Elections

Councillor Trina Appleby has been around municipal politics all of her life.

Trina Appleby was elected as Deputy Mayor of Torbay in 2017 and re-elected as Councillor in 2021. Appleby was elected to the MNL board as Avalon Director in 2018 until 2021 when she was acclaimed as the Vice President. She served as Vice President from 2021-2023.

Appleby served as a Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) board member from 2020-2023. She served as the Chair of the national FCM Standing Committee on Increasing Women’s Participation in Municipal Government from 2021-2023. She has served on the following FCM national committees: Rural Forum, Anti Racism and Equity, International Relations, Municipal Finance and Intergovernmental Arrangements, Atlantic Regional Caucus, Committee of the Whole and attend and participate in meetings for Committee Chairs and Vice-Chairs. Appleby now serves as a non-board committee member.

As a FCM board member, Appleby was able to lobby for things like the doubling of the Canadian Community Building fund which has since resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars each year coming into the town of Torbay. 

Appleby is a proud parent and volunteers with a strong background in strategic planning and economic development. She has worked with local and international businesses, the community sector, and with all three levels of government. She also has experience in business start-ups, information technology, research, oil and gas, agrifoods, trade and export.

In Torbay, Appleby served on the Economic Development and Tourism, Recreation and Community Services, Human Resources and Admin, Finance and Chair of the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee.

Appleby has served 10 years with the Rural Secretariat and two-years on the Newfoundland and Labrador Oil and Gas Industry Association (NOIA) Board of Directors, 5 years with the Cabot Community Business Development Corporation (CBDC). Appleby was also a member of the first Time in Torbay organizing committee and has volunteered with the school breakfast program. Appleby served four years as Vice-Chair and Chair of the Jack Byrne Regional Sports and Entertainment Centre and six years as Chair of the North East United Soccer Club (NEUSC) in Torbay. 

Appleby is known to ask questions, dig into the issues and explore innovative and cost saving solutions. She is responsive and works diligently for residents of Torbay. She believes in leveraging funds to reduce the financial impact on residents and will work to make sure we have a safe and inclusive community for everyone.

My cell is (709) 277-0993.

Campaign Email electtrinaappleby@gmail.com

Facebook is https://www.facebook.com/share/1A6pQoLSgX/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Thank you, Trina

Hi my name is Craig Scott, I was born and raised on Indian Meal Line in Torbay to Rose (Hawco) and Jackie Scott, I have always had a passion for this town.

Growing up I played in every sport I could find and spent lots of time out on the ocean and many days in the woods with my father and my uncles cutting and hauling wood. I saw our community grow around me but I still loved the rural character of Torbay.

On two separate occasions, I had to pack up and move away to Ottawa for work.  After living there for a total of 10 years, I was finally able to move home and raise my family here.  This is where my roots are, my family and friends are here, and I know how lucky I am to live here.

This is my driving force behind making the Town of Torbay a great place to live for residents of all ages, so they can remain here for the long term.

Over the past 12 years on council and the last 8 as Mayor, I have dedicated my time and experience to serving the residents of Torbay.  Being Mayor is a 24/7 job and I have been up to the task.

I have served on numerous boards and councils within our town and provincially. I still serve as the representative for the 23 largest municipalities on the Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador (MNL) Board as Urban Municipalities Director and have been elected to four terms.

I can go on about all my qualifications and boards I have served on, but what I want residents to know is that I am 100% dedicated to the Town of Torbay. Our town has seen tremendous progress in my 12 years on council, more than any other council before us has been able to achieve.  Despite this tremendous progress, we still have our challenges with water, wastewater and PFAS contamination.  However, I believe I am the best person to tackle them head on.

I am dedicated, first and foremost, to serving the residents of Torbay.  That is my focus, and it is where I will continue to strive my hardest to be the strong voice and a steady hand for Torbay moving forward.  I believe I have a proven track record and am respectfully asking for your support to keep the town moving in the right direction.

I love serving the residents of Torbay and I humbly ask for your vote on October 2nd.

For further information, please contact me at 709-325-5228, craigscott.torbay@gmail.com or reach out to me on Facebook.

Hello Torbay residents, my name is Mary Thorne-Gosse and I have lived in the town of Torbay my entire life.  To me Torbay is the definition of community, culture and place and together these form a dynamic system where the physical environment influences cultural expression, community culture and in turn fosters a sense of belonging and pride. I am proud to be a lifelong resident and your current Deputy Mayor.

I have served on Council for the past twenty-four years. During this time, I have Chaired or have been a member of the Committees of Council which has given me the knowledge and experience to serve as your Full-time Mayor.

