Mayor & Council | City of Port Alberni

Back Row, Left to Right:
Councillor Rob Cole, Councillor Jack McLeman, Councillor Hira Chopra, Councillor Cindy Solda
Front Row, Left to Right:
Councillor Wendy Kerr, Mayor John Douglas, Councillor Dan Washington

For 2012-2013 Council Appointments, Click Here.

MAYOR
John Douglas Contact Information: 2132 Motion Drive Port Alberni BC V9Y 1B3 Phone: 250-735-7177 Email: john_douglas@portalberni.ca		John Douglas was elected as Mayor of the City of Port Alberni in November of 2011. He had previously served as Councillor for three years. John is currently a Director of the Upnit Power Corporation and a Director for the North Island 911 Corporation. During his inaugural term as Councillor John participated actively in a number of initiatives focused on health, education and overall community development. He is committed to growing and diversifying Port Alberni's economy through cooperation and partnerships with First Nations, regional governments and the private sector. Mayor Douglas is passionate about the community and building an effective team on Council. John recently retired from the BC Ambulance Service after 23 years as a paramedic. His career in the public safety sector also included time spent with the Justice Institute of BC as a facilitator for paramedic instruction. John resides in the Alberni Valley with his wife Donna.
COUNCILLORS
Jack McLeman Contact Information: 4010 Rex Road Port Alberni BC V9Y 5T8 Phone: 723-5851 Fax: 723-5851 Email: jmcln@shaw.ca		Jack McLeman was first elected to City Council in 2005 and enjoys the challenges and many rewards of public service. He has been a resident of Port Alberni since 1970 where he raised his two children, Colin and Mike. Jack spent much of his working career at the Somass sawmill where he was employed for over 35 years. During his career he served as elected chairman of the Somass Mill and table officer of the IWA-C and successor unions for many years. He has also served as president of the Port Alberni and District Labour Council. Jack is now enjoying retirement with his wife Bev Denning with much of their leisure time spent camping, gardening and enjoying their grandchildren. An avid black powder shooter, Jack has also been president of the local Black Powder Club for several years.

Hira Chopra Contact Information: 4005 Clegg Cres. Port Alberni BC V9Y 7X6 Phone: 250-723-7629 (H) 250-723-1153 (W) Fax: 250-723-0153 Email: bluebirdmotel@shaw.ca		Councillor Hira Chopra is serving his sixth consecutive term on Council, having been first elected in 1996. Hira was born and raised in India and immigrated to Canada in 1980. Prior to coming to Canada, Hira completed an undergraduate degree in teaching and a Masters degree in history. For the past 32 years he has been very active in the private sector, building numerous businesses in the food, retail, fuel, transportation and health sectors. Hira has also been employed at the Alberni Pacific Division sawmill since 1990 and is a member of the local United Steel Workers Union Executive. Councilllor Chopra currently sits on the Audit Committee, Personnel Committee and Court of Revision. As a previous appointee to the Alberni Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD), Councillor Chopra served as Chair from 2003 to 2010. Hira is dedicated to ensuring the future prosperity of the City of Port Alberni and believes strongly in fostering a business friendly environment, safe neighborhoods and an affordable community. Hira is passionate about increasing youth employment opportunities to ensure young people can stay in the Alberni Valley. His vision includes the development of an industrial truck route to enhance the movement of goods and the livability and vibrancy of the south port area. Hira also contributes his time as a Director of the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce and the local Rotary Club. He is married with two grown children.

