Mount Pearl Deputy Mayor Nicole Kieley says her first term on council was a learning experience and she is eager to serve again. Submitted photo
By Mark Squibb
Mount Pearl Deputy Mayor Nicole Kieley has put her name forward for re-election ending speculation she might run provincially.
“I am ready for four more years of continued, dedicated service as a council person, and there is a lot to still be done,” said Kieley. “We’ve developed an incredible strategic plan, and accessibility plan, and transportation plan, but our plans are only as good as the people that are developing them and moving them forward and actioning them, and for that reason I want to continue in my role and be around that table.”
Kieley, who works as a senior consultant with the provincial government, was elected in 2021, garnering a greater share of votes than any of the other 11 candidates on the ballot.
In May 2023, she was struck and pinned by a vehicle outside a Shoppers Drug Mart in St. John’s. Following the accident, her right leg was amputated below the knee. One year to the date of the horrific accident, Kieley made a triumphant return to Mount Pearl council chamber. The fortitude she displayed during the ordeal led some to see her as a possible star provincial or federal candidate. Kieley sought the federal Liberal nomination in Cape Spear Riding, but lost to the political machine of former provincial MHA Tom Osborne, who came out of political retirement to run federally.
On her decision to seek re-election municipally, Kieley said she first had to consider her own personal well-being.
“This was not a decision I made lightly,” said Kieley. “It was coming from a real contemplation and assessment of where I was in my own personal recovery and also from a passion and desire to serve the community.”
Kieley said serving the community brings her joy, and that seeking re-election in 2025 felt right, despite the challenges.
“This fills my cup, it is my passion,” said Kieley. “I have so much more to give, and so many ways to serve, and I’m excited about it.”
Kieley said community safety has become a topic of concern following a number of violent assaults in November of 2024 that shocked the community and resulted in six youths being arrested.
Kieley herself has worked for two decades in the field of violence prevention, including a stint as Executive Director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre.
The deputy mayor said town halls and consultation sessions hosted in the aftermath of the assaults allowed residents to bring forward their concerns and experiences, and that while the police and judicial systems have important roles to play in preventing violence, seeds planted at the municipal level — such as Neighbour Watch and town halls, support for minority groups and youth engagement— also play a major role.
Improved, accessible transportation, said Kieley, is also a big concern for residents, as is the development of the Team Gushue highway, which is a positive thing for the City, but will create additional traffic concerns.
Kieley said the City’s new traffic plan allows citizens to report their concerns directly to staff, which she applauded.
She also expressed a commitment to improving essential services such as snow clearing and garbage collection, which she said Mount Pearl already excels at.
Kieley said she is proud of the work council accomplished over this last term.
“There’s been tremendous growth for Mount Pearl,” said Kieley. “We developed a strategic plan, we broke ground on the new community centre, we increased our capacity for different infrastructure north of Topsail Road, and we’ve really started to dig into transportation in a way that is looking at, not where we were, but where we want to be.”
Kieley allowed her first term on council was a learning experience. Her own disability, she added, has made her more aware of the challenges faced by others and the need to make Mount Pearl an accessible city for all.
“It’s community first for me, always, and you’re going to get that from me,” said Kieley. “The amount of strength, and perseverance that I have gone through on my own personal journey, you will see that at the table. If you are looking for a champion for diversity and inclusion, you have one here. If you want somebody that sees the value, and has experience, in nurturing and tending the things that are working in the City, like the things you see right in front of your house, like garbage collection and snow clearing, you have one here. It’s a combination of experience and vision for where we are going.”
Kieley said in her role as a municipal leader she has made many friends along the way who have assisted in her recovery. She is also excited to see new candidates put their names forward.
Regardless of which candidates you vote for, said Kieley, get out and vote.
“Please, please, please vote,” said Kieley. “If you want to see Mount Pearl grow and thrive, please vote... whether you’re voting for me or not, it’s so important to vote.”