About Vanessa
Biography & Committee and Board activities
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Photo by Barbara Anne Photography when nominated for 2025 Women of Influence Nanaimo in the STEM category
Vanessa Craig PhD, RPBio
Vanessa Craig PhD, RPBio
I've loved living on Gabriola for 25 years. My husband Steve and I consider ourselves fortunate to be able to work and raise our two daughters here. As professional biologists and nature lovers, we were drawn to the area initially because of its beauty (and warmth because we were living on northern Vancouver Island at the time!), but what really made us decide to move here was the sense of community.
My background is as a biologist - Steve and I own our own biology consulting firm, EcoLogic Research. I have more than 25 years of experience as a conservation biologist, working on small mammals (primarily water shrews), bats, and amphibians in many different ecosystems of BC. I hold a PhD and MSc from UBC, and BSc (Honours) from SFU. I am also a Registered Professional Biologist with the College of Applied Biologists which signifies my commitment to integrity in science. I served on the Council of the College of Applied Biology from 2010 to 2022, serving 4 years as President and Past President. My LinkedIn page has more information about my work as a biologist.
I believe that when we work together we can achieve more than alone. As a scientist I value evidence-based decision-making. These perspectives guide my approach to my work - both as a biologist, and as an elected representative.
2026 Committees & Board appointments
2026 Committees & Board appointments
In addition to the Board, Committee of the Whole, and the Electoral Area Services Committee (Vice Chair), I serve on the following RDN committees as well as on various external bodies, including Executive Committees to which I am elected by fellow local government representatives.
Electoral Area B Parks & Open Spaces Advisory Committee (Chair)
Fire Services Advisory Committee
Climate Action Technical Advisory Committee (Chair)
Solid Waste Management Plan Monitoring Advisory Committee (Chair)
RDN/Port Authority Liaison Committee
External appointments
Vancouver Island Regional Library Board (alternate)
Snuneymuxw First Nation/Regional District of Nanaimo Protocol Agreement Working Group
SD68 Sports Field and Recreation Commission
Represent the RDN on the Island Coastal Economic Trust Central-South Island Regional Advisory Committee (CSIRAC)
Additional
President of the Executive of the Association of Vancouver Island Coastal Communities (AVICC) as elected by local government representatives in the AVICC region. I have previously served as 1st Vice President (2024-2026), 2nd Vice President (2022-2024), and Electoral Area Representative (2018-2021).
AVICC representative on the Union of BC Municipalities Executive since February 2026
Represent AVICC on the Southern Resident Killer Whale Indigenous & Multi-stakeholder Advisory Group
Board member of the Island Coastal Economic Trust Executive (elected by members of the CSIRAC)
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