Newburbia

Last week, the CBC took a look at the rapidly expanding North East Avalon region, paying particular attention to the town of Paradise. They called the series Newburia, an apt name to say the least given the enormity of  new developments that have occurred and continue to occur in the region. They even set up shop in the Karwood development that’s going up along Neil’s Pond - a development that I had referenced before in this blog and am dead set against. And I’m not the only one. Just take a walk around the pond and you will see houses backing directly on to the trail without any buffer zone. God bid the developers leave a tree.

The series did shed some light on the growing pains experienced not only here in Paradise but also on towns such as Torbay, CBS, Portugal-Cove St. Philips and even the newer parts of St. John’s. Lack of public transportation, lack of recreational facilities, lack of water and sewer, lack of shopping centres, lack of convenience stores…are you sensing a theme here? But the biggest issue by far was traffic. It’s a mess and will only get worse.

Granted steps are being made to try and help the situation such as expanding Karwood and Topsail Roads, but with the rate of development, traffic will continue to be a problem and these expansions will only be temporary fixes. And heaven forbid if the mayor gets his way and closes down the left-turning lane onto the ramp to the Outer Ring Road. This despite the objections of a couple of councillors and the traffic consultants the town hired. (Why hire them if you’re not going to abide by their suggestions?) In a way, I hope he closes it down. The backlash will be enormous. (Sadly, it's sometimes the only way council pays attention.) Yet, Wiseman and some councillors do not see this. There’s a lot they don’t see.

The solution to the traffic problem is simple – slow down development. If developers and contractors want to build - and they do - stipulate that they include infrastructure, including roads and water and sewer before they cut one tree or dig one hole. But that’s not how things seem to work in Paradise. It’s the build now, fix later mantra that has gotten us into the mess we are in now. Karwood Drive is a perfect example. The road, which is about eight year’s old is not wide enough to handle the traffic – something the town knew was coming. They have been rezoning and allowing subdivisions like there’s no tomorrow. So the solution for Karwood Drive? Widen it next year at a cost of about $3 - $4 million from the town. More if you count the money from the province and that’s money that could go a long way towards, I dunno, a fire hall.

Paradise does a lot of things right. Snow clearing (in most parts of town) is good, garbage collection and the recycling program are second to none. We’re even getting our long awaited hockey rink(s). But for a wealthy town, it is lacking a lot. Poor planning, constant rezoning and the appearance of bowing to developers have to be addressed. The town needs to take a proactive rather than reactive approach to development. We can’t continue on the road we are on. There’s too much traffic as it is.

Traffic Problems in Paradise

I was interviewed earlier this week by the CBC Morning Show about traffic problems here in Paradise and stated how frustrating the problem has become. Apparently, I’m not alone in my frustration.  Others interviewed weren’t happy about the volume of traffic, the sequence of light changes and the gridlock we face on a daily basis.

I suggested that it was poor planning on part of the town, something Deputy Mayor Allan English disagreed with. His reasoning was that the Planning Committee does a good job but the town’s hands are tied by financial constraints.  Perhaps, we do have a huge debt. But this begs the question as to why the town continues to allow high density subdivisions when the traffic - and other infrastructure needs - have to be addressed. And just who does the Planning Committee report to? Ultimately, it’s the council who has the final say. And sometimes they should just say no.

To be honest, I have a lot of respect for Allan – he's one of a few on council who butts heads with Mayor Wiseman on a regular basis.  One of the contentious issues between the two is the purposed widening of Karwood Drive from two lanes to four. This will be an extremely costly endeavor. But it begs the question, why wasn’t this done when the road was build a few years ago? Town hall, which includes the Planning Committee, knew traffic volume would increase. Now the town will have to pay 6-7 million dollars (not counting cost overruns) to widen and flatten the road. How is this good planning? Or being fiscally responsible?

Speaking of financial responsibility, the town should have taken into account the cost overruns of widening Topsail Road. It’s behind schedule and over budget. It’s facing problems with land expropriation, Newfoundland Hydro, Rogers, etc, etc; I feel this is another example of short-sighted planning. I’m not an engineer, but anyone could have seen this coming.

And what about the developers? Shouldn’t they be required to put roads in that will handle the traffic? If they don’t build the roads, they can’t build subdivisions. It’s as simple as that.

Paradise Today

This pretty much sums it up.

