Jenna Stoner is seeking re-election as Councillor for the District of Squamish in the October 15th municipal election. Jenna was first elected to council in 2018 and in her first term made substantive and tangible contributions to advancing solutions on climate action, environmental stewardship, affordable housing, gender equity, among others.
“I have decided to seek re-election because I care deeply about this community and I want to see through work on critical topics for a rapidly growing and changing town: the climate emergency, reconciliation with Squamish Nation, addressing the municipal infrastructure gap, economic development, and affordability,” says Jenna.
“Joining Council was a steep learning curve and right when I felt I was getting my feet under me, the pandemic hit and the role shifted. I am proud of what this current Council has been able to accomplish, and know that I have more to contribute in this role.” A few highlights that Jenna pulls from the past four years include getting a Climate Emergency resolution passed unanimously by council which led to the development of the Community Climate Action Plan; securing over 100 affordable housing and 300 purpose-built market-rental units through development; and investing in two new firehalls.
Jenna grew up in the Sea to Sky corridor and has been fortunate to call Sḵwx̱wú7mesh home since 2014. She has seen firsthand the changes that Squamish has gone through and acknowledges there are tremendous growth pressures on this town. She is dedicated to stewarding the growth of Squamish in a way that ensures it remains livable, resilient, and inclusive. “ I keep one question at the forefront to guide my decision-making: ‘how do we help Squamish – the town and the people – grow into itself in a way that is sustainable, compassionate, and vibrant?’”says Jenna.
In addition to her role on Council, Jenna works with an organization called Sustainable Fisheries Partnership where she continues to build on over ten years of experience working at the intersection of business, government and environmental conservation. Jenna also took on roles as the council appointee to the Food Policy Council (2018-2019), Director for the Squamish Lillooet Regional District (2021-2022), and she was on the board for the Lower Mainland Local Government Association (2019-2021). Through these roles, Jenna has been able to build strong networks and good working relationships with diverse partners in our community, across the region, and throughout the Province.
“Over the past four years, I have learned that Council is like a team sport. You don’t accomplish anything on your own. You do it in partnership with your colleagues in council chambers, District staff, citizens, community partners, other orders of government, and allies in other local governments,” says Jenna. “It was hard to do as a new councillor through the pandemic, but I have worked to build strong relationships within and beyond our community to advance good policy. I look forward to continuing this work in service of our growing community.”
Jenna can often be found at one of Squamish’s tasty coffee shops, on the trails or at the playground with her 1-year old. She is very approachable and would love to hear your concerns and priorities for Squamish’s future.
