Mike Clay

Michael (Mike) Edwin Clay is the current Mayor of the City of Port Moody, Vancouver, Canada.

Early Life

Clay was born and raised in Moody Centre. He graduated from Port Moody Senior Secondary School and, in 1984, attended Simon Fraser University for Computing Science and British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) for Business Management/Accounting. Clay's family has long ties within Port Moody; his grandfather worked at the Flavelle sawmill and his grandmother worked at Moody Elementary. His parents both worked as educators with his mother teaching at Moody Middle and Pleasantside. His father has been a fixture in the local sailing community, as a founder of Rocky Point Sailing, Barnet Sailing, Centennial Sailing and most recently, Port Moody Canoe and Kayak clubs, where Clay remains an active member.

Political Career

Clay was first elected to Port Moody City Council in 2005 on a platform of heritage preservation, financial responsibility and safe and liveable communities. While a member of Council he chaired various city committees, including: Transportation, Environmental Protection, Heritage, Finance and Land Use. Additionally, he represented Council on many regional committees and the Translink Mayor’s Council. Clay was re-elected to Council in 2008.

In November 2011, Clay was elected Mayor of Port Moody during the British Columbia Municipal Election with 57% of the vote. While campaigning, Clay stated that if elected Mayor his focus would be on; transportation, managing sustainable development in Moody Centre and financial responsibility. As Mayor he currently chairs; Port Moody’s Police Board, Emergency Measures Planning and Policy Committee and the Sustainability Audit Committee. Clay is a director on the Metro Vancouver Board and representative on the Municipal Finance Authority. Additionally he is a director on a number of regional committees including; Mayor’s, Port Cities, Regional Planning and Agriculture, as well as the Translink Mayor’s Council on Regional Transportation. He also represents the Independent Police Boards on E-Comm.

At the local government level, Clay has stated his advocacy for sustainable decision-making and "ensuring Port Moody remains the greatest city anywhere in the world”.

Employment History

With a background in computer programming, Clay is currently employed at a Coquitlam based software company as the IT Manager. Additionally, Clay has owned and managed a technology consulting company for the past 21 years which focuses on network engineering and internet hosting. His company also provides free services to several local charities and non-profit groups.

Volunteerism

Clay has an extensive background as a community volunteer in a large number of social service, environmental, business and community organizations and has been vocal in his support of the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation, Share Society and Crossroads Hospice. He has chaired the Port Moody Terry Fox Run the past few years.

Personal Life