Candidate for the Offices of Councillor and Islands Trustee
I have been a member of Bowen’s Council since 1999 and served several terms on the Islands Trust Council, both have been an honour and a privilege.
I am a member of the Emergency Program Executive Committee and the Accessibility Committee and the Official Community Plan Steering Committee. I represent Bowen on the North Shore Standing Committee on Substance Use. I was a member of the Community Centre Steering Committee from 2018-2024.
In previous terms I served on the Community Economic Development, Transportation and Ferry Advisory Committees, the BIM Budgeting Policies and Procedures Task Force, the Affordable Housing and Snug Cove Master Plan Working Groups, Council Liaison to the Snug Cove Sewer and the seven Water System Local Advisory Committees, Metro Vancouver’s Small Communities Policing and Regional Parks Committee, Translink Mayors Council 2018-2022 and UBCM executive 2015 -2017.
I served on and chaired the Island Trust’s Financial Planning and Audit Committees and was a member of the 2006-2008 Governance Task Force.
I am a NERP and have a long tradition of community volunteering including Tourism Bowen Island, the People Plants and Places Committee and First Credit Union’s Bowen Advisory Committee. Prior to being elected to Council I was vice chair of the Bowen Island Parks and Recreation Committee and the Restructure Committee and a Board member of the Bowen Island Golf Association.
I understand the issues facing business on Bowen as Alan ran a small business and I managed the former Chamber of Commerce office on Bowen.
Professionally, I am an FCPA, FCA and before retiring was a partner in an international accountancy firm, practicing primarily in taxation and estate planning. I was President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of BC, now CPABC, a Governor of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants and Vice Chair of the Province of BC’s Budget Process Review Panel which resulted in the Budget Transparency and Accountability Act.
I have a well-established record of being thorough and well prepared, with a good understanding of the issues and relevant Bowen history. I am open minded, do my research and bring a balanced voice to the table. I believe Council should consider all views, do their due diligence, and reach thoughtful, creative, and practical solutions/decisions for Bowen.
Alan and I moved to Bowen in 1996 with Jonathan and William. They now have their own families, so we have four wonderful grandchildren and I have a good grasp of the issues families are dealing with today.
Much has been accomplished during this and previous terms but more remains to be done including expanding affordable and diverse housing options, resolving ferry marshalling issues, completing the asset management plan, increasing Snug Cove Sewer capacity, completing the multi use path, looking after our infrastructure.
I am committed to Bowen and, like all of us, love our caring community, the natural green spaces and the waters that surround us including the whales and other sea life. Contact me at alison4council@gmail.com