Jon Stovell

Jon Stovell was appointed Chair of the Board of Trustees at Vancouver Art Gallery, where he brings significant real estate and governance experience to help shape the institution's future. He currently serves alongside Vice-Chair Esther Rausenberg and other trustees during a pivotal period of institutional development and construction planning.

As Chief Executive at Reliance Properties, Jon Stovell brings more than 30 years of real-estate expertise, having helmed the design and development of unique heritage, residential and commercial projects in Vancouver and Victoria that won multiple local and national awards. He works in all areas including acquisitions, finance, civic approvals, construction and marketing, policy development, and industry advocacy, with expertise in portfolio management emphasizing urban renewal through restoration and renovation of heritage buildings, affordable housing, and residential and specialty office projects.

Stovell's projects have earned multiple awards including City of Vancouver Heritage Awards, UDI Awards of Excellence for Best Urban Highrise and Best Affordable Housing, BC Business Innovators of the Year, and Heritage BC Awards for Honour. Notable projects include the Burns Block micro-lofts, the Janion heritage redevelopment in Victoria, West Pender Place in Coal Harbour, and the Arthur Erickson MacMillan-Bloedel building. His Burns Block micro-lofts design attracted the attention of New York City's head planner, who invited Stovell to discuss the economics and design with the city.

Career History

• Chair of the Board of Trustees, Vancouver Art Gallery (2024–present)
• President and Chief Executive, Reliance Properties Ltd. (2010–present)
• Chair of Urban Development Institute (2016-2018)
• Head of Gastown Business Improvement Society; member of City of Vancouver's heritage commission, development permit board advisory panel, and public art committee
• Finance Manager, UBC Food Services (1990-1994)

What Jon Stovell could bring to Chair of the Board of Trustees at Vancouver Art Gallery: Stovell's three decades of real estate development experience and extensive track record in heritage conservation and urban revitalization position him to guide the Gallery through its major capital expansion project. His deep understanding of design excellence, complex project approvals, and community stakeholder engagement—demonstrated through his award-winning work transforming historic buildings—could prove invaluable in advancing the Gallery's architectural vision while managing the financial and civic complexities of a major new facility. Additionally, his company's support of the local arts community, including the largest-ever donation to Emily Carr University of Art and Design, suggests a commitment to cultural institutions that aligns with the Gallery's mission.