Latest news with #TheSt.John'sMorningShow
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
St. John's boosting security at parks over safety concerns, says mayor
Park visitors in St. John's this summer might notice additional bodies in uniform, as the city bolsters its security inside popular public green spaces. Bannerman Park will now have a patrol of private security hired by the city. St. John's Mayor Danny Breen said the move to bring in private guards is a response to calls from the community about safety. "After speaking to residents and hearing their concerns … we added additional security there to what we already had in Bowring Park," Breen told CBC Radio's The St. John's Morning Show. "As with other parks in the area … we're keeping an eye on everything and monitoring it to see what further measures may have to be taken." Public safety was recently identified as a top issue in several recent surveys conducted by the city, including a recent feedback forum on the annual Water Street pedestrian mall. Breen didn't say whether the city was considering putting security in other areas, adding it works closely with the RNC. St. John's isn't alone in working to address safety concerns, the mayor said, adding that people might have already noticed increased security inside private businesses. "I think there's just a heightened concern for safety in the city. And I think the city parks and properties are no different than the private ones that you see," said Breen. In April, some members of council, including Breen, said they wanted RNC officers to patrol downtown due to safety concerns. In response, RNC Deputy Chief Colin McNeil said foot patrols would not make the downtown safer and would not be a good use of police resources. Breen said private security will also be present at the pedestrian mall, which is opening this week. "Our staff are monitoring just to make sure that the complement we have is working and sufficient," he said. Angela Crockwell, executive director of the St. John's-based youth support organization Thrive, said she understands the public's concern about crime and the need to make sure people are safe, but worries the presence of guards could have the unintended consequences of targeting vulnerable people. "We know that marginalized and vulnerable populations often can get targeted," said Crockwell. "I would hope that those people who are doing security have appropriate training to make sure that their policies and practices reflect, again, not targeting certain populations." Crockwell wants to see further support and investments in programs that help the vulnerable, like Thrive's outreach program. Download our free CBC News app to sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador. Sign up for our daily headlines newsletter here. Click here to visit our landing page.
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Energy, tourism among talking points during New England meeting, says Hogan
Eastern Canadian premiers met with northeastern U.S. governors once again on Monday amid ongoing trade tension between the two countries. But the meeting itself was amicable, according to Newfoundland and Labrador Premier John Hogan, who says there's still interest in economic co-operation. U.S. President Donald Trump's trade policies and their impacts were topics of discussion, especially on the blow to tourism south of the border. "You could really hear it in their voices and how they were talking," Hogan told CBC Radio's The St. John's Morning Show on Tuesday. "They were just sort of asking us to recognize that it's one person doing this damage, that Americans still really much love Canadians. They want us to help them in their economic situation as well." Hogan, along with Doug Ford of Ontario, Tim Houston of Nova Scotia, Susan Holt of New Brunswick and Rob Lantz of Prince Edward Island travelled to Boston for the meeting at the invitation of some northeastern U.S. governors in a bid to navigate Trump's trade war. Hogan said other topics on the minds of governors were Canadian energy projects. "There is an opportunity for Newfoundland and Labrador to continue to work with their neighbours and in particular in the field of developing more energy in our province and transmitting it somehow," said Hogan. He also spoke optimistically about the new Churchill Falls plan that would increase hydroelectric production and how it could supply the energy needs of the northeastern U.S. in the future. "They will have an increased ability to get extra energy, not from Canada generally, but specifically from Newfoundland and Labrador," he said. He said he would welcome talks about wind energy, as well as natural gas. Earlier this month the province released its natural gas resources assessments. Hogan said the Canadian premiers got the message that Americans still "love" Canadians, but they couldn't commit to encouraging more tourists to head to the U.S. Since Trump instigated a trade war, Canadians have been boycotting travel down south. The provincial government has previously spoken about encouraging more travellers to visit Newfoundland and Labrador. Hogan said the number of tourists coming to the province hasn't fallen like they have in the U.S. "I think that we see Canadians from across the country traveling to Newfoundland and Labrador rather than coming down to the States," said Hogan. "So certainly, we're happy that our tourism numbers are still as good or better than they have been in the past." Of the governors who attended Monday's meeting, only one was a Republican — Vermont's Phil Scott — which raises the question on how effective the meeting could be in swaying Trump's mind. Hogan said Canadians are sending a message to Americans, as well as Trump, by not travelling to the country or buying their products. "I think they need to step up their messaging to their constituents here in New England if they want to make any change with regards to what's happening in Washington," he said. Download our free CBC News app to sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador. Click here to visit our landing page.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Controversy on the cul-de-sac: Residents, developer at odds over Margaret's Place plans
