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Trustees
Trustees (as of May 7, 2026)
Oliver Bussler
Dave Chorneyko
Wayne Mercier
John Rankin
Dimitri Tzotzos
Elizabeth (Liz) Wallinger
Matthew (Matt) Dow
Results of the GFPID Election 2026
Order of votes/ top 4
John Rankin 562 (3 years)
Dimitri Tzotzos 554 (3 years)
Elizabeth (Liz) Wallinger 548 (3 years)
Matthew (Matt) Dow 482 (1 year)
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Moher Diana 169
Johnson Erik 143
Ballots cast 685
Spoiled 002
Rejected 002
(Submitted by the Returning Officer)
Trustee Bios
Oliver Bussler brings over two decades of public service and senior management experience to his role as Trustee. He began his professional journey with the Canadian Armed Forces, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Commerce, followed by a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics. His career spans leadership roles in both government and large organizations, where he has developed expertise in organizational oversight, fiscal responsibility, and strategic planning. He has a strong interest in community resilience and evidence-based decision-making. Oliver is deeply engaged in the Gabriola Island community. He served for five years as a firefighter with the Gabriola Volunteer Fire Department and currently works as a Primary Care Paramedic with BC Emergency Health Services. His work in emergency health care reflects his ongoing dedication to community safety and public service. In addition to his professional responsibilities, Oliver is an instructor in Environmental Economics at Royal Roads University, where he integrates policy, sustainability, and economic analysis in his teaching. Oliver's diverse background and hands-on experience in emergency response, public health, and governance make him valuable contributor to the leadership of the Gabriola Fire Protection Improvement District.
Dave Chorneyko brings 16 years of experience as a structural firefighter, with eight years serving on Gabriola Island and eight years with the City of Kimberley. He holds a BSc in Chemical Engineering and has spent two decades working in heavy industry. Outside of his professional career, David has a lifelong passion for hiking and gardening. Recently, he launched a Naturalist Walk on Gabriola. During his time on Gabriola, David has also contributed to both the Commons and PHC.
Wayne Mercier bio to go here.
John Rankin bio to go here.
Dimitri Tzotzos bio to go here.
Elizabeth (Liz) Wallinger bio to go here.
Matthew (Matt) Dow bio to go here.
MORE INFORMATION
Together with the Fire Chief, the Gabriola Fire Protection Improvement District trustees provide long-range planning and oversight for our fire department.
Trustees are elected for a three year term at the GFPID annual general meeting, and three-year terms are staggered.
Who can be a trustee?
To be eligible to vote, or to be a candidate for trustee, a person must be eighteen years of age, a Canadian citizen, an owner of land in the improvement district and a BC resident for the previous six months.
What powers do the trustees have?
The improvement district’s Letters Patent, applicable sections of the Local Government Act, and other applicable provincial statutes outline the powers that can be exercised by the board of trustees. These powers include the ability to enact and enforce its regulations and charges, to assess and collect taxes, to acquire, hold and dispose of lands, to borrow money and to expropriate lands required to carry out its functions. The board of trustees exercise these powers through the passage of resolutions and bylaws. For more information: Information about BC Improvement Districts BC Improvement District Manual (pdf) and Improvement District Trustee Handbook (pdf).
TO VIEW/DOWNLOAD THE DRAFT TRUSTEE HANDBOOK GO HERE.
The Letters Patent of the Gabriola Fire Protection Improvement District states:
The object of the Improvement District shall be the provision of fire protection and the acquisition, maintenance and operation of works, buildings and equipment for the purpose and all matters incidental thereto. For more information: GFPID Letters Patent (pdf)
TO VIEW/DOWNLOAD THE LETTERS PATENT GO HERE.
To contact the board of trustees by email: corporateofficer@gabriolafire.ca