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).
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.
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.
CFIB Worried About Possible Impact with 1.3M Temporary Work Permits Set to Expire
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business says 1.3 million temporary work permits are set to expire this year, and they are worried about what that could mean for businesses locally.
Jonathan Galgay, who handles legislative matters for the CFIB, says at the end of this month alone there will be over 300,000 permits set to expire across the nation.
From a Newfoundland and Labrador perspective, he says in 2024 there were around 5,000 permit holders here, and two-thirds of those were under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
Galgay stresses that many of the jobs are being filled through the program out of necessity to fill gaps because local skilled labour isn’t available.
Galgay says a change in federal government policy has created this situation, so the onus is on them.
They are calling for Ottawa to change course. He warns that the economic fallout could be “massive.” He questions who will fill the gaps for businesses if workers under the program are taken out of the equation.
Owner of Building That Housed Landings Restaurant Planning to Rebuild Following Fire
The owner of the Landings Eatery and Pub in Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s is planning to rebuild after fire consumed the building this week.
The blaze broke out Tuesday morning, prompting the evacuation of nearby homes because of heavy smoke. Four fire departments responded, and ferry service between the cove and Bell Island was interrupted for several hours.
The restaurant occupied the top floor and a food processing facility to prepare ready-to-eat meals was in the works for the lower portion.
(VOCM News)
Property owner Jim Parsons says one of his customers was going to be the School Lunch Association as the food would have been local and a healthier option for kids.
It would have been a farm to plate concept and not ultra processed.
“We were looking at a whole range of local food, healthy food, and we were on the verge of opening it,” Parsons told VOCM Open Line.
About two dozen people are out of a job.
Insurance was carried.
Completion of Team Gushue Highway on Track for This Fall
The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure says everything is on track for the final phase of the Team Gushue Highway to be completed later this year.
Work has been steady in the Brookfield Road area since the $30-million contract for its construction was signed in September 2024.
In a statement to VOCM News, government says work on the highway has been “progressing well,” and they are on track for completion this fall.
Whisky Expert Visits St. John’s
Whisky is distilled all over the world, but for one man who is renowned in that industry there is nothing like what’s made in Canada.
Dr. Don Livermore, recently named as the 2025 World Master Blender of the Year, was in St. John’s yesterday for an event at the Gypsy Tea Room.
Livermore is the first Canadian to receive the distinction. He believes it brings awareness to the work being done in this country.
He thinks the bar is “already high” on Canadian whisky, and it highlights “what we have been doing so well for so long.”
Livermore praises the Canadian style of whisky, and the freedom he has in the way he brews it.
He says the innovation is left to the master blender and he is allowed to be creative. He says he wouldn’t want to do this work anywhere else.
Longtime Member of Team Gushue Bids Farewell
Another member of the Brad Gushue rink is moving on.
The skip put the broom in the closet after the Brier in St. John’s, and Geoff Walker, who has been part of the team for 15 years, says all good things eventually come to an end.
Walker says winning the Brier in St. John’s in 2017 is a memory that he will never forget, and having the opportunity to play one final time last week made it even more special.
Walker, who thanked fans for their support over the years in a post to social media, did not indicate where he would land.
Mark Nichols and Brendan Bottcher are the other two members of the foursome, but neither has given any indication of what’s next.
Government Not Anticipating Backlog After CT Scanner Shut Down at HSC
The provincial government blames the previous Liberal administration’s lack of maintenance for a CT scanner going out of commission at the Health Sciences Centre.
NLHS issued a notification yesterday afternoon stating that the CT scanner is down. As a result, a mobile clinic is being established at the Janeway.
Health Minister Lela Evans does not expect too much of a backlog in seeing patients with the move.
“We’re hoping it’s not going to increase the wait times too much. Like I said, we’ve mobilized the staff to help out over at the Janeway and at St. Clare’s to increase the number of patients they can put through and extend the operational time,” she told reporters.
A mobile scanner is set to open at the end of the month.
RCMP Stop Driver with $11,000 in Outstanding Fines
A man from Hare Bay has a future date with the court after police pulled him over and discovered that he had $11,000 in outstanding fines.
The 27-year-old driver was pulled over on the Dover Access Road after police noticed invalid plates attached to the vehicle.
In addition to the outstanding fines, the man was found to have a suspended license, and wasn’t able to provide proof of insurance.
He was ticketed for driving with a suspended license and without insurance, and his vehicle was impounded.
He was given notice to appear in court at a later date.
Health Minister Says Government will Fulfill Promise to Staff Whitbourne ER
Health Minister Lela Evans is doubling down on the PC commitment to fully staff the ER in Whitbourne.
The issue came up in the House of Assembly yesterday, following questions by area MHA Sherry Gambin-Walsh.
Gambin-Walsh asked if Evans stands by those commitments, and asks when 24-hour services will be established.
Evans says the department is working with NLHS on that promise, “and we will live up to the commitments in the Blue Book.”
Drug Charges Pending After Traffic Stop in Eastport
Charges are anticipated after suspected cocaine and contraband tobacco were seized from a vehicle in Eastport.
It all started when a 61-year-old woman was pulled over in the community due to improper registration.
Inside the vehicle, officers noticed contraband tobacco products, and a later search of the vehicle turned up a quantity of suspected cocaine and paraphernalia associated with drug use.
The woman was arrested for unlawful possession of unstamped tobacco products, and charges are anticipated related to the suspected cocaine following the results of laboratory testing.
Grand Falls-Windsor Company Charged After OHS Investigation
A company in Grand Falls Windsor and a supervisor are facing Occupational Health and Safety charges after an employee may have suffered injuries due to a carbon monoxide exposure.
The exposure is said to have happened nearly two years ago on April 9, 2024 at a worksite in the town.
Skir Enterprises is facing eight charges in total, while the supervisor is facing two.
Skir Enterprises Inc is charged with:
Failure to provide the information, instruction, training, supervision and facilities necessary to ensure worker safety.
Failure to ensure that the employer’s workers and supervisors are made familiar with health or safety hazards that may be met by them in the workplace.
Failure to immediately notify the assistant deputy minister of the accident.
Failure to ensure that work procedures promote the safe interaction of workers and their work environment.
Failure to ensure that personal protective equipment was selected and used in accordance with recognized standards and provide effective protection.
Failure to ensure that a worker who wears personal protective equipment is adequately instructed in the correct use, limitations and assigned maintenance duties for the equipment to be used.
Failure to ensure that workers do not have hair on the face or scalp that is likely to prevent effective sealing when a respirator with a tight-fitting facepiece is worn.
Failure to ensure that each tool, machine and piece of equipment in the workplace was selected, used and operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and instructions.
The company supervisor is charged with failure to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all workers under his or her supervision and failure to ensure that a worker uses or wears protective equipment, devices or other apparel that this Act, the Regulations or the worker’s employer requires to be used or worn.
Power Outage Affecting Parts of Conception Bay South
More than 4,000 customers are without power this morning in parts of Conception Bay South.
Newfoundland Power reports an unplanned outage affecting customers in Kelligrews, Foxtrap, Upper Gullies and Peachytown.
The outage was first reported around 5:19 a.m. and is related to equipment problems.
Power is expected to be restored by about 9:30 a.m. this morning.
