They bike, hike, walk, golf, run and almost everything else there is to do in Powell River to keep fit. City of Powell River councillors take full advantage of what the region offers in ways to stay in shape, and part of their responsibility is to lead by example when it comes to health and wellness.
Karen Skadsheim
Councillor Karen Skadsheim is one of three councillors who are into bike riding.
“I have several vintage bikes I like to tootle around town on,” said Skadsheim.
She said she prefers to ride the trails and would like to see more commuter trails “connecting the various boroughs of Powell River” so cyclists don’t have to be on the street with traffic.
In addition, Skadsheim also said she does a lot of walking and, in the summer, it’s the season for swimming.
“It’s well documented that the healthier and fitter you are, the healthier the community,” she said, “and that leads to all kinds of good things.”
Jim Palm
Councillor Jim Palm gives credit to his wife, former Olympian Connie Polman Tuin, for his training program.
“She keeps me fit running and weightlifting and a variety of activities on a daily basis,” said Palm.
Palm has been a physical education teacher for 20 years. He tries to adhere to a routine of running in the morning and weightlifting in the afternoon. His own philosophy when it comes to fitness is not to go out and beat yourself up.
“You make fitness part of your daily routine,” he said.
Palm said there are excellent initiatives and facilities in Powell River that are all about bringing awareness to fitness.
Russell Brewer
Councillor Russell Brewer is president of Powell River Cycling Association and co-director for the Powell River stage of the BC Bike Race. He is, not surprisingly, a cyclist.
“I tend to ride my bike a lot, get out and do some hiking and a bit of canoeing when I get a chance,” said Brewer. “Also, being a forester, I work out in the woods a fair bit so that gets me some exercise, too.”
According to Brewer, there is no excuse for not getting out and doing something when you live here.
“It’s so easy. Everything is close,” he said. “Five minutes one way, you’re on the water and five minutes the other way, you’ll be hiking or biking.”
Rob Southcott
Councillor Rob Southcott is council’s representative on the Powell River Wellness committee and a big proponent of fitness.
He said being fit gives city council an opportunity for leadership by example.
“Good health helps with the inner workings in council’s relationships,” said Southcott. “The degree of relationships between us is a mark of our fitness and health. I’m really grateful we’re a healthy bunch.”
Southcott grew up in Cranberry. To get around, he rode a bike and he’s still riding.
“I ride everywhere and as much as I possibly can,” he said.
Southcott said that community fitness is important because the size of the aging population is putting increasing strain on existing healthcare infrastructure.
CaroleAnn Leishman
Not stopping, always on the go and trying her best to do everything is how councillor CaroleAnn Leishman said she stays fit.
“I enjoy biking, dancing, rollerskating, hiking, walking, paddleboarding, windsurfing and kiteboarding,” said Leishman. “I do keep pretty active. I make the best effort to do as much as I can.”
Leishman even started a women’s dance class, which became the Kit Kat Showgirlz.
“When you’re doing a full out can-can, kicking the whole time, we try to leave that until the end of rehearsal because it’s really quite challenging doing all of the high kicks and stretching,” she said. “You sweat like crazy.”
Maggie Hathaway
Councillor Maggie Hathaway is an avid golfer and sports a respectable 20 handicap.
“I try for golf three or four times a week,” said Hathaway. “I always walk. I don’t carry my clubs anymore; I take a push cart.”
Hathaway said she also walks the sea walk three or four times a week.
“The best way to overcome stress is to go out for a long walk,” she said. “Fitness is hugely important for your physical health and also for your mental health.”
Even with all of that activity, Hathaway said she could be fitter.
“I used to go to the gym for years but body parts start giving out, like knees,” she said, “so I had to give that up.”
