Coastal Currents with Aaron Reid: Recent Episodes

Coastal Currents with Aaron Reid

Your journey into discovering the amazing people and wonderful happenings in, and around, the qathet region. Insightful interviews, frank conversations and often hilarious discussions of issues, ideas and people that matter to you.

Ron Woznow first visited Powell River in 1990 and has called Powell River home since 2012. He has 35 years of experience leading community organizations, companies, and government agencies and is known for his leadership, team building and negotiation skills.

Ron believes in community service. For the past decade he has volunteered as a board member with Powell River organizations including the First Credit Union, Powell River Assist and the Library. He is president of the Westview Ratepayers Society and the Senior Citizens Association and a member of the Legion and the Sport Fishing Advisory Committee.

As Mayor Ron would work with city managers and Council to find solutions to the city's significant debt and carefully examine the justification for all new projects and programs, streamline the permit and development process with zero tolerance for favouritism and ensure transparency. You have a question, you will get an answer at monthly meetings with the mayor.

A family man, Ron’s children and grandchildren visit regularly. He is an avid fisherman and believes Powell River's natural beauty is second to none. He is committed to using his leadership experience and skills to create the change our City needs to grow and prosper.

https://woznowformayor.com/

CaroleAnn Leishman is a two term City Councillor who has also served on the qathet Regional District Board for the last 8 years.

She has been the Chair of the Regional Hospital District Board and the City's Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation Committee and has mentored the Youth Council. She has been known locally for her theatre background, musicals, dance, figure skating and roller derby.

In her day job she has been an Architectural Designer and Project Manager in the construction industry for the past 21 years and although she was born and raised in PR, she has lived in many different places and spent many years travelling giving her a broad understanding of the issues that communities are dealing with.

In this election, CaroleAnn is running for Mayor.

https://www.caroleannleishman.com/

Maggie Hathaway grew up in North Vancouver and moved to Powell River in 1979, 43 years ago. She is almost a local.

Maggie worked for the City of Powell River for 14 years, two years in Administration and twelve years at the Fire Department. She then moved on to spend eight years at Legal Aid where she represented folks with poverty law type issues; residential tenancy, Work Safe, family law and even a little criminal stuff.

From there she was employed by our MLA Nicholas Simons for thirteen years. Many of the same issues she handled at Legal Aid, she dealt with at Nicholas’ office.

She has been on City Council for fourteen years. Her portfolios have included housing and other social issues, communications, and emergency services.

She golfs in the summer and curls in the winter.

I’m a lucky returnee to Powell River.

I have sought to bring my interests: social, cultural, science, history, finance and economics and spiritual into application to serve my community.

I’ve been a paramedic, an Ambulance Service chief, an outdoor rec instructor, hiker, kayaker, and life-long cyclist. I was in small business and a hockey dad, along with various community organizations and boards all my life.

I’ve been a councillor for 8 years.

We’re in times of trouble, and that will only increase.

We must work together. That is my commitment.

https://www.prpeak.com/local-news/city-of-powell-river-council-candidate-rob-southcott-5885367

I care about the future of Powell River and the well-being of its citizens.

I have the experience necessary to make informed decisions on the most important issues facing Powell River residents: Drugs and crime; high taxation; retention of the industrial tax base and related future jobs; priority loading on BC Ferries for residents; and proposed name change.

I will continue to attend all meetings on your behalf, well-prepared and having done my due diligence on each issue. I will listen and participate in all discussions at council, including from the people most affected.

I will cast my vote on the recommendation which is in the best interest of the residents of Powell River. Vote Jim Palm for a practical, down-to-earth approach to civic duties.

https://www.prpeak.com/local-news/city-of-powell-river-council-candidate-jim-palm-5878098

I believe in social good, in improving the greatest number of lives possible, not serving a single individual’s self-interests.

This is exactly what I stand for; I am serving the people, not myself. Even though I have only lived here for a few years, I immediately fell in love with this city. It’s easy to come to Powell River for the beautiful wilderness that we have, but the reason why I am making this my ‘forever home’ is because of the community values that I experienced as soon as I got here, values that were clearly passed down through many generations. The people of Powell River look out for one another – this is something that is fundamentally lost in larger cities. The things that I love to see in Powell River are ideas that draw us closer together instead of pulling us farther apart.

Community values were instilled in me throughout my upbringing and those values are what drive me to give back to my community now. If I am granted the opportunity to be city councillor, I know that I can make a difference and bring forth the ideas of my community.

