T wo of Courtenay’s six City Council members retired last week, announcing that they would not seek re-election.

Doug Hillian served on City Council for 17 years, winning his first seat in a by-election. Voters elected him four more times, topping the polls once in 2022.

Melanie McCollum served on City Council for eight years, winning two consecutive elections.

Both issued statements recapping their multi-term council experiences.

Melanie McCollum

After eight years serving on Courtenay City Council, I’ve decided not to seek re-election this fall. Serving on Council has been an incredibly rewarding experience, but the time has come for me to re-balance my commitments and focus on other aspects of my personal and professional life.

I’m very proud of the role I have had in local leadership. Courtenay Council has made incredible progress in improving livability throughout the city. We have developed the beginnings of an active transportation network in a relatively short amount of time, opened access to McPhee meadows and made significant improvements to public spaces and parks. During the time I’ve served on Council, local government leaders across our region have taken meaningful steps in reconciliation, building a stronger relationship with K’ómoks First Nation grounded in respect and a genuine commitment to work together. It has been deeply meaningful to me to be a part of this.

As Chair of the CVRD Recreation Commission, I also had the privilege of supporting the delivery of significant investment in recreation facilities for our growing region. Following an extensive Sports Fields Study and years of community engagement, the Recreation Commission delivered a long-awaited second artificial turf field at Vanier Secondary School. The new artificial turf will improve access for thousands of athletes and support the work of the many sports associations serving our active community for generations to come.

I want to thank my colleagues on Council and the Regional District Board, for their patience, thoughtfulness, dedication to our community’s best interests, and their willingness to share a laugh when needed. Local government works best when people are willing to listen, keep an open mind and stay focused on how to achieve the best outcome. I have seen this demonstrated to me more times than I can count. It’s been a gift to participate in decision making and leadership alongside colleagues who do exactly that. I am equally grateful to the City of Courtenay and Regional District staff, whose knowledge and dedication to their work have delivered the many accomplishments that we’ve celebrated as a community in the two terms I’ve served.

Finally, if I could share one thing I’ve learned through my time in politics it’s this: good outcomes require good leadership, and good leadership isn’t always easy to explain in a soundbite. The best decisions aren’t always the most popular ones at the moment. Often doing right by our community means choosing the path that takes longer to show results, or is harder to sum up in a social media comment, over the one that feels easy today but costs us down the road. I hope that those who come next have the courage to lead with a long-term vision for Courtenay – because that’s the kind of leadership that moves a community forward.

DOUG HILLIAN

Courtenay City Councillor Doug Hillian has confirmed that he will not be running in the next civic election set for October 17th. Hillian was first elected in a 2009 by-election and has been re-elected 4 times, topping the polls in 2022. “It has been a privilege to serve our community for 17 years, with all three Mayors and the five Councils I’ve worked with” he says, “and it’s now time for me to retire and make space for others at the Council table”. Hillian notes the changes in Courtenay over his years of service, reflecting on the challenges of governing through the pandemic, the homelessness and housing crises and the continuing growth of the community. “Despite our challenges, we remain a very friendly and liveable community with top notch staff and excellent services”.

Hillian cites new amenities such as the Dingwall Steps, McPhee Meadows, the 6th St Bridge, the pending East Courtenay Firehall, cycling/pedestrian infrastructure and ongoing park and playground development as significant City accomplishments, along with the new Official Community Plan and comprehensive planning underway for Transportation, Recreation and Arts and Culture. He also notes the leadership Courtenay has provided at the regional level, with Councillor Cole-Hamilton chairing the Regional District Board, Councillor Morin the Water Committee and Councillor McCollum the Recreation Commission, while he has chaired the Sewage Commission and the Hospital Board. He is particularly pleased to have served as Courtenay liaison to the Kus-kus-sum project, while also representing the region at the K’omoks First Nation Main Treaty Table.

Hillian looks forward to continuing to contribute to community life while spending more time with family and friends, and is expressing his gratitude to all the staff, elected officials and residents with whom he has enjoyed the privilege of working.