News Release - Port Alberni hires Willa Thorpe as Parks, Recreation & Heritage Director

Port Alberni, BC – The City of Port Alberni has announced the hiring of Willa Thorpe as Director of Parks, Recreation and Heritage. Willa has been hired after an extensive competition that was initiated after the retirement of the previous Director.

Thorpe has more than 10 years of recreation management experience in the public and private sectors, serving most recently as the Director of Recreation and Community Services for the City of Prince Rupert. In her position, she provided strategic direction for the department, which included the development of an emergency social services program, a new five-year fees and charges plan, and an update of the community resource directory. Thorpe also led a departmental restructuring program and served as Co-Chair of the Child and Youth Mental Health Substance Use Local Action Team.

Prior to her work in Prince Rupert, Thorpe served as the Executive Director for the Vancouver Curling Club from 2011 until 2014. She has also served as the Facility Manager at the Bulkley Valley Regional Pool and Recreation Centre.

“Willa is highly qualified and is well-respected by her peers”, said Tim Pley, Chief Administrative Officer. “She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our community, as well as innovative ideas that will add to the richness of our recreational and cultural offerings,” he stated.

Thorpe holds a Master of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University and a Bachelor of Kinesiology and Health Studies from the University of Regina. 

Thorpe will assume her new duties on August 28, 2017. 

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For more information:

Tim Pley, CAO
City of Port Alberni
250-720-2824
timothy_pley@portalberni.ca

Mayor Mike Ruttan
City of Port Alberni
250-720-2822
mike_ruttan@portalberni.ca