Sharon Gaetz

Sharon Lee Gaetz
Sharon Gaetz speaking at the University of the Fraser Valley in 2013
Born
North Vancouver
NationalityCanadian
Occupations
  • Politician
  • Pastor
SpouseJames Francis Gaetz
Children2
Mayor of Chilliwack
In office
December 1, 2008 – November 6, 2018
Preceded byClint Hames
Succeeded byKen Popove
City Councillor
In office
1996–2008

Sharon L. Gaetz is a former mayor of the City of Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada. She was first elected to that office in the 2008 election and served three consecutive terms.[1] In 2018, she lost to incumbent city councillor Ken Popove whilst seeking a fourth term.[2] She remains the only woman in the city's history elected to the office of mayor. She previously served twelve years as a city councillor, during which time she served as acting mayor.[3] Mayor Gaetz also served as director of the Fraser Valley Regional District.[4] She was not affiliated with any political party whilst in public office. She described herself as a “fiscal conservative with a strong social conscience” politically.[5]

In 2007, then-Councillor Gaetz presented information about cannabis cultivation to Chilliwack's social issues advisory committee.[6] Also that year, she supported the densification of the city through the construction of an apartment building containing 71 units.[7]

Personal life

Gaetz was born in North Vancouver and grew up in Chilliwack. She and her husband, Jim, have a son, and two grandchildren.[8] Their daughter, Jenna, died in 2002 at 21 years old.[9] Gaetz was the Head Pastor at the Southside Church in Chilliwack.[10] She is an Honorary Colonel in the 39 Combat Engineer Regiment.[11]

References

  1. ^ "Gaetz Chilliwack's new first lady". The Province. November 16, 2008. Retrieved July 2, 2013.
  2. ^ "2018 Election Results". City of Chilliwack. Retrieved 20 October 2018.
  3. ^ Gawdin, Sarah (22 October 2018). "Sharon Gaetz lost in Chilliwack's mayoral election, but is 'grateful for the 22 years the city gave me.'". Chilliwack Progress. Black Press Media. Retrieved 16 February 2024.
  4. ^ Paul J. Henderson (June 27, 2013). "'Heated' debate at FVRD meeting". Chilliwack Times. Retrieved July 2, 2013.
  5. ^ Henderson, Paul (29 August 2018). "Chilliwack mayor says she's running for re-election". Chilliwack Progress. Black Press Media. Chilliwack Progress. Retrieved 16 February 2024.
  6. ^ "Social forum exams solutions". Chilliwack Times. November 16, 2007. Retrieved July 2, 2013.
  7. ^ "Denser, but at what cost?". Chilliwack Times. November 16, 2007. Retrieved July 2, 2013.
  8. ^ "Sharon Gaetz lost in Chilliwack's mayoral election, but is 'grateful for the 22 years the city gave me.'". Chilliwack Progress. 2018-10-22. Retrieved 2019-10-13.
  9. ^ "Remembering Jenna". Chilliwack Progress. 24 May 2002. Retrieved 9 March 2024.
  10. ^ Jennifer Feinberg (June 27, 2013). "Loss of Minter Gardens lamented by Chilliwack leaders". Chilliwack Progress. Retrieved July 2, 2013.
  11. ^ "Honorary Colonel Sharon Gaetz - 39 Combat Engineer Regiment". cmea-agmc.ca. Canadian Military Engineers Association. Retrieved 16 February 2024.