Howard Williams

Councillor

Education:

Ph.D. Geology;  M.A.Sc. Civil Engineering

Employment history:

  • University Lecturer and Associate Professor of Geology (1973-1986);
  • Senior Geologist, Ontario Geological Survey (1986-1992);
  • Hydrogeologist in Canada, U.K. and New Zealand (1992-2013), as a government employee and as a consultant.

Work experience summary:

As a geologist, my experience included the study of ancient rocks.  When I retrained as a hydrogeologist, my primary interest was in water resources management including:

  • the adaptive use of water taking into account climate change;
  • catchment to subdivision-scale water management for federal government, regional and municipal councils;
  • Environment Court Commissioner (New Zealand);
  • groundwater issues related to the mining industry;
  • research into the use of both groundwater and rocks as heat/cold storage media as part of a carbon emission reduction program.

Community involvement:

I have been a board member of over a dozen community organisations.  Currently I am on the Acadia University Senate and a board member of ALL (Acadia Lifelong Learning).  I have also been on the Environmental Sustainability Committee and am currently on the Source Water Protection Committee of Wolfville Town Council.

What I bring to the Council table:

  • an analytical, science-based approach to water-related and sustainability issues;
  • an understanding of climate change and its ramifications at the local and global levels;
  • an ability to work in cross-discipline teams; and
  • a desire to enhance the environmental sustainability of the Town of Wolfville.

Personal interests:

  • through study, reading and discussion with fellow scientists, I keep up-to-date with what is happening in science and technology;
  • an appreciation of the natural world and its component parts continues to provide intellectual stimulation (and physical exercise) to me and is an important part of my life.
  • And yes, I too love dogs!