The City of Port Alberni, British Columbia, has appointed Louizandre Dauphin as the new Director of Parks, Recreation and Culture. Dauphin officially started the role in late 2025, taking over responsibility for local parks, community programs, and recreation facilities.
Dauphin comes to the position with over 15 years of experience in municipal leadership, including a previous role as director for the City of Mission. He replaces the former director, Willa Thorpe, who left the community in mid-2025 to take a position as Chief Administrative Officer in Nova Scotia.
A major focus for the new director is the creation of the city’s first-ever Parks, Recreation & Culture Master Plan. This project will serve as a 10-year guide to help the city decide where to spend money on community spaces and how to run local services.
In addition to the long-term plan, the department is currently managing a new bylaw that addresses temporary shelters in city parks. These changes come during a time of transition for the local government, as the city is also working under interim leadership following the departure of its top administrator in January 2026.
Residents can expect the new director to lead decisions on facility hours, park maintenance, and how community activities are delivered. According to the City of Port Alberni, the hire is intended to help shape the next decade of community investments.
