Current qathet Regional District Electoral Area C director and former mayor of Powell River Colin Palmer announced his retirement from the regional government this month.
After a career spanning three decades, Palmer will depart with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the region’s local affairs. He began his political career in 1973 when he was first elected to the Powell River municipal council, serving two two-year terms. In those early days, he ran on environmental issues, which he said chimed well with the public.
As a councillor, he helped establish the North Harbour breakwater, and worked to ensure the city airport stayed in its current location. He was also among the councillors who voted in favour of constructing Powell River Recreation Complex. In addition, with the help of the province, Palmer was involved in establishing one of the city’s first recycling operations.
Palmer said he is proud of his achievements in office. He was elected mayor in 1984 at what he described as a particularly challenging time. He said interest rates were at 20 per cent and that the paper mill had laid off 250 workers two years prior to his taking office. However, when he left office as mayor in 1987, he said he felt things had improved.
“We had made some movement on economic development,” said Palmer.
Palmer acknowledged that a career in local government is not without its challenges. While he was mayor, council laid off some of its staff and made significant budget cuts.
“I certainly didn’t enjoy it, but it had to be done,” he said.
Reflecting on the current state of affairs in Powell River, Palmer said he had been concerned about the uncertainty surrounding the Catalyst Paper Corporation mill as a result of trade tariffs imposed by the United States. However, he said he hopes a solution has now been found.
“Catalyst should be in a better position now to keep its head above water,” he added.
Palmer also said he believes the current mayor and council are doing their best to diversify the local economy.
“We’re doing pretty well on keeping a grip on things,” he said.
Reflecting on other challenges faced by the regional government, Palmer said the previous provincial government too often tried to pass the burden of some its work onto local authorities.
“We have had to hire extra staff, when really it should be the responsibility of the province,” he said.
Palmer also explained that regional boards are a form of government unique to BC, and that it can be difficult to communicate to voters the limited powers these district councils have.
Fellow board member and Electoral Area D director Sandy McCormick said that Palmer’s knowledge and experience will be sorely missed.
“He's both a gentleman and an astute politician,” she said, “and I feel honoured to have had the opportunity to serve with him on the regional board.”
After he leaves office this fall, Palmer said he plans to spend more time with his family. However, he added that he remains concerned about the demographic challenges facing Powell River, particularly those pertaining to the city’s aging population.
While leaving behind a long and accomplished career, Palmer said he will continue to be an advocate for developing the city’s vehicular connections to the rest of the province and country.