I would love to see a solution that works to solve the mental health and addictions crisis in our city.

I am looking for solutions to Lower tax rates, and advocate for an MRI machine to cut down on travel expenses and time for those who need one.

I would love to see more affordable options for housing as home ownership has become more and more unattainable for current and future generations.

I am not running for myself, but to represent the ideas and values of the people of Powell River. If I am elected, I can promise that I will work faithfully to help improve this wonderful place that we are all so lucky to call home.

To connect with my directly, reach out at 604-999-9800

I want to take an active role in keeping our community secure, prosperous and beautiful.

I will accept the responsibility to listen and consider the perspectives and needs of the community, and represent those values in all decisions.

I have the aptitude and motivation to lead, listen and positively collaborate to ensure that the wishes, needs and rights of our citizens are effectively and efficiently achieved.

I am a Veteran. I am educated and experienced as a Civil-Military Cooperation liaison Sergeant, engaging with key leaders in communities foreign and domestic, facilitating dialog in very intense political and social environments. I believe my background has given me the skills and knowledge to cooperate positively and effectively in difficult city matters.

I’ve felt the calling to rise to action again in service to the community.

I’m ready to contribute with integrity and enthusiasm, for the leadership of this great City of Powell River.

http://jasonhygaard.ca/

George William Frederick Doubt

I am running for re-election to City Council and I ask for your support.

I moved to Powell River in 2014 to be close to my family after my retirement.

Before retirement I was employed for many years by BC Tel and Telus and was an elected officer of the Telecommunications Workers , representing members as a local officer, moving on to the role of Business Agent and a member of our Executive Council. I was re-elected many times and finally served 2 three year terms as national President.

My elected Union roles led to work as a Pension Trustee of our Defined Benefit Pension Plan, as a member of the Board of Directors of Concert Properties and Concert Real Estate Ltd, and of other associated financial investments. I was also an executive member of the BC Federation of Labour and the Canadian Labour Congress. All of that led to significant involvement in politics on Federal, Provincial, Regional, and Municipal levels

As part of my duties on Council, I served as the chair of the Finance Committee, Tourism Powell River Liaison, and as one of the Municipal directors on the board of the qathet Regional District. I chaired that group's Finance Committee, served on the Regional Hospital District Board, the North Island 911 Board of Directors,and the Supportive Housing Community Liaison Committee.

I have been a member of the Wildwood Ratepayers since 2014.

I am running for re-election because I believe I have the leadership skills, experience and clear understanding needed to work collaboratively with the community and Council to set goals and respond to the challenges that exist now and will arise in the future. I am confident that those characteristics will provide the basis for making decisions based on the best common interests of the residents of the community equitably and inclusively in and atmosphere of Respect, Kindness and Optimism.

Bronwyn graduated from Brooks in 2001, attended Camosun college and then UVic, became a full time yoga instructor for several years, and then came home to marry and have 2 children. She is now one of only 6 Gisbornes who live in the region, all under one roof. She is employed through CSIL (choice in supports for independent living). https://www.prpeak.com/local-news/city-of-powell-river-council-candidate-bronwyn-gisborne-5879670?fbclid=IwAR1vEBkQSw0by5qDHz9zE56kR4LEOFm4rp8r6CwZZMEHVXqCn74RKjIaLGw

Creating a healthy community means putting people first. It’s finding solutions to help people meet their needs but also to thrive.

I’ve worked as a provincial government analyst for 20 years, in poverty reduction as well as treaty negotiations with First Nations. I conduct research, consult with people, listen carefully and build productive partnerships – all of which will serve me well as a city councillor.

A job in the forestry industry brought me to Powell River in 2016, and I plan to stay. As a homeowner, landlord, and someone who works with people experiencing poverty, I understand many perspectives of the housing crisis. I’ve volunteered in disaster relief, food security and housing, and I am the former vice president of the Comox Valley Beekeepers.

In my free time, I’m often walking my dog.

https://www.jenzacherforcitycouncil.ca/

Michelle is a resilient health practitioner trained in occupational therapy and holistic nutrition.

She is the founder of the Global Alliance for Our Children's Future and a team lead with the Canada Health Alliance.

Michelle stands with the power of the people and is running for council so our voices can be heard.

My name is Todd Phillips. I was born in Powell River in 1965. I have lived here my entire life except for when I have left for post-secondary education. I am currently involved in a stable 23 year common law relationship.

