Former St. John’s Mayor Andy Wells—a colourful and controversial political figure, described by many as “larger than life”—has passed away.
Mayor Danny Breen says all of council and city staff are sending their heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the former mayor.
(A mayoral portrait of Andy Wells rests in St. John’s City Council chambers.)
Wells served the residents of St. John’s for more than 30 years. He was elected to council in late 1977 where he served as a councilor until November of 1990. He served as Deputy Mayor from December of 1990 to October of 1997, and as Mayor from 1997 to 2008.
He became famous for his gruff and outspoken demeanor and wasn’t afraid to go toe-to-toe with fellow councilors.
He was appointed as the Chair of the PUB in 2008, often raising the ire of former Premier Danny Williams.
Wells ran for Mayor once again in 2017, losing to Danny Breen.
Besides his ‘shoot from the hip’ character, Wells is also being remembered for helping to bring forward a number of important projects including the St. John’s Harbour Clean-up, which was completed while Wells was at the city’s helm.
Other projects include the construction and official opening of Mile One Stadium and the Convention Centre, growth of the cruise ship industry, the implementation of the Citizen Relationship Management strategy which is now known as Access St. John’s, and completion of the Winsor Lake Water Treatment Facility.
Flags at city hall and all city-owned buildings are being lowered to half-mast out of respect for the former Mayor.
I am terribly saddened by the loss of my friend Andy Wells. I have known Andy since I was 10. He gave me my first job in TV at MUN Educational Television. He supported me at the beginning of my career. He was tireless in his support of the underdog. He made a difference. RIP AHW pic.twitter.com/6zHGiBG8r0
— Karl Wells 🇨🇦🏳️🌈 (@karl_wells) June 25, 2021
Andy Wells – City Council Timeline
- Nov 3, 1981 General Election: Councillor; Ward 1; Council took office December 1, 1981
- Nov 12, 1985 General Election: Councillor; Ward 1
- Nov 13, 1990 General Election: Deputy Mayor
- Nov 9, 1993 General Election: Deputy Mayor
- Sept 30, 1997 General Election: Mayor. Sworn in Oct 31, 1997
- Sept 25, 2001 General Election: Mayor. Sworn in Oct 9, 2001
- Sept 27, 2005 General Election: Mayor. Sworn in Oct 11, 2005
- March 3, 2008 Mayor Wells resigned to take position as Chairperson of the Public Utilities Board
