My name is Myra Budgell, and I have lived in Botwood, Central Newfoundland, all my life. It is where my husband, Trevor, and I built our family home and raised our two sons. My connection to this community has shaped both my personal life and my professional journey.
I spent 30 years working with BMO in Botwood, beginning in 1994 and serving as Branch Manager for the final 15 years of my career. When the branch closed in 2024, I brought with me three decades of experience working with individuals, families, and businesses in our region. Throughout my career, I developed strong skills in leadership, budgeting, teamwork, and relationship-building, and I was honored to receive recognition for my leadership and dedication to serving others.
Giving back to my community has always been important to me. Over the years, I have volunteered with minor hockey, supported school reading and breakfast programs, and fostered animals through local animal shelters.
In October 2025, I began serving as Mayor of Botwood, continuing my longstanding connection to the community I have proudly called home my entire life. The growth, enhancement, and protection of Central Newfoundland mean a great deal to me, both personally and as someone who has spent her life living, working, and raising a family in this region.
As Mayor of Botwood, I am seeking the position of Central NL Director with Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador because I believe our municipalities need a strong, united voice and a shared commitment to building sustainable communities.
Having lived in Central Newfoundland my entire life, I have seen firsthand the challenges many of our communities face. Declining populations, the loss of local businesses, and fewer job opportunities have placed increasing pressure on our municipalities. The future of Central Newfoundland relies heavily on our economic viability. We must work together to support local businesses, attract investment, encourage population growth, and create opportunities for the next generation to build their futures here.
Before becoming Mayor of Botwood in October 2025, My 30 year career provided valuable experience in leadership, budgeting, teamwork, relationship-building, and community engagement. It also reinforced the importance of listening, making informed decisions, and serving people with integrity and honesty. I would bring these skills, along with my lifelong connection to Central Newfoundland, to this role.
As Central NL Director, I would work to ensure the concerns and priorities of our municipalities are heard at the provincial level. By sharing ideas, strengthening partnerships, and advocating collectively, we can address common challenges and build a stronger foundation for our communities.
I am seeking this position not simply to represent Botwood, but to advocate for the interests of municipalities throughout Central Newfoundland. I recognize that each community has its own priorities, and I believe effective representation begins with listening, understanding those differences, and finding common ground.
Our communities have much to offer. By working together and planning for the future, we can help ensure Central Newfoundland remains a place where people want to live, work, raise families, and invest. I would welcome the opportunity to contribute to that future alongside my fellow municipal leaders.
I believe Central Newfoundland deserves a strong, engaged voice, and I would welcome the opportunity to be that voice as your Central NL Director.