I have spent most of this time working in the logging industry as a faller and first aid attendant. I've owned my own successful small business in the salvage logging industry for 20 years. I've spent 33 years reclaiming 20 acres and restoring the buildings on land in Cranberry. Recently I decided to sell the business and property to downsize and slow things down as I retired from the industry.

I no longer spend the majority of my time in camps and currently work and live in central Westview. I have been involved in local soccer since elementary school, then moving on to Senior Men’s followed by Powell River Villa, topping it all off with games played for Canada’s national para team. I am a member of the local search and rescue. I also volunteer for Special Olympics. I do not sit on the boards of these non-profits and am unpaid for my time.

I am running in this election because I think we need a change in how things have going over the last number of years. For those that know me I am a worker. I will do the research and put in the hours to get the right decision. I do not belong to; donate to, or have I ever been a paid employee of a political party. I am not taking campaign donations. I am independent.

Please check out my Policy Platform to view my stance on the city’s major issues.

http://www.votetoddphillips.ca/

Trina Isakson was born and raised in Salmon Arm, and moved to Powell River almost 5 years ago. She has since gotten deeply involved in our community. She’s been a volunteer at different times with the Powell River Garden Club, Texada Island Non Profit Seniors Housing Society, and Knuckleheads Winter Recreation Association, and currently sits on the board of the Powell River Community Foundation. Some listeners may know her as a member of the Community Finance Advisory Committee, or from being a co-facilitator of public engagement with the Possible Name Change process earlier this year.

Her professional work is as a facilitator and researcher with community groups, helping them do strategic planning, implement changes, or work on conflict. She’s worked with organizations such as BC Civil Liberties Association, SFU Library, Powell River and District United Way, and the City of Surrey. Before her work with community organizations, she was a high school math and science teacher.

She has an MBA in community economic development from Cape Breton University and a certificate in dialogue and civic engagement from SFU. She spends her free time doing crossword puzzles, working on her house and garden, and walking in the forest.

Family and community are important to me. I have 5 children ranging from age 11 to 33 and 5 grandchildren. They all live here in the qathet Region. I am very committed to this community now and in the future.

My family, father Jack and siblings, own and operate Jack’s Boat Yard in Lund. I have lived here in this region since 2007 when I moved to live work with and be closer to my family. While working with Jack’s Boat Yard I headed up our waterfront expansion and development project and also was a Lift Operator lifting boats.

Prior to that I had a career that included the following jobs:

Regional Economic Development Officer for the Province of BC in the Northwest area of the province.
Acting Aboriginal Relations Manager for the BC Ministry of Forests in the Prince Rupert Forest Region
Treaty Officer, Ministry of Forests, Prince Rupert Region
EMA-FA for BC Ambulance in Stewart, BC
Aboriginal Relations Manager for Alberta Environment, Central Region in Red Deer, Alberta
Financial Manager for my husbands logging businesses 1996 to 2007

I have been a City Councillor since November of 2018 and my portfolio includes:

Arts, Culture & Heritage
Social Action & Planning, Affordable Housing
City Liaison to Community Futures Development Corporation
Western Stillwater & Island Timberlands, Community Advisory Group Liaison Appointee

Earl Almeida is originally from Toronto.

A Western University grad, he has been a BC resident since 2003 and has called Powell River home for 2 years. He and his wife, Charlotte Clemens (Max Cameron class of '98), have been married for 13 years and have 3 young children.

He has a 20 year professional career in sales, leadership and customer service working with small and medium-sized business owners. He currently remotely serves as the treasurer of his Burnaby church and is active with Living Water here in town.

He is active with the PR Slo-Pitch league, was the 2022 U5 division manager for the PR Minor Baseball Association and is looking forward to getting back into reffing minor hockey games this year.

www.vote4earl.ca www.fb.com/vote4earl

Robin was born in a small town in Saskatchewan and moved to Vancouver to finish high school. After living in Vancouver, Toronto and a few other places across Canada, Robin moved to Powell River in the late 90's with his sweetie, Karen.

For the past 24 years Robin has worked at a hotel for 2 years in the beginning, Malaspina College for 3 years as Restaurant Manager for the Culinary Arts Program at Brooks High School, he started a restaurant and catering company for a short time and has been an independent contractor as a gardener / landscaper / house painter painter / handyman for going on 18 years.

