After 17 years of hands-on leadership, Jenn Jarvis reflects on making active and low-carbon transportation part of the health-care experience.
For nearly two decades at Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH), Jennifer Jarvis, Senior Manager, Facilities and Property Management, has quietly shaped how we move through the health care system—on foot, on wheels, and with purpose. As she departs VCH to start an exciting new role at Providence Health Care, her legacy as a sustainability trailblazer is impossible to miss, especially for anyone locking their bike or charging their car at a leased VCH site.
Bridging Sustainability and Personal Health Goals
Providing access to sustainable transportation—like secure bike storage and EV charging—is more than a green initiative. It’s a core part of building a climate-ready, people-centered health system. Sustainable transportation helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, eases traffic congestion, and improves air quality and health outcomes. It also meets a practical need for staff, patients, and families who rely on safe, accessible, low-carbon travel.
A part of Jenn’s drive to link these elements was the profound impact biking has had on her life.
Making Sustainable Choices Accessible
Jenn’s leadership in this space has been both visionary and action-oriented. Over the years, she:
- Championed the installation of EV charging stations across leased health sites;
- Converted underused areas into secure bike storage for staff and clients;
- Installed bike racks at multiple locations; and
- Ensured the repair and upkeep of existing cycling infrastructure.
Any site that wanted a bike rack, I would find them a bike rack,” Jenn reflects.
That quiet determination often translated into real, tangible change—especially when paired with personal insight. After one frustrating experience biking her son to a vaccine appointment and struggling to secure her bike trailer, she thought: “This is one of my sites… If it’s frustrating for me, what about staff and clients? We need to do better.”
Staying the Course
Jenn’s impact didn’t stop with transportation. She also helped launch recycling programs, championed energy-efficient upgrades, and made environmental action part of daily operations.
Her advice to others? “Never take no as your final answer. Let your passion sustain your idea—and be ready for the moment when someone says yes.”
As a long-time Green+Leader Jenn’s enthusiasm and impact will be missed, but we know it will keep thriving through those she’s inspired. To learn more about Green+Leaders and what it’s like to join the program, register or reach out to us at info@bcgreencare.ca
