Incumbent Doug Hillian has confirmed his intent to seek a second term on Courtenay City council.
Hillian is a 32-year resident of Courtenay who worked as a community probation officer for 20 years before serving as a policy consultant and senior manager with the provincial government. He is currently employed as director of practice for the Vancouver Island Region of the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
His contributions to public safety and community justice were acknowledged in 2003 when he was awarded the Governor-General’s Corrections Exemplary Service Medal.
Hillian’s experience includes serving on Parent Advisory Councils and as a board member with World Community, the Justice Centre, the Strathcona Employment and Economic Development Society, and the Crisis Centre. He was a founding director of the Comox Valley Transition Society and the Social Planning Society, and has moderated numerous community forums on social and economic issues. He continues to volunteer as a facilitator at the Community Justice Centre.
Hillian has two adult children, both of whom completed their schooling in Courtenay, and three grandchildren. He spent 10 years coaching youth soccer and remains active as a player, also enjoying badminton and singing in the Just In Time jazz choir.
First elected in a byelection two years ago, Hillian has served as council representative on the Drug Strategy committee, the Puntledge Restoration Society and the July 1 committee.
“The past two years on council have certainly been a learning experience,” says Hillian. “I have worked hard to offer a reasonable and progressive approach to the role of councillor, while striving to be accessible to the citizens of the community. Although we continue to face some difficult issues, I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and look forward to the opportunity to continue serving our community.”
Hillian can be contacted at dhillian@courtenay.ca or at www.doughillian.ca.
— Doug Hillian