Connect with Council

Mayor Percy Farwell has been a resident of Gander since 1967. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Memorial University of Newfoundland and a Certified Small Business Counsellor designation. His career includes time in the private sector and 27 years of public service with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, where he held senior roles in regional and economic development, including 17 years as Regional Director.

Mayor Farwell was first elected to Council in 1993 and served 12 years in leadership roles, including six years as Deputy Mayor. After stepping away in 2005, he returned to public service in 2017 when he was elected as Gander’s 9th Mayor, a position he continues to hold.

He remains actively involved in regional governance, serving as Central Director with Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador, an executive member of the Central NL Regional Services Board, a board member with the Atlantic Mayors Congress, and a member of the Central Health Community Advisory Committee.

Outside of his official duties, Mayor Farwell has a long history of community involvement. He has represented Gander and Newfoundland and Labrador in competitive sports, is a longtime member of the Avion Players theatre group, and serves as Treasurer of the Newfoundland and Labrador Drama Society. He is also a Past Master of the Gander Masonic Lodge and a longtime volunteer with the Gander and Area SPCA. He and his wife, Andrea, have two sons, Matthew and Julien.

Tara Pollett has called Gander home for most of her life, including 56 years in the community and time spent living in St. John’s. She works as a Flight Dispatcher with Newfoundland and Labrador Government Air Services.

Tara was first elected to Council in 2017 and brings a strong commitment to community involvement and public service through her role.

She is dedicated to supporting a vibrant, inclusive, and active community, and takes pride in contributing to initiatives that enhance quality of life for residents.

Tara has an extensive history of volunteerism, including serving as Past President of the Silver Jets Skating Club and Gander Minor Hockey, and as a member of the organizing committee for Ride for Dad. She has also held leadership roles with the 2024 NL Winter Games and 2025 Special Olympics NL Summer Games and is a member of the Gander Rotary Club. Outside of Council, she enjoys spending time with her husband Bob, their children Robyn and Alex, family and friends, and their dogs Piper and Annie.

Samantha Abbott has called Gander home for most of her life, returning after her post-secondary education to build her career and family in the community she proudly serves. She is the Executive Director of Violence Prevention Gander and Area, a non-profit focused on preventing violence, supporting victims, and promoting safer, healthier communities through education and collaboration.

Samantha has spent the majority of her professional career in the non-profit sector, working closely with vulnerable populations. This experience has given her valuable insight into the challenges faced by many in the community and the importance of thoughtful, people-focused decision-making. She was elected to Council in October 2025.

She is committed to serving with honesty, transparency, and integrity, and to contributing to a strong and supportive community for all residents.

Samantha is actively involved in the community, serving on the Boards of Directors for the Gander Women’s Centre and Crime Prevention, as well as the Community Advisory Committee and the Housing and Homeless Hub Committee. She previously served as Chair of the Citizens Health Action Group, which played a key role in the reinstatement of obstetrical services at the James Paton Memorial Regional Health Centre. Outside of Council, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her fiancé Ryan Kane, their daughter Anna, and their pets, Harley and Pearl.

Sheldon Handcock has called Gander home for 26 years, where he has built his career, raised his family, and remained actively involved in the community. He works in IT Security with the Department of National Defence and  operates a cybersecurity consulting business supporting local organizations.

His professional background includes cyber and physical security, regulation, policy development, risk management, and disaster recovery. Sheldon was first elected to Council in 2021 and brings a strong technical and strategic perspective to his role.

He is committed to contributing to a strong, connected, and resilient community, and values the relationships and sense of belonging that make Gander a welcoming place to live.

Outside of Council, Sheldon has been actively involved in volunteer and community initiatives, including serving as a leader with 1st United Scouts, Chair of the Gander and Area Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Gander Masonic Lodge. He is also involved with the YQX Running Club and helps support the Run From Away racing series. In his free time, he enjoys camping, woodworking, and playing music. Sheldon lives in Gander with his wife, Melanie, where they raised their two children. At home, they are kept in line by two highly opinionated cats, and they are now enjoying the next stage of family life with a new grandson.

Jim Lidstone has called Gander home for 30 years, having moved to the community in 1995. He is the Executive Director and General Manager of Hickman Chevrolet in Gander, where he brings decades of leadership and business experience.

Jim has over 40 years of experience in a variety of business roles across Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as in Iqaluit, Nunavut and Ottawa, Ontario. He was elected to Council in 2025.

He is committed to giving back to the community he has called home for most of his life and contributing to its continued strength and growth.

Jim has been involved in the community through volunteer roles, including serving on the Gander Academy School Council and St. Paul’s School Council. Outside of Council, he enjoys woodworking, carpentry, boating, and camping. Jim lives in Gander with his wife, Yvonne, and together they have a daughter, Rachel. He also has another daughter, Nadine, who lives in CBS with her husband and two daughters, Eva and Iris.

Krystle West has called Gander home for 23 years, where she has built her career, raised her family, and established strong roots in the community. She is the Owner and Operator of Xheight Zone Inc., bringing an entrepreneurial perspective to her work and community involvement.

Krystle’s background includes working as an Aircraft Mechanic with Government Air Services, giving her valuable experience in technical operations and problem-solving. She was elected to Council in 2025.

She is committed to contributing to a strong, supportive, and forward-looking community, with a focus on responsible decision-making and collaboration.

Krystle is actively involved in the community, serving as 2nd Vice Chair of the Gander & Area Chamber of Commerce, Treasurer of the Navy League Gander Branch, and a board member with the Crossroads Family Resource Centre and Gander Pride. Outside of Council, she enjoys spending time outdoors at Gander Lake and Cobb’s Pond, volunteering, and rock hounding. She is the proud parent of a teenage son and shares her home with two cats, Charlie and Milo, surrounded by a close-knit network of family and friends in Gander.

Patrick Woodford has called Gander home for 53 years and has deep roots in the community. He is a retired Air Traffic Controller and also served five years in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Pat was first elected to Council in 2017 and brings a strong sense of community pride and public service to his role.

He is committed to supporting a safe, welcoming, and vibrant community for residents and families.

Pat has been actively involved in the community through organizations including the Knights of Columbus, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 8, Gander Wings Special Olympics, and the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle. Outside of Council, he enjoys playing darts, spending time with family, and riding his motorcycle, side-by-side, and snowmobile. He lives with his wife, Glenda, and their dog, Blizzard, who was adopted from the Gander SPCA.