Kieley hoping for another term in Mount Pearl

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.”

Mount Pearl making progress on safety plan

By Mark Squibb

The City of Mount Pearl is continuing to work on developing a community safety plan.

The City hired Thinkwell Research + Strategy earlier this year to draft the plan following a series of violent attacks last year involving teenagers, and the company just finished a round of consultation sessions, with more sessions planned for the near future.

The sessions revolved around topics including disability and disability support organizations, general safety, mental health, addictions and homeless services, neighbourhood watch and crime prevention, senior safety, and the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community.

Over 130 people expressed interest in the sessions. That’s in addition to the nearly 400 that responded to an earlier survey.

“We’re delighted to have such strong community participation,” said councillor Isabelle Fry, who brought forward the community safety update during council’s August 5 public meeting.

Once the next round of consultation sessions has ended, a draft plan will be developed based on community input. A final plan will be presented to the public following council approval.

Musicians raise money for those impacted by wildfires

Mount Pearl musician Alex Taylor hosted a benefit concert last month to raise money for people impacted by wildfires across the province. Joining Taylor were musicians Zander Wright, Jessie and Chris Connolly, Otto Pike, Paul Pearcey, George Power, Ed Breen, Daughters Of The Rock, and Brian, Kylynn, and Natalia Deboer. Taylor extended his thanks to the many volunteers who helped make the evening a success and those who donated, as well as the Parish of the Ascension for the use of the church for the evening. All told, some $2,400 was raised for the Red Cross. Pictured, from left, are the Canadian Red Cross’s director of relief operations Bianca Langille, Alex Taylor, and Robert Doyle, the Canadian Red Cross’s emergency management coordinator for Eastern NL. Submitted photo.

Lane looking to give it another go

By Mark Squibb

Mount Pearl councillor Chelsea Lane has put her name forward for re-election in the upcoming municipal race.

Lane was first elected to council in 2021, placing fourth out of 12 candidates.

“The last four years of council have been amazing,” said Lane. “I feel like I’ve grown so much and learned so much. I’ve definitely made a lot of strong connections within the community. But I feel like I still have so much to learn and so much to give. I think I have a good voice on council. I offer some diversity and have been able to add things to the discussion that others on council perhaps would not have thought of because they don’t have the same lived experiences as I have, being a young mother in the community.”

Lane said the biggest concern she has heard from residents is a lack of affordable housing.

“With the economy as it is, everything is so expensive, and I think our residents are feeling it here as well,” said Lane. “A lot of seniors are looking to sell their single-family homes and move into smaller units, but with the prices right now, they just can’t afford it, so they’re in a position where it’s hard to keep up with the house that they have, but there’s nowhere else for them to go.”

Lane noted the Kenmount Hill development, which has seen headway in recent years, includes plans for a variety of types of housing.

As a mother of three children (Serena 4, Max 2, and Nathan 13 months), Lane said removing barriers for young families and making Mount Pearl more accessible is a major priority for her.

When Lane became pregnant with her second child, Max, in 2022, it led to the discovery that the City had no parental leave policy for councillors. Council approved such a policy shortly thereafter, which Lane said opened doors for young people to put their names forward for office.

Lane has been known to attend meetings at City Hall first with Max and now with 13-month-old Nathan in tow.

As a breastfeeding mother, Lane said she’s excited the City is looking to install more change tables at City facilities, including City Hall. Lane said that while attending meetings at City Hall with her babies, oftentimes she would have to lay down a change pad and change diapers on the floor.

Lane is also looking forward to the completion of the new community civic, which will boast both a splash pad and ice surface, and said the new facility will be a draw for young families. That facility is expected to be completed next year.

Lane, who describes herself as a hard worker and great multi-tasker, is also a volunteer with the Mount Pearl Kinnette Club, and was recently named one of Kin Canada’s Top 30 Under 30.

She also just recently landed a permanent position at Mount Pearl Intermediate as a special needs teacher.