Mayor Drops Ball (Again)

I see Paradise Mayor "Recycling Bin Ralph" Wiseman is at it again. Will this guy ever learn? Humility is not his strong suit. It’s hard to take anything this guy says seriously. I mean really, he “wins” an election by the luck of a draw, (his name was selected from a recycling bin of all things), he received about 20% support of the town residents, and claims that “I’m still in charge” even though the vote intially ended in a tie. (Shades of Alexander Haig).

If Wiseman had any balls, he would have requested a runoff election, but that’s something he wouldn’t do.

Not our Ralphie boy.

Sentiment was against him and in all likelihood he would have been toast. He really comes off as an arrogant you know what. I always find it ironic, that the town’s most despised citizen is its mayor.

Ralph made news yesterday by rejecting parts of a traffic study that recommends public transportation and a pedestrian overpass by one of the elementary schools in town. The school is located on Karwood Drive, a very high traffic area – which will get busier as it’s going to be expanded to four lanes from two – at a cost of $5 to $7 million. The expansion of Karwood Drive, a road that connects Topsail and Kenmouth Roads, is the highest priority of the consultations traffic report. A question I always had was why wasn’t this originally built as a four-lane road when plans were first drawn up. Now, sidewalks which were constructed last fall, have to be torn up, land expropriated, water and sewer lines reinstalled, etc; seems like the town could have saved millions if it had better planning.

Wiseman also rejected the idea of public transportation - easy for him to say as he has a vehicle. Many in town don’t have that luxury. Post secondary students in particular. Before dismissing public transportation, why not try a scaled down pilot project beginning in the fall where buses run to major centres in St. John’s such as the university and Avalon Mall to see it the service is viable.

But no, not our Ralphie. That makes too much sense.

And where are the other councillors on this? If Wiseman is speaking for them, they aren’t much better. And come election time, they’ll have to fight to keep their jobs. They haven’t really endeared themselves to the electorate over that past two years.

Miscellany

I hate to jinx it, but after this weekend, I think we may have turned the corner on Old Man Winter. It was a nice weekend here on the east coast with lots of sun on Saturday and warmer temperatures predicted for the upcoming week. (I sound like Ryan Snodden sans the flailing arms of course). The days are noticeably longer now too. Sweet. Clocks go ahead next week, which is always a good sign. Pretty soon Cec Haire won’t need to turn on his headlights when he drives to work. Okay, that’s an exaggeration, but it does get light fairly early in late May and June.

Elsewhere…

I heard two names being bandied about for a run for the Paradise town council. One name I’m familiar with and I think he would make a good councillor, but I don’t know the other person. But some new blood would be welcome. Enough of the same old, same old. Not sure who the new mayor will be as Wiseman said he wasn’t going to run again. (He wouldn’t stand a chance of winning if he did run.) It’s Allan English’s if he wants it. Why he would is beyond me.

Speaking of councillors, I see Debbie Hanlon has declared bankruptcy. It’s too bad really as I thought that she was doing quite well with her real estate business. I guess she learned a hard lesson when she co-signed that loan. I don’t, however, buy her claim that calling for councillors to be paid more is not tied to her financial situation. Seems like a huge coincidence. But, as I stated before, she knew what she was in for when she decided to run. Hopefully, things will turn around for her on the financial front - although I don’t think she can expect a pay increase as most councillors have come out against it. Such a move would be extremely unpopular. There would be rioting in the streets. Okay, that too, is an exaggeration, but a lot of people in St. John’s would be po’ed. Actually, with the snow clearing and sidewalk issues, a lot of people in St. John’s are already po’ed.

I posted about what seems to be an increasing number of violent crimes here on the North East Avalon and what happens? The next day there is another armed stand off.

The Brier, excuse me, the Tim Horton's Brier, is in full swing and I have to admit, I do watch. I have never played but it’s on my bucket list. Brad and the boys are off to a good start (2-0 as I post this). They are in tough though with the likes of Kevin Martin and Glenn Howard. I wonder if Martin knows he’s despised as much as Jennifer Jones. That's not my opinion, but it seems to be the vibe I'm picking up from watching. Who knew curling could be a blood sport?

Paradise Fire Hall...Again

On Wednesday, another house burned to the ground in Paradise. While the conditions were severe - high winds and freezing temperatures - some still questioned the town's failure to provide adequate fire protection.

