Three newcomers and a second bidder among those vying for seats in Mount Pearl

By Mark Squibb

A City employee who has taken a leave of absence to campaign is among a group of first-time candidates hoping to find a seat on Mount Pearl council.

Don Kelly has lived in his Mount Pearl his entire life and with wife Wendy raised two children there.

The Civil Engineering Technology Diploma graduate from College of the North Atlantic has worked as a City Inspector for the last 14 years.

“Working with the City has given me great insight into the things I would have to deal with as a councillor, like the National Building Code, Provincial Building Regulations, and the City of Mount Pearl’s Municipal Plan, which is being revised,” said Kelly. “I’m also very familiar with the City’s building regulations and development regulations.”

Kelly said if it comes to it, he’s ready to retire and become a full-time councillor. He is campaigning on the promise of improved infrastructure and roads, fiscal responsibility, and public safety.

“I want to help inspire change, influence policy and ensure the City continues to grow,” he said.

Kelly is chairman of the Mount Pearl Sport Alliance awards committee, a member of the Health Care Foundation Golf Tournament fund raising committee, member and past president of the Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee, and chairman of the Royal St John’s Regatta Hall of Fame Committee. He is also an off-ice official for the Quebec Major Junior League and was a Venue Team Lead for the 2025 Canada Summer Games.

“I’ve always given, and I want to give more,” said Kelly. “It’s a passion of mine to run for council. I guarantee that if you have an issue and you come to me, I’ll discuss it with you, I’ll understand your issue from your perspective, and I’ll bring those concerns forward and get back to you with any solutions that we can. I will be quite transparent and explain to you if it can be done or can’t be done.”

Another political newcomer is Mike Peach.

“I’ve had some friends tell me I should try going into politics, and I said, ‘I don’t know if I could be successful at that,’” said Peach. “Because I have an autism diagnosis, I thought, ‘No way is anyone going to elect an autistic guy for anything.’”

But, said Peach, his friends continued to encourage him, and while at the Summit Centre one day he saw an advertisement for the Make Your Mark campaign, which encouraged folks to put their name forward for council.

“So, I thought, ‘Okay, why not?’” said Peach. “’Let’s see how it goes.’”

Peach is running to represent groups that he feels have been underrepresented at a municipal level.

“My platform is based on raising awareness of neurodiversity, and in general it extends to wanting to provide better representation for underrepresented and marginalized groups,” said Peach. “I want to normalise autistic and neurodivergent people in public office, or at the very least running for public office, and getting their name out there and giving some reassurance or some hope to kids, or to their parents, that might be struggling.”

Peach is studying education at Memorial University and has been tutoring other students for the last 15 years.

“My social and educational advocacy, and getting the message and the awareness out there is the main objective for my running, and I'll continue to do it regardless of the outcome of the election,” said Peach. “If people like that message and want to support it with their vote, or if I can bring up an issue that's important to them but they haven't seen represented in local political discourse, I'm giving them that option… I would hope that people, when selecting the council members they want to vote for, even if it’s not me, think about who would make the best, most well-rounded council.”

Also on the ballot is newcomer Bailey Rempel.

Rempel, who hails from Saskatchewan, has worked for a number of construction companies over the years and is the Eastern Canada district manager of Peter Kiewit & Sons.

“Mount Pearl is our home — we work here, my kids go to school here, we play sports here… and you really start to take an interest in your home,” she said of her decision to run.

A major concern Rempel would like to see addressed is community safety.

Rempel’s husband, Shem Evans, was one of two victims of random violence by youths last year.

He was attacked by a youth armed with a baseball bat as he was picking their two daughters up from school at Morris Academy.

Council has since drafted a community safety plan that is expected to be released soon.

Rempel said it’s time to put that plan to work.

“We are hearing at the doors that people are worried about their safety still,” said Rempel. “Nothing has changed. And for myself, this is not just a campaign slogan. We need to look at this issue and tackle it from multiple sides. And it can’t get pushed down the road. It needs to happen now.”

Traffic congestion and road safety are another major concern.

“I’m fighting the same intersections every day as everyone else,” said Rempel. “There’s got to be a better way, and maybe I can help. I come from a construction background and so I’m used to looking at pretty complex issues and coming up with an action plan and quickly working to resolve issues, and I’m hoping I can bring that to council.”

When not working or campaigning, Rempel said she’s spending time outside with her family.

“I have a track record of speaking up for people and getting things done,” said Rempel. “Mount Pearl residents are ready for a little bit of a change. Maybe getting someone in new that hasn’t been elected once, twice, or even more, is going to bring in a new perspective, or a new zest for getting things done. Once people get talking to me and hear about my work history, there’s a pretty good response.”

