What We Heard: Town of Gibsons Environmental All-Candidates Meeting 2026

Monday, October 5, 2026, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 109, Gibsons

SCCA director Bill Wareham moderated. Candidates gave two-minute introductions and then had 60 seconds per question, with the option to pass. They received the first question in advance, and residents submitted questions through a contribution box.

Who took part

Every candidate attended except Todd Hodgins.

Questions

Canada’s Changing Climate Report 2026 shows Canada has passed 1.5 degrees of warming. What preparations will you advocate for and implement so local government can cope with the impact of climate change on infrastructure such as water, sewer, roads and our ecosystems?
What is your most important environmental issue, and how would you deal with it?
Gibsons’ drinking water comes from a pressurized aquifer whose protective seal is thinnest under the George development site, and the Town’s own expert peer review warned of a possible “catastrophic blowout.” Will you require independent peer review of the project’s technical reports before permits are issued, and what else will you do to protect the aquifer?
Woodfibre LNG carriers will cross the Langdale–Horseshoe Bay ferry route three to four times a month, and the company plans to triple that over time. Will you call for a new environmental assessment before any expansion, and how will you protect the people, wildlife and waters of Howe Sound?
With 16.6 acres at Gospel Rock now permanently protected, how would you support permanently protecting the Town-owned Charman Creek ravine and forest?
When development comes forward on registered contaminated sites, will you require independent peer review of remediation plans, and what else can you do to keep contamination from spreading?
As seas rise, should Gibsons naturalize its foreshore and plan a managed retreat, or keep approving waterfront development that could become a taxpayer liability?
Eelgrass beds in Gibsons Harbour have declined by 25%. What would you do to recover and expand eelgrass beds?

Answers

MAYORAL CANDIDATES

Des Delaney

Introduction: In Gibsons about 10 years, with a background in construction management and developments built here. Warned that growing the tax base through development faces heavy headwinds. Eagleview will add about $300,000 in revenue (“that’s it for the next four years”), and the two other developments in the pipeline may be the last Gibsons sees. The sanitary outfall is at maximum capacity.
Climate and infrastructure: Wildfire is the biggest risk. Gibsons must become a FireSmart community, which the urban forest plan addresses, and that means hard decisions, including removing certain trees.
Most important issue: Local government has three pillars, economic, social and environmental, and the balance “starts with the economic. Everything flows through that.”
The George and the aquifer: Knows the geotechnical firm (Contour) and the structural engineers (RJC) and called them “the best in the city.” Has reviewed the new design and called the risk “as close to 0 as you can get.” Said he excavated 50 feet into the aquitard at Eagleview under constant geotechnical supervision without water coming through. “We have to trust the staff to issue the permit.”
Woodfibre LNG: One of many marine traffic conflicts. Marine traffic control works like air traffic control and tankers are tug-escorted, so the chance of an accident is “probably close to 0.” He did not call for a new environmental assessment.
Charman Creek: Town land is special, and “we should protect that ravine.” Hikes there often. Three developers have tried Gospel Rock: “Gospel Rock 3, developer 0.”
Contaminated sites: Remediation is so closely supervised and costly that developers rarely touch these sites, so they stay contaminated. Many polluters are long gone. Gas stations are the worst, and logging debris on harbour floors is another form of pollution.
Sea level rise: Agreed with White; new waterfront construction is being raised. Gibsons should decide its eventual build-out (5,000 to 6,000 people) and size sewer investment to match.
Eelgrass: In Nanaimo Harbour, a marine park and mooring buoys that stopped anchoring brought the eelgrass back within two years. Anchoring causes the damage. Make Gibsons Harbour a marine park with a mooring buoy system.

Silas White, incumbent

Introduction: Mayor for four years, with four years on council and nine as a school trustee before that. Born and raised here, to a family that came for a Nelson Island logging camp in the 1950s, so the conflict between forestry and environmentalism has run through his life. Sees the community forest as a chance to balance it. Has a master’s in public administration from UVic. Said council has been responsible on asset management, including the natural asset strategy, and on saving for coming policing costs.
Climate and infrastructure: “Think globally, act locally.” Council passed a corporate climate action plan and a community-wide Low Carbon Resilience Climate Action Plan. The next council must monitor them and hold itself accountable. “We can’t just put them up on a shelf.”
Most important issue: Transportation. Gibsons is in line for its own bus route up and down the hill. The electric passenger ferry project is going well, with monthly meetings with the operator and work with the federal government, BC Hydro, Bowen Island and the City of Vancouver.
The George and the aquifer: Clarified that Bauer is not a peer reviewer but was associated with the developer. Council has commissioned extensive third-party peer review of the aquifer in the harbour area, including for this project, the neighbouring project and the harbour. The water regulation bylaw and aquifer protection bylaw are based on that work, and future projects must follow them.
Woodfibre LNG: Marine traffic safety “needs to take priority.” After the province eliminated ferry advisory committees, Gibsons started its own, which has taken public concerns to BC Ferries and put the issue on its radar.
Charman Creek: Council corrected a decades-old OCP designation of the land as institutional, designating it as park in both the OCP and the zoning bylaw. Any further protections are the next step.
Contaminated sites: Cited the long remediation of the former Shell station site at Persephone Point. He has no technical background on contaminated sites but has found the process robust.
Sea level rise: “Neither.” The development permit area requires a floodplain setback, and building within it requires a qualified professional’s recommendation. Pointed to a Marine Drive house set back and raised, and said all construction will need to meet that standard from now on.
Eelgrass: Council made updating the recreational water lease a strategic priority. The updated lease identifies the eelgrass and bans anchoring over it. Enforcement is the next council’s job.

