Gibsons appoints new Director of Town Planning

André Boel joins the Town of Gibsons management team as Director of Planning March 1, replacing Michael Epp, who joins the staff at City of North Vancouver the same day.
With a Master of Science degree in Planning, Boel’s strong background in project management and firm understanding of the Sunshine Coast’s culture gained from seven years as Community Planner with the District of Sechelt will ensure continuity of quality service from the Town’s Planning Department, says Gibsons Mayor Wayne Rowe. “André is a well-respected and experienced Planner, and myself and Council will be looking to his advice on how to continue to move the community in the direction desired by our residents.” Mayor Rowe added that the Town has benefited from Planner Michael Epp’s “substantial contribution to the community, exemplary service and the respect he earned from all who worked with him. We wish him well in his new endeavours.”
Epp began his career in urban planning as a summer student with the Town in 2008, moving in to a series of temporary and contract appointments centred on sustainability and special projects. Appointed Town Planner in 2010, he notes that, “I’ve received a lot of support from the community right from the start. It’s very emotional now, to be leaving.”
In welcoming Boel to the community, Machado noted, “André will make a great addition to our team and we look forward to his contribution as we aim to continue to provide exceptional public service.”
In his native Amsterdam, Boel served as Project Leader from 2000 until his move to Canada in 2005. He has been lauded for his “quick understanding of complex problems within the field of environmental and urban planning.”
Boel developed Sechelt’s Affordable Housing Strategy and realized several accessibility projects together with the Sechelt Accessibility Advisory Committee. He is uniquely positioned to incorporate effective, age-friendly planning and guidelines into the Town’s Official Community Plan (OCP), due to be updated this year.
Going forward, Boel says that community consultation and balancing stakeholder interests is key in developing effective policies or bylaws. “I look forward to working with the Town of Gibsons Council, staff and community as we implement the Strategic Plan and make Gibsons and even better place.”