Gilles has lived in Cabbagetown since 2005. He started his long civil service career in communications – writing, editing, and translating. He then did policy work. His last assignment before retirement had him planning and funding postgraduate medical education at the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. One of Gilles’ passions is the history of his adopted city, Toronto. Gilles chairs the CPA Walking Tour and Cabbagetown People committees. Gilles also volunteers with other organizations such as the Royal Ontario Museum, la Société d’histoire de Toronto, and Heritage Toronto.