Wendy Kerr for City Council

Meet Wendy Lee Kerr

Focusing on sensible local solutions that keep our neighborhoods safe, our municipal budget balanced, and our community thriving for every generation.

Hello, my name is Wendy Kerr, and I am running for City Council in Port Alberni. Having lived here for over 60 years, I love this town and its people. After graduating from ADSS, I spent 42 years working in various roles at our local hospital before retiring. My commitment to leadership began with my involvement in the local union and labour council, where I served as a Shop Steward,Secretary, Treasurer, Chairperson, and co-chair of the Occupational Health and Safety Committee. These experiences inspired me to run for city council in 2011, and I was successfully elected. While balancing a full-time career with council duties was challenging, the experience taught me a great deal about serving our community. I believe in lifelong learning. I returned to school at 55 and again at 60 and during my time at North Island College, I made the honour roll and was voted class valedictorian. Now, as a retiree, I have the time and dedication necessary to fully serve the taxpayers of Port Alberni.

Core Pillars

Priorities Built on Community Needs

Every policy priority comes directly from conversations with neighbors, local workers, and small business owners.

Fiscal Responsibility

Infrastructure & Economy

Community Safety

We need to maintain affordable taxes for people on pensions and disabilities. Anyone who receives a government check knows that increases are small. It seems unfair that we could have a two-digit tax increase. The people in Port Alberni are struggling financially, and many struggle with their city tax bill. Many fees are increasing at alarming rates, and as a result, we’re losing our ability to enjoy our community.

I live near city hall. I used to feel safe walking down to Harbour, but that’s not the case anymore. Drugs on our streets are wrong. The safe injection site has brought many problems to our community.

I am concerned about the proposal for "wet housing." While accommodation is necessary, we must prioritize recovery over enablement. I support a "dry housing" model thatprovides the structured environment necessary for those seeking sobriety and healing.

Community Engagement & Inclusion

Meaningful dialogue and ongoing partnership with local First Nations must remain a top priority.

Local government decisions shape our daily lives—from housing to public services, yet voter turnout remains alarmingly low. Building a resilient community takes all of us. By showing up, participating, and working together, we can create a healthier, more prosperous, and more vibrant future. I will work to bring greater transparency, efficiency, and accountability to local government.

It’s time to make road and sidewalk maintenance, painting, line marking, better lighting and improve water systems before committing tax dollars to large vanity projects.

We must lobby the provincial and federal governments for a second route out of Port Alberni. Additionally, we need to improve our business environment. By streamlining the permit process and reducing costly delays, we can stop capital flight and make it easier for private businesses to thrive.

Communication, compassion, curiosity and change are essential for the city to improve its communication skills in dealing with taxpayers. I advocate for a more welcoming City Hall where taxpayers are truly listened to.

I propose implementing Townhall meetings, similar to those in Beavercreek, where residents can share concerns openly and the council provides follow-ups to every issue.

Transparency and Governance

Accountability

How We Deliver Real Results

Listen & Audit

Target Resources

Report Progress

Hold regular open neighborhood office hours and conduct clear review audits of major municipal council expenditures.

Direct local funding strictly toward urgent road repairs, neighborhood public safety, and public park maintenance.

Publish quarterly transparent updates on all council voting records, committee decisions, and active city project budgets.