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Susan Rutherford, Staff Counsel
susan_rutherford@wcel.org

Susan Rutherford has been Staff Counsel with West Coast Environmental Law since 2004 and since 2006, has led West Coast’s Liveable and Sustainable Communities program. Susan works with communities and local governments to promote local government bylaws and policy tools that support smart growth.

This work includes researching and/or promoting tools to: encourage compact, complete communities; integrate sustainability principles and planning into decision-making processes; avoid or reduce land use conflicts; encourage public participation in decision-making processes; reduce the potential negative environmental and social impacts of development (including resource development) on communities; encourage and support green buildings and “green infrastructure” (infrastructure that preserves or mimics natural ecological functions); and encourage fiscal sustainability.

Susan holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Political Studies from Queen’s University and a Bachelor of Laws from York University’s Osgoode Hall. Prior to joining West Coast, Susan operated a sole practice in Vancouver.