Cindy Solda Contact Information: 5289 Gertrude Street Port Alberni BC V9Y 6L1 Phone: 250-723-7139 (H) Cell: 250-731-6715 Fax: 250-723-7177 Email: cindysolda@me.com		A Councillor for the City of Port Alberni since September 2001, Cindy Solda's work on behalf of the community has led to her re-election through five consecutive elections. Although Cindy has been assigned to many local and regional initiatives throughout her time on Council she is most noted for her more recent responsibilities with planning, health and protective services. Cindy is currently the Chair of the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD),Vice Chair of the Regional Hospital District and 2nd Vice Chair of the Association of Vancouver Island Coastal Communities (AVICC). In December of 2011 Cindy was also appointed by the Union of BC Municipalities for a three year term to the RCMP Contract Management Committee. Prior to entering politics Cindy attended the theatre program at Malaspina College and the University of Victoria. This experience led to roles as a director, producer and actress in numerous artistic productions. Since marrying her husband Gianni, Cindy has also worked in his family restaurant business for the past 20 years. Recently a recipient to Queens Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. A strong supporter of local arts, Cindy has also started a promotional company bringing high profile entertainers and music acts to Port Alberni with all proceeds benefiting local non-profit societies. Cindy has three grown children, Pietro, Carlo and Natasha who have all completed or are nearing completion of post-secondary programs in health and psychology related fields. Natasha is a manager in restaurant industry. Pietro is now employed in the corrections field and Carlo is pursuing a medical degree in the Dutch Caribbean.

Wendy Kerr Contact Information: 3381 6th Avenue Port Alberni BC V9Y 4L3 Phone: 250-724-5409 Email: info@wendykerr.ca		Councillor Wendy Kerr is serving her first term on Council, having been elected in 2011. She was born and raised in the Alberni Valley and is passionate about environmental issues and advancing community wide sustainability. Wendy has been employed at the West Coast General Hospital for the past 35 years. During her career she has held numerous positions in the kitchen, supply processing, admitting, medical records, ward clerks, lab, laundry and maintenance. She is currently the Supervisor of the Shipping and Receiving Department and takes great pride in her job and her involvement as Vice- Chair of the local Hospital Employees Union. Wendy has always been engaged in politics and is a longtime volunteer with the provincial New Democratic Party. Wendy also volunteers her time to help organize events and campaigns to advance women's issues. Wendy has one grown son and loves dancing, community events and spending time with her family and dog.

Rob Cole Contact Information: Rob Cole 4384 Dogwood St Port Alberni BC V9Y 3Z9 Phone: 250-720-6084 Email: rob@islandtimebt.com		Councillor Rob Cole was born and raised in Port Alberni, graduating from Alberni District Secondary School in 1990. Rob worked in the family marine business for 19 years before leaving to start his own company, Island Time Boat Tops which he has operated for the past 5 years. Rob is currently a member of the Young Professionals of the Alberni Valley and the past President of the Sproat Lake Watersports Association. Rob is also the former Coach Coordinator with Alberni Valley Minor Hockey and a past member of the Black Sheep Rugby Club. Rob was elected to Port Alberni City Council in 2011 and is committed to the overall growth and prosperity of the community. While this is his first term on City Council he's quick to note that he did serve one term as Vice-President of Student Council at A.W. Neill Secondary School in 1986. Rob is married with four young children and can be often found at the hockey rink, sports fields and dance recitals supporting their active lifestyles.

Dan Washington Contact Information: 3968 Shaughnessy St Port Alberni BC V9Y 6E6 Phone: 250-724-5681 Email: dwashington@alberniengineering.com		Councillor Dan Washington has been a resident of the City of Port Alberni for the past 36 years and has extensive business, volunteer and political experience. Dan has spent his entire career in the forest and marine manufacturing and repair industry, including 30 years with Port Machine before moving over to Alberni Engineering in 2009 where he is the Project Purchaser / Assistant Manager. Dan is very engaged in non-political community activities. He has been an active member in Kiwanis for over 29 years, having the honor to serve as President on four occasions. He is also proud of his role in coordinating the ‘Our Town' youth program since 1992 in collaboration with the Port Alberni Parks and Recreation Department. His volunteer contributions have also included the Port Alberni Salmon Festival Society with whom he has served as President for 16 of their 41 year history. Dan previously served one term as a Councillor from 1999-2001. With the valuable experience he gained during this term and his continued interest in the local community, Dan is excited to be returned to Council to serve the community. Dan has two grown children, daughter Kristen and son Cody who both still reside in the Valley.