to be analyzed carefully.”
Premier, Fisheries Minister Head to Boston for Major Seafood Expo
Premier Tony Wakeham and fisheries minister Loyola O’Driscoll are headed to Boston for major fisheries conference.
Seafood Expo North America 2026 takes place tomorrow through Tuesday.
Government says it is the largest seafood industry event in North America, and provides them with an opportunity to showcase Newfoundland and Labrador products on an international stage.
Flashfood App Offering Savings to Customers says Dominion
If you’re looking for a new way to cut down on your grocery bill, the solution might be as simple as downloading an app.
Shoppers across the province are using the Flashfood app on their phones to save money at local Dominion stores, and the results are in.
Dominion claims the program saved people in this province over $900,000 last year and kept more than 350,000 pounds of food from going into landfills.
Dwayne Decker, a district manager with Loblaws in Corner Brook, says the discount usually applies to food which is nearing its “best before” date, food which is perfectly fine to eat but which may not appeal to everyone.
The discounts apply to produce, meat, dairy, seafood, some prepared foods, and they have recently added in berries and cheese.
Minister Seeks Solution as Province Faces 1,700-Space Childcare Gap
The education minister is clarifying what he has described as a “mess” with the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care program.
Paul Dinn says the previous government signed on to that agreement with the goal of creating 5,895 spaces.
Dinn says all money was allocated and over 2,700 spaces were created, and his department is currently working on another 1,400.
However, he states that still means a shortfall of 1,700 spaces from what was originally targeted that have not been created yet.
Dinn has spoken with his federal and provincial counterparts and they are still trying to figure out a solution to the issue.
“So my frustration, my calling of the mess, is that we’ve signed on, the previous government signed on to an agreement that will not cover what they agreed to and further signed on to a five year extension that does nothing more to address it. So that’s the frustration I’m feeling and trying to do what we can for the children out there, the families that are still looking for childcare spaces.”
NL Bucks National Trend, Adds 2,100 Jobs
Canada’s unemployment rate shot up last month but the rate in Newfoundland and Labrador held steady.
Nationally, unemployment rose to 6.7 per cent from 6.5 while in this province, it remained at 9.2 – still the highest of any province.
Employment declined in Quebec, Manitoba, British Columbia and Saskatchewan but increased in Newfoundland and Labrador by 2,100. There was little change in the rest of the provinces.
Average hourly wages across the land were up by 3.9 per cent to $37.56.
Breakers Allege Unfair Discipline, Seek Meeting with League
The Southern Shore Breakers are taking issue with the level of discipline administered by the St. John’s Junior Hockey League following a brawl Saturday night in the Goulds.
Twelve players and the head coach of the Breakers were suspended for a total of 45 games, which will be served at the beginning of next season, while six Capitals players will sit out a total of eight games during the playoffs.
Saying that the level of suspensions to their members is disproportionately based on the level of penalties assessed during the game, the Breakers intend to appeal several of the suspensions through Hockey Newfoundland and Labrador.
The organization accuses the head coach of the St. John’s Caps of making derogatory remarks toward their players following game 2 of the series on the Southern Shore. The Breakers feel that those actions and comments were not adequately addressed by the league, or reflected in media coverage.
They’re seeking a meeting with the executive board of the hockey league.
Impaired Driver Arrested After Getting Stuck in CBS Snowbank
Metro police arrested a couple of impaired drivers in the past 24 hours including one who was stuck in a snowbank.
RNC were flagged down in Conception Bay South at about 2:00 this morning by people who came upon the vehicle.
RNC charged the 35-year-old man with drunk driving, and was released to appear later. His vehicle was impounded.
Yellow Storm Warning Issued Ahead of Weekend Snowfall
There’s a yellow St. Patrick’s weekend storm warning out for much of the island including metro.
The snow begins tonight in most areas and will wind down tomorrow morning but not before 15-20 cm is on the ground.
Most of that snow will fall tonight but there will be a lull in some places overnight or it may turn to rain briefly before redeveloping as light snow Sunday morning.
Blair Sparkes, a meteorologist with the Gander Weather Office, says the only parts of the island that will sit this one out are the west coast and Northern Peninsula.
The system is coming in from southern Ontario. The snow will start in the southwest corner this afternoon and spread across the island tonight.
Winds will gust to 70 throughout but will be nowhere nearly as ferocious as they were yesterday and last night.
High winds have damaged a property in the East End (via a VOCM listener).
Wakeham Vows to Update 30-Year-Old MHA Lobbying Legislation
Premier Tony Wakeham says he plans to change the legislation dictating how long an MHA can be out of government before they can join boards that lobby government.
The issue came to light in the House of Assembly following Former Premier Andrew Furey’s appointment as vice-chair of the National Bank of Canada.
NDP Leader Jim Dinn questions whether decisions serve residents’ best interests or are driven by outside supporters when MHA’s are quick to join lobby groups.
Wakeham says the legislation, as it stands, dates back nearly 30 years.
“Right now all of that is governed by the House of Assembly Act, but as I’ve found out that act hasn’t been revised since 1993,” he told reporters.
“When you think about something that hasn’t been changed since 1993, right now it’s like one year, but I think that was a good question and what we need to do is we turn around and need to look at revising some of these rules and regulations that haven’t been looked at in a long time.”
Police Chase Through Holyrood Ends with Peaceful Arrest
A man who allegedly did his best to elude police with both wheels and feet in the Holyrood area was finally arrested this morning at a convenience store.
The incident began at about 8:45 Thursday night at a home in Deer Park where RCMP say the man was uttering threats. The 32-year-old left the home in a vehicle which was stopped by officers on the Salmonier Line, but the driver not only took off at a high rate of speed, but police say he was operating it in a dangerous manner. They decided not to pursue.