Candidate Susan Pearcey ran in the 2021 election, narrowly missing a spot on council.

“Coming so close I definitely wanted to give it another try,” said Pearcey, arguing that council could benefit from having younger voices around the table.

Through both her career and her volunteer work, Pearcey is especially tuned into the City’s student population.

She has taught at O’Donel High School since 2006 and has held several roles with Mount Pearl Minor Hockey over the years, including team manager, Special Events Director, and elected member of the board of directors. Through Mount Pearl Minor Hockey she created the Big Give Food Drive, which raises about $12,000 annually for local food banks. She has also served on the Frosty Festival Board of Directors and Newton and O’Donel school councils and is the City Liaison for the Focus on Youth Awards.

She said that every year she sees students graduate and then have to leave Mount Pearl to pursue their work. She would like to see more industries, such as the tech industry, encouraged to set up shop in Mount Pearl.

“I think there needs to be a voice on council who is tuned in to the younger generation,” said Pearcey. “We need the young people to stay in Mount Pearl.”

While out on the campaign trail, she said residents have expressed concerns about traffic and speeding, and that some younger families have said that parks and playgrounds are not as well maintained as they could be. Graffiti, added Pearcey, continues to be a problem in community spaces.

The other candidates running for Mount Pearl council – Bill Antle, Isabelle Fry, Nicole Kieley, Chelsea Lane, Jim Locke, Mark Rice and Wanda Tiller – were all profiled in previous editions of The Pearl News and The Shoreline.

Susan Pearcey

Bailey Rempel

Don Kelly

Mike Peach

City awards big contracts to beef up its website

By Mark Squibb

The City of Mount Pearl is redesigning it’s website to make it more user friendly — particularly as it relates to development permits.

During the September 2 meeting, council awarded two digital service contracts related to the new website with “Permitting” and “Work Order” modules awarded to Catalis Technologies, and the Recreation Management section of the website to Amelia Technologies, a partner of Catalis Technologies, for a total of $320,322.

The City received 15 bids.

“This is something people don’t see behind the scenes, but it’s going to have a great impact on the look and feel of our website,” said Mayor Dave Aker, explaining the work relates more to the backend of the website than the pages you see when you log in.

Chief Administrative Officer Cassie Rideout said she was excited to see the project come to fruition, and pointed out the project was funded in part by the federal government’s Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF).

“This is a continuation of two things, it’s a continuation of the ‘Digital Mount Pearl’ project we started in 2019 to revitalize and modernize our systems on the back end, and second, a continuation of that funding under HAF in relation to permitting and planning software,” said Rideout. “We made a commitment under HAF in line with increased (housing) development and intensification earlier this year to support making it easier to build homes and develop in Mount Pearl, and the permitting and planning software is going to do just that.”

The City also received 40 applications in response to a request for proposals for website redevelopment, a response Aker called “outstanding.” Staff recommended awarding the project to Upanup Studios Inc., in the bid amount of $129,064.

“Like a lot of the assets we have with the City of Mount Pearl, eventually they become obsolete or get used and wear down,” said Aker.

Director of Corporate Services Janie Mullins said the goal is to make the new website more user friendly and easier to navigate.

Both motions were approved unanimously.

Andrew Baker at Canada Games

Andrew Baker of Mount Pearl helped Newfoundland and Labrador make history at the Canada Games last month scoring this province’s first ever goal in box lacrosse at the games. Issac Hawkins scored Newfoundland’s second goal. Lacrosse was played at the Paradise Double Ice Complex. Newfoundland lost its opening match 18-2 against New Brunswick and went winless through four games. Photo by Tianna Dip

Mount Pearl hopeful for funds to kickstart Kenmount Hill development

By Mark Squibb

The City of Mount Pearl has submitted a funding application for $5.8 million to the provincial government for a portion of the province’s share of the federal government’s Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund for upgrades to Holden Street as part of the larger Kenmount Hill development.

“Holden Street upgrading consists of removal and replacement of linear assets including sanitary and storm sewer systems; the water distribution system; individual service lines up to the limits of the street right-of-way; asphalt, curb, gutter and sidewalk; and property reinstatement on Holden Street from the intersection with Wyatt Boulevard to the easement with Ingerman Street to Farrell Drive,” said councillor Bill Antle. “The size of new sanitary and storm sewers and water mains will be increased to provide additional capacity and reliability to service both existing residents and future development in the Kenmount Hill area.”

Antle asked council to move forward with the funding application, and council approved that motion unanimously.

Mayor Dave Aker added that Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Elvis Loveless had pledged provincial government support for the project.

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.”