This has been a thorny issue in the town for some time. The mayor says we can’t afford it – much like we can’t afford an arena or pool – and insisted at one point that we have a plebiscite to see what town residents wanted to do. He has since backed off this ludicrous idea. I posted about it and referred it to as passing the buck. Some councillors simply would not take responsibility and make the decisions they were elected to do. They mayor said it would cost each household about $300 extra in taxes (give or take - depending on the price of your house) and that was a conservative estimate. Gee Ralph, how do you really want the vote to go? I wrote a letter to the Tely and it really got under Ralph’s skin. (I have that on good authority.) I'm told he called for the plebiscite with little, if any, debate in council chambers and with two councillors absent.

Below is a copy of the letter that pissed Wiseman off so much. Oh, I almost forgot to mention that during the last election campaign Wiseman promised full-time fire protection proving once again that it's difficult to believe anything this guy says.

Note: The letter references then Municipal Affairs Minister Diane Whalen who, as we know, unfortunately lost her battle with cancer late last year.

The issue of a fire hall in the town of Paradise has been a contentious one for many years. With all the other infrastructural and recreational needs such as water and sewer, adequate snow clearing, arena, pool and ensuring sufficient green space - among a litany of other problems - the need for our own, independently manned, 24/7 fire hall gets lost in the debate. Until there is a fire. Or an election.

This past June a home on Summit Drive was completely destroyed by fire. Fortunately, no one was injured but the twenty-minute response time was well above the four to five minutes fire fighters deem acceptable. Add to the fact, that the home was located in an unserviced area and you have a recipe for disaster. And the mayor’s statement that those homeowners should have expected this because they build on unserviceable, over-sized lots not only shows his ignorance but also his insensitivity to the family who lost everything and were fortunate to have escaped with their lives. Council, in its never-ending quest for the almighty tax dollar, are the ones who okayed the lots and allowed homes to be built on Summit Drive and other unserviced areas in town. So if a fire destroys a home, it is the homeowner’s fault?

And what about fires in the serviced areas of town? What good is a hydrant if you can’t attach a hose to it? If it takes twenty minutes or more for fire trucks from St. John’s, Mt. Pearl or CBS to reach a fire, property damage is may be the least of our worries. It’s not a matter of if; it’s a matter of when a life is lost.

And that begs the question why, in it’s haste to okay high-density subdivisions and in the process expand its tax base, didn’t the town council include a fire hall in their highly touted five-year strategic plan? While the plan is rich in generalities – full of hyperbole bordering on the sublime – it’s short on specifics. Among other things, the plan states that Paradise “does not want to be viewed as a series of large scale housing developments” – that’s one bell that can’t be unrung - yet the construction of a fire hall is not mentioned anywhere in the plan.

Paradise pays $550,000 a year for the fire protection it presently receives. But this may not be adequate considering the slow response times to some areas within the town. So where does this leave the council? A study has recently been commissioned to determine the most cost-effective method to improve fire services. A great idea if this was 1990. The problem is not new and another study will tell us what we already know – the need for improved service is essential but it’s cost prohibitive. How do you put a price on someone’s life?

One thing that has emerged from the debate on the fire hall is the blame placed by some veteran councillors on former mayor and current Minister of Municipal Affairs, Diane Whalen. Some blame her lack of foresight and inadequate planning for the problems that plague Paradise today. That’s a novel idea – bite the hand that feeds you. And I don’t recall the last time Minister Whalen okayed a 200 home subdivision off St. Thomas Line.

Governing, on any level, requires both a fiscal and moral responsibility. Our council can no longer give lip service to fire protection or put in at the bottom of its things to do list. Adequate fire protection is an essential and costly service, but using a fingers-crossed-hoping-for-the-best-approach is not responsible. Something for all of us to think about the next time we hear a siren in the distance .

The A Word

There was an article on municipal politics buried on page 9 of The Weekend Telegram about the possible amalgamation of St. John’s, Mt. Pearl and Paradise (not available online). St. John’s Mayor Dennis O’Keefe says it is “inevitable” that amalgamation will occur although he offers no timeline. He even submitted a map that “clearly shows” the geographical quagmire of Mt. Pearl being almost totally “surrounded” by St. John’s. Mt. Pearl Mayor Randy Simms and Paradise Mayor Ralph Wiseman claim that it’s a dead issue and amalgamation will never occur. For it’s part, the provincial government is taking a hands off approach and has no plans to order any type of amalgamation or annexation as it has done in other jurisdictions across the province.

