By Mark Squibb
A familiar face to many in Mount Pearl, Wanda Tiller is putting her name forward for municipal election this fall.
“I have the utmost respect for the council that we have there now, but sometimes change is good,” said Tiller. “It’s good to have a new voice and a new view….I’m retired, and so I can give my full attention to council, and to the citizens. Right now is the right time.”
Tiller moved to Mount Pearl from St. John’s 45 years ago. She has volunteered with the Frosty Festival for 35 years and with the Girl Guides for 40 years. She has also volunteered with Mount Pearl City Days, served as a crossing guard for Morris Academy, sat on the Morris Academy School Council, taught Sunday School at First United Church and sat on the church’s board, is a member of the Mount Pearl Kinettes, and volunteered with the 2025 Canada Summer Games. In 2019, she was named Mount Pearl Citizen of the Year.
“I’ve forty-some years being heavily involved in the city through different organizations, and being involved has put two things into perspective for me – you can’t do it alone, and public involvement is paramount,” said Tiller. “My reason for running for council? Just to continue being a part of Mount Pearl.”
Her first time ever volunteering was as a candy striper at the Grace Hospital as a high school student.
“Volunteering gives you, not a sense of worth, but a feeling of giving to other people, of helping other people,” said Tiller. “I really can’t tell you why I volunteer, but I absolutely love it. If you need help, I’ll be there.”
In regard to both her volunteer work and decision to run for municipal office, Tiller noted a quote attributed to newspaper humorist Erma Bombeck — “When I stand before God, I hope I don’t have a single bit of talent left and was able to use everything you gave me.”
Prior to retiring, Tiller had spent 15 years as a home support worker. Following the passing of her mother, Tiller wanted to volunteer as a caregiver. Being told that the agency didn’t accept volunteers, she took a job instead. She has also operated a home daycare in years past.
In the lead up to her decision to run, Tiller brushed up on the City’s by-laws and municipal procedures and tuned into a few council meetings to get a better sense of how the City operates.
Tiller, whose campaign slogan reads, ‘Your City, Your Voice, Your Vote, Your Choice,’ said many residents have raised concerns about traffic and community safety. She also wants to encourage development without seeing Mount Pearl “falling prey to urban sprawl.”
If elected, Tiller said she will be a voice for residents.
“Because of social media fallout or whatever else, we’ve become so connected that we’ve disconnected,” said Tiller. “You can’t do this job without listening, really listening, to the residents of Mount Pearl. In my years of working, I’ve learned to listen, to be quiet and listen, and then continue the conversation.”