Biography of Paul Tilley

Paul Tilley is a dedicated community leader, educator, and advocate for Clarenville, Newfoundland and Labrador, where he has served as Deputy Mayor and a long-standing town councillor. With a deep commitment to preserving the town’s history and fostering its growth, Tilley has become a central figure in shaping Clarenville’s identity as “The Hub of the East Coast.”

Early Life and Education

Born and raised in Buchans, Newfoundland, Paul pursued higher education at Memorial University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, as well and an Undergraduate and Master’s Degree in Business Administration. His academic background equipped him with the skills to navigate both public service and community advocacy effectively.

Career

For 32 years, Tilley served as a post-secondary educator at the College of the North Atlantic, where he inspired students with his expertise and dedication to education. His career in academia provided a strong foundation for his later work in municipal governance, where clear communication and strategic planning became hallmarks of his contributions.

Municipal Leadership

Since being first elected in 2005, Paul has been an active member of Clarenville’s town council.   He currently serves as the Town’s Deputy Mayor. His leadership has focused on infrastructure improvements, such as water quality enhancements and Strategic Planning initiatives, as well as promoting tourism to boost the local economy. As a council member, he has championed projects that enhance Clarenville’s role as a service hub for central-eastern Newfoundland, supporting approximately 90,000 people across 90 communities.

Our Town Clarenville

Tilley is the founder and operator of Our Town Clarenville, an independent YouTube channel and Facebook page dedicated to celebrating Clarenville’s history, culture, and community spirit. Launched to improve community communications, the platform provides a wealth of resources, including historical timelines, event updates, and multimedia content. Notable contributions include:

• A detailed historical timeline tracing Clarenville’s founding by John Tilley, the impact of the Newfoundland Railway in 1891, and the 1993 amalgamation with Shoal Harbour.

• Videos showcasing the town’s beauty.

• Coverage of community milestones, including Clarenville’s 70th-anniversary celebrations and its role as host of the 2014 Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games.

As a CTV Community Correspondent, Tilley has amplified Clarenville’s stories through media, sharing updates on local events, tourism attractions like White Hills Ski Resort, and the Clarenville Heritage Museum, housed in the former CN Railway Station.

Personal Life

Paul is married to Evelyn Tilley, and together they share a love for the outdoors, frequently exploring Clarenville’s scenic trails and coastal landscapes.  They have two adult children, Hannah and Harrison. Their passion for adventure aligns with the town’s recreational offerings, such as Bare Mountain Trail and Shoal Harbour Causeway Trail. 

Online 

Through Our Town Clarenville, he has created a lasting platform for residents and visitors to connect with the town’s past and present. His leadership has helped position Clarenville as a vibrant hub for tourism, commerce, and community life, ensuring its continued growth and prominence in Newfoundland and Labrador.

For more information on Paul Tilley’s work, visit the Our Town Clarenville Website or the Our Town Clarenville Facebook page.