The Mount Newton
Centre Society
Mount Newton Centre Society is a registered non-profit organization, guided by a volunteer Board of Directors. Since 1978, the Mount Newton Centre’s programs and services have been designed, developed and delivered by the Mount Newton Centre Society to complement existing community programs.
Dan Mercer
Dan was elected to the Board in 2021 and as Board President in January 2025. Most of Dan’s career was working in law enforcement with the Victoria Police Department until retiring in 2001. For six years he was contract instructor with the British Columbia Justice Institute teaching a forest-based course to the Ministry of Forests personnel throughout the province. He was also a senior motorcycle instructor with the Vancouver Island Safety Council
Dan is a member of the Rotary Club of Sidney by the Sea and has been an active Rotarian for over 20 years. He also served as Rotary Assistant District Governor for four years. He also volunteers his time at the Sidney Museum helping to construct display areas.
Dan and his wife Susan have three children and eight grandchildren, and they both enjoy world travel when conditions allow
Paddy Rowland-Hyde
Paddy’s interest in the Mount Newton Centre Society dates back to the late 1970s when she sat on the original planning committee.
At the time, she had recently moved to the Peninsula from her home town of Edmonton, Alberta. She was educated across Canada, Britain and India and enjoyed a career in nursing for 40 years.
She was married for 30 years to the late Dr. Harry Hyde and together they had a blended family of eight children and seven grandchildren. Together they were proud supporters of many charitable causes in the Greater Victoria community. Paddy recently retired from a 40 year career in nursing most recently working as a Community Mental Health nurse in the adult programs. She brings experience in medicine, small business, community involvement and fundraising. She hopes to support the Mount Newton Centre in the wonderful service they provide.
Wil Clark
Wil is a retired Chartered Professional Accountant who spent the bulk of his career working in local government. He was born and raised on the Saanich Peninsula and joined the MNC board in 2020.
His previous volunteer experiences include serving as treasurer on the board of Silver Threads/Meals On Wheels, as well as chairing the Strata Corporation for the Shoal Centre in Sidney.
Wil’s parents both used the services of Mount Newton Centre so he appreciates the opportunity to give back to the society.
Colette Karmali
Colette joined the Board in July 2025 and was elected to her first term at the Annual General Meeting on November, 2, 2025.
Colette has spent the majority of her life living and working on the Saanich Peninsula. When she was around nine years old, her parents relocated to the Peninsula and operated a small farm for produce and sheep on Oldfield Road. They were members of the Co-op and Fruit Cooperative on Keating X Road for a long time.
She raised her children on the Peninsula, confident that there wasn’t a better place for their family and certain it would be wonderful for them.
When her children reached school age, she began working at Saanich Peninsula Hospital and subsequently for several doctors’ offices nearby as a medical office assistant, ultimately managing Central Saanich Medical Clinic for around 19 years. She subsequently transitioned to a pediatric office in Victoria, where she worked for the next 12 years until she retired.
An avid volunteer, Colette served as a Girl Guide and Pathfinder Leader in Brentwood Bay and volunteered as a paddler for the MS Dragon Boat Team. She is a member of the Central Saanich Senior Center and serve as a volunteer cashier for Bingo. Her interests include fitness, reading, and crafting soaps and ointments.
Having been a member of this community and the medical community in this region for a long time, she has observed its development and the increasing demands of this community; Colette hopes to find a chance to contribute significantly by utilizing her experience and passion to serve our community through her work on the Board at the Mount Newton Centre.
Ruth Pozer
Ruth is a retired Nurse (BScN) with experience spanning 40 years. Her practice began in the ER, then Mental Health, Public Health, Home Care Nursing and Community Case Management.
She is a single Mother of two sons, and feels blessed to have them launched and yet remain a big part of her life.
Ruth moved to Sidney five years ago and loves her new community. The smaller town atmosphere and the beauty of the surroundings drew her to this area.
She is a member of the Sidney by the Sea Rotary Club, the Seaside Book Club, and has assisted at the Lion’s Food Bank. She has past experience being a Board Member of the Victoria Symphony Society and the Church of Truth.
Her experience in the community has taught her the importance of programs like the Mount Newton Centre’s. This vital and successful program supports our elderly population with stimulation, socialization, equipment rental, bathing and more. Support for caregivers is paramount for the functioning of a healthy community. She has observed that kindness and respect is shown to staff as well as clients and community members. Ruth is proud and excited to serve her community as a Board Member of the Mount Newton Centre Society.
Alice Frederick
Alice joined the Board in July 2025 and was elected to her first term at the Annual General Meeting on November, 2, 2025. Alice is originally a Winnipegger and moved to Sidney 32 years ago after spending six years in Ottawa.
She worked in the hospitality industry for many years, prior to a number of years spent raising her two sons. Alice retired several years ago from a position of Office Administrator for the Sidney branch of Edward Jones Investments.
Currently she enjoys spending time with friends and her two-year-old granddaughter.
Alice was a member and Director of Administration for the Sidney-by-the-Sea Rotary, she says volunteering is a big part of her life and she is currently assisting at the Sidney Lions Food Bank and grateful to be a member of the Mount Newton Centre Society, whose services have been much appreciated by her family.