They later located the car near a park in Holyrood, but the suspect ran into a wooded area.
They caught up with the man, Michael Howe, at a convenience store in Holyrood early Friday morning where he was arrested without incident.
He is up on numerous charges including sexual assault, aggravated assault, resisting and obstructing police, and five counts of breaking a release order.
New Urgent Care Hub Ready, But Staffing Challenges Keep Doors Closed
The Minister of Health says she still needs more staff in place before she can officially open the new urgent care hub in Mount Pearl.
Minister Lela Evans notes the facility is ready, but staffing remains a challenge for NLHS. Additionally, government has also promised to build a third urgent care clinic in CBS, but no timelines have been given on when or where that will open.
Evans says she wants to make sure she’s not taking staff away from another facility to open their new clinic on Topsail Road.
“We do have some staff secured, (but) one of the problems when you’re rolling out family care teams or urgent care teams, you don’t want to be taking away from the current staff that exists in the region that’s fulfilling a need,” she told reporters.
“So we don’t want to open up the one on Topsail Road and take away from the one out on Stavanger Drive.”
Numerous Calls Lead to Assault Arrest in Goulds
Police have made an arrest after taking numerous calls about an assault in the Goulds.
The incident unfolded at about 6:00 last night on the side of a road.
RNC have charged a 43-year-old man with assault. He was held in custody to appear today.
Fuel Prices Spike Again Across the Province
Fuel costs a lot more today than yesterday.
Gas jumped by 9.3 cents at midnight while diesel spiked by another 8 cents per litre.
Furnace oil on the island costs 7 cents extra; stove oil in Labrador West went up by 7 cents.
Man Charged with Attempted Murder Following 2024 Shooting in St. John’s
A man has been charged with attempted murder following a shooting in St. John’s nearly two years ago.
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary were called to a hospital in the capital city on June 12th, 2024 where a woman had gone with a gunshot wound.
On Thursday, 28-year-old Dylan Walsh was arrested and is staring down a slew of charges.
In addition to more than a dozen firearms offenses, Walsh is charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, assault, forcible confinement, mischief, intimidation, and failing to provide the necessities of life.
The accused appeared in court today.
NLHS Confirms Tuberculosis Outbreak in Natuashish.
There is an outbreak of tuberculosis in Natuashish.
Both NL Health Services and the Mushuau Innu First Nation have been actively identifying contacts and potential new cases through contact tracing and access to testing.
Tuberculosis, also known as TB, is a disease caused by bacteria that affects the lungs. It is spread through the air and is usually transmitted after close and prolonged exposure to someone with the disease.
Symptoms of TB include persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and weight loss. It is also possible for an infected person not to be exhibiting any symptoms at all.
Anyone with symptoms should seek assessment quickly and minimize contact with others.
While there is no elevated risk associated with regular activities in the community, people are encouraged to practice proper hygiene, follow all public health instructions, and to refrain from attending public events if sick.
NLTA Urging Government to Follow Through on Election Promises
Teachers in the K-12 system believe that the new government has had enough time in its mandate to deliver some concrete initiatives on class size and school safety.
Education Minister Paul Dinn has had talks with stakeholders, but is making no commitments in that regard.
Education Minister Paul Dinn
NLTA President Dale Lambe says education wasn’t much of a priority in the Speech from the Throne, so he is hoping that that was not an indication of what’s to come.
“We haven’t seen anything actionable,” says Lambe. “There were easy things promised in the election that could be actioned but they haven’t been yet.”
He says it’s time for them to follow through on those election promises.
Up to15 cm of Snow Expected For Eastern Portion of Island Beginning Saturday Night
There is more snow on the way for parts of the island this weekend just as a big melt took care of that record February snowfall.
Environment Canada says the eastern half of the island, including the Avalon Peninsula, could be in for up to 15 cm of snow beginning Saturday night.
Dale Foote, a meteorologist at the Gander Weather Office, says winds won’t be significantly high but at 40-60 km/h, they could cause some blowing snow.
He says the system will move up from the Maritimes Saturday night and Sunday morning.
Three Tractor Trailer Crashes in The Span of a Few Hours in Eastern NL, Highway Closed Near Doe Hills
It’s windy out there, and there have been three tractor trailer crashes on the edge of the Avalon Peninsula and in metro.
One happened around lunchtime near Chance Cove but that has been cleared up. The other happened a short time later at the Doe Hills. Again, the tractor trailer overturned and is blocking traffic in either direction.
Whitbourne Fire Chief Jamie Budden says the driver has been taken to hospital in Clarenville with injuries.
Not only is there pea soup fog in the area, but Budden says it’s difficult for them to stand up on the highway because of the wind. It will likely be a few hours before the tractor trailer can be removed, so the highway will be closed for quite a while. A detour is in place.
A third rig has overturned, this one on the Manuels Access Road eastbound. It’s between the gravel pit and the TCH heading into town, so there will be delays.
Winds in the area are gusting to about 100 km/h.
(Via Whitbourne fire chief Jamie Budden)
Assets of Former Stephenville Dymond International Airport Being Sold Off
The assets associated with the former Stephenville Dymond International Airport are being sold off.
Businessman Carl Dymond once had lofty plans for the facility, which he acquired for just $1 back in 2023.
Those plans quickly began to fade, however, and came to a head one year ago.
In March, Transport Canada downgraded the airport to an aerodrome and two months later Newfoundland Power cut service to the building.
Now, Janes & Noseworthy has started what’s known as a Sale and Investment Solicitation Process, which will give people and groups the opportunity to purchase the land, buildings, equipment, furniture, and rolling stock.
A deadline of April 7th has been set by the Supreme Court for interested parties to submit a letter of intent as part of the process.