COUNCIL CANDIDATES

Ashley Cornelson

Introduction: Nearly eight years in Gibsons, raising her son here, and wishes she had gotten involved sooner. “As someone who doesn’t know a lot, I am excited to learn.” Will be an advocate whether or not she is elected.
Climate and infrastructure: The Town has done “a really incredible job.” Supports the green canopy and climate resilience work, and talking to the experts.
Most important issue: Public transit, including connections to Roberts Creek, Sechelt and up the coast. Car dependence is bad for the environment and the cost of living. “Public transit, public transit, public transit.”
The George and the aquifer: Aquifer protection is what residents care about most. “Peer review it. Look at the science, talk to the experts.”
Woodfibre LNG: “Yes, absolutely.” If the plant grows, reassess, working with senior governments, the SCRD and the Squamish Nation. Called the situation terrifying.
Charman Creek: Did not answer.
Contaminated sites: Not an area she knows well, but strong regulations show that advocacy works.
Sea level rise: Liked MacEachern’s idea. Lives on the water herself and thinks about it all the time.
Eelgrass: Liked the Nanaimo marine park idea, though unsure whether it is feasible at the municipal level.

David Croal, incumbent

Introduction: Howe Sound Pulp and Paper’s troubles were “a shot across the bow.” Gibsons must attract businesses that pay living wages and more taxes. Glad to see young people running. The Town’s Source to Sea project is critical for protecting the watershed, as is working with foresters who practise proper stewardship.
Climate and infrastructure: Advocate for provincial and federal funding to retrofit older homes, many owned by seniors, with heat pumps and solar. Keep existing programs active.
Most important issue: Losing young people who can’t come back to work here. In his first term he asked whether the sewage plant filters pharmaceuticals and microplastics; it doesn’t.
The George and the aquifer: The project was re-engineered with new experts, and “a lot of due diligence has gone into the project.” It has benefits, and change is inevitable.
Woodfibre LNG: Gibsons moved from the Vancouver Island local government association (AVICC) to the Lower Mainland one (LMLGA). The priority is ferry safety. The Squamish Nation is a major partner in Woodfibre LNG and is also very concerned about the environment and the Howe Sound biosphere. “We do have a voice at the table, and I can assure you it’ll be used.”
Charman Creek: Said council put a protective covenant on the ravine, which is part of the Town’s natural stormwater asset system and a wildlife corridor. The grant-funded restoration of lower Charman Creek is seeing fish return.
Contaminated sites: Provincial legislation is “incredibly stringent,” and the Town must ensure developers follow it.
Sea level rise: The Town is redeveloping the seawalk from Armours Beach to the Government Wharf, adding riprap, and monitoring eelgrass. Retreat would be “incredibly expensive” but may eventually have to be considered.
Eelgrass: The Town has funded six years of eelgrass mapping. The reported decline “wasn’t so much a loss per se”: an underwater drone mapped a much larger area than earlier diver surveys and found less eelgrass than previously thought.

