New Bay Roberts council sworn in

By Olivia Bradbury / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The newly elected members of Bay Roberts council didn’t waste much time preparing to do business.
Elected on Thursday, October 2, the crew were called together Tuesday, October 7 to take their oaths of office during a reception for councillors and their families.

First to be sworn-in was Mayor Geoff Seymour. He was first elected to council in 2021 and elected by his peers at that time to the position of deputy mayor. When Walter Yetman stepped away from the mayor’s job this past winter because he intended to run in the provincial election, Seymour stepped into the role of acting mayor. At the close of nominations for the municipal election, Seymour was the only person to step forward for the mayor’s job this term and was elected by acclamation.

Five members of the previous council were also re-elected, but in a competitive contest.

For councillor Dean Franey, who is a captain with Bay Roberts Fire Rescue, it is his fourth term in a row. Councillor Perry Bowering first served on council from 2001-2005, then again from 2021-2025, making this his third term overall and second consecutive term. Bowering has volunteered with the Avalon North Wolverines Search and Rescue team for over 40 years. For councillors Silas Badcock and Frank Deering, this is their third consecutive term each. For Ross Petten, who was president of the local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion for 10 years, it is his second term in a row.

The one newcomer to the council is Neil Kearley. Originally from Conception Bay South, Kearley has lived in Bay Roberts for 15 years. He worked in education for 36 years, serving as principal of Bay Roberts’ high school Ascension collegiate for 17 years. He retired in June. Kearley was co-chair of last year’s NL Summer Games, which were hosted in Bay Roberts. It was his first time running for council, and he received the most votes of all the candidates.