With over thirty years of experience in various federal government management positions, I’m confident that as your Full-time Mayor, I will bring the leadership skills needed to work effectively with Council as part of a team, with staff, consultants and neighboring municipalities. I am committed to collaborating with all stakeholders, including senior officials, Ministers, our MHA and MP’s ‘s from both Federal and Provincial Governments.  These relationships have helped guide me in important decision making that will shape our beautiful town’s future while ensuring we remain financially accountable.

Torbay is at a critical point in its future, and I am committed and have proven my dedication to becoming your Full-time Mayor; Accessible, Accountable, Focused on Open Communication and Fiscal Responsibility. 

I have regularly participated in training, attended forums, symposiums, and conventions. Participation in such a variety of engagements is necessary to be current on all policies and procedures, this has helped lead Torbay in the Municipal Sector.

I will consistently lobby the Federal Department of Transportation and the Provincial Department of Environment and Climate Change to address the contamination of PFAS in private wells in isolated locations within our town:

These are some of my priorities should I be Elected as Mayor:

Continue the numerous decisions necessary to bring Great Pond on stream.

Continue discussions on new wastewater treatment.

Expanding development where appropriate, while increasing the timelines to obtain permits.

Maintain the current mil rate while keeping services.

Promote and support the Torbay Common, Torbay History House, Town Library, and all community volunteers.

Qualifications and Experience

• •     Elected Urban Board Member – Regional Municipal Assessment Agency
• •     Chair Northeast Avalon Joint Council, consisting of 19 municipalities
• •     Member Woman’s Caucus for Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador (MNL)
• Member of Mental Health Task Force: Communities That Care, which includes all municipalities in NL
• Chair Administration & Human Resources Committee
• Economic Development (includes History House)
• Member East Coast Trail Stake Holder Advisory Committee
• Public Works and Infrastructure Chair
• Planning and Development Chair
• Finance and Administration Chair
• Recreation and Community Services Chair
• Corporate and Community Services Chair
• Public Safety and Shared Services Chair
• Liaison with the Town of Torbay Harbour Authority
• Liaison with the Town of Torbay Volunteer Fire Department
• Eastern Appeal Board Department of Municipal Affairs (2010–2013)
• Member of Holy Trinity Elementary School Council (2015 –2024)
• Board of Directors for Cowan Plaza Bingo (2016–present)
• Council of Holy Trinity Church, Torbay (2012-2015)
• Torbay Environment and Trails Committee
• Vice-Chair of the Jack Byrne Regional Sports Entertainment Centre
• Urban Municipalities Committee
• Active participant in the Ladies Softball Association (over 50 years)

I respectfully ask for your support on Advance Poll Day, September 18, 2025, and Election Day on October 2, 2025 to be your next Mayor.

Together, we will form a stronger, more sustainable future for our Beautiful Torbay.

Mary Thorne-Gosse

Cell Phone: 709-690-3688

email: mary_thornegosse@hotmail.com

Laurie Furlong is an accomplished business development and marketing professional with over 15 years of experience spanning corporate and not-for-profit sectors. Based in Torbay, Newfoundland and Labrador, she has built her career on creating meaningful connections, driving strategic growth, and championing community engagement.

Currently holding the role of Sales Specialist at SubC Imaging, Laurie focuses on identifying new business opportunities, strengthening client relationships, and developing strategic solutions that support long-term growth. She also mentors' colleagues and contributes to building a collaborative, high-performing sales culture. Her previous roles include positions with Stingray Media, Verafin, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, and The Telegram, where she consistently excelled in client success, business development, and creative marketing initiatives. Notably, she was recognized as Stingray’s Top Gun (New Business) in 2023 and as Leader of the Year for Silverbirch Hotels in 2016.

Laurie’s leadership extends well beyond her professional career. She has served on several boards, including the Jack Byrne Sports and Entertainment Centre, NorthEast  United Soccer Club, the Heart and Stroke Provincial Advisory Board, Special Olympics NL, and as President of the Mount Pearl Paradise Chamber of Commerce. In these roles, she has advocated for community interests, strengthened partnerships, and led successful events and outreach programs.

A dedicated volunteer, Laurie has contributed to numerous causes, including Heart and Stroke Foundation programs (Hockey Heroes), the Festival of Friends (Special Olympics/Over the Edge), Relay for Life, Girls on the Green (Kids Help Phone), and initiatives supporting the Iris Kirby House. Her commitment to community service has been recognized with several awards, including the NLCA Community Leader Award in 2023 and a Local Heroes Award in 2018 presented by the Honorable Seamus O’Regan.

