Town Council

Jason Cullihall - Mayor
Email: jason.cullihall@rockyharbour.ca

Jason was born in Newfoundland, and lived in Rocky Harbour until his early 20’s. He spent a lot of time fishing with his family at Gull Marsh. Then, like many kids at that time, he moved to the mainland for work. Jason spent 20 years in Ontario, where he met his wife. He started with several small jobs until he found a position at a municipality where he spent 18 years working in various departments. In 2019 Jason and his family moved back to the island, and they haven’t looked back since. They enjoy being able to spend time with family, and they can often be found on the ATV trail on snowmobile or side by side, heading to their cabin or just out for a drive. This is Jason’s first term on Council and he is extremely grateful to have the opportunity to accept the Mayor’s position. Jason is excited to apply his education and vast experience from his 18+ years working in a similar environment. He’s looking to bring some new ideas to help Rocky Harbour grow and develop while embracing its culture and history.

Jen Shears - Deputy Mayor
Email: jen.shears@rockyharbour.ca

Jen was raised in Corner Brook, but has Rocky Harbour roots. Her great grandfather Samuel Cullihall is buried in Rocky Harbour Cove, and visiting her family’s cabin (the Sansome cabin) in Rocky Harbour was a special part of her summers. Jen has lived in Rocky Harbour for the last 20 years, working many of them with Parks Canada, and opening and operating multiple businesses here and in St. John’s. The people, scenery, and outdoor activities make Rocky Harbour a dream home for Jen, and she’s honoured to use her energy and experience to contribute to the Town in her first term on Council. Jen believes that Rocky Harbour is full of talented, intelligent and motivated people, and that our community can realize its potential through engagement and consultation with residents, businesses and partners. Outside of Town Council, Jen is a member of Gros Morne Academy’s School Council, a Board Member of Navigate Entrepreneurship Centre, and is an advocate for conservation and sustainable food and clothing through hunting and fishing. In her free time, Jen enjoys time with family, playing sports, and hosting episodes of “Canada Hunts” on Wild TV with her husband and 10-year-old daughter.

Patricia Cullihall - Councillor
Email: patricia.cullihall@rockyharbour.ca

Patricia was born and raised in Rocky Harbour. At 12 years of age, she moved to Traytown and lived there for 10 years. She completed her college course (Medical/Legal Administrative Assistant) and returned to Rocky Harbour. To her, it was returning home. Patricia has over two decades of healthcare experience. She has been working with Tender Loving Care since 2014, and is dedicated to providing the best service possible to her clients and staff. Patricia always knew she wanted to be part of a council, and she was first elected to Rocky Harbour Town Council in 2014. She is honoured that this is her 3rd term. Currently as part of her commitment to Council, Patricia is a member of the War Memorial Committee, Human Resources Committee, Rocky Harbour Recreation Committee, Harbour Lights Committee and Come Home Year Committee. Patricia loves spending her free time with family and friends, and when time allows, she enjoys working on projects such as tole painting or anything crafty.

Wilfred Ellsworth - Councillor
Email: wilfred.ellsworth@rockyharbour.ca

Wilfred was born in St. Paul’s and raised in Rocky Harbour. He relocated to Fort McMurray, Alberta at the age of 17, and in 1991, he, his wife, and two daughters returned to reside in Rocky Harbour, the community that he loves for its people and beauty. After a couple of years, Wilfred decided to put his name forward for Municipal Council and was elected, which has led to a 26-year stretch as councillor. Wilfred is a longtime member of the Fire Department - 16 years as Fire Chief, 10 years Deputy Fire Chief, and 4 years as a Fire Brigade Member. He has also been on numerous other committees throughout the years; Recreation, Waste Disposal and Arena committees to name a few. Over his 7 terms on Council, Wilfred has worked with many great mayors and councillors, and he is proud of the many accomplishments they achieved - including the development and construction of the arena and artificial ice, sidewalks and lighting around the waterfront, new water lines, new septic disposal field, community trails, and the enhancement of Rocky Harbour Pond. Wilfred is proud to continue to work with Council to strengthen and further develop our beautiful community that he is blessed to call home.

Keith Granter - Councillor
Email: keith.granter@rockyharbour.ca

Keith was born in Dark Cove, Bonavista Bay. He moved to Labrador city at the age of 13, where he eventually joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and served 25 years as an aircraft technician. When Keith retired from the military he went to CONA in St. John’s to do cooking. He came to Rocky Harbour around 25 years ago on a vacation and fell in love with the area, leading to a move here in September 2016. Keith married his wife in 1985, and they have two sons. Keith is secretary-treasurer with the fire department, and volunteers with the Harbour Lights Festival and Recreation Committees.

Tony Smith - Councillor
Email: tony.smith@rockyharbour.ca

Tony was born and raised in Rocky Harbour, and is a certified Electrician, Power Engineer, & Electrical Engineering Technologist. Tony is also a volunteer fire fighter in our town. He is passionate about health & safety, and brings a vast set of experience in this field. This is Tony’s first term as town councillor, and he is a member of the Finance, Public Works, Human Resource, and War Memorial Committees. He has a vision of working with residents and businesses to help the Town grow and prosper. In Tony’s free time he loves spending time with family and friends. He enjoys the outdoors, hiking, hunting, fishing, spending time at the trailer and exploring on his side by side.

Laurie Trepanier - Councillor
Email: laurie.trepanier@rockyharbour.ca

Laurie grew-up in Cormack, NL and moved to Fort McMurray at the age of 11. She eventually joined the Royal Canadian Navy and served for 20 years as a Training Development Officer. In 2016, Laurie retired from the Navy and began working as a consultant in the defence and security industry. In her spare time, Laurie has volunteered with the Harbour Lights Festival, and is working towards the creation of the Rocky Harbour Community Gardens and Green Space. Laurie loves the outdoors, her favourite activities are hiking and appreciating the beauty of our beautiful Province with her husband and two dogs. Laurie is extremely appreciative to have been given this opportunity to serve the Town of Rocky Harbour, and intends to serve the citizens with open dedication to the community and open communications.

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