A developer is billing its plan to build a six-storey apartment building on Margaret's Place as part of the effort to ease the housing crisis — but a petition signed by 121 residents is asking St. John's city council to reject the project. John Leonard, an organizer of the petition, says residents aren't against development in the area — but they are against the current proposal. "Given the concerns that exist with historical problems, maintenance problems, servicing problems, fire protection and snow clearing and so on and so forth, we say 'Please listen, this is a problem,'" Leonard told CBC Radio's The St. John's Morning Show. Stonemount Enterprises Ltd. is proposing a 60-unit apartment building and eight new townhouses at the end of Margaret's Place, a long cul-de-sac between the Rabbittown and Georgestown neighbourhoods. Dozens of townhouses and two condo buildings already exist along Margaret's Place, which is behind Holy Heart High School and Brother Rice Junior High. City council has already granted permission for another housing development. Leonard believes the addition of the Stonemount development would qualify as "overdevelopment." He says the current street is already abnormally narrow and has ongoing congestion issues — especially during the winter. He believes the Stonemount development would exacerbate the problem, and potentially create issues for emergency vehicle access. Stonemount declined an interview request, but in a statement spokesperson Janine Walsh says the developers believe the proposal is well-aligned with the layout of the area, and will deliver "feasible and affordable" residential units. "Our intent has consistently been to work collaboratively with residents to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome," she said. However, Walsh says the developers were caught off-guard by the petition, which was presented to city council a few weeks ago. "We would have welcomed a more open and transparent approach to these discussions." Stonemount is also in a dispute with the McKee's Grove condo board over parking. "McKees Grove Condominium currently utilizes services and access points that are not supported by legal easements, and portions of their entrance and parking lot fall outside their property boundaries," Walsh said. The controversy over the Stonemount development is the latest in a seriesof disputes over housing proposals in existing neighbourhoods. In March, St. John's city council voted to exempt a proposal for a 10-storey apartment building on New Cove Road from the city's set-back requirement, despite pushback from area residents. Deputy Mayor Sheilagh O'Leary was one of just two council members to vote against the exemption, citing resident concerns. O'Leary also has concerns about the Stonemount development, and agreed to present the petition at a recent city council meeting. "This is not a typical cul-de-sac. This is something that we […] have really not seen in our city and as a result, it has caused a lot of conflict within the area," she said. Still, O'Leary says she isn't set on voting against the project. "I think really what needs to happen is a conversation," she said. She says the city already plans to widen Belvedere's Lane to create emergency vehicle access between Margaret's Place and Bonaventure Avenue. O'Leary says she's also concerned about the lack of open and green space for residents and students from the nearby schools. Currently, students use the future site of the Stonemount development to play sports. The Stonemount property also contains the former St. Michael's Convent, a registered historic structure. According to Heritage N.L., the building could be the second oldest in St. John's, but for years it's been falling into neglect. O'Leary said she's worried it could get worse. "We have seen this happen over and over again. This is going to be demolition by neglect. That's the bottom line," she said. In a followup email, Walsh said the Stonemount developers have heard from parties interested in purchasing the former convent. However, according to Walsh, the ongoing dispute has prevented that sale from proceeding. "As a result, despite our efforts to improve the property, we are currently unable to proceed, and the convent remains in its current state," she said. Walsh said Stonemount will follow the guidance of its legal counsel while considering next steps for the development. Download our free CBC News app to sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador. Sign up for our daily headlines newsletter here. Click here to visit our landing page
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Liberal leader hopefuls make final pitch to party voters, who'll soon tap the next N.L. premier
Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey announced his resignation in February, triggering a race for the next Liberal leader. (Paul Daly/The Canadian Press) Newfoundland and Labrador will have a new premier this weekend when the Liberal Party chooses its next leader. John Abbott and John Hogan were previously in outgoing Premier Andrew Furey's cabinet, but now they're facing off as they vie for the leadership. The Liberal convention starts Friday, May 2, at the JAG Soundhouse in St. John's. The leadership race ends on Saturday, and just under 14,000 members of the provincial party registered to vote. Hogan and Abbott sat down with CBC Radio's The St. John's Morning Show in separate interviews to make their final case to those members. John Abbott John Abbott previously made a run for the party leadership, and says he's stacked his political portfolio since then. (Mike Rossiter/CBC) This isn't John Abbott's first go at the Liberal Party's top job. He ran against Furey in 2020 and lost, winning 34 per cent of the vote. The St. John's East-Quidi Vidi MHA is hoping for a different outcome, now with five more years of experience in his back pocket. "I've had, obviously, more visibility and exposure across the province," Abbott said Wednesday. "People know that I work hard and they want that in their premier." Abbott has criticized his opponent's campaign, describing Hogan's platform as "safe." He says he has three priorities if he becomes the province's next leader. First up is a targeted basic income for seniors. The province's 2025 budget included $4.75 million for a pilot program for those aged 60 to 64 who receive income support, but Abbott would like to implement the real thing in the next few years. Abbott's platform also includes affordable housing. The former housing minister said Newfoundland and Labrador needs 10,000 housing units by 2030. He said he'd like to improve cellular and internet service throughout the province, as well. "I don't want to be a premier that is carrying that debt and passing it on to future generations," Abbott said after being asked how those projects will be funded given the province's existing debt. "I think it is manageable based on the fiscal forecast that we already