Sharon Gaetz

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	North Vancouver
Nationality	Canadian
Occupations	Politician Pastor
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]