Latest news with #GregNoseworthy
CBC
22-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
Out with the old, in with the Mews: New community centre will open in September
It was delayed by labour shortages, supply chain issues and HVAC problems, but the City of St. John's promises the new H.G.R. Mews Community Centre will open in a few months. The facility was initially slated to open in the fall of 2023 but the opening date was pushed back several times. Earlier this week the city announced it would open to the public in September. "It's absolutely happening this time, 100 per cent," councillor Greg Noseworthy told CBC Radio's The St. John's Morning Show. Noseworthy has been posting regular updates on the facility to social media, but says the biggest factor in delaying the opening was the COVID-19 pandemic, when steel and skilled labour were scarce. Then, over a year ago, staff caught an issue with the new building's heating and cooling equipment. "Thankfully that's resolved and we're gearing up, we're ready to go," said Noseworthy. Those delays didn't have an effect on the project's budget, according to the councillor. He says it's "not a dime" over the approximately $33 million set aside for the replacement of the old Mews Centre, constructed in 1970. The money went into building a 25-metre pool with a viewing area, an indoor walking track that overlooks the gymnasium and other multi-use spaces. The city also made an effort to make the community centre as accessible as possible, Noseworthy says. "Everything is there to make sure that this is for everybody in the community" he said. "No one gets left behind." According to the city's website, a courtesy wheelchair and a water wheelchair are available, and all entrances are accessible with various mobility aids. Other features include child and adult-size change tables, an assistive listening device and large print signage with braille. The original H.G.R. Mews Community Centre will remain open for regular summer programming, even though Noseworthy says it "needs some love." Before the building is decommissioned, he says the pool will be open for a dog swim day. "It's going to be a fun one as we drain the pool and get it ready… for the next phase for the community," said Noseworthy.
CBC
07-05-2025
- Health
- CBC
St. John's city councillor advocating for more safe disposal boxes after finding needles in public area
City of St. John's Coun. Greg Noseworthy was responding to a resident's call about litter in a wooded area near Topsail Road, when he nearly walked into needles sticking out of a tree. "I was mere inches away from having the needle poke myself, which could have been quite catastrophic," Noseworthy told CBC News on Monday. Noseworthy says he hears about needles littered in areas all over the city, including Mundy Pond, Cowan Heights, Waterford Valley, Old Topsail Road and Water Street. He says it's a serious safety issue, and can be hazardous if someone were to be stuck by one. And after his close encounter with almost getting poked, Noseworthy wanted to raise awareness. "All it takes is a scratch in your skin and you've got a serious infection," he said. Noseworthy says he spoke to a woman recently, who was accidentally pricked by a needle and had to receive treatment. The woman is now OK, he said. WATCH | This city councillor says more needles boxes are needed: A near-miss with a needle jammed in a tree is prompting a city councillor to demand more disposal sites 15 hours ago Duration 2:06 City of St. John's Coun. Greg Noseworthy says he was doing a park cleanup when he got up-close with a needle in an unusual spot. He says residents tell him needles are more of a common sight and designated containers to dispose of them are needed. The CBC's Abby Cole has more. He advises against cleaning up needles if found, and says people should call their city councillor or call 311 to have a professional come clean it up. "I really discourage people from trying to deal with these things themselves," he said. "If you are so compelled, make sure you're using tongs, gloves, [and a] proper disposal box." Safe disposal boxes The city has 13 containers placed in different areas for safe needle disposal. But, Noseworthy says there should be more. "Addictions are becoming more prevalent," he said. "It is a reality that we have to face as a society." The Safe Works Access Program (SWAP), a Newfoundland and Labrador harm reduction group, is also concerned about safe disposal. In an emailed statement, SWAP's acting program manager Anna Moulton said they will be meeting with Noseworthy on Wednesday to discuss changes to the city's needle distribution program to reduce the prevalence of supplies in public areas. SWAP also provides free personal disposal bins, and has a bin pick-up service so they can properly dispose of them. Noseworthy says he is going to continue advocating for more boxes to be placed around the city. He says prevention is key. "We have to deal with what we have right now, and finding ways to help keep the public safe is paramount," he said.
CBC
07-05-2025
- CBC
A near-miss with a needle jammed in a tree is prompting a city councillor to demand more disposal sites
City of St. John's Coun. Greg Noseworthy says he was doing a park cleanup when he got up-close with a needle in an unusual spot. He says residents tell him needles are more of a common sight and designated containers to dispose of them are needed. The CBC's Abby Cole has more.
