Who are you and why are you running for council? 

I am Gillean Thomas, “Gilly.” I was raised in Jasper by the best of parents, Bryn and Sheena, and learned a deep appreciation for this community, its people and its purpose. I spent my free time hiking, biking, climbing and skiing while making lifetime connections with wonderful people.

I have spent time away from Jasper to pursue my education and other goals. Wherever I went, my interest in community structure led me to study how other municipalities were able to achieve success in their efforts to make their home the best it can be.

I intend to spend the rest of my life in Jasper, my true home, and wish to apply what I have learned about productive approaches to municipal administration. 

What are your top community priorities that you think Jasper Municipal Council has a role in shaping and why are these issues or themes important to you? 

The housing shortage and affordable housing. 

Targeted and intentional residential building would keep Jasper appealing and solve the housing issue. Affordability needs to be defined and addressed for different demographics. Seasonal workers have different needs than couples or young families. Longevity and diversity in the structure can be achieved by community partnerships constructing universal design buildings.  Build well and Municipal ROI and sustainability will follow. 

This is important to me so that good people can stay in our town.

The Land Use Proposal is an urban solution to our unique small town. Building additional housing units that become tourist accommodation rooms will add to the parking load in residential areas, not address the chronic housing crisis for residents. 

Can you share a decision or experience that shaped your commitment to public service and how it influences your approach today?

I was a teacher in Pangnirtung, Baffin Island, and the three year vote to be dry or wet, was held. I was teaching Sociology and the students said that the vote wasn’t fair, because 50% of the town’s population was under 18 years old. However, they knew from relatives in Iqaluit that the children were most affected by alcohol use. My students crafted a survey and distributed it to K – 12. 99% wanted a dry community. We broadcasted the results on public radio and the town stayed dry. 

This experience influences my approach today because I like to hear what all people say and find ways to empower and represent their voices.

If elected, how will you ensure transparency and public engagement in your decision-making process?

Everyone has a different perspective and I find people fascinating. I would ensure public engagement by listening to all, following up with concerns and letting people know how to connect with the town council.  If there are different solutions to be researched, I will call for additional time and ways to gather input.

I believe in empowering people to engage in solutions which bring the community together. 

Not every decision will make everyone happy and there’s no sense in sugar coating or hiding the reasons behind decisions. I am not afraid of big dogs and I not affiliated with any major group or business.

I am an independent voice. 

Communication, communication, communication.

What is one issue you believe isn’t getting enough attention in our community, and how would you address it?

Listening to locals, there are several issues I have heard and even identifying one has many layers and threads. I believe my effectiveness is in knowing myself; that I like to be informed by reading reports, making comparisons, having conversations and then bring forward issues for council debate and decision. 

CN has been foundational in Jasper prior to its inception as a National Park. The municipality does not have jurisdiction of need to reside, however I will advocate that Parks recognize the historical influence of CN by grandfathering-in existing households.

The coincidence of the fire and passing permitting from Parks to the municipality opens us up to commercial exploitation of the town and associated reduction to quality of life. Think of the things you take for granted; not the beautiful mountains but the joy of running into friends at the local coffee shop. I will support local businesses so that they can thrive and stay in local ownership. 

Keep local, local for the long term benefit of the town.

Please feel free to include a closing statement or sum up your platform.

I would like to hear from you, my fellow Jasper residents, your concerns and creative solutions. I will be an independent voice that will bring issues solidly to Council in a way that will make them noteworthy and actionable. 

There is pressure and pain in the rebuild, sadness and instability with the loss of CN. This time of change could end in disaster or be an opportunity to responsibly address short term effects while holding firm to a long term vision for the benefit of Jasper residents. 

I have heard again and again that people hold dear the nature of Jasper, the sense of a connected, friendly community and preservation of that character would be my guiding star. 

The 2025 Municipal Election is Monday, October 20. For information on voting, including advanced polls, see our piece on Voting Tools for Residents