As it stands now, the idea of amalgamation is – as Simms and Wiseman state – a dead issue for residents of Mt. Pearl and Paradise. Neither municipality wants to give up its autonomy and join a city that has its fair share of budget problems and where amalgamation does not have a great track record. Just ask any resident of the Goulds. O’Keefe, and other residents of the capital, will argue that both Mt. Pearl and Paradise avail of services offered by St. John’s and although they pay for the services, having a centralized seat of government will not only save money but improve service such as snow clearing. Then there’s the argument used by city residents that both Paradise and Mt. Pearl don’t pay as much tax as their city counterparts and are unjustly using town services and facilities without paying their fair share. Some also argue that the brown baggers simply add more wear and tear to city roads. There’s even talk of a tollgate.

I’m against any form of amalgamation – it didn’t work in the greater Halifax region in 1996 – people are still complaining  about the Halifax Regional Municipality – and it’s not likely to work here. And for several reasons. The main one being the perceived deterioration of basic services such as garbage collection and snow clearing. Where would a street in the far reaches of Paradise be on the hierarchy of priorities? If you ask the residents of Southlands, somewhere near the bottom. Residents of Mt. Pearl will argue that their snow clearing is second to none so why chance losing a good thing. Add the fact, that property taxes would likely increase, and you see why the idea of joining the capital is not particularly appealing.

However, while the anti-amalgamation sentiment plays well on the home front, both Simms and Wiseman should have a closer look at own problems – particularly fiscal and infrastructure needs – before pointing fingers at the city. The town budget for the town of Paradise for this year is $21.5 million. It’s what Wiseman called a “good news” budget. Yet, one in five tax dollars goes to pay down town debt. Spread that out over ten or fifteen years, and that’s one hell of an arena, pool and fireball that could have been built. In the article, Wiseman claims that ‘ “It’s time for Mayor O’Keefe to move on and deal with his real problems.” ‘ Sound advice. Perhaps Wiseman should heed his own words. And Simms’ refusal to pay for the upkeep and snow clearing to the extension of the Team Gushue highway, a road that will greatly benefit Mt. Pearl, regardless of what he claims, doesn’t play well with the folks in the bunker on Gower or residents of St. John’s. I suspect, it doesn’t play well with the provincial government either who, up to now, have been strangely silent of the issue.

But let’s face some facts. St. John’s is home to many provincial services, particularly education and health services – all major hospitals are located there. It’s home to cultural facilities such as the Rooms and The Arts and Culture Centre. Neither Mt. Pearl nor Paradise are cultural hubs. They are suburban bedroom communities, which offer, too varying degrees, some government services and basic recreational facilities. But that’s what residents signed on for when they moved there. Although, Paradise is lacking in the latter. Quick: Where’s the cultural centre in Paradise? Down behind the fire hall next to the arena across the street from the pool.

While the appetite for amalgamation doesn’t exist outside of St. John’s, things change over time. When the economic bubble bursts – and it will – the provincial government will face some difficult fiscal decisions. For one, the government cannot continue to spend like drunken sailors. Auditor General John Noseworthy said as much in his report last week. The oil royalties can only last so long and then what? The fiscal belt tightening will begin and monies to municipalities are bound to be cut. If that’s the case, amalgamation may indeed not be a question of if, but a question of when.

Ralph, The Media and Me: Who Wants a Fire Hall?

One year ago today on September 29th, municipal elections took place across the province. And it was one year ago today, that the town of Paradise had a tie in it's vote for mayor. Initially, young upstart Kurtis Coombs won by three votes, but incumbent Ralph Wiseman asked for a recount, which resulted in a tie. Names were drawn from a hat, er, recycling bin and Wiseman was declared the “winner.” Hence, the moniker Recycling Bin Ralph.

That’s the law and that's how it stands - after months of costly court challenges mind you. Costly challenges that could have been avoided if there was another election. But Wiseman would have none of that. He saw the writing on the wall - another vote and he was out. Wiseman knows it. We all know it. Except Ralph wouldn’t go down without a fight. I pity him in some ways.

