Bill Van Belle
Director Grower Representative
Van Belle Nurseries Inc.
Bill Van Belle was the Grower representative on the HEBC board from 2005 to 2021. He is the owner of Van Belle Nursery Inc., and has been in the nursery production industry for over 40 years. Bill supports the need for a vibrant industry in both production horticulture and landscape horticulture. He served on the Canada Nursery Landscape Association and on the BC Landscape & Nursery Association board for many years and spent 2 years as President.
Peter Brinson
Director Arborist Representative
Arborist Training Solutions
Peter Brinson is a professional arborist who has been certified since 1993. Peter works as a consulting arborist, giving a voice to the trees; believing, rather than being seen as an obstacle to development or project, trees can be seen for what they are – an exceptional addition to landscape plans. Peter served on the HEBC board from 2005 to 2022 as the Arborist representative.
Peter has been training arborists in British Columbia since 1995, serving as an Instructor for the Kwantlen Polytechnical University Arborist Technician Apprenticeship program and the Electrical Institute Training Institution Certified Utility Arborist Apprenticeship Program. Peter shares his passion for trees, education, and work safety.
Jeff Narayan
Student Representative
Landscape Horticulturist Apprentice
Jeff was the student representative board member for HortEducationBC 2020-2022. He is a third-year Landscape horticulture apprentice working for the Vancouver Parks Board.
Jeff’s horticulture background began with production horticulture. He obtained his Greenhouse & Nursery Production diploma from Kwantlen Polytechnic University. He has worked in a variety of fields, including pest management, tree service, residential and commercial maintenance, and municipal parks. In his 10 year horticulture career, Jeff has fostered a passion for the environment and sustainability. In addition to work in horticulture, Jeff is also a proud and active member of the LGBTQ+ community helping to promote advocacy and education for trans and gender diverse individuals.