He has been a Board Member of the Third Crossing Society and also was the Chair of the Film Society in the past. Robin believes in being open and honest and thinks government should be the same. Being fiscally responsible, maintaining roads and infrastructure, keeping neighbourhoods safe and using common sense to look after our environment in a sensible way which doesn't cause undue hardship on residents and the City is of upmost importance to him. He believes in democracy, defending the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the rights of residents to be heard and standing up to discrimination.

He loves Powell River and area and wants to keep the amazing and friendly Powell River a prosperous community for generations to come. https://www.facebook.com/robinmurray4council

This episode features Aaron's interview with Luke Holuboch. Here is the write-up Luke provided:

Born and raised here in Powell River, I am a Cranberry kid at heart. Growing up on Haslam Street, we spent a lot of time riding bikes around the lake and townsite, swimming in Mowat Bay and riding the backcountry. I have a deep appreciation and honor the forests and waterways that we call Home. I left Powell River when I was 22, venturing all over B.C. and Alberta for the next 20 years, working as a chef and treeplanter to begin my income earning life! I learned a lot about work ethics and the value of my time.

From there I took a steam fitting apprenticeship with an oil field construction company, where I soon became a construction supervisor building gas plants and pipelines throughout central Alberta and B.C. This is where I was taught many perspectives on Safety, Environmental Sterwardship, Quality Control, People Management, Communications between several unique parties that need to agree on getting things done, which takes a lot of good listening skills, open mindedness, patience and humility.

My goals as Councillor are to improve communication within government and our community, bridge the gap and try to quell misinformation on all topics. Increase recycling and reduce single use products and packaging. This is a very large problem with shipping waste in our world and our isolated community. To work together with my fellow councillors to give our community the best advantage we can to prosper and live abundant environmentally sustainable lives without sole reliance on outside supply chains.

Show notes as provided by Glenn Holstine:

I am running for a 3rd time in 11 years. 2011 I ran for a Council Seat. 2018 I ran for Mayor. My main concern for this City is a new Emergency Services Building that is 26 years overdue. The current Firehall was a Temporary Building that was highly recommended for replacement in 1996. A Seismic event would cause a structure failure which would be catastrophic for our Emergency Services response. The Ambulance Station is also in a compromised state. Waterworks / City Plumbing is in dire straits. Basically, our City requires upgrades that are non negotiable. They are of an utmost importance and necessity for the basic needs of our community. Elder care / Hospice is needing a very large undertaking of support so that our City is readily prepared for our aging population. City name change has to be more debated and compromise on all sides is required for a fair and diplomatic outcome in our democratic process. I can also be found on LinkedIn as Captain Glenn Holstine.

Welcome to Season 2 of Coastal Currents with Aaron Reid.

This season covers one-on-one interviews with each of the candidates for City Council and Mayor for the City of Powell River in the 2022 Municipal Election taking place on October 15th 2022.

All but two of the candidates opted to participate.

This short episode is an introduction to this series and outlines the process for this series. Great care was taken by me, in this volunteer role, to be fair and equal in the time and questions given to these candidates.

I truly enjoyed my time with each of these candidates and wish them all the best whether they are elected on October 15th or not. It takes courage and dedication to put one's name on the ballot.

Todd Caldecott is a clinical herbalist and practitioner of Ayurveda, with 25 years of clinical and teaching experience. He has both practiced and taught internationally, bringing students to Nepal to study classical Ayurveda, and in 2014 was the Visiting Mitchell Scholar at Bastyr University.

Todd is a registered professional member of the American Herbalists Guild and the National Ayurvedic Medical Association, and current director of the Dogwood School of Botanical Medicine. He is the author of many articles, research papers, and books including Food As Medicine, Ayurveda in Nepal, and Ayurveda: The Divine Science of Life.

Apart from practicing and teaching, Todd has a diverse background in the field of herbal medicine, which includes product development and botanical research in the non-timber forest products industry.

Todd moved to Powell River in 2019, on his little farm in Wildwood, which now serves as the base for his clinical practice, herbal dispensary, and classroom.

Matthew Hull spent his formative years here in qathet before graduating and head down to Idaho for his first year of college.

He spent two years in California working with the Hispanic population and which inspired him to go on to earn degrees in Spanish and History education from Brigham Young University Idaho.

Over the past fifteen years in working for School District #47, Matthew has taught, supported students and staff, managed both the Transportation and Technology Departments and spent the most recent year of his career in the role of Vice-Principal at Brooks Secondary School.