“I have four years experience under my belt now, and I’m just getting started,” said Lane. “I offer a different perspective than councillors currently there, and over the last four years I’ve been able to advocate for residents on various issues. I’m accessible – despite the fact that I have three children. When they go to bed at night, I pick up my phone and respond to emails and phone calls and will continue to do so if I’m elected.”

T’Railway lighting comes in slightly overbudget

Former Citizen of the Year Wanda Tiller has volunteered with everyone from the school crossing guards to the Frosty Festival and is now running for council. Submitted photo

By Mark Squibb

Folks in Mount Pearl are seeing the light — although the light has come in slightly overbudget.

Council set aside $250,000 this year to install lights along the City’s portion of the T’Railway.

The light poles were installed this past spring, and council was billed for the work earlier this summer. All told, the Grand Concourse Authority charged some $282,914— about $32,000 more than budgeted.

Director Jason Collins explained that some extra lights had to be ordered for the project, resulting in a cost overrun.

The City also earmarked $250,000 in Budget 2025 to improve the T’Railway crossing at Commonwealth Avenue.

Those upgrades will include pedestrian-activated traffic signals, crosswalk realignment, and a raised median island in the centre of Commonwealth Avenue. Drivers will also no longer be able to turn left onto Commonwealth from Glendale Avenue.

Though budgeted, the work has not been tendered so the exact cost has yet to be determined.

Tiller says she’s ready to listen and eager to serve

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.”

New transpo plan aims to make Mount Pearl less ‘car-centric’

By Mark Squibb

Mount Pearl council has approved a new transportation plan that aims to make it easier to get around the city without a vehicle of your own.

“The Integrated Transportation Plan (ITP) for the City of Mount Pearl was developed to guide future growth and mobility by transitioning the city from a car-centric model to a multimodal, sustainable, and smart transportation network,” said councillor Bill Antle. “The plan integrates road, transit, active transportation, and parking systems, aligning with the City’s Municipal Plan and strategic goals. Key objectives included reviewing the 2015 Integrated Transportation Study, conducting a comprehensive transportation analysis, and preparing a plan that supports safe and sustainable infrastructure.”

Mayor Dave Aker asked Chief Administrative Officer Cassie Rideout for clarification on how the plan meshes with the municipal plan and how it might affect the City’s regulations.

Rideout said there are no immediate impacts on the municipal plan and described the new transportation plan as a “guiding framework.”

“So, an issue may arise, and we’ll utilize the ITP to assess, with the information we have, the risk and the outcome and make an informed decision or recommendation to council that way,” said Rideout. “So, for example, if we were looking at future trail use planning, if we were looking at speeding concerns, if we were looking at development in a neighbourhood, and what active verses passive transportation looks like, if we were looking at regional transit planning with Metrobus, the ITP is a guiding framework. So, it may result in eventual changes to bylaws or regulations, but at this point in time there’s no immediate impact.”

Deputy Mayor Nicole Kieley voiced her approval of the plan.

“This is going to be an incredibly important document moving forward,” said Kieley, adding that looking at transportation in a big-picture and long-term sort of way will have many benefits.

Councillor Mark Rice also applauded the plan, especially as it allows residents to request traffic calming measures on their streets.

“I’m so happy that we’re signing off and we’re actually taking part in putting this plan together, and at the end of the day, it’s going to be great for the city,” said Rice.

The new plan was approved unanimously during the August 5 public meeting.

Kieley likes progress on community centre

By Mark Squibb

Work is proceeding apace on Mount Pearl’s new community centre, says Deputy Mayor Nicole Kieley.

The deputy mayor brought forward the update on the $15.5 million facility during council’s August 5 public meeting.

Kieley said the design phase of the community centre is mostly complete. Landscaping around the newly completed Canada Games parking lot has been completed as well, and several critical components of underground infrastructure necessary for the combined splash pad and ice surface have been delivered to the site.

Staff, meanwhile, remain in touch with the contractor to ensure things are running smoothly.

“I cannot reiterate how closely our team has been working with the development team,” said Kieley. “There’s been an incredible amount of work being done by some of our team members.”

Earlier this summer, council was given a tour of the facility.

