Over the past three years as a City Councillor for the District of Squamish, Susan Chapelle has played a prominent role in issues of transportation, economic development, housing and health care.
As the Chair of the Select Committee on Transportation, Susan helped improve Squamish’s transportation system, making it more accessible and increasing bus ridership by 5 per cent in four months. The committee was also instrumental in bringing an Electric Vehicle charging station to Squamish.
During her time on City Council, Susan has contributed in numerous other ways: supporting local business through policy updates and licensing inequities, comprehensive zoning updates, OCP update to include health benchmarking and relevant economically-viable land use strategies, a new plan for separated bike lanes, and a transportation future plan that includes regional transit to Whistler and Vancouver.
Susan is an activist committed to the health and well-being of the Squamish community. She is the owner of Squamish Integrated Health, employing 25 health care practitioners, and supports her own clinical practice by conducting biomedical research through a grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. She is a tireless advocate and champion for the people in this community, including small business owners, seniors, parents, and students
In addition to this, Susan is a recent graduate of the Community Economic Development program at Simon Fraser University. She undertook this program to understand the importance of localizing and diversifying community economics, to better serve the town that has become her home.
Susan is open-minded, and is adept at pursuing creative and responsible solutions that meet identified needs and interests. She seeks out and shares expert opinion on polarized issues. She has brought in numerous guest speakers and authorities to assist with improved communications in city planning, mapping and transportation. As she often says, “I love finding people who are smarter than I am to disagree with me.” This is Susan’s strength, reflecting how she learns.
Susan walks the talk, constantly navigating the fine line between being forward-thinking while inclusive. She speaks her truth, is open, and available.
Susan is passionate about being a city councillor. For Susan, City Council is the perfect place to engage with the community to explore progressive and sustainable solutions to the issues that matter.
Susan is an avid mountain biker, hockey player, climber, skier and violin player. She has been active in the sports and arts community for the 15 years she has called Squamish home. The support and love of her two girls, Samara and Talise and husband David Gregr make all she does possible.
You can count on Susan Chapelle to voice an honest, informed, forward-thinking perspective, especially on contentious, controversial, and complex issues.
For more on Susan:
Follow her on Twitter - @squamishsusan
Facebook: www.facebook.com/susanchapelle
Website: www.susanchapelleforcouncil.com