Recently, after months of relative calm, (we thought Ralph had learned to keep quiet and out of trouble) the issue of 24/7 fire protection reared it’s ugly head. We presently pay $550,000 to the city of St.John’s for fire protection, but response times are less than adequate, particularly in the St. Thomas Line, Topsail Pond areas. One house burned to the ground in June. The response was slow since the house was located a long ways in Topsail Road and, oh yes, there were no fire hydrants. Wiseman blamed the residents. Good call.

I send off a hastily written letter to the Tely voicing my concern. That was on August 4th. After the council meeting on August 17th,  residents were informed we would have a plebiscite on fire protection. If we wanted a fire hall, we would have to decide. And we were told by the mayor that we would be on the hook for $2.1 million dollars a year, our taxes (mill rate) would increase substantially and we could see a cut in some town services. Great selling points Mr. Mayor. How do you really want the vote to turn out? It’s strange how his tune changed after his campaign when he promised a fire hall but didn’t mention a mill rate increase.

But I digress. I wondered about the timing on the plebiscite announcement. I have it on good authority that Wiseman feels the only people who want increased fire protection in Paradise are the media and that “fucking Chris Callahan” or words to that effect. I feel honoured and humbled.

The plebiscite is now on hold pending another study. My argument against it was that essentally, it is an attempt to turn the issue back on the voters so some councillors and the mayor could avoid any responsibility, god forbid anything bad should happen. I referred to it as passing the buck. But if we vote on a fire hall, why not vote on the arena? Or the pool? None of which we have, or apparently can afford, by the way.

We should not have to vote again. We vote people into office to make these decisions. Besides, everyone knows the only time we should have to vote again if there’s, I dunno, a tie.

Paradise Fire Hall? I'm Not Holding My Breath.

Well, well, well. How things can change in 24 hours. On Sunday, Paradise Mayor Ralph Wiseman was quoted in The Telegram saying, “It's well known in the community here that we've partnered with the Rovers (Ground Search and Rescue Team) who are in the process of putting up a building and in that building there will be accommodation for a first response fire truck." No mention of a time line or having our own fire hall. Plus, it’s not well known. There is no mention of a fire hall in the town’s Five Year Strategic Plan.

Less than a day later, he’s quoted by CBC stating the squad is ‘18 to 24 months from realization, however it would be fully equipped with its own pumper and ‘ "will be a full-paid fire department, 24/7." ‘ Hmmm, you’d think he would have mentioned that fact to the Tely.

I guess public pressure can have an inpact – although I’ll believe we’ll have a fire station when I see it. The former council left a trial of broken promises. And Wiseman didn’t do himself any favours by blaming the area residents who built homes on unserviced lots. The town okayed them and now it’s the residents fault? And what the hell does the size of the lot have to do with fighting a fire. This guy is a piece of work.

Below are the mandate and critical areas outlined in the Five Year Strategic Plan for the Town of Paradise. Nowhere is a fire hall, fire services, first response building or plans of implementing such services specifically mentioned.

The town’s mandate:   Simply put, a municipalities’ mandate is its basic obligations to the people it serves – nothing more and nothing less.

We are obliged to collect taxes, provide services, and represent the people we serve in accordance with the terms of our incorporation and provisions of the Municipalities Act.

And here are the six critical areas that council feels it needs to concentrate their efforts for the next number of years:

1. Roads, transportation, traffic, and access
2. Continued expansion of the town’s infrastructure
3. Recreational programs and facilities
4. Economic development and business attraction
5. Planning and development
6. Communications and accountability

On paper they appear to be noble goals but implementation is another thing. Again, no mention of a fire hall. It goes on to state 'a town’s strategic plan is completely deficient if it does not articulate a clear vision for itself for the future.

Some other gems from the document, which by the way, is written in a truly condescending tone. You’d think all residents in Paradise were in grade three.

• Council is fully aware of these needs and they have been committed to establishing their             priorities in keeping with the needs and priorities of residents.
• The values and principals of council should be a reflection of the principles of the people they serve.
• Paradise does not want to be viewed as a series of large scale housing developments.

Well that last ship has sailed. Let’s hope the present council wakes up and does repeat the mistakes of previous councils. Slow down the development and implement a plan before allowing such rapid growth. The infrastructure is not in place – and that mistake falls squarely in your lap.