In Pictures: Vancouver Magazine Power 50 2015

Vancouver’s biggest names were in for a surprise at this year’s awards party

“Why has someone brought their kids to the Vancouver Club?” whispered one guest, glancing over at the three, sharply-dressed children conversing politely with the all-stars of Vancouver’s corporate scene. Little did they know what the remainder of the evening would bring. Those at Monday night’s Power 50 event ranged from human rights’ lawyers, to developers, to the Chief of the Gwawaenuk First Nation, but none stole the show like this year’s #20, 12-year-old Tru Wilson.

“I’m so thankful that I was chosen to be one of the 50 most powerful people in Vancouver. It is such an honour to know that I was able to inspire so many people, just by being true to myself.”

Westbank Corps.’ Ian Gillespie (#1) was present to accept his award, as was chief medical health officer Patricia Daly (#15), who reminded guests that it was time to book their flu shot. President of BCIT Kathy Kinloch (#28) acknowledged the high number of BCIT graduates in the room, while Vancouver city councillor Andrea Reimer (#26) humbly rebuked Vancouver’s new editor-in-chief Max Fawcett’s suggestion that we might be looking at the next mayor, instead commending Gregor Roberton’s (#2) leadership skills.For the full list of this year’s Power 50 winners, head Vanmag.com/Power50.The 15th annual Power 50 event was hosted by W. Hasting's Vancouver Club. Cameras were on hand to capture winners' speeches, with #20 Tru Wilson featuring on the CBC's Early Edition the very next morning. Architect Gregory Henriquez (#43) was commended for his work on the new Telus Garden, and the highly-anticipated development of Oakridge Mall. Jill and Mike Killeen pose with Global BC's News Director Jill Krop (#41). The founders of Earls (#48) pose for a picture with Vancouver publisher Tom Gierasimczuk. Stan and Bus Fuller also nodded to the restaurant's new openings in Miami, Boston, and Chicago.  Chief Robert Joseph (#3) of Reconciliation Canada is helping shape the conversation around the role First Nations will play in Canada’s future. Translink minister Peter Fassbender celebrates his win with the CBC's Andrew Chang. Ian Gillespie (#1) accepted his award by thanking the Vancouver Club for allowing him to enter the building, considering he broke the dress code by wearing denim! Tru Wilson (#20) sees her face on the cover of Vancouver Magazine's December issue for the first time.  Pick up the Power 50 issue of Vancouver,on newsstands now.