have," he said. Abbott said he is happy to have the support of six MHAs, even if Hogan has more of the current caucus on his side. At the end of the day, he said, the decision is up to the voters within the Liberal Party on May 3. John Hogan John Hogan has overseen the justice and health departments over the last several years. (Mike Rossiter/CBC) The second of the two Liberal leader hopefuls is John Hogan. Hogan was a lawyer before becoming the province's attorney general in 2021. He has since worked in ministerial roles in departments such as justice and health. When Furey stepped down in February, Hogan soon launched his campaign with the support of 11 MHAs. "It's been a real honour of a lifetime," said Hogan, reflecting on his time in Furey's cabinet. "I've very much enjoyed the work and doing what I can to help this province and help Newfoundlanders and Labradorians," he said. Hogan hopes to continue that work as the premier. He said he will help respond to Canada's current trade relationship with the United States, and will deal with the impacts tariffs have on workers and several industries in the province. The Windsor Lake MHA also said he will prioritize access to health care, especially in rural communities. "There are still gaps to be filled," he said. "We need to … make sure that ambulances are available, road and air, to all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians." Hogan added, once again, that he wants to make shingles vaccines available to every person over the age of 50. It's currently available for those 65 and older. Responding to Abbott's claim that his platform is nothing new, Hogan said he's been listening to communities and making notes of what they need and want. "The government structure needs to reflect the priorities of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians," he said. Going through with the Churchill Falls plans outlined in the memorandum of understanding is a priority for Hogan too. He said the province can't afford to "drop the ball" on another megaproject. Hogan said he'll continue to push hard in his campaign for Liberal leadership until noon on Saturday, when the final vote is cast. The party will announce the winner Saturday afternoon. Download our free CBC News app to sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador. Sign up for our daily headlines newsletter here. Click here to visit our landing page.
CBC
01-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
Liberal leader hopefuls make final pitch to party voters, who'll soon tap the next N.L. premier
Newfoundland and Labrador will have a new premier this weekend when the Liberal Party chooses its next leader. John Abbott and John Hogan were previously in outgoing Premier Andrew Furey's cabinet, but now they're facing off as they vie for the leadership. The Liberal convention starts Friday, May 2, at the JAG Soundhouse in St. John's. The leadership race ends on Saturday, and just under 14,000 members of the provincial party registered to vote. Hogan and Abbott sat down with CBC Radio's The St. John's Morning Show in separate interviews to make their final case to those members. John Abbott This isn't John Abbott's first go at the Liberal Party's top job. He ran against Furey in 2020 and lost, winning 34 per cent of the vote. The St. John's East-Quidi Vidi MHA is hoping for a different outcome, now with five more years of experience in his back pocket. "I've had, obviously, more visibility and exposure across the province," Abbott said Wednesday. "People know that I work hard and they want that in their premier." Abbott has criticized his opponent's campaign, describing Hogan's platform as "safe." He says he has three priorities if he becomes the province's next leader. First up is a targeted basic income for seniors. The province's 2025 budget included $4.75 million for a pilot program for those aged 60 to 64 who receive income support, but Abbott would like to implement the real thing in the next few years. Abbott's platform also includes affordable housing. The former housing minister said Newfoundland and Labrador needs 10,000 housing units by 2030. He said he'd like to improve cellular and internet service throughout the province, as well. "I don't want to be a premier that is carrying that debt and passing it on to future generations," Abbott said after being asked how those projects will be funded given the province's existing debt. "I think it is manageable based on the fiscal forecast that we already have," he said. Abbott said he is happy to have the support of six MHAs, even if Hogan has more of the current caucus on his side. At the end of the day, he said, the decision is up to the voters within the Liberal Party on May 3. John Hogan The second of the two Liberal leader hopefuls is John Hogan. Hogan was a lawyer before becoming the province's attorney general in 2021. He has since worked in ministerial roles in departments such as justice and health. When Furey stepped down in February, Hogan soon launched his campaign with the support of 11 MHAs. "It's been a real honour of a lifetime," said Hogan, reflecting on his time in Furey's cabinet. "I've very much enjoyed the work and doing what I can to help this province and help Newfoundlanders and Labradorians," he said. Hogan hopes to continue that work as the premier. He said he will help respond to Canada's current trade relationship with the United States, and will deal with the impacts tariffs have on workers and several industries in the province. The Windsor Lake MHA also said he will prioritize access to health care, especially in rural communities. "There are still gaps to be filled," he said. "We need to … make sure that ambulances are available, road and air, to all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians." Hogan added, once again, that he wants to make shingles vaccines available to every person over the age of 50. It's currently available for those 65 and older. Responding to Abbott's claim that his platform is nothing new, Hogan said he's been listening to communities and making notes of what they need and want. "The government structure needs to reflect the priorities of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians," he said. Going through with the Churchill Falls plans outlined in the memorandum of understanding is a priority for Hogan too. He said the province can't afford to "drop the ball" on another megaproject. Hogan said he'll continue to push hard in his campaign for Liberal leadership until noon on Saturday, when the final vote is cast. The party will announce the winner Saturday afternoon.
