Paula de Jong, a longtime Sea to Sky resident and the current alternate director for Squamish-Lillooet Regional District Area D, has announced she is running for the director’s seat.
De Jong has served as Area D alternate director since 2022 and said she has filled in for the director for extended periods, giving her experience at the SLRD board table and in regional decision-making.
“Serving as Alternate Director, and having the opportunity to step directly into the Director role, has given me firsthand insight into how rural governance works and how decisions around zoning, emergency planning, taxation and regional services affect people on the ground,” de Jong said in announcing her candidacy.
A resident of the Sea to Sky region for 22 years, de Jong has training in economic development and international studies and more than two decades of experience in tourism, marketing and entrepreneurship. She is also a farmer and small-business owner in the Squamish Valley, a press release notes.
Area D extends from the Upper Squamish Valley to Porteau Cove and includes the Squamish Valley, Paradise Valley, Ring Creek, Black Tusk and Pinecrest, Britannia Beach, Furry Creek and Porteau Cove. De Jong said the electoral area’s communities have distinct priorities and need representation that reflects those differences.
“Good representation starts with listening to each community, understanding what matters locally and making sure those voices are represented when decisions are made,” she said in a press release. “I’m committed to representing all of Area D, not just the community I live in.”
Affordability, transit and emergency planning among priorities
Her campaign priorities include affordability, regional transit, road safety, fire and emergency preparedness, farmland and environmental protection, flexible housing options, updated zoning, improved communication between residents and the SLRD, and stronger representation for all Area D communities.
De Jong also identified LNG activity and development in Britannia Beach as issues that will require close attention in the coming term.
“With LNG development now a reality in our region, our focus needs to be on what comes next: minimizing environmental and community impacts, holding industry and government accountable, and continuing to advocate for a fair share of future tax benefits for the communities that are most directly affected,” she said.
She said coastal communities are likely to face increased pressure from LNG activity and new development, while rural and agricultural communities continue to deal with longstanding concerns involving zoning, housing affordability, farming viability, road safety and fire protection.
De Jong described her leadership approach as collaborative, compassionate and practical.
“I care deeply about the people who call Area D home, and I’m committed to listening, doing the work and finding practical solutions that protect what we value while building healthy, resilient communities for the future,” she said.
Meet-and-greet events
De Jong will host a community open house on Sunday, September 20, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Bloom + Breeze Farm in the Squamish Valley. Residents can drop in anytime during the event.
An online meet-and-greet will also be held Thursday, September 24, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Google Meet. Residents can contact de Jong through Facebook or by email at info@bloomandbreezefarm.ca.
