Five candidates have put their names forward for the vacant Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District director’s seat in Sproat Lake. Profiles are listed in no particular order.

ROB FROLIC

ACRD-Sproat lake candidate

Hi! I’m Rob Frolic.

I grew up at Sproat Lake and my parents have been residents there for over 46 years. At 20, I relocated to Nanaimo to pursue my studies. I completed my schooling in history, anthropology, and education. However, I eventually chose a trade and became a red seal electrician. Throughout my apprenticeship, I travelled extensively to many communities in the mid island region. These days on the road left few opportunities to spend time at the lake which I missed very much. During that time I made it a point to come back often to the lake on my days off. Now I run my own business, I am trying to return to the Sproat Lake area, my home.

Currently I reside in town, but my love of the lake has never left me. I have a wonderful partner and two wonderful step-children who keep me busy. We all love to spend as much time as we can at this wonderful place we all call home.

As your Regional Director, my focus would be to address the ongoing issues with the OCP, examine the pending provincial changes for docks, and do my best to make them align with what we really want to see.

I recognize the need for trails and access to the woodlands. I would like to investigate the options for expansion of trails and possible grants available to help improve our beautiful outdoors.

Around the lake, I want to continue the annual water testing. I also want to make sure that future development around the lake will not negatively impact the quality of our water.

Sproat Lake also makes up 42 per cent of the tax base for the ACRD, as a result of the value of real estate in the area. I would like to investigate ways to reduce spending within the ACRD to try to reduce the overall burden on all taxpayers. Investigating the possibilities for a Local Community Commission to give our area more control over how our tax dollars are spent is also a priority.

Great Central Lake is currently experiencing opportunities for growth and development as well. I want to work with those parties, and the residents of that area to make sure the pieces are in places to take care of any worries and issues that may come up.

SABRINA ZIMMERMANN

ACRD-Sproat Lake candidate

My name is Sabrina Zimmermann, and I am running for Area D Director because I care deeply about our community’s future. Born and raised at Sproat Lake, I am a longtime permanent resident and property owner with a strong personal connection to the area.

I have a long history of involvement in local issues, including organizing community town halls and bringing residents together to address concerns about ACRD bylaws and decisions affecting our properties. I also helped establish the Sproat Lake Property Owners Association working alongside residents to ensure our concerns were heard at all levels of government. I have also served on the Sproat Lake Parks Commission for 15 years.

Accountable Spending and Taxation

Over the last few years, I have examined ACRD financial plans, budgets, and proposed expenditures. I have questioned staffing costs and spending and raised concerns about how regional service costs are allocated to Area D.

I will push to lower property taxes, reduce unnecessary spending, and keep future property tax increases at zero, or not above the cost of living. I believe property owners deserve a fairer tax system, with costs allocated according to actual service use. I also support an independent efficiency review of the ACRD and greater accountability for how tax dollars are spent.

Support Community Led OCP and Solutions

I have been actively involved in reviewing the proposed Sproat Lake Official Community Plan, helping residents understand proposed changes, participating in community discussions, and bringing concerns directly to the ACRD Board.

I support a shorter, simpler, less costly OCP that requires the fewest policies and reflects what Area D residents want. Community input should guide decisions, and residents should not face unnecessary regulations and permitting requirements.

I care deeply about clean water and the environment and will advocate for community supported initiatives that protect them and Area D’s rural and recreational character.

I believe effective representation requires both determination and the ability to work with others. My approach is friendly but firm. Through my community involvement, I have developed experience working cooperatively with ACRD staff and Area D residents to move concerns forward, while asking difficult questions and standing my ground when necessary.

As Director, I would bring practical experience, knowledge of ACRD processes, and a commitment to putting Area D’s interests first.

I would be honoured to have your support on October 17 and to represent Area D residents at the ACRD.

DOUGLAS FLEMING

ACRD-Sproat Lake candidate

My wife Terri and I have lived in Area D since 2017, but our connection to the area goes back much further. Terri’s family has had property on Great Central Lake since the early 1970s, so lake life has been part of our family for many years.

What I value most about it is the quiet, the natural surroundings and the close-knit feel of the community. We really do live in one of the most beautiful places on Vancouver Island.

I am self-employed and work part-time as a certified Small Water Systems Technician. Before that, I spent more than 20 years in the oil and gas industry, including working in the Southern United States and offshore as an Operations Manager managing subsea pipeline projects. I have also owned my own business and served on safety and production boards and committees in both forestry and oil and gas.

I am running for Area D Director because I believe it is time for change. Residents deserve a stronger voice in the decisions that affect them and better value for the contributions they make.

My approach is simple: Listen to the residents first.

I want to be a Director who listens, asks questions, keeps residents informed and speaks up for the community.

DOUG HERD

ACRD-Sproat Lake candidate

My name is Doug Herd and I am running for ACRD Area D Director. I am a active member of the lake community. I have been a member of Sproat Lake Volunteer Fire Department for 3 and a half years, responding to many calls. I look after Tall Timbers Holiday Park. I have held 2 public events “Light Up The Lake”, Canada Day Fireworks and am actively planning for “Light Up The Lake” for this year. I am for the people and if elected would host regular meetings with the community to stay on top of recommended changes to our Area. One thing about me is that I wont back down and will fight for Area D. I have alot of thoughts about positive changes we need to make in our community which can only be accomplished if we stand together and fight for our district. Please get out and vote as your vote matters.

COLIN MCLEMAN

ACRD-Sproat Lake candidate

My name is Colin McLeman. I grew up in Port Alberni, started school in town, and graduated from ADSS in 1986. This valley raised me. I have never forgotten that.

My first job was delivering the AV Times for four years . From there I went to work for the City in parks and recreation, maintaining the pool. That job opened many doors. It also taught me something I still carry. A community is not only what gets decided in a meeting. It is the pool that opens, the park that is cut, and the person who shows up to do the work.

I went to college to become a mechanic, with a bursary from the Golden Oldies Car Club. People here helped me get started, and I have not forgotten them either. I left town after that. In northern British Columbia I started a small computer training centre, built it, and sold it. In Alberta I opened a Harley-Davidson shop and started two oilfield service companies. In 2009 I sold those three businesses and moved back to Port Alberni. I came home to retire. What I found was that home still had work in it.

Coming back meant fishing again, and the outdoors, year round. Eleven years ago my partner and I bought a house at the lake. Lake life has been a gift. Morning water, the weather coming down the inlet, neighbours who wave from the road. It is the same country I grew up in, seen with older eyes.

Port Alberni Valley News

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