Will Cole-Hamilton is a natural collaborator and advocate with a background in law, who brings a valuable skill-set to the AVICC board. “Whether it’s meeting complex challenges, advocating for the needs of local governments,  or creating new opportunities, I believe that we are stronger, smarter, and more inclusive when we work together.”

Will and his family live in Courtenay, on the unceded territories of the K’ómoks First Nation. First elected in 2018, Will is in his second term as a Councillor for the City of Courtenay.

Since being elected Will has consistently sought out opportunities to work with other local elected officials to advocate for change on shared goals.  These policy-driven leadership roles have included:

• Chair, Comox Valley Regional District
• Director, FCM
• Chair of BC Caucus, FCM
• Director, UBCM
• Director, AVICC
• Co-Chair, Comox Strathcona Waste Management, a 23 member board spanning two regional districts
• Director, Island Corridor Foundation
• Trustee, Vancouver Island Regional Library Board
• Chair, Courtenay Drug Strategy Committee (As past Chair, Will successfully led its expansion from a small municipal committee to a region-wide body with broader scope, expanded membership, and regional funding)
• Co-Chair, Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities Climate Leadership Steering Committee

Outside of his local government roles, Will works as a legal researcher at a family law firm in downtown Courtenay.  He has a long history of contributing to his community: soccer coach; “chess club guy” at Puntledge Elementary School; Director of the Downtown Business Improvement Association; and Director of the Comox Valley International Film Festival.

Whenever he can, Will enjoys getting outside to enjoy the bounty of outdoor experiences that Vancouver Island has to offer, particularly skiing, cycling and hiking. 

Always happy to connect with other local elected officials – please feel free to reach out at wcole-hamilton@courtenay.ca or (778) 992 0102.