COUNCILLOR
City of Port Alberni
ABOUT ME
Hi, I'm Helen
BORN & RAISED IN BC
From a young age, I've been seeking a diversity of perspectives and unique ways to contribute through my legal training and entrepreneurial ventures.
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I have lived, been educated, worked, and invested in both urban and rural environments. This has given me a worldly perspective on community and regional issues. I am in a unique position to bridge the gap between rural and urban municipalities.
A THRIVING CAREER
My determination and sense of community made me a natural—founding and passionately managing affordable housing for Vancouver's most vulnerable population.
Moved by an impromptu visit to Port Alberni and struck by both its beauty and an economic vision of what the town could be, I became the owner-operator of a local hotel-pub. Continuing my record of regional economic revival, I restored the historic establishment, breathing life into a city landmark that had seen better days. I'm proud to bring a thorough understanding of different cultures and the ability to listen to all perspectives.
Elected in 2018, I've contributed significantly to the success of Port Alberni City Council. I chair the Permissive Tax Exemption Committee and participate in other committees. Elected in 2019 as a director-at-large on the Union of BC Municipalities board, I offer steady provincial-level advocacy experience.
COMMUNITY MINDED
I enjoy talking with people and consider myself a skilled networker, connecting like-minded people for successful cooperations. I believe the success of my peers is of equal importance as to my own. I'm particularly proud of my participation on the board of Literacy Alberni Society as I'm passionate about improving literacy at a local level.
I'm currently co-authoring a book on historic cars. In my spare time, I enjoy exploring BC and visiting with municipal leaders to learn about local issues that are important to all British Columbians.
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I participate in the following regional organizations:
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2017-present: Member of the Young Professionals of Alberni Valley
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2017-present: Member of Literacy Alberni Society
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2017-present: Meat Draw fundraising host for Alberni Hospice Society - raising approx. $10,000 /year.
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2019-present: Member of the fundraising committee of Alberni Hospice Society
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2017-2018: Board member of the Young Professionals of Alberni Valley - secured event sponsors
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2018-2019: Board member of Literacy Alberni Society
MISSION STATEMENT
Equality Meets Opportunity
I believe it's essential to challenge the status quo and always pursue a vision of "what could be" with absolute conviction, grit, and the skills to back it up.