St. John’s City Council will comprise more familiar faces than new ones after last night’s municipal election.

We begin with councillor-at-large, where all three incumbents—Debbie Hanlon, Sandy Hickman and Maggie Burton—along with former deputy mayor Ron Ellsworth, were returned to the chamber.

In Ward 1, newcomer Jill Bruce, with a background in business, education and volunteerism, won by almost 700 votes, while Ophelia Ravencroft, who came close in a 2020 byelection, this time took Ward 2 with almost 45 per cent of the vote.

Jamie Korab fended off a strong challenge from Greg Noseworthy to hold onto Ward 3, while former Goulds volunteer fire chief Carl Ridgeley won a 14-vote victory over Donnie Earle of taxi and softball fame in Ward 5. According to the Elections Act, a recount can only be requested if the difference is 10 votes or less.

The victors join Mayor Danny Breen, Deputy Mayor Sheilagh O’Leary and Ward 4 Councillor Ian Froude who were elected by acclamation.

The city says a total of 32,567 votes were cast in the electio for a voter turnout of 47 per cent.