Matthew's now earned the opportunity to work as the Principal at Henderson Elementary School in the Townsite.

He has also had the blessing of raising five children in this community and has recently remarried an amazing woman from Washington and has added her five children to the family.

Matthew lives in Wildwood with his wife Debbie and their amazing family. He enjoys the small community feel that Wildwood provides.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-hull-8114a85b/?originalSubdomain=ca

toqʷanən | Dillon Johnson Dillon was born and bred here in Tla’amin territory, and moved back home with his young family in 2019 after attending university and building a career in Vancouver.

Dillon is passionate about First Nations reclaiming their governance and well-being within their homelands. He has been providing community, economic and financial planning advice to First Nations communities for 15 years as a consultant. Dillon has concurrently been an elected leader for the Tla’amin Nation, where he is serving his fourth term as a member of the Executive Council. He proudly carries a Tla’amin name, toqʷanən (toh-kwon-non), which is a former village site in Tla’amin territory also known as Theodosia. He is an MBA graduate from UWO and has a BCom from UVic. Dillon also holds the Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM) designation from AFOA Canada, and he serves as the Vice-Chair of the First Nations Financial Management Board.

In this episode, Aaron meets and chats with filmmaker, photographer, artist and musician, Clancy Dennehy.

Clancy was born in Winnipeg and is a graduate of NSCAD University in Halifax. He built his career in Vancouver where he lived and worked for over 30 years before making the move to qathet with his wife, Caro in 2020.

He is holding an art show at Crucible Gallery in the Townsite for the month of July 2022 with opening night taking place July 1st, 2022 at 8 p.m. starting with a butoh dance performance and followed by a dance party.

Check out Clancy's website at https://clancydennehy.com/

Join me in my conversation with Russell Werner. Russell was born and raised in Powell River and has served the public as a professional firefighter with the Vancouver Fire Department for 27 years.

If being in that line of work isn't courageous enough, Russell opened up to me in this interview about his five year battle with PTSD. Russell also talks about the difficulties in dealing with WorkSafeBC while working to heal a work induced mental health injury.

BE ADVISED: This episode contains a frank discussion on a variety of topics related to mental health including PTSD and suicide that some may find to be a trigger. This is a discussion between Aaron and Russell based on personal experiences and observations and is not medical advice.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out for help immediately. In British Columbia, there is a great resource located at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/mental-health-support-in-bc with links to a variety of options for support.

stopthestigma #itsokaytonotbeokay #gethelp #youmatter

Meet Terry Peters!

Terry was born in Powell River and raised in Wildwood. He is the current Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Services for the City of Powell River.

We talk about growing up with fabulous Italian neighbours, stock car races in the 70's, the roots of his 31 year career in emergency services, work exchange in Australia, Broom Busters and what keeps him grounded.

Join me in my chat with Mr. Terry Peters.

Meet Ian MacDonald, a self-described 17 year qathet "newbie". Ian is a seasoned traveller and a "free-lance" volunteer.

He made his way to Squamish from Ontario in the 80's and from there he made his way to qathet with his wife and daughter.

We talk about a little forestry, some soccer, volunteering and he threw some adventure in there, as well!

The Chief Administrative Officer, otherwise known as the CAO, of the City of Powell River joins Aaron in studio in March 2022.

Join me in my conversation with the wonderful, Isabelle Southcott.

She is a mom of two grown sons, founder, publisher and editor of qathet Living Magazine, founder of Powell River Women in Business, a very accomplished Toastmaster and a fellow dog lover.

Join me for a fun conversation with City of Powell River Councillor, CaroleAnn Leishman. We talk about growing up here, her passions and life experiences and . . . . is the rumour true that she's considering a run for the Mayoral seat in October 2022?

Meet Shannon Behan!

Shannon is a born and raised qathet area educator with 25 years in public, private and international education.

An interesting interview with Shane Reid, Captain of the CFV Double Odds.

We play an short, fun game of this or that and then jump right into talking prawns.

It's always been my belief that, when possible, it's good to experience something yourself before asking others to take the leap.

The opening episide of Coastal Currents with Aaron Reid is turning the tables on me and is actually Aaron Reid being interviewed by guest host, Bobby Fields.

There's certainly differences to what future interviews will look like when Aaron's doing the interviewing but it's a great opening for the podcast and a good conversation.