Board of Directors

Linda is a biochemist who transitioned to the field of recreation through her love of special events as well as health and fitness.  She has lived in Campbell River since 1982 and has worked with both the Regional District and the City of Campbell River. At the City, Linda was able to work closely with Greenways on food security issues.  She was one of the core group who fought to save the Beaver Lodge Lands (1991 – 94).  It is still her favourite place to run.  She is passionate about the outdoors (her playground), food security and active transportation.  Greenways enhances so many of these areas – community gardens, the Greenways Loop, Adopt a trail programmes in Beaver Lodge to name a few.  She looks forward to supporting many of these activities through community events and being a part of the board of directors.

Chuck is one of the founding members of Greenways. He has a passion for the natural health of Willow Creek and Kingfisher Creek. Additionally, he actively engages school groups with outdoor education of native plants and invasive species removal projects. As an active Director of our Society, he continues to update his knowledge by participation in streamkeeper and wetlandkeeper training and work.  As a person concerned with food security in our local area, Chuck is involved with permaculture, the two Food Forests and the community gardens.

Born in Winnipeg, Claire has lived in Campbell River since 1992, moving here from Vancouver. She was a family law lawyer for over 30 years, retiring from that career in 2014. She served on Campbell River City Council for 3 terms, between 2008 and 2022. As part of her role as a City Councillor, Claire served on the executive of the Union of BC Municipalities, rising to the position of 2nd Vice-President in 2022.

Claire has extensive board experience. She chaired the Comox-Strathcona Regional Hospital District for three years, served on the Board of Governors of Vancouver Island University for three years, and was a member of the Board of Directors of Island Health from 2016 to 2021, where she chaired the Human Resources and Compensation Committee for three years.

Currently Claire serves on the Board of Governors of North Island College as well as on the Board of Trustees for the Municipal Pension Plan. Locally, Claire has experience as a Board Member for the CR Community Foundation, Rivercity Inclusion, the Willow Point Seniors Housing Society, the Campbell River and District Museum and the Strathcona Triathlon Club. Claire’s hobbies include kayaking, running, hiking, travel, bridge and gardening.

Padraig was born in Ontario and raised in Calgary before settling in the Comox Valley five years ago. Having spent years visiting the west coast while his parents lived on Gabriola Island, he always imagined calling this region home. With a deep love for the ocean and a lifelong passion for food, Padraig first pursued a career in the culinary industry, managing his family’s catering company after attending business school in Calgary.

Now, his focus has shifted to the origins of food—how it’s grown, where it comes from, and ensuring equitable access for all. He hopes to one day grow food for his community. Currently, Padraig serves as the Finance Manager at the Comox Valley Curling Club. Outside of work, he stays busy with his two children and two cats and enjoys giving back to the community through volunteer work with Lush Valley and YANA.

As a child and teenager I spent a lot of my time outdoors in and around the Tsuut’ina Nation territory. Now, I enjoy Nature’s wonders in the territory of the Liǧʷiɫdax̌ʷ peoples. The skills I offer Greenways Land Trust include a listening ear, an enthusiasm to learn, a great love of Nature and a deep desire to help keep our world beautiful and resilient for today and for generations to come.

Stephen is a native Vancouverite who spent a good part of his professional career in the electronics technology space after graduating from BCIT and moving to Europe. After earning his MBA in the UK, he lived in Switzerland and China for 35 years and worked in various senior management roles and boards. Before moving to the majestic Campbell River area where he now owns and operates a small business (dive centre), he was CEO of a Swiss foundation dedicated to mitigating climate change through education, consulting and climate project financing.

His love of nature was kindled by the underwater world shown in Jacques Cousteau documentaries in his childhood. Stephen was certified as Rescue Diver in Madagascar while supporting the establishment of locally managed marine areas (LMMAs) by carrying out underwater reef surveys. In 2015 he was a student at the Bamfield Marine Science Center taking the Coastal Conservation and Biodiversity course.

When not out on (or under) the water he can be found hiking, skiing or getting engaged in the amazing Greenways Land Trust activities.

Jess and her family have called Campbell River home since 2016, originally relocating for a job opportunity and staying for all the outdoor recreation. She works as a biologist and loves spending time in nature in both her professional and personal life. She can often be found paddling a canoe around the local lakes, digging in the dirt or wandering Beaver Lodge trails with kid and dog in tow. Looking for ways to give back and make connections within the community led her to volunteer with Greenways.

I love where I live! I chose to move to Campbell River in February 2013, and every day, I find something (often lots of things) here that make me smile or laugh or wonder or take a moment to breathe in the beauty place that I get to call home. This community is full of heart and welcomed me as a volunteer, an entrepreneur, and as an explorer. With an openness to engage with volunteer organizations, I joined the Young Professionals of Campbell River, Greenways Land Trust, and the Campbell River Salmon Foundation, and have taken part in numerous fundraisers in various capacities.

In my career, I research, teach, facilitate, promote, and share knowledge within sustainability in leisure, tourism, and recreation. I believe that active participation and engagement in community by all citizens is vital to a healthy, prosperous, and vibrantly liveable place, and I am committed to helping create and enhance opportunities for more people to benefit in this place of abundance and beauty.

Rebecca moved to Campbell River in the fall of 2023 to fulfill a lifelong dream of living on a boat. She previously lived in Port Alberni and Ottawa and grew up in the UK. She loves getting outside with her dog, learning new things, and crocheting. She has over 15 years of experience with urban planning and GIS, as well as a post-graduate certificate in environmental management and assessment. She previously served as a director on the board of a sailing club in Alberta and volunteered as the executive director of a tiny home non-profit organization. She is passionate about the environment and wants to give back to this wonderful community she now calls home.

Jill is a former Environmental Science Lab Technician, Science Education Lab TA and BC Parks Naturalist who has had a lifelong passion for nature and environmental stewardship. Her great love of the outdoors has led her on canoeing adventures throughout the province, as well as numerous hours kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing and paddleboarding.

After moving here in 2022, Jill found Greenways to be a perfect fit and was excited to get involved as a volunteer with conservation events and school programs. She believes that education is very valuable and that the more people know about the outdoor environment the more they will enjoy and want to protect it.

‘Campbell River has so much natural beauty and Greenways, through education, outings and volunteering events, gives people the opportunity to learn about and get hands-on experience in helping to restore and protect our sensitive outdoor spaces’.

Now a member of the Board of Directors, Jill is looking forward to helping Greenways grow and thrive, and to continue the very important work they do for the community.