My family and I moved to West Howe Sound in 2003 for the lifestyle that island living can provide and a central place for my husband to begin his fish ecology consulting business. Supporting neighbours is an essential part of living in a remote community and we all play it forward whether its picking up a neighbours groceries at the dock to putting out a dangerous grass fire- it’s just what you do. And having a young child on Gambier meant those all-important connections with Langdale Elementary and the friends and neighbours who supported our day-to-day school life. None of this would have been possible without my Father’s home in Gibsons that provides flexibility beyond the water taxi schedule.

Now that our teenager is more independent, it is time to pay it forward to the wider regional community. Local governments can take advantage of virtual meeting technology. This not only means less travel for Island Trust representatives but there are so many more options for meaningful public engagement now. I am excited for the opportunity to represent Area F communities in helping to move the Sunshine Coast into a sustainable future.