The Gabriola Health & Wellbeing Collaborative was formed in 2016 when a group of local organizations and inspired individuals came together in support of a shared vision: a healthy Gabriola community. 

Collaborating to build a thriving Gabriola…

Thank you to all the Gabriola Health and Wellbeing Collaborative members who completed the survey! Please click here for a copy of the survey report. This report provided the basis of an in person Strategic Planning Workshop in May of 2025.

Questions? Contact our Community Wellbeing Coordinator, Penny Scott: communitywellbeing@phcgabriola.org

Gabriola Health & Wellbeing Collaborative_Gabriola Sandstone_Snuneymuxw Territory

Territorial Acknowledgement 

We live on these islands as the uninvited guests of the Snuneymuxw people and acknowledge that these are the unceded territories of the Snuneymuxw nation. We acknowledge, with respect and appreciation, the stewardship of generations of Snuneymuxw people in caring for this land. We recognize that the health of this place is fundamental to the health of our community. It is our desire to work with the Snuneymuxw to improve the health and wellbeing of all our peoples.

Social Determinants of Health

The range of the member organizations enables the Collaborative to address the Social Determinants of Health (SDH). Community and individual health and wellbeing depend on the degree that people have the ability to address the full range of these social determinants. The list that follows incorporates both SDH and resiliency factors.

To achieve and sustain health, individuals must have:

  • affordable, safe shelter

  • nutritious food + clean water

  • economic security

  • a healthy physical environment

  • freedom from violence + conflict

  • health services

  • education + literacy opportunities

  • positive childhood experiences

  • social supports

  • freedom from stigma

  • a voice in decisions

Our 50+ members represent health and social services, emergency services, environment, arts and culture, economy, food security, housing, public amenities, sports and recreation, religious and spiritual groups, civil society, and local government …all collaborating to build a thriving Gabriola.

Gabriola Health & Wellbeing Collaborative_Community Engagement_GaLTT

Community engagement with Islands Trust, GaLTT, GIMS, and others.

Gabriola Health & Wellbeing Collaborative_Food Security_People for a Healthy Community

Youth supporting food security programs with People for a Healthy Community.

We meet regularly to identify pressing issues facing our community, find ways of working together to address them, and share information about our organizations’ activities.  

Gabriola Health & Wellbeing Collaborative_Gabriola Recreation Society_Brickyard Beach_Tidal Coastal Seafood

Islanders of all ages learning about local seafood. Credit: Gabriola Recreation Society.

Our Impact

Since 2016, we’ve implemented several significant initiatives, conducted research, and recorded learnings relevant to our gulf island community.

"Wellbeing is a self-defined state of contentment with one’s physical, psychological, emotional, social and economic circumstances. It is dependent on the individuals ability to realize aspirations and satisfy needs, and… to change or cope with the environment.”

World Health Organization