Sharon Gaetz
Former mayor of Chilliwack
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Sharon L. Gaetz is a former mayor of the City of Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada. She was first elected to that office in the 2008 election and served three consecutive terms.[1] In 2018, she lost to incumbent city councillor Ken Popove whilst seeking a fourth term.[2] She remains the only woman in the city's history elected to the office of mayor. She previously served twelve years as a city councillor, during which time she served as acting mayor.[3] Mayor Gaetz also served as director of the Fraser Valley Regional District.[4] She was not affiliated with any political party whilst in public office. She described herself as a “fiscal conservative with a strong social conscience” politically.[5]
Sharon Lee Gaetz | |
|---|---|
Sharon Gaetz speaking at the University of the Fraser Valley in 2013 | |
| Born | |
| Occupations |
|
| Spouse | James Francis Gaetz |
| Children | 2 |
| Mayor of Chilliwack | |
| In office December 1, 2008 – November 6, 2018 | |
| Preceded by | Clint Hames |
| Succeeded by | Ken Popove |
| City Councillor | |
| In office 1996–2008 | |
In 2007, then-Councillor Gaetz presented information about cannabis cultivation to Chilliwack's social issues advisory committee.[6] Also that year, she supported the densification of the city through the construction of an apartment building containing 71 units.[7]
Personal life
Gaetz was born in North Vancouver and grew up in Chilliwack. She and her husband, Jim, have a son, and two grandchildren.[8] Their daughter, Jenna, died in 2002 at 21 years old.[9] Gaetz was the Head Pastor at the Southside Church in Chilliwack.[10] She is an Honorary Colonel in the 39 Combat Engineer Regiment.[11]