City Hires New Manager of Recreation Services

PORT ALBERNI, British Columbia, Canada – On Thursday, June 6, 2019, the City of Port Alberni awarded the position of Manager of Recreation Services in the Parks, Recreation and Heritage Department to Mr. Jeff Toews.

Mr. Toews joins the City of Port Alberni following a 20-year career working in a variety of capacities with the City of Calgary Recreation Department, and more recently as Manager of Aquatics, Administration and Fitness at Strathcona Gardens in Campbell River.

In his new role, Mr. Toews will be responsible for planning, organizing, coordinating and directing public recreation operations, services and programs, as well as administering the activities throughout the City’s parks and recreation facilities, playgrounds, parks, fields and other sport and leisure service areas.

“I’m excited for Jeff to join our team where his enthusiasm and experience will be key in the ongoing development of our programs and guest services initiatives,” said Willa Thorpe, Director of Parks, Recreation and Heritage.

Mr. Toews has specialized training in non-violent crisis intervention and sustainable leadership, and holds certificates in arena and pool operations, among many other key credentials.

“The ideas of merging mind, body and soul are opening new definitions of what recreation means. Collaborating with a dynamic recreation and management team to create and implement new and exciting recreation opportunities in this vibrant community will be a creative journey and a true pleasure,” said Jeff Toews.

The role of Manager of Recreation Services is currently held by Ms. Laurie Pley who will retire in July 2019 after an illustrious 37-year career with the City of Port Alberni. Mr. Toews will assume his new role on June 26, 2019.

For more information:

Willa Thorpe, Director of Parks, Recreation and Heritage.

City of Port Alberni

250-720-2506

willa_thorpe@portalberni.ca