QRCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The board of directors are the decision makers driving association direction and policy. They work closely with local stakeholders and policymakers, including local, provincial, and federal governments, and tourism operators to help grow cycling access and infrastructure. The board meets regularly (every 1-2 months) and each board member commits roughly 3 – 10+ hours per month depending on the role and season. All roles are currently filled by volunteers.
president
Todd Clarke: In a professional capacity I have extensive experience and many skills. Myself and my brother set up and ran a successful mountain bike organization called the Forest of Dean Night Riders. We successfully secured monitory sponsorship and had an active base of 75 riders who would turn up for multiple weekly group rides year round. I also ran a forestry company in the uk, I launched a charcoal company with my brother and we grew it to the second largest producer of British charcoal. This presented many challenges and required me to have excellent problem solving skills and allocated funds and resources well. I am originally from the mountain biking Mecca of South Wales and I already know the Qathet region is my forever home. I’m heavily invested in the sport of mountain biking in all its factions. After a shoulder injury my scope of riding changed to encompass all variations. I truly believe that a person on two wheels is the best thing in the world no matter what trail they’re on. Since moving to Canada I have been in management roles with a local non profit. Most recently I am a project manager for the new store here in town. This has an incredibly tight budget and I have managed to bring the project in under budget currently. I believe I have all the skills to grow the QRCA into the mountain biking organization this expanding region needs it to be.
vice-president
secretary
treasurer
Director of Government/indigenous relations + advocacy
Director of Trails
Director of communications + branding
Director of events
Director of fundraising
Director of membership
Director of active transportation
Chris Lightfoot: I’m looking forward to becoming more familiar with the official goings-on of the QRCA and help further the aims of the Association. I am particularly interested in helping establish more safe, easy and enjoyable paths for cycling across qathet so people aged 8 through 80 feel comfortable choosing to cycle to wherever they like/need to go. Streets that are designed to safely accommodate cyclists of all ages and abilities contribute to our community’s physical, social and economic well-being. Before arriving in qathet this summer with my family, I had founded and had been the principal organizer behind Complete Streets for Prince Rupert since 2017 (www.completestreetsforprincerupert.com). Activities involved engaging local government agencies around the topic Active Transportation, community outreach at local events, promotions via social media and collaborating with local organizations, etc. Through our combined efforts, both the City of Prince Rupert and Board of Education signed the Communities on the Move Declaration, Northern Health officially endorsed the Complete Streets concept, and Prince Rupert is now writing its first official Active Transportation plan. I’m excited to meet others who would like to see better cycling across qathet.
Director of volunteers
C Chad Warford: Having embraced several modes of biking in the qRD and reaped the benefits of the hard work the community does to make this a great place to move on two wheels, I want to give back. It has been a long time since I have made a contribution to any volunteer efforts, and while my primary strengths are as an educator, I have, as a baseline, strong organizational, communication, and information conduit skills which I can lend. Initially, I would like to serve as a director at large in order to find the best fit for my skills and capacity in the context of the QRCA’s needs, with a view to taking a more active role in a defined position in the future. I could probably do an adequate job of Events or Volunteers if those positions have no other candidates, but would also relish being directed as extra capacity for other directors when needed.
Directors at large
Ty Bourassa: Trail builder, mountain biker, previous board member. I want to help find a common ground with trail building and the legalization process. A step by step process that makes trail applications/legalization user friendly and motivates more builders to come forward.
Carl Hanson: Moving away from my home town of Powell River and then moving back in 2018, I feel like I have a good picture of what the olden days were and what is new and exciting to come. I have been heavily involved in the mountain bike scene since moving back and have welcomed and toured many out-of-towners I’ve met on the trails. I can see this area turning into a mountian bike mecca over the next ten years and beyond. I would love to help shape that and get more people stoked on biking! I have experience with social media and have an eye for videography. My current work is largely decision making and managing people and projects. My unofficial resume may also include beverage consultant. Cheers!