Arthur Cullinan

Introduction: A lawyer and volunteer firefighter, five years in Gibsons. Drives a plug-in hybrid and won’t take cruise ships. Competed with the Irish team in an international environmental mock trial competition. Wants to be realistic: environmental issues “take second fiddle” in a struggling economy. Calls for a coast-wide economic strategy with climate resilience and environmental strategy built in.
Climate and infrastructure: Gibsons can’t succeed alone when the other side of Reed Road is the SCRD. Push the SCRD and Sechelt to collaborate. The biggest wildfire risk is on SCRD land, “so we have to hold those guys more accountable.”
Most important issue: Wildfire. Local governments lack the capacity to tackle it fully, so the community needs programs everyone can contribute to.
The George and the aquifer: The aquifer is a “red line issue,” but he has been told the environmental aspects are already approved and the next council will consider only form and character. Wants a proper community discussion about form and character.
Woodfibre LNG: “Yes,” more environmental assessment is needed. Gibsons can lead coordinated advocacy with the Squamish Nation, the SCRD and Islands Trust.
Charman Creek: Protect all remaining green forested areas, public ones like White Tower Park and private ones like the forest behind Sunnycrest Mall. “If we get rid of them, they’re never coming back.”
Contaminated sites: Embrace the polluter pays principle and hold those who contaminated sites accountable.
Sea level rise: It’s not black and white. Plan long term; communities like Davis Bay will be completely changed. Sunshine Coast governments have failed to address long-term issues like water infrastructure for decades.
Eelgrass: Knows nothing about it but is eager to learn from people who do.

Annemarie De Andrade, incumbent

Introduction: Eight years on council and more than 28 years in federal and local government and the nonprofit sector. Has a master’s in natural resource management from UBC. “Nature is infrastructure.” Her priorities are water (aquifer monitoring and research, watershed protection with the Squamish Nation and other governments), climate resilience (creek restoration, foreshore and harbour protection, biodiversity, tree canopy, active transportation) and working across boundaries.
Climate and infrastructure: Spending on the environment creates wealth. Gibsons is well prepared through its integrated stormwater plan, urban forest work, parks and canopy, much of it grant-funded.
Most important issue: The Town’s whole natural asset management program, which saves money now and over the long term.
The George and the aquifer: Council has delegated permit approval to staff. She wants to understand the risk level staff report, and to hear from the public what level of risk it is willing to accept, which she said has never been done.
Woodfibre LNG: The project is not meeting the pollution standards it promised and now wants to triple. She would work with other Howe Sound municipalities through the Howe Sound Community Forum and hopes the community turns out to protest.
Charman Creek: Fully supportive. Existing protections plus provincial riparian rules give “a very decent level of protection.” Supports studying a wildlife corridor to Gospel Rock.
Contaminated sites: Remediation is provincially legislated, so the Town must comply, and the process is rigorous.
Sea level rise: Work to redo the seawalk and the foreshore in front of it is expected to start next summer. The OCP requires the Green Shores approach, which naturalizes the foreshore, for coastal development. A foreshore strategy has been thought out but is not complete.
Eelgrass: The Town has partnered for six years with the Blue Act society on mapping, monitoring and restoration plans. Warned that invasive European green crab has been found, and that Gibsons has 30% of Howe Sound’s eelgrass.

Tyler Dunn

Introduction: A father, farmer and local business owner. Founded a community cinema in London and helped found a volunteer farm cooperative here. His three priorities are a resilient local economy (manage the budget, cut redundancies, keep taxes from escalating, housing for young families and elders), infrastructure and transparency (council sets policy, staff implement it), and environment and food security, with regulation “based in science, common sense.”
Climate and infrastructure: The Town can’t do much about global temperatures, but it can choose native plantings and organize residents into small groups to steward parts of town. Praised the Town’s stormwater initiatives.
Most important issue: Food security, rooted in water. Capture the water running through town with ponds and trenches; “a pump and some pipe is pretty much all you need.”
The George and the aquifer: “I think the work has been done.” If the town wants another peer review, council should listen.
Woodfibre LNG: Assumes protocols are in place. Not an expert, but will listen and take concerns to senior governments.
Charman Creek: “I’m 100% in support.” Will get behind what the community says it wants. Grew up in White Rock and watched it turn into condos.
Contaminated sites: Remediation work should go to local companies.
Sea level rise: No hard decision is needed now. Keep monitoring, take climate advocates seriously, and watch what insurers will cover.
Eelgrass: “I’m more of a land guy than a sea guy.” Will listen to experts and support the Town’s existing work.

Sara El Rayess

Introduction: Running for her two young children. The aquifer is a natural asset, and protecting it means protecting recharge areas outside town boundaries. Not an environmental expert, but brings the ability to learn, listen and think critically. Prioritize infrastructure replacement by the cost of failure.
Climate and infrastructure: Plan infrastructure for the climate we expect, not today’s. Supports Green Bylaws: compare them with the OCP and fill the gaps.
Most important issue: Natural assets, including enough water to fight wildfire and stormwater management that keeps rain out of the sanitary system.
The George and the aquifer: “I’m not comfortable with 20% risk or 30% risk.” If a peer review can be requested, there should be one.
Woodfibre LNG: Gibsons needs a say and a seat in the discussion. Government promises don’t always hold, so “I don’t think that we should rely on what we’re being told.”
Charman Creek: Passed.
Contaminated sites: Owners hold onto contaminated land to avoid cleanup costs. The Town can apply pressure, for example on the mill site if it ever closed again.
Sea level rise: Developers must build with sea level rise in mind. She believes new legislation on building depreciation funds may account for climate effects but wasn’t certain.
Eelgrass: Follow the lead of communities like Nanaimo.

