Helen Poon mourned

Friends and family are mourning the death of former Port Alberni city councillor Helen Poon — who also ran provincially for the BC Liberals in the Mid-Island-Pacific Rim riding.

Poon was travelling in New Zealand when she was involved in a serious car crash last week, and died in hospital.

Poon bought Port Alberni’s Kingsway Hotel in 2017 and then ran for Port Alberni City Council and won — becoming the city’s first transgender councillor.

Mayor Sharie Minions posted a statement on the city’s website calling Poon a cherished colleague, a dear friend, and a vibrant soul who has left an unforgettable mark on our community.