About the Author
Gaëtan Royer’s love of everything urban brought him to hundreds of cities in 30 countries. Familiar with all Canadian regions, Royer lived in 14 different municipalities across Canada. He has a rich array of international work and academic experiences.
Born and raised in Québec City, in a low-income Saint-Roch family, Royer was schooled in French with a sprinkling of Latin. He studied Architecture at Laval University and Urban Planning at Queen’s University. Joining the Canadian Forces in 1973 to learn English and pay for his studies, he stretched four years of compulsory military service into a successful 22-year career as a Military Engineer. He served as Base Engineer at Canada’s largest Air Base, Cold Lake, Alberta.
Royer was awarded the Governor General’s Meritorious Service Medal, in recognition of his humanitarian work in the restoration of war-torn Sarajevo, Bosnia. He taught leadership at the post-graduate level. As a leader, he exemplifies personal discipline and well-articulated values; he inspires contagious enthusiasm. Royer facilitates public consultation with large groups, in fluent French and English. He develops strategic plans with Boards, Commissions and Councils. Royer helps organizations to successfully address thorny issues, implement complex projects and steer difficult changes under media scrutiny and in charged political environments.
He served as City Manager for Port Moody, BC’s fastest growing city and the 2004 International Gold Medalist at the International Awards for Liveable Communities. He also worked with the cities of Surrey and Whitehorse. He was the Head Planner (Manager of Metropolitan Planning, Environment & Parks) for Metro Vancouver, a region with a 2012 population of 2.4 million. Royer chaired several Terry Fox Run Committees in various cities and countries. He served as Chair of School Boards in BC and Alberta. He was appointed to community planning panels and a Provincial Ministerial Task Force.
Gaëtan and Zoë Royer have four children and seven grand-children all living in British Columbia.
Born and raised in Québec City, in a low-income Saint-Roch family, Royer was schooled in French with a sprinkling of Latin. He studied Architecture at Laval University and Urban Planning at Queen’s University. Joining the Canadian Forces in 1973 to learn English and pay for his studies, he stretched four years of compulsory military service into a successful 22-year career as a Military Engineer. He served as Base Engineer at Canada’s largest Air Base, Cold Lake, Alberta.
Royer was awarded the Governor General’s Meritorious Service Medal, in recognition of his humanitarian work in the restoration of war-torn Sarajevo, Bosnia. He taught leadership at the post-graduate level. As a leader, he exemplifies personal discipline and well-articulated values; he inspires contagious enthusiasm. Royer facilitates public consultation with large groups, in fluent French and English. He develops strategic plans with Boards, Commissions and Councils. Royer helps organizations to successfully address thorny issues, implement complex projects and steer difficult changes under media scrutiny and in charged political environments.
He served as City Manager for Port Moody, BC’s fastest growing city and the 2004 International Gold Medalist at the International Awards for Liveable Communities. He also worked with the cities of Surrey and Whitehorse. He was the Head Planner (Manager of Metropolitan Planning, Environment & Parks) for Metro Vancouver, a region with a 2012 population of 2.4 million. Royer chaired several Terry Fox Run Committees in various cities and countries. He served as Chair of School Boards in BC and Alberta. He was appointed to community planning panels and a Provincial Ministerial Task Force.
Gaëtan and Zoë Royer have four children and seven grand-children all living in British Columbia.