“It was absolutely astounding,” said Kieley. “Certainly, everyone has seen, if you’ve passed by, the work being done. However, it was certainly special to see all the different areas, and you can start picturing and imaging services and events, and what it’s going to feel like being in the actual building, so it’s quite exciting.”

The new facility is set to replace the ageing Park Place community centre.

Antle looking to tackle Metrobus if he wins another term

Bill Antle is seeking re-election to Mount Pearl council. Submitted photo

By Mark Squibb

Mount Pearl city councillor Bill Antle will be putting his name forward for re-election for a third term of council in the upcoming municipal election.

“I’ve got some more things I want to get done, and I know I can deliver,” said Antle.

Antle was first elected to council in 2017 following his retirement from Heinz Canada, where he served as District Key Account Manager. He decided to run for council, he said, as a means of giving back to the community, and initially only intended to stay on for one term.

“So far, I think I’ve been fairly successful, and that’s why I want to do it again,” said Antle.

Over the last two terms of council, Antle has co-chaired the Planning, Engineering and Development committee, the Corporate Services (Finance) and Economic Development committee, and the Community Development and Planning committee. He has sat on the Regional Fire Services board, Regional Water Services board, Eastern Regional Service Board, served as vice-chairman of the Northeast Avalon Joint Council, and as council’s liaison with both the Mount Pearl Library Board and Ministerial Community Supper board.

When working for Heinz, Antle would draft annual budgets for the company, and said he carries that financial literacy over to his position as a councillor.

“I know how to be fiscally responsible, and that’s my key job in the city, to be fiscally responsible,” said Antle. “When we do our budget, we make sure it’s dead on. I think Mount Pearl is one of the most financially well-run municipalities in the province. We have a six percent debt ratio, which is fabulous when you think about it.”

Antle is an advocate for maintaining and improving the city’s 65-kilometres of trails and increasing recreation offerings and said over the next term he wants to advocate for a regional water tower and increased police presence in Mount Pearl.

He also wants to see changes in public transportation.

“I want to focus on Metrobus,” said Antle. “I want to fix Metrobus. The way Metrobus works now, it’s just not working, so I want to spend my time focusing on Metrobus the next four years and make that better. Paradise does it right. Paradise has a destination drop-off. You don’t go up and down every street in Paradise to get a bus. In Mount Pearl we go up and down every single street, and we pay $7 a kilometre for Metrobus. Metrobus costs us $2 million a year and it’s not delivering what we need.”

Antle said that on the campaign trail residents have raised concerns about safety, affordability, and housing, particularly housing for seniors.

Meanwhile, he thinks the current iteration of council is doing a pretty good job.

“We are doing the right things right, and I think the council we have now all work well together,” said Antle. “Sometimes we have disagreements, but we always have the betterment of the city in mind.”

Antle was born and bred in Mount Pearl. His parents, Mary and Irv Antle, moved to the Pearl in 1952 — well before the city was incorporated. He married Roxanne Ryan in 1984, and the couple raised their children, Ryan and Megan, in Mount Pearl. Today, Antle is the proud grandparent of five, two of whom are being raised in Mount Pearl.

“Experience counts, and my history counts,” said Antle. “Over the last eight years there’s not a resident that’s called me and said they can’t get a hold of me. That’s what counts. When I say something, I deliver it.”

Mount Pearl MEO sworn in

Jordan Cole was sworn in as the City of Mount Pearl’s newest Municipal Enforcement Officer (MEO) during the August 5 public meeting. Cole served with the RCMP in Alberta, worked as an insurance fraud investigator, and with people suffering from addiction and mental health crises. MEOs patrol the city’s many trails, enforce the Highway Traffic Act, and partner with police to investigate crimes. All told, the City boasts a team of seven MEOs, led by superintendent Blair Tilley. From left are Tilley, recreation and community safety director Jason Collins, councillors Chelsea Lane and Isabell Fry, Mayor Dave Aker, Cole, CAO Cassie Rideout, and councillors Bill Antle and Mark Rice. Mark Squibb photo