Todd Hodgins

Did not attend.

Randy Johnston

Introduction: In Gibsons 35 years. Credited council for the OCP and urban forest plan. Supports the green canopy and a larger community forest, and is watching BC Timber Sales cutblocks. Spoke about climate anxiety after the 2021 heat dome, the Lytton fire and atmospheric rivers.
Climate and infrastructure: Residents would know someone on council has the environment in mind. Said oil companies knew since the 1940s that burning their products was harmful, and misled the public about plastic recycling.
Most important issue: LNG expansion and the proposed oil pipeline across southern BC, which he called sunset industries. Would rather see the money spent on green energy.
The George and the aquifer: Cited the Contour geotechnical report and the review of it. Believes the George can be built safely on a pad that protects the aquitard.
Woodfibre LNG: A sunset industry. “I would be in favor of reassessing before they do an expansion,” and doesn’t believe expansion is needed. The ferries are “our highway.”
Charman Creek: “Totally in favor.” Charman Creek is part of the natural stormwater system with Chaster, Gibsons and Soames creeks, which he said would cost $40 million to replace.
Contaminated sites: Was not called on for this question.
Sea level rise: Supports developing the George on the waterfront, saying the developer has addressed sea level rise and the project will bring 130 jobs and $1.5 million in municipal revenue. “We must actually develop in that area.”
Eelgrass: Pointed to the no-anchor buoys in the harbour and Blue Act’s Healthy Harbours Project, and thanked council.

Neil MacEachern

Introduction: A former registered professional forester who worked with the local community forest, and a former environmental auditor, municipal environmental coordinator and clean energy project manager and startup founder. Wants Gibsons in the community forest because much of its drinking water comes from Elphinstone, under a provincial forest licence the Town has no say over. Joining would let Gibsons manage for wildfire and the aquifer and see what’s happening upstream.
Climate and infrastructure: Credited the OCP and zoning bylaw. Emergency planning is incomplete: “If there were to be a fire, where would we go?” with one ferry. Stock the cooling centres and plan better for sea level rise.
Most important issue: “We’ve really got to stop emitting.” Rejected the idea that a small town’s actions don’t matter. Adopt the low carbon step code for new buildings, support local sustainable agriculture, and plan for local jobs to cut commuting.
The George and the aquifer: “I believe in science.” Set clear risk criteria, require peer review for anything above low risk, and follow the results.
Woodfibre LNG: “I think it’s insane that we’re trying to export liquid natural gas.” Calls it “fossil gas” and said its emissions equal coal’s because of fugitive emissions. The bigger issue is stopping its use as a fuel.
Charman Creek: Supports wildlife corridors to reduce conflicts like this year’s bear problems in Lower Gibsons. The Town’s environmentally sensitive area DPAs can keep development out.
Contaminated sites: His peer review stance stands. “A gram of prevention is worth a kilo of cure.” Grow light industrial jobs without creating new contaminated sites, and protect the aquifer.
Sea level rise: Don’t stop development. Instead of raising each lot to the flood construction level one by one, use development to fund one structure that protects the whole area behind it, as the Netherlands does.
Eelgrass: “Ditto.”

Jäger Rosenberg

Introduction: Born and raised in Gibsons; ran in last year’s federal election. Long-time residents and seniors are being priced out. Started working full-time at 14. Wants living wages, no added tax burden, better ferries and an electric passenger ferry.
Climate and infrastructure: Replace aging infrastructure with rising seas, heat domes and flooding in mind. Praised the library as a cooling and heating centre. Called the Town signing on to Sue Big Oil “great,” and wants to work with other municipalities to hold senior governments to account.
Most important issue: Microplastics and their health effects. Use council’s platform to press senior governments.
The George and the aquifer: Understands the fears, but the zoning is approved and council has very limited power to stop it. Would hold construction to a high standard to keep the aquifer safe, then move on to affordability, ferries and other environmental issues.
Woodfibre LNG: “LNG is a scam.” Said it depends on public subsidy and now puts our ferries at risk. Urged voters to press provincial candidates on it. “We need to fight against this.”
Charman Creek: “I don’t want Gospel developed. I would like to protect it.” With education, people and wildlife can coexist.
Contaminated sites: Not an expert. Will follow the science, the experts and provincial regulations.
Sea level rise: Called the question “a bit doomery.” “Hope for the best and plan for the worst,” and build sea level rise into waterfront sewer upgrades.
Eelgrass: Not an expert. Will educate himself and work with council.