Councillor Heather Deal

Heather Deal was first elected to Vancouver City Council in 2005 and was re-elected in 2008. Before that she served as a Vancouver Park Board Commissioner from 2002-2005, and was Chair of the Park Board in 2003.

Heather brings her passions for sustainability, arts and culture, accessibility and affordability to City Hall. She has brought forward initiatives supporting higher green standards for Vancouver and the region; supporting artists in the city; promoting the “prevention pillar” of the Four Pillars (including mental health); and increasing accessibility throughout the city and in parks.

Heather is a professional biologist and an environmental educator and activist. She has served as a liaison to the Heritage Commission and the Access and Inclusion Committee and was a member of the Metro Environment and Energy Committee. As well, she sings in the Vancouver Bach Choir; has served as President of the choir's Board of Directors; and worked with the Portland Hotel Society to bring the Bach Choir to the Downtown Eastside for free concerts.

Born in England and raised in Michigan, she received her bachelor’s degree in Biology from Oberlin College in Ohio in 1982, and moved from Cleveland to Vancouver for a medical research job in 1984. After receiving her master of science degree from the University of British Columbia in Microbiology/Immunology in 1988, she did cancer research for several years before changing her career path to focus on environmental issues. Heather developed science/environmental programs for UBC Continuing Studies and designed and taught classes for people restoring fish habitat in rivers for the Province of BC. In 2002, she started working on marine habitat issues with the David Suzuki Foundation, and continues to work part time for the Foundation.

Heather is an avid cyclist, camper, hiker, and enjoys gardening on her Kitsilano balcony. She proudly became a Canadian citizen in 1991.

Her local and regional appointments include:

• Vice Chair, Standing Committee on Planning and Environment
• Director, Greater Vancouver Regional District (Metro Vancouver)
• Delegate, Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Board
• Public Art Committee
• Vancouver Heritage Commission