About Us
The Town of Twillingate is a tight-knit community of 2,196 on the north-central coast of Newfoundland and Labrador.
From the
Depths
Twillingate wasn’t discovered. It’s been lived in and loved for all of time. The island has a rich history, handed down through generations. We boast a natural beauty, appreciated by all-comers from around the world. Here we live a vibrant, traditional lifestyle – where our people are connected to the land, sea, and each other.
Tip of
the Iceberg
The Town of Twillingate administers all the services for the residents, from roads and recreation, to water and emergency services. And while these necessities are the foundation, the town continues to strategically build the local economy through diversification, tourism initiatives, and thoughtful planning.
With our feet firmly rooted on the island, and our eyes set to a future as expansive as the horizon, the Town of Twillingate offers residents a modern way of life, in a small, tight-knit community.
A Deep History, A Bright Future
Icebergs, whales, and flocks of tourists ebb and flow but, together, the Town of Twillingate and its people are building a community welcoming to business, people, and the opportunities they will bring.
Here you can rediscover the iceberg capital of the world. Here you can rediscover the Town of Twillingate. Maybe you’ll even rediscover yourself.
Front Row (L-R) Councillor Janice Barnes, Mayor Justin Blackler, Deputy Mayor Wayne Greenham
Back Row (L-R) Councillor Lloyd Blake, Councillor Mitchel Watkins, Councillor Mike Johnson, Councillor Andrew Rowsell, CAO Leanne Hann
Your Council
Mayor Justin Blackler
After 16 years of working in different parts of the island, I have recently moved home to Twilllingate along with my wife and three children. Nothing brings me more contentment than knowing my children will grow up in the town of Twillingate. A town that I have always praised as one of the best! I have served eight years on Municipal Council while in Port Aux Basques and hope for many years here as well. I look forward to continuing the traditions that have made Twillingate a destination for many, while hoping for new growth as well! Never hesitate to reach out!
Contact Mayor Justin Blackler at justin.blackler@townoftwillingate.ca
Contact Mayor Justin Blackler at justin.blackler@townoftwillingate.ca
deputy Mayor WAYNE GREENHAM
A councillor since 2017, I serve on the Fishery and Finance Committees, Chair the Public Works Committee, and am the council liaison to the fire department. I ran for office because I consider myself to be a leader and a long-term thinker, prepared to build our community for the future. I take pride in working with this council, carefully considering others’ opinions in administration and decision making. When I’m not at council, I like to spend my time playing sports, fishing, hunting, and travelling. When I am not at council, I spend time at church, community activities, tourism involvement, and other volunteer work.
Contact Deputy Mayor Wayne Greenham –wayne.greenham@townoftwillingate.ca
Councillor Lloyd Blake
Elected to council in 2003, I have served the Town of Twillingate for more than 11 years. I have served on a number of committees including Fisheries, Tourism and Development. A resident of Twillingate since 1974, I was a business owner for nearly 27 years with my wife.
Since retiring I spend most of my time building model boats and other projects for my grandchildren. I continue to have a great interest in what's occurring in and around our community. I've made this contribution to our town's development and look forward to continuing to serve the Town of Twillingate for years to come.
Contact Coun. Lloyd Blake at lloyd.blake@townoftwillingate.ca
Councillor Mike johnson
I moved to Twillingate from St John’s in 1992 after meeting my wife Lisa, where we raised our daughter Megan. I feel very fortunate to call this place home, and I take so much pride in this town. I have a very extensive list of volunteer experience, from being a member of the Twillingate Lions Club for 22 years, as well as spending 13 years as a volunteer firefighter, just to name a few.
When I am not helping my community I enjoy hunting and fishing. Each and everyday I enjoy helping people, and I use this experience to work with the council for the people of Twillingate.
Contact Coun. Mike Johnson at mike.johnson@townoftwillingate.ca
Contact Coun. Mike Johnson at mike.johnson@townoftwillingate.ca
Councillor Janice Barnes
While not a Twillingate native, I’ve been living and working for the community for nearly two decades as a Licensed Practical Nurse at the Notre Dame Bay Memorial Health Centre and in my own footcare company. Since moving to Twillingate I have married and had a family and can’t imagine calling anywhere else home. I am proud to serve as a councillor representing the needs of those in Twillingate.
Contact Coun. Janice Barnes at janice.barnes@townoftwillingate.ca
Councillor Andrew Rowsell
A councillor for more than 25 years, and serve on the Recreation, Public Works, and Planning and Development committees. I’m heavily involved in the community including the Salvation Army Corps Council, and the Bayview Sports and Wharf Committee. I have worked as a guard at the RCMP Detachment in Twillingate, but have been working as a salesman for the Waterside Fish Market since 2009. I have played organized sports for many years, and am deeply committed to the work we do as a council in Twillingate.
Contact Coun. Oliver Hynes at councillorhynes.twillingate@gmail.com
Councillor mitchell watkins
Elected to Council for the first time in 2021. I have lived here all of my life aside from a five-year period attending Memorial University to become a Math Teacher. I returned to teach in both Twillingate and Summerford over the past five years and have been very fortunate to have never left the Twillingate area. I will be serving on the Community Services and Corporate Services Committees. I am very passionate about the community and take pride in working with this Council to grow our community in all aspects. In my spare time, I enjoy coaching and participating in many sports and managing teams representing our community. I also enjoy spending time at the cabin hunting and fishing. I look forward to serving the Town of Twillingate for years to come. Contact Councillor Mitchell Watkins anytime at –mitchell.watkins@townoftwillingate.ca
Craig Clarke, Fire Chief
The Twillingate Volunteer Fire Department was established in 1968. Currently, there are 30 active members. Our firefighting equipment include 2 one thousand gallon pumper trucks, 2 rescue vans and one 4x4 pick up truck all fully-equipped with modern firefighting equipment. Fire Chief Craig Clarke joined the fire department in 1987 and in 2010 became Fire Chief.
Contact Coun. Craig Clarke at
craig.clarke@townoftwillingate.ca
Contact Coun. Craig Clarke at
craig.clarke@townoftwillingate.ca
Leanne Hann, CAO
Although not a native Newfoundlander, I have considered Newfoundland my second home for over 20 years. I lived and worked in St. John’s while attending MUN and completing a Bachelors of Science Degree in Marine Biology and Biochemistry in 2005. Since then, my family and I have made yearly trips to NWI, always taking in as much time in Twillingate as possible. I consider it an honor to serve the Town of Twillingate as Town Manager and I am excited to help Twillingate as a community progress over the next several years. I have spent most of my career in the environmental consulting sector, leading and managing business development and client management initiatives while acting as a project manager for various environmental programmes. My husband is a local to the Virgin Arm area, and we have three school-aged boys. We love to be around the water; fishing, boating, beachcombing, and paddleboarding, and we are no stranger to a good campfire and hike through the woods.- leanne.hann@townoftwillingate.ca
