Born and raised on the Sunshine Coast, Silas White returned to Gibsons 18 years ago after spending time in Vancouver and Toronto to attend university, build a business and start an indie-rock band. Silas has a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Victoria, a bachelor’s degree in English literature from UBC, and International Association of Public Participation training. Read more hidden text

He was first elected to Gibsons council in 2014 after serving as a Sunshine Coast school trustee for nine years, including six as Board Chair and five in provincial leadership positions. Silas has worked as a book publisher and editor for leading Canadian publishers; a contract negotiator for the provincial government; and a local government consultant in housing, economic development, public engagement and Indigenous relations. He lives in the Town of Gibsons with his daughters Simone and Eloise.

Silas has master’s degree-level training and experience in public sector leadership, financial management, economics, administrative law, accounting, strategic planning, statistics and public policy. In 2010, he partnered with numerous community organizations and leaders of all ages to spearhead VOICE on the Coast, a successful advocacy group for the attraction and retention of young families on the Coast. His other volunteer directorships and positions have included the Sunshine Coast Arts Council, Sunshine Coast Community Futures, Association of Canadian Publishers and the Area “A” Advisory Planning Commission. In 2009, he was named by the industry publication Quill & Quire as one of the “twelve to watch” in Canadian publishing. Silas and his family have been strong supporters of Gibsons Elementary School, the Sunshine Coast Museum, the Gibsons & District Public Library, the Gibsons Public Market and local arts organizations.

David Croal moved to Gibsons in 1979 to work on “the Beachcombers” and never left. Between tenures with the CBC, David has worked in property management and the freelance film and commercial industry both here and in the Lower Mainland.

David has volunteered with the Sunshine Coast Hospice Society in the past, and currently volunteers with the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue Station 14, Gibsons and holds a seat on the board of the Gibsons Marine Rescue Society.

Over the years, he has also worked in retail sales and marketing, publishing, the hospitality industry, and large-scale construction with a general contractor in their engineering unit. This diverse background offers a wide range of insight and experience.

Annemarie De Andrade has over 20 years’ experience working with federal agencies in the areas of sustainable community development and environmental protection, both in Canada and Brazil. In order to achieve goals, she developed collaborative partnerships with local, regional and provincial governments, and the corporate and non-profit sectors.

Annemarie’s overarching goal is to provide climate change leadership by fostering progressive solutions and a clear development path to ensure our community adequately responds to and withstands the effects of climate change – the greatest challenge of our time.

Climate change is not an environmental issue alone.  It is an economic, social and development issue, as well as a food security and a political stability issue. Since local governments are at the forefront of climate change effects, they are appropriately placed to prepare communities for a changing climate. Tackling the climate crisis will require that individuals, businesses, organizations and governments work together and commit to a resilient future.

To achieve a resilient future she will also work toward:

·       ongoing aquifer protection
·       short and long-term solutions for the housing affordability crisis
·       OCP compliance and meaningful community participation in decision-making
·       maintaining adequate levels of service for seniors, families, adults and youth, and
·       greening our economy while supporting existing business sectors

Annemarie has a B.Sc. in Biology from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; a M.Sc. in Natural Resources Management from the University of British Columbia, and a Certificate in Human Resources Management from Simon Fraser University. She also has training in participatory and strategic planning, and long-term experience in program management.

Annemarie enjoys the outdoors, and spending time with family and friends. In 2012, she and her partner Robert moved to Gibsons to be close to family.  Together they have four children and a grandchild.

Before moving to Gibsons, Stafford Lumley was living the urban dream as owner of Rodney’s Oyster House in Yaletown, where world-renowned oysterman Rodney Clark taught Lumley everything there is to know about oysters. Lumley moved to Gibsons in 2003, then went on to open Smitty’s Oyster House in 2008, located at the historic wharf adjacent next to Molly’s Reach. Since moving to Gibsons, Lumley has embraced a more active lifestyle, spending time on the water, fishing and playing hockey. He also loves spending time with his three daughters. Lumley has been a Councillor for the Town of Gibsons since November 2014.

Born and raised in Manitoba, Christi Thompson came to the West Coast to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.

Within 10 years of that move, Christi was awarded the Province newspaper’s “Up and Comer 30 under 30” award in Arts & Entertainment.

In 2005, she founded Thompson Artist Management, which manages a variety of international and domestic artists’ projects and consults with numerous organizations and lifestyle brands. In this capacity, Christi has received a number of global industry awards working with different artists, actors, brands and clients.

As part of its business strategy and in collaboration with diverse artists and organizations, Thompson Artist Management incorporates marketing strategies in entertainment which interfuse with environmental action and social justice issues. These include initiatives such as Save the Beach Foundation, Surfrider Foundation, and the To This Day Project to name a few.

In 2003, Christi and her husband moved to Gibsons, where she continues to run her business. Christi can often be seen on local biking and hiking trails, as well as on her boat and in the water exploring the Sunshine Coast’s pristine coastline.

Christi is a member of Royal Vancouver Yacht Club and Centre Bay Yacht Station, as well as a member of the BC Civil Liberties Association.