Beyond her professional and volunteer accomplishments, Laurie is a proud mom of two and an active soccer coach with the Northeast United Soccer Club. She has called Torbay home since 2018, where her family is deeply involved in sports, recreation, and community life. Laurie is passionate about creating opportunities for families, supporting local organizations, and helping Torbay continue to thrive as a vibrant, inclusive community. She is looking forward to serving the residents of Torbay with dedication, accountability, and a strong commitment to making the town an even better place to live, work, and raise a family

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-furlong-a4a20b32/

My name is Karen Gosse and I am originally from Bay Roberts, we moved to Torbay 24 years ago because we loved this town and wanted to raise our 3 children here. It was one of the best decisions we ever made, and I am deeply committed to strengthening our community.

My father served on Municipal council in Bay Roberts for 23 years, so I grew up being part of this process and witnessing the responsibility that comes with that commitment.  My husband, Ward Gosse, was a councillor in Torbay until his sudden passing in January, and I am beyond proud of his contributions to recreation in our community and his leadership in moving our town forward over the last 4 years. I would be honoured to continue that legacy and have my children see that not only did their dad contribute to their community, but their mom stepped forward to do the same.

I am the proud Founder & Director of The Rock Wildlife Rescue, A vital resource for not only the Town of Torbay, but our entire province. I am a strong advocate for conservation, education and compassion for wildlife.  My experience building this program has been a process that has reflected my ability to listen, plan and deliver results.

I have a proven record of hard work and service.  With a fresh perspective and a fresh voice committed to putting residents first! I am a neighbour, a parent, a volunteer, and someone who truly cares deeply about this town’s future. I am running because I believe we deserve practical solutions and real accountability. 

I would be honoured to have your support and your vote on October 2nd.

My name is Sam Gosse, and I am running for a seat on our Town Council. I grew up on Browns Lane with my five siblings and graduated from Holy Trinity High School receiving secondary education from Keyano College, UofA and York University.

I am honoured to call Torbay my hometown and after spending 16 years working away in the oil industry, my wife and I decided to return home to raise our family. As a business owner for over 20 years, I have had the opportunity to deal with our Provincial Government , Town staff and adjoining Towns in finding ways to work in collaboration to get projects completed.

As a volunteer member on the Torbay Harbour Authority, I was involved in securing the Federal funding for the new wharf and seawall project at Tappers Cove.

I believe in,

• Supporting senior housing programs.
• Supporting affordable housing programs for young families.
• Working towards safer neighbourhoods.
• Finding partnerships in water and sewage treatment facility projects.
• Working with businesses to bring the services we want and need to our community.
• Open and honest communication.
• Financial stewardship.

I know I can help make our community a better place to live and raise a family. I respectfully ask for your vote ; with my experience and work ethic I am confident I can be a strong voice for you!

I am a proud resident of Torbay. My husband, Rick, and I were both raised here, our families go back generations. We have raised our family here and will ensure our grandchildren will always call Torbay home!! My pride for Torbay was instilled in me at an early age, my dad, Wilson Thorne served on council and was the “first elected” Mayor. My brother Darrin proudly served his community of Flatrock as councilor and three terms as Mayor. Their pride, passion and continued dedication to their communities is an inspiration, I want to be a part of that.

I worked for the Provincial Government for 37 years in various positions and departments and feel the experience I gained regarding an understanding of government legislation, policies and procedures is an asset to bring to the table. In addition, having volunteered on various committees/programs over the years shows that I am a team player and understand the value of working together to accomplish goals.

My last four years as councilor have been a valuable experience and learning curb from sitting on various committees, attending educational sessions, to attending conferences where you meet and learn the issues facing other towns are really not so different that ours and seeing how they have approached issues.  Taking other Town’s experiences and approach into consideration as we work towards a solution for our town.

Teamwork is required to bring Torbay forward; comprehensive plans need to be defined and put into place to set groundwork for the future. Many of the things needed/wanted are not reachable within a year, decisive planning is needed. That, to me, comes from discussion around the table with all councilors where individual thoughts, information from departments, questions being asked that need more research is heard by all councilors so that you leave the table with everyone having the same information. I would like to be part of those discussions, you don’t have to be the loudest or the most talkative, listening is a valuable tool, to be able to take away all points of view and information provided in order to make a decision that you are confident in when it comes time to vote.

Thank you for your support.

Hello residents of beautiful Torbay,

My name is Scott Martin, and I’m excited to announce that I am running for Council.

I’m a lifelong resident of Torbay, as is my amazing wife, Lacey Martin. We’re raising our 2 wonderful children, Charley and Hayden, in the same community that has always been home to us. My parents, Carmel and Joe Martin (yes, the bus driver), still live in our family home, which was built by my grandfather Patrick Martin and his wife Elizabeth.

