Mayor - Gerry Taft
Born in Invermere British Columbia in 1982, Gerry Taft started his business career selling lego in his grade three classroom, and his political career began in a class council in grade 5. Since that time, Gerry has been involved in all kinds of business endeavors and political adventures. At the age of 17 he started his first "successful" business, selling hotdogs, and at age 20 he ran for and was elected to Invermere town council.

Gerry has served two full terms on District of Invermere council, and this November was elected Mayor, at the age 26. Gerry owns and operates a busy cafe, which features 'homemade' gelati and strong espresso.

At a young age, Gerry was known to write letters to the editor and comment on local affairs. What started out as a right-wing and simplistic views of an adolescent, with experience, an open mind, and a strong set of "common sense" has resulted in a balanced perspective, and a keen interest in all issues, including the environment and the social.

Gerry is unmarried, but has recently acquired a fluffy puppy. The puppy like long walks (or runs) on the beach (or anywhere else), and enjoys bones, toys, and drinking from the toilet.

Spring Hawes
I've lived and worked in Invermere for the past 9 years. I've always loved the outdoors, gardening, and living an active lifestyle. My love of life and nature has made me a strong supporter of the environment.

For many of those 9 years, I was a single parent, and I learned the meaning of the phrase 'It takes a village to raise a child'. My experiences as a single parent have given me intimate and practical knowledge of the challenges often faced by women in our society.

Since moving to Invermere, I have owned and run Spring Health Foods (formerly Mustard Seed Health Foods) to support my family. My years as an entrepreneur and employer have given me an understanding of what supports businesses need to be successful.

My decision to become involved in the Organic Food and Natural Health Products industry was based on two things. One: I grew up in a very health-conscious family, where I learned to appreciate good, fresh food, and value the growers who produce it. Two: I lived in Saskatchewan for several years as an adult, and observed the agricultural practices most commonly used in grain production on the Canadian prairies. My exposure to 'modern day' farming helps me to understand the importance of sustainability in all aspects of our community.

Several years ago, I sustained a serious spinal cord injury. The support this community showed me and my family was extraordinary! I feel extremely lucky to live in a place where the citizens throw themselves whole-heartedly behind their neighbors in their time of need. My time as a 'differently-abled' person has given me a great awareness of social issues such as affordable, accessible housing, transportation and employment, and access to appropriate health care in Invermere.

I currently serve as President of A.C.E. (the Columbia Valley's access committee). We work with local government to promote more accessible communities for all. I also represent A.C.E. on the Columbia Valley Transit Action Committee, a group which has been instrumental in bringing the BC Transit Community Bus to the valley, and which continues to provide input. I am a member of the Invermere Business Committee and the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce.

I would like to contribute to my community in a meaningful way. I feel that my varied life experiences give me a personal understanding of many of the community issues that Invermere is currently grappling with. I bring a balanced, caring, and responsible voice to the debate, along with my love of the people, and pride in my Community. Read more about me, and give me your comments and opinions at:
Spring-Hawes-Invermere.blogspot.com. You can also reach me by e-mail, at spring@springhealthfoods.com,
or call me at 250-342-2552. I look forward to hearing from you.

Greg Anderson
I grew-up in Calgary where I completed school before moving to Edmonton where I obtained a BSc in Forestry from U of A. After graduating, I spent the first 16 years of my career with the Alberta Forest Service in several postings around the province. During that time I was fortunate to have an opportunity to return to university and completed a Masters degree in Forestry from Colorado State University.

I moved with my family to Invermere in 1992 to assume an Operations Manager position with the former Invermere Forest District, BC Forest Service. I held that position from 1992 through 2006 and was ultimately responsible for the East Kootenay region. In 2006, I moved into a new position as the Provincial Manager for the Ecosystem Restoration Program also with the BC Forest Service. Following 35 years in government, I retired early from the Forest Service in April, 2011 and am now self-employed. I had a great, rewarding career working with many outstanding staff over the years that I am deeply thankful for!

In addition to my role with the Forest Service, I served as a School Trustee with the Rocky Mountain School District for four terms (1999 - 2011) and where I acted as Board Chair for several years. I stepped down from the School Board at the last election in order to focus on my DOI Council responsibilities. My involvement as a School Trustee with our education system, students and staff was been a tremendous experience.

In terms of other community involvement, I am a past-president of the Columbia Valley Old-Timers Hockey Association, past-president of the Windermere Valley Minor Baseball Association, coached minor baseball for ten years and the DTSS High School Baseball team for five years through 2010, as the School District rep served as co-chair for the Mt. Nelson Athletic Park development committee, and most recently in 2011, served on the public advisory committee for the district's "Imagine Invermere" integrated community sustainability plan.
I'm excited about joining the DOI Council for my first term! We have a wonderful community that I am absolutely committed to! That said, there are many issues requiring Council's thoughtful, fair and balanced consideration including; community expansion; town infrastructure and water supply; arts, cultural and recreation opportunities; partnerships with surrounding jurisdictions; public transportation improvements; maintaining our fire protection system; environmental concerns with Lake Windermere and the wetlands; affordable housing; a locally-based and owned economy; and a community forest.
The above said, the main issue facing Invermere is "Economic Development and Diversification", which we need to encourage and support, while being mindful of maintaining and/or enhancing our quality of life, the reason why many residents live in Invermere!

Justin Atterbury
coming soon...

Paul Denchuk
coming soon...