Paul McDonell, BCA Burnaby City Councillor

McDonellwebphoto Paul McDonell, a tireless and dedicated community activist known to many as “Mr. Burnaby”, was first elected to City Council in 2008 and re-elected in 2011.

Paul’s personal philosophy stems from being raised with a social conscience and he has been guided by the principle “Life is like a honeypot - if you need some, take it. If not, put it back.”

A Burnaby resident since 1964, Paul’s career as a Firefighter and Rescue Service Worker led to his extensive involvement in numerous community organizations over the years, including the Muscular Dystrophy Society and the United Way. Rising to leadership roles in both organizations, his contributions have been recognized with numerous awards.

During the past two decades, Paul’s desire to serve combined with his significant leadership skills led to his involvement with the Burnaby Parks Board, where he also served as Chair. Seeing a need in the community, he became involved with the Burnaby Health Board, focusing on what the Board could do to help advance important regional healthcare intiatives. In 1998, he became Chair of the provincial government’s Simon Fraser Health Board.

Through his community activism and in his role as a Burnaby City Councillor, Paul recognizes the success citizen involvement brings and the worthwhile partnerships that help guide the decision making process at the Council level. He knows the process of good decision-making isn’t always an easy one and appreciates the significant contribution made by hundreds of Burnaby residents as they participate by appearing before Council or being involved on one of Burnaby’s numerous citizen committees.

Paul has been instrumental in building partnerships that have advanced numerous successful initiatives throughout the City, including the Mural Program to help curb graffiti; assisted with the Eco-Sculpture Program and the subsequent involvement of high school students in their creation; the Edmonds Santa Claus Parade; the Edmonds City Fair that now includes the Classic Car Show.

Together with the BCA Council and strong citizen consultation and involvement, Paul’s determination continues to be directed at strengthening the community networks that have raised Burnaby’s reputation as an exemplary local and internationally respected City known for its liveability. His focus on enhancing opportunities and services for seniors is one of his main goals that lie ahead as the City heads into 2012 as host of the BC Seniors Games.

Past Council Appointments:

Chair, Social Issues Committee
Vice-chair, Community Policing Committee
Member, Traffic Safety Committee
Member, Executive Committee of Council
Member, Burnaby's Social Sustainability Strategy Steering Committee
Mayor’s representative, Emergency Management Committee
Council liaison, B.C. Seniors Games
Vice-chair, Friends of the Games (fundraising for B.C. Seniors Games)
Council liaison, Health Services
Council liaison, Burnaby Seniors
Council representative, District Community School Advisory & Coordinating Committee
Council representative, Fraser Health/Municipal Advisory Council
Council representative (Director), Tourism Burnaby
Council representative (Trustee/Chair), New Vista Society
City representative, Burnaby Board of Trade Social Development Committee

Community Accomplishments:

Founding Member, Past-President, Burnaby Edmonds Lions Club
Member, Burnaby Board of Trade Task Force on Homelessness
Member, Edmonds Business & Community Association
Member, Mayor's Task Force on Graffiti
Past-chair, Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission
Past-chair, Burnaby and Simon Fraser Health Authorities.
Director (Past-Chair), United Way of the Lower Mainland
Past-Chair, Vancouver Firefighters Muscular Dystrophy Society
Chair, Edmonds City Fair
Chair, Edmonds Santa Claus Parade
Chair, Edmonds Murals Committee
Recipient, British Columbia Community Achievement Award
Recipient, Syd Thompson Community Service Award
Named Firefighter of the Year- Vancouver Junior Board of Trade Jaycees

In January, 2012, Councillor McDonell was appointed to the following:

Council Liaison - Health Services Committee
Council Liaison - Seniors Committee
Regional Organizations:
District Community School Advisory & Coordinating Committee - Alternate Representative
Fraser health/Municipal Advisory Council - Representative
Burnaby Organizations:
Tourism Burnaby - Council Representative
New Vista Society - Council Representative
Local Court of Revision - Council Representative
Executive Committee of Council - Vice Chair
Finance & Civic Development Committee - Member
Community Policing Committee - Vice Chair
Mayor's Task Force on Graffiti - Vice Chair
Social Issues Committee - Chair