Hard-working, compassionate and sensible, Laura Gillanders is an advocate whose priority is maintaining and promoting healthy, thriving communities. She believes in protecting natural systems for future generations and creating sound fiscal policy that enables strong social and economic benefits throughout Richmond. Laura is known for her highly inclusive problem-solving abilities and collaborative decision making and is currently serving as the chairperson of the City of Richmond Food Security and Agricultural Advisory Committee. In 2017 Laura established herself as a powerful voice for saving Richmond farmland as spokesperson for Richmond FarmWatch, a grassroots group seeking to stop the proliferation of non-farming mega mansions on protected farmland. Gillanders and others campaigned tirelessly and successfully, resulting in house size limits on farmland in Richmond and throughout B.C. Laura’s Richmond roots run deep, as her immigrant grandparents first farmed in Richmond in 1953, and her mother was a long-time Richmond elementary school teacher. A small business owner, CFO of a Richmond-based construction company, and an urban farmer who balances the demands of motherhood and work, Laura has championed other important community initiatives including defending schools slated for closure (2016). Her well-researched presentations regarding seismic safety and right-sized schools, along with the work of many other parents and advocates, led to victory. Laura lives and works in Richmond with her husband and children.
