Like a McDonald's parking lot out there

been following the heating cost story this week and the numbers out of newfoundland are genuinely alarming.

$2.16 per litre for furnace oil in st. john’s as of early october. a standard 900 litre tank costs about $1,950 to fill right now. that’s nearly a dollar a litre more than this time last year. the cause is the middle east conflict driving global oil prices up.

i work in clean energy and the reason i find the timing interesting is the federal heat pump rebate that was announced october 8th.

the program offers up to $10,000 for households below median income and $2,000 for everyone else. no energy audit required. the portal opens early 2027 but the program is retroactive to this fall, meaning if you install a heat pump before the portal opens you can still claim when it does.

for atlantic canada specifically this matters more than anywhere else in the country. the clean energy canada modelling puts annual savings from switching from oil heat to a heat pump at around $1,767 per year for a nova scotia household. newfoundland numbers are similar given the current oil prices. that payback calculation looks dramatically different at $2.16 a litre versus $1.20.

the other thing worth knowing is that the federal rebate stacks with provincial programs. nl’s home heating supplement gives $500 back to households under $150k income. nova scotia has efficiency nova scotia programs. the combined picture brings the net installation cost down further than most people realise.

the person in the CTV story cutting back on groceries and travel to afford her heating bills this winter is not unusual. and the frustrating part is that the technology and the programs to address it permanently exist right now. it’s mostly an information problem.

if you’re on oil heat in atlantic canada right now i genuinely think the math has never been more compelling to at least look into what a switch would actually cost for your specific house. what’s stopping most people isn’t the economics, it’s not knowing where to start.

Why have Newfoundlanders become openly racist? In the past, microaggressions were common but now I am seeing and hearing people being openly and blatantly racist in real life. From confrontations and comments directed towards interracial couples to racial slurs, I am seeing more of it. Am I the only one seeing this? It's sad.

I've found out that the exterior walls in my mother's house is not insulated. Its a sturdy home build in 1958...2 bedroom bungalow with vinyl siding. Is blown in insulation from the outside, either cellulose or foam the better option or fiberglass rolls or blown in from the inside. Im concerned about too much tear up and the possibility of lead paint too. HELP!!

I'm currently with Public Mobile, but the cell signal where I live is pretty terrible. I'm considering switching providers just to get Wi-Fi calling.

I'm happy enough with Public Mobile otherwise, so Wi-Fi calling would really be the only reason I'd switch. I don't need a lot of data or anything fancy.

What's the cheapest phone plan available in Newfoundland that supports Wi-Fi calling? Any recommendations?

Remember that parrot at the Village Mall who used to swear a blue streak? Whatever happened to that guy? Parrots can live a long life...is he still around?

This is the quote I got from the mover, who came to my house and saw exactly what was being moved: 2 bedrooms, 3 floors, and a 10x10’ storage unit. Does it sound reasonable? Not bringing any large furniture (no sofas), buts tons of books and smaller pieces of furniture, but 2 queen sized beds with frames/headboards. Is this quote reasonable/going rate?

$25,295.05
Estimate

Message
November 20th-load
9am

Thank you for inquiring about our services.

*Please be advised, this is a complete flat rate based off of one 26 foot truck*

Moving, travel and truck fees
$17,110.00

Mattress Bag
$28.00
($14.00 ea.) x 2

2x queen

wardrobe box
$160.00
($20.00 ea.) x 8

Fuel Charge
$4,137.00

Ferry
$950.00

Subtotal
$22,385.00

Sales Tax
$2,910.05

Total
$25,295.05

Everywhere I have called are quoting me prices around $150+
I usually got my Oil changes done at Costco so it was quite cheap however they are not offering any Oil Changes around this time. Does anyone know a good and affordable place to get an Oil Change? Apparently the Motor Oil Prices have gone up due tariffs and all.

TIA!!!

Just wondering if anyone else has been in a similar situation and what you ended up doing!
I’m currently working as a substitute Student Assistant (SA) and Teaching and Learning Assistant (TLA) with NL Schools. Unfortunately, with all the cutbacks and lack of available hours, I’m lucky if I get 5 hours of work a week. As much as I love working in the school system, it’s just not financially sustainable.
I’ve been seriously considering going back to university to further my education and hopefully open up more stable, better-paying career opportunities. Ideally, I’d like to complete my studies fully online so I can continue living here and work around my family.
I’m wondering if anyone else has been in a similar position and decided to go back to school?
What did you decide to study, and which university did you attend?
Were you able to complete your program fully online?
What funding options were available to you? Did you use student loans, grants, or receive assistance through EI or NL’s Skills Development program?
If you were considered underemployed due to a lack of work hours, did that help you qualify for any funding?
I’d especially love to hear from anyone who went back to university as an adult while juggling work and family life.
I’m just trying to explore my options and figure out whether going back to school is financially realistic. Any experiences, advice, or information would be greatly appreciated! 😊

I drove through the area last week but I can't remember seeing any signage for the camera. I thought they had to have a sign posted.

Virtually preferably ,

Came down over an extended weekend to attend my sister wedding. BEAUTIFUL Province. Sights are 10/10.

ALSO. You guys are wild for doing a Marathon on the Eastern Trail! What a way to wake up Saturday morning to look out the AirBnB window and you guys are running in that wicked weather. Kudos!