Sarnia Police Service Board announces new Chair

Kelly Ash elected as Chair, Paul Wiersma prepares to conclude term.

The Sarnia Police Service Board has elected Kelly Ash as Chair and Anne-Marie Gillis as Vice Chair following its first meeting of 2026. Elections are held annually in accordance with the Community Safety and Policing Act.

Ash has served on the Board since October 2021, and has served in the position of Vice Chair since January 2023. Gillis, a member of Sarnia City Council and the Police Service Board since 2024, will serve as Vice Chair for a one year term.

The Board also confirms that Gerald Bernardo has been approved as the new council appointee, as outlined in the February 9, 2026, City of Sarnia Council agenda.

Outgoing Chair Paul Wiersma, a provincial appointee, will conclude his term following the February 2026 board meeting. Wiersma was appointed in February 2019, served as Vice Chair from 2020 to 2022, and as Chair since February 2023. His provincial replacement has not yet been announced.