Laura Gillanders

A Passionate Advocate for Community and Progress

Forward-Thinking Leadership for a Sustainable Richmond

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 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 the last twenty years.

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.

Achievements as a City Councillor

Since her election to Richmond City Council, Laura has worked diligently to advance policies that reflect the values and priorities of the community. Her notable achievements include:

Affordable Housing Initiatives

Laura has driven policy changes to our affordable housing strategy by improving our Lower End Market Rental program which resulted in the creation of a Housing Office and a centralized waiting list, with more improvements currently in the works. She also successfully lobbied council to direct staff to create a local Housing Authority which has the potential to facilitate the development of more purpose-built rental, affordable housing, as well an overall more diverse housing stock.

Environmental Sustainability

A passionate environmentalist, Laura has championed measures to protect Richmond’s wetlands, urban forests, and agricultural land reserve (ALR). She supported advancing Richmond’s Climate Action Strategy, with a focus on reducing carbon emissions and improving climate resilience. She also championed the expansion of Richmond’s always improving multi-use pathways to support alternative modes of transportation.

Social Equity and Inclusion

Laura has promoted policies that prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion. She has advocated for greater accessibility in city services, increased funding for community programs, and initiatives to combat systemic barriers faced by marginalized groups.

Community Engagement

Laura has worked to strengthen connections between Richmond residents and city government. She is known for being accessible to the public by responding to messages and questions from residents. She looks for opportunities to help the public share their ideas and concerns directly with council members, ensuring that decision-making processes are inclusive and transparent.

Leadership Style and Values

Laura is known for her empathetic and collaborative leadership style. She believes in listening to the diverse voices of Richmond residents, engaging in meaningful dialogue, and building consensus to achieve shared goals.

Her decision-making is informed by evidence-based research and a holistic understanding of the community’s needs as well a realistic understanding of the economics.

Looking Ahead

Laura Gillanders envisions a Richmond that balances growth with sustainability, ensuring that all residents feel supported and valued. With her focus on local business, diversified housing, farmland protection, environmental stewardship, and community inclusion, Laura is committed to shaping a future where Richmond remains a thriving, beautiful, resilient, and welcoming city.