Area F: West Howe Sound

Population 2,235 (2006 Census)
Growth rate 13.4% (2001 Census)
Dwellings 974 occupied private dwellings
Area 380 sq. km.

The West Howe Sound area includes Langdale, Port Mellon, Williamson’s Landing, Granthams Landing, Soames, Hopkins Landing, and Gambier and Keats Islands. Although this is the most lightly populated area in the SCRD, it has the highest growth rate in the Regional District.

The communities of West Howe Sound stretch along the lower roadway (Marine Drive) from Gibsons, to the ferry terminal, past the ferry terminal towards Port Mellon, and up the ferry bypass route into Upper Gibsons and Area E – Elphinstone. Ferry service to Gambier Island and Keats Island is available at the Langdale ferry terminal.

The area leads all of BC in the number of summer camps due to its proximity to Vancouver (40 minute ferry ride); much of the recent growth and large housing in the area is due to commuters working in Vancouver, and recent retirees. Soames Hill is a popular hiking area, and the top of the Langdale bypass is home to a mountain biking park.

Director: Lee Turnbull

This is Lee Turnbull's fourth term as Director for Area F - West Howe Sound. She was first elected in November 1999 and served as Vice-Chair of the Regional District from 1999-2002. Lee was re-elected in November 2005, she currently is Chair of the Planning and Development Committee and Vice Chair of the Community Services Committee.

Lee has lived in West Howe Sound since 1993, when she and her husband moved from Vancouver to Hopkins Landing. They chose the Sunshine Coast community after travelling the world looking for “home” -- a safe and beautiful environment where they could raise their 3-year old son. They purchased a home in Grantham’s Landing in 1994.

Lee has a consulting practice in dispute resolution systems design and mediation training. She has been working as a mediator and facilitator since 1985; her clients include commercial business, governments, facilitating public process for various corporations and public and private agencies, and working with school districts; she also works as a family dispute mediator.

Lee holds a Law degree, a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology, and is a Certified Comprehensive Family Mediator and Chartered Mediator. Lee has developed a small claims court and a family practicum program and has designed several mediation assessment processes.

Lee manages the demands of being a mom and working as a half-time manager of the training program for the Court Mediation Practicum Program, which is offered through five Provincial Court Registries in B.C. She is currently working at the Robson Square Court House, co-designing a pivotal pilot project to provide mediation to the majority of Small Claims cases (ranging from $5000 to $25,000).

Lee took a break from politics after her husband Baz Bailey passed away in 2001. Lee is deeply committed to serving her community and she returned to an active elected life in 2005. She now spends significant amounts of time working as Area Director for the West Howe Sound community, and the region as a whole. Lee passionately believes in developing efficient cooperative government on the Sunshine Coast — government that:

• is fiscally responsible
• shows leadership in creating solutions, especially for affordable housing
• encourages sustainability
• plans for and manages growth, and
• offers a range of recreational opportunities to its citizens.

Lee is committed to serving her community by ensuring that collaborative decisions are made at the Board table – decisions that consider and reconcile the interests of all areas within the region.

Lee and her son Zac still enjoy living in Granthams Landing. Zac, who graduated from Elphinstone Secondary in 2008, is an avid skateboarder, snowboarder and surfer.