I’ve spent my entire career working in the municipal field, including 20 years with the Town of Torbay. I began in the Public Works Department and, in 2017, transitioned to the Recreation Department. It was there I had the privilege of truly connecting with so many of you — through Santa Claus parades, summer day camps, Canada Day events, family fun days, and seniors’ concerts.  I have had the privilege of sitting on the Board of Directors for Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador for 2 terms.

I’ve also been deeply involved in our local sports and recreation programs. From ages 16 to 21, I worked with Torbay Minor Softball. As an adult, I returned to help run the program for a few years. I founded the 19+ Men’s Softball League, served as president of the 35+ Men’s League for five years, and have proudly been part of the executive of the local dart league — from the Thursday Night league at the old Parish Hall to the current Wednesday Night league at Breakers.

After starting a new role in Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove, my wife and I felt the time was right — and I’m ready to take the next step in serving this community I love. With my extensive experience in municipal work and a lifelong passion for Torbay, I believe I can be a strong voice and a dedicated advocate on Council.

Thank you for your support, and I look forward to earning your vote.

I have lived in Torbay for over 36 years and have raised my family here. I am a team player who provides support to my colleagues as necessary as I believe collaboration is foundational to creating an effective team. With over 11 years managerial experience within a municipality, I am well versed on issues that affect day to day municipal operations. I have been a sitting member of Torbay Council for the last eight years which provides me with a deep understanding of operations and issues already in process.

In addition, I was an original Member of the Asset Management technical working group of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities,  am a Member of Finance Committee of Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador, a former Member of the Provincial Municipal Capital Asset Management Joint Technical Committee, a previous member of Holy Trinity Finance Committee, Chair of the Northeast Avalon RC Holding Corporation (a not for profit formed to ensure Holy Trinity Church remained a part of our community) a former Executive of Torbay Minor Soccer, and a former coach of Holy Trinity Tigers female hockey team. 

I am a Chartered Professional Accountant with a Bachelor of Commerce, and I have many years of experience in senior management in private business, not for Profits and Crown Corporations. I am also honored to have the respect and support of my work and professional colleagues.

I am running for council because I feel I can make a very positive impact on issues facing our town. As a retired teacher I have the time, energy and passion to tackle the issues facing Torbay and its residents. Through my extensive involvement  with sports, councils, organizations and committees, I have seen firsthand how issues can be tackled as a team and success enjoyed.

Council is no different; all members working together toward the best possible solutions to issues that are facing the people of Torbay.

• I feel water is by far our biggest issue. We need sufficient water from clean, reliable sources.
• I feel development is another concern; too little development,  getting approval for development projects and issues from developers not dealt with in a timely manner. These are concerns I have heard.
• I feel seniors needs have to be met. We have a lot of senior citizens in our town. Let’s ask them how we can improve their quality of life.

There are definitely more things that need to be looked at. But even working towards positive solutions in these areas could in turn have a profoundly positive effect in other areas.

We need a council who works together for the people.  We have a very strong group of candidates putting themselves forward to serve our town. I feel I am one of those strong candidates and would serve all residents of this town to the very best of my ability.

On election day I respectfully ask for your support and in return I will work diligently for you.

Please reach out with any questions.

Email: colleentorbayelection@outlook.com Phone or text: (709) 730-3830

I am Jennifer Whitten (King) and I have lived in Torbay most of my life. I married my husband, Phillip Whitten, a 25-year volunteer with the Torbay Volunteer Fire Department and together, Phillip and I have two beautiful girls, Charlee and Emma who are the light of our lives.  My mother, Mary King and my late father, Edward King (also known for selling tickets at Foodland for many years) along with my grandparents, Ed and Bea Shea, brought my brother, Alex and I up in a two storey home up Mannings Hill. I love the Mannings Hill area as it was almost its own community within Torbay. We still have Mannings Hill reunions every 5 years to rekindle the great memories that we made there.

Community volunteering and involvement has always been instilled in me by my family and because of this I am on very good terms with Mrs. Claus herself for the past 23 years!  I have lent my voice to our church community choir for many years and continue to be available for anyone who wishes to have me as part of their service.

I have a background in Human Resources and working with people one on one or as a group is no new experience for me. I believe this will help me on my journey in council.

Part of the reason I am choosing to run, is to help preserve the beauty of this wonderful town we call home with my promise to be dedicated and available to our residents. I do not have a long list of committees that I have sat on or a long list of letters behind my name, but I am a no-nonsense woman who believes in hard work and helping others.

I thank you for your consideration of me as a candidate.