A high-profile businesswoman is the latest to throw her hat into the ring for a spot on city council.
Colleen Evans, who currently serves as president and CEO of the Campbell River and District Chamber of Commerce, announced her intention to run for city councillor Wednesday morning at the Maritime Heritage Centre.
Evans says the Chamber board has been supportive of her decision to run for council and if elected, she will assume a modified role with the organization.
Evans says she takes the role of councillor seriously and is well-prepared for the heavy workload it entails.
“It’s a job,” Evans says. “I consider serving on city council as a public service. I want to do all I can to contribute to preserving all that’s great about Campbell River, to make it an even better place to live, work and raise a family.”
Evans, a married mother of two grown children and one grandchild, has held senior positions and managed multi-million dollar fundraising campaigns over the span of her 20-year professional career.
She has served as president of the Chamber for seven years and has previously served as vice-president of the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s fund development, as vice-president of the Alberta College of Art and Design’s fund development, and as director of development and marketing for the Red Cross Society.
Evans says she believes her experiences and knowledge would be a valuable asset to city council. In speaking with residents she has already come up with a list of items she wants to tackle to make the city stronger.
“I have high expectations for Campbell River and I have identified priorities that both reflect our values to build a strong future together and long-term prosperity for Campbell River,” Evans says. “To achieve this we need to leverage economic opportunities that lead to planned growth and attract investment in Campbell River. Create and promote a vibrant and sustainable local economy with infrastructure that supports and encourages job creation. Ensure that municipal spending is responsible and within our means (and) preserve and promote Campbell River’s significant history and culture.”
Evans says while the city needs to focus on growth, that has to be balanced with preservation of the city’s history, lifestyle and local values.
“As I meet with and listen to fellow residents, it’s clear we share many common values – our strong sense of community, our love for the natural beauty of our Island and our high quality of life,” Evans says. “I also share the hope for a better future for all residents of all generations.”
And Evans is no stranger to the community.
She has an extensive volunteer resume that includes serving as board chair of the Museum, board director for the Campbell River Community Foundation, director on the Tidemark Theatre board, as well as serving on the board of directors for both the North Island Employment Foundation (NIEFS) and Vancouver Island Economic Alliance. Evans is also a volunteer for junior achievement and her first volunteer experience was with the Rivercorp board of directors. Evans has also served as co-chair of the forestry task force and says her “diverse experience and expertise” allows her to “clearly understand the role of governance and policy development and how that relates to the role of city councillor.”
Evans is embracing the challenge and is enjoying the build up to the Nov. 15 municipal election.
“I am excited about the opportunity to participate in this election and the possibility to serve the citizens of Campbell River,” Evans says. “I believe I can make a difference in our community to work together to build a stronger Campbell River.”