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Laura was elected in 2022 and has made significant positive changes: Motions to preserve local heritage; add a vital audit component to the Finance Committee, overhaul the lower-end market rental program, and replaced the Olympic Oval board- saving taxpayers $1M last year.
Laura Gillanders
RITE for Richmond Council
Businesses & Jobs
Climate Change, Heat, Fires, & the Environment
Community Centres, Libraries, Parks, and Other Public Spaces
Housing & Homelessness
Homelessness
Laura Gillanders's promise
Continue our programs which deliver meals and offer after-hours outreach to help connect those experiencing homelessness to services, housing, treatment, and medical care
Property Taxes
Laura Gillanders's promise
Keep taxes low and increases minimal with strict oversight on spending.
Rent & Rental Stock
Laura Gillanders's promise
Supporting purpose-built rental projects
Local Government, Planning, & Democracy
Youth Engagement
Laura Gillanders's promises
Continue the youth council and other initiatives to get youth involved in the community as they are our future leaders.
Ensure sufficient affordable and fun programming at the community centres and elsewhere to keep kids connected to each other and healthy activities.
Mental Health, Drugs, & Addiction
Mental Health Crisis Response
Laura Gillanders's promise
Support the RCMP and push for shorter wait times at the hospital for those experiencing a mental health crisis.
Overdoses & the Contaminated Drug Supply
Laura Gillanders's promise
Continue to advocate to the Provincial Health Authorities for more resources to address the drug crisis.
Treatment for Addiction
Laura Gillanders's promises
Keep advocating to the Provincial Government for quicker access to detox and recovery beds, those seeking help should have a bed the day that they call and not have to wait for weeks or months.
Richmond has recovery facilities and sober living second stage programs and I will continue to support them.
Work on ensuring a continuum of housing in Richmond so that people can get clean and move on into housing they can afford in their community instead of being stuck in unsafe and unhealthy environments.
Work on creating employee housing in Richmond so that doctors and nurses can afford to live and work here; many detoxes have empty beds because they can't staff them with enough doctors and nurses.
Everything else
Biography
submitted by the candidate or their team
Laura Gillanders is a dedicated advocate for community well-being, thriving local economy, and sustainable development – proudly serving as a Richmond City Councillor since 2022. With a wealth of experience in private sector business, community engagement, and environmental and farmland advocacy, Laura brings a forward-thinking and inclusive approach to governance. Her leadership is guided by a commitment to transparency, collaboration, and building a vibrant future for Richmond.
Early Life and Connection to Richmond
Laura has deep roots in Richmond, with Grandparents farming here in the 1950’s and her mother being a Richmond school teacher, to then making this her home for decades along with her husband, two children and two stepchildren.
Raising a family in the city’s diverse and dynamic community, she developed a profound appreciation for Richmond’s cultural richness and natural beauty. These experiences shaped her commitment to preserving these qualities while addressing the challenges of a rapidly growing urban center.
Professional Background and Advocacy
Laura’s professional background spans accounting in various business sectors with a wealth of experience in the construction industry. She is also a certified Iyengar yoga teacher, showing a commitment to health, wellness and helping others.
Prior to her election to City Council, Laura was a vocal advocate for rental housing and sustainable urban planning. She collaborated with local organizations to champion initiatives that addressed housing insecurity and food security, best known for her work on the issue of stopping mega mansions on farmland. Her advocacy efforts earned her a reputation as a tireless and results-oriented community leader.
Promises
See all 14 promises
Property Taxes
Keep taxes low and increases minimal with strict oversight on spending.
Treatment for Addiction
Keep advocating to the Provincial Government for quicker access to detox and recovery beds, those seeking help should have a bed the day that they call and not have to wait for weeks or months.
Minoru Seniors Centre Parking
We need better parking at Minoru as many seniors I talk to don't go to the seniors centre because of this; I am committed to finding a parking solution in the next four years.
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