The couple, who have two grown daughters, also own about 20 Icelandic sheep which are currently on loan to other property owners "who need their grass clipped."

Masselink’s work history has taken him around the province and spanned numerous disciplines.

He holds a bachelor of science degree in biology and worked as a planning and conservation technician for BC Parks in the early 1990s. Among his gigs, he studied the impact of introduced raccoons on nesting seabirds on Haida Gwaii, where he got to know the local Indigenous culture.

Masselink later switched gears and studied for a master’s degree in landscape architecture, living as a caretaker on the UBC Farm starting in the late 1990s.

That’s where he took up the unique challenge of sheep dog trials with his rescue bordie collie.

The idea was to relieve stress, but it didn't work out that way.

"At the pound, it said: 'Digs in garden, bites children, chases cars.' But she was an amazing dog."

In 2003, he moved to North Pender Island, became involved in politics, and served seven years as a trustee on the Islands Trust plus one year as an alternate.

Over the years, Masselink has held several positions in the BC government, including agrologist for the south Island and director of innovation methods with the BC Public Service Agency.

“It was a team supporting the modernization of government services, how organizations respond to change more effectively.”

Currently, in addition to his farm, he teaches leadership and environmental sustainability as an associate faculty member at Royal Roads University near Victoria.

“I’ve spent a career bringing people together to talk about things that matter and that are difficult — without pointing fingers,” he says.

On local issues, Masselink expressed concern about approving developments outside the urban containment boundary and Official Community Plan. He hopes North Cowichan can maintain its distinct communities, keeping them compact rather than choosing the “costs and consequences” of sprawl.

He won’t take a definitive position on the future of the Municipal Forest Reserve at this point (talks with First Nations are ongoing), but says it’s important to look beyond the economic value of timber.

Forests also capture carbon, provide recreational opportunities, absorb water and hold soil, improve biodiversity, and provide a cooling effect, to name a few, he said.

“It’s an incredible asset, money in the bank because it’s doing all sorts of other things” he said. “Are we conveying the full values? I don’t see them being fully recognized.”