I MADE THE MOVE: Family ties draw this couple cross-border

Former Portlanders Christianne and Donna Gillenardo-Goudreau are learning what it means to be Canadian, together with their two cats. Donna, who loves to collect crystals and make jewelry, is an executive assistant at inclusion Powell River. Christianne, who enjoys making models and baking, is a professional comic artist and illustrator. They’ve been here for just over one year.

DRAWN TOGETHER: This image was created by illustrator Christianne Gillenardo-Goudreau (right) – pictured here with her spouse Donna (left). Christianne is an illustrator who works on Plants vs. Zombies and many other titles, plus creates her own graphic novels (such as The Spirit of Vancouver Island – a ghost story about a BC Ferry) and she works on commission portraits, too. Find them both at the Powell River Farmers Market – selling graphic novels, jewelery, pins, decals and much more.

Why did you choose to move here?

Donna & Christianne • Moving to a new country can be very difficult, no matter where you’re coming from, and we wanted as soft a landing as we could get. Thankfully, Christianne’s sister and brother-in-law are established Powell River residents with a rental unit in their home. We moved in and haven’t looked back since!

What surprised you once you moved here?

Christianne • The water access! In Portland there are all sorts of rivers and lakes, but there’s barely any public access and what is available is usually very crowded. It’s been really great being able to relax next to a lake.

Donna • How open minded and friendly many of the people here are!

What made you decide to move here?

Donna & Christianne • We were already planning on moving to Canada. What solidified that decision was, unfortunately, Christianne’s father Serge passing away. We realized we needed to be close to her family, especially through the first year without him.

Where is your favorite place here?

Christianne • I’d have to say anywhere near the water. I’ve never lived next to the ocean, so being able to see it every day is really cool. I’m also a big fan of the Library.

Donna • Probably Haywire Bay or Mowat Bay! I grew up near the ocean so it has been so amazing!

How did you first hear about PR?

Christianne • My grandpa Terry McGarvey lived here for a long time, and then my grandmother Barb and her husband John moved here and my sister and I would visit them both during the summer when we were kids.

Donna • Christianne brought me up here to meet their sister early on in our relationship. As soon as I stepped off the ferry, I knew we had to move here ASAP!

What aspect of your previous community do you think would benefit Powell River?

Donna & Christianne • Portland had lots of opportunities for small businesses to have storefronts. I would love to see more small business support.

What challenges did you face in trying to make a life for yourself here?

Christianne • Making new friends has been challenging. We’ve met some people in town, especially once we started tabling at the Farmers’ Market. And learning our way around Canadian banks and utilities and getting those all set up.

Donna • I was desperate to become a part of the community somehow, but I wasn’t sure how to go about it. Luckily, I met Jennifer at the Nutcracker Market, and she introduced me to some of the local business owners. I also got a job at inclusion, and this opened a lot of doors.

If you were Mayor, what would you do?

Christianne • I would set up a public mural program!

Donna • There is a big need for transportation.

What are PR’s best assets?

Donna • I would say the people. Everyone I have met is hardworking and truly cares about the community. I know Powell River has its issues but I feel like we can work on them together because the people here actually care!

What is your greatest extravagance?

Christianne • Definitely our Roomba. It’s absolutely unnecessary, but having something that wanders around and sweeps the floor every day while we can do other things around the house is a massive luxury.

Donna • Crystals! I’ve always been a geology buff, so I spend way too much time and money in Studio Curious!

Which superpower would you most like to have?

Christianne • The power of flight. I would love to be able to fly to Vancouver Island to visit my Mum without having to pay for the ferry, ha.

Donna • I would love to be able to help people to communicate with one another clearly and with full understanding on both sides. I am neurodivergent and I work with people who are neurodivergent or have differing methods of communication. I would love to make it so everyone understood each other and could be helpful to one another without misunderstandings.