​​​​​​​​​​Trustees (as of May 7, 2026)

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Trustee Bios

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Wayne Mercier (Chair) is an anarchist and poet, better suited to the dancefloor than the boardroom. He worked for many years in direct service on the Downtown East Side of Vancouver and is, by nature, a creature of the shade.

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Wayne's aim as a Trustee is to motivate better skilled, more qualified people to take up active involvement in the organisation of their community, leaving him to indolence and verse.

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​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.

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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.​​

 

Matthew (Matt) Dow bio to go here.​

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John Rankin is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) with an MBA and extensive senior management experience in the private, public sector and Indigenous governance environments. He has served as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, and other roles within First Nation governments, where  his duties have included responsibility for financial oversight, governance support, strategic planning and negotiations with Canada, the Province of BC and other First Nations.

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John's background includes leading complex budgets, strengthening financial controls, assessing and developing policies, supporting boards and leadership teams in making informed decisions and serving on the Board of Director for non-profits .  Further, he has worked closely with governing bodies to improve processes, clarify roles and responsibilities, and ensure decisions are grounded in sound policy and best practices.

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Dimitri Tzotzos brings 16 years of experience with the GVFD, including roles as firefighter, Lieutenant, Captain, First Responder Instructor, Fire Inspector, FireSmart Representative, and Fire Service Instructor.  Dimitri holds a BSc degree in Biology, and worked for several years as a biologist for Fisheries & Oceans Canada.  Dimitri and his family have lived on Gabriola since 2000.  He has worked for Coastal Community Credit Union for 10 years, and is currently the Assistant Manager of the Gabriola Branch.  Outside of work, Dimitri enjoys boating, fishing, woodturning, and volunteering with GROWLS.

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Elizabeth (Liz) Wallinger bio to go here.

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​MORE INFORMATION

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​​Together with the Fire Chief, the Gabriola Fire Protection Improvement District trustees provide long-range planning and oversight for our fire department.

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Trustees are elected for a three year term at the GFPID annual general meeting, and three-year terms are staggered.  

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Who can be a trustee?

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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.

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What powers do the trustees have?

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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).

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TO VIEW/DOWNLOAD THE DRAFT TRUSTEE HANDBOOK GO HERE. 

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The Letters Patent of the Gabriola Fire Protection Improvement District states:

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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)

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TO VIEW/DOWNLOAD THE LETTERS PATENT GO HERE. 

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To contact the board of trustees by email: corporateofficer@gabriolafire.ca