Election Time Capsules
Saanich Voice Online (SVO) has once again asked all candidates running for Mayor and council in Saanich, Central Saanich, North Saanich and Sidney to tell us, in 60 words or less, what they would like to have accomplished in their elected post by three specific future dates.
We received responses from many, but not all, of the candidates. While are print edition just offered a single date’s response from each candidate that submitted, here we are able to offer their complete submission.
They were asked, what they would like to have accomplished in their elected post by October 1, 2019, by May 1, 2020, and by October 1, 2022. We’ve organized their response by the municipalities they hope to serve.
Here’s what they had to say:
Central Saanich
CARL JENSEN
What would you like to have accomplished by October 1, 2019
I would like to see the establishment of the next multi modal transportation plan identifying and prioritizing cycle and pedestrian projects for the next term of Council. I advocated for the initial plan, which helped us move forward a number of projects during the past term.
What would you like to have accomplished by May 1, 2020
I would like to see Central Saanich Council working towards an update of its OCP utilizing updated public engagement tools such as social media, online discussion forums, surveys along with the traditional methods of town halls, focus groups, presentations and public input to Council.
What would you like to have accomplished by Oct 1, 2022
I would like to see a completed Parks Master Plan identifying future recreational priorities in Central Saanich to ensure that the District is providing sufficient spaces, and facilities that meet the evolving needs of our residents.
www.carlforcouncil.com
Zeb King
What would you like to have accomplished?
I’d like to see Council continue to support Climate Action Plan goals of the highest energy efficiency for new buildings (Step Code 4 & 5) by 2025 – Step 4 by 2022. I hope that we protect the Urban Containment Boundary from urban sprawl. And I’d like to achieve better transportation options, safer transportation routes like trails and sidewalks.
www.zebking.ca
Gord Newton
What would you like to have accomplished by October 1, 2019
As a new councillor I think in my first year to have grasped the fundamentals of how council operates and brought forward a few motions to the table from the community.
I also want to begin meetings with MOT about a safe access off the Pat Bay Highway.
What would you like to have accomplished by May 1, 2020
Started community engagement on a new OCP and incorporate the current densification study into it. Have better BC Transit service into Brentwood Bay & Saanichton and neighbouring First Nations. I would like to see the Saanich Inlet and local beaches not closed due to high levels of pollution. Have implemented new road safety measures within the community.
What would you like to have accomplished by Oct 1, 2022
To have brought more young families and local workers back to Central Saanich. There are fewer children (under 19) today than in 2011 and I would really like to see a broader range of ages in our community, to support schools, local sports and to increase local workers.
In four years I hope to have at least begun an infrastructure project for a safe access off the Pat Bay Highway for local residents, businesses and tourists. Hopefully, this hasn’t been 4 more years of talking about it.
www.gordnewton.ca
Niall Paltiel
What would you like to have accomplished by October 1, 2019
I will have successfully worked with the community and the new council to establish a strategic plan for the upcoming term. We will look at the issues facing our community and vision where we would like to be in the next 5, 10, and 25 years. The plan will outline key deliverable items with respect to safety, affordability, and sustainability.
What would you like to have accomplished by May 1, 2020
Council will be nearing completion of our Active Transportation Plan. I will advocate to make this plan a strategic priority with our new council. The Active Transportation Plan will engage all road users to establish improved standards, timelines, and principles for Central Saanich. We will be working to integrate this plan into the new Official Community Plan (OCP).
What would you like to have accomplished by Oct 1, 2022
The District of Central Saanich will adopt our new Official Community Plan (OCP). As a council, we will spend considerable time listening to neighbours, farmers, and business owners. If re-elected to Central Saanich Council, my goal is that we will design an OCP that is forward-thinking and something that we can take pride and ownership – in.
www.niallpaltiel.ca
Kathryn Parfitt
What would you like to have accomplished by October 1, 2019
My main focus will be to define and understand the tasks at hand and assist heavily in the areas that I have prior experience, such as understanding the housing industry and its current challenges. Within this year it will also be a top priority to meet with the community on an ongoing basis and hear what they are saying outside of council meetings in order to bring their voices forward.
What would you like to have accomplished by May 1, 2020
Although a substantial objective, addressing housing densification issues requires immediate attention. I am hoping with the current council’s ongoing research in this area we will be able to find ways of keeping people in our community, and open up to sustainable growth in order to maintain the vibrancy of our businesses and municipality. Cannabis legalization will change our landscape and I am very motivated to move forward cautiously, in order to understand the potential negative outcomes.
What would you like to have accomplished by Oct 1, 2022
By this time, I will have proven to the residents of Central Saanich that I am the candidate who understands and promotes the community’s interests, and respects their opinions and positions.
Joshua Steeper
What would you like to have accomplished by October 1, 2019
Sidewalks. Get the disconnected stretches joined together and begin expanding to cover all school bus zones on arterial roads.
What would you like to have accomplished by May 1, 2020
Keating Overpass. Have a funding agreement with the Federal and Provincial government locked down with a start date for the build.
What would you like to have accomplished by Oct 1, 2022
Amalgamate. Our first election as the District of the Peninsula: Central Saanich, North Saanich, and Sidney.
www.VoteSteeper.com
Bob Thompson
What would you like to have accomplished by October 1, 2019
Draft plan for Saanichton village; management plan for Brentwood Bay; transfer of TIXEN to Tsawout; initiation of Active Transportation planning; resolution of farmer worker accommodation; completion of Mount Newton walkway
What would you like to have accomplished by May 1, 2020
Completion of the infill/densification review with adoption of updated design guidelines and long-term affordable housing plans; adoption of an Active Transportation Plan
What would you like to have accomplished by Oct 1, 2022
Adoption of an updated Official Community Plan
www.bob4council.ca
NORTH SAANICH
Joscelyn Barnard
What would you like to have accomplished by October 1, 2019
I would like to have forged a productive working relationship with our new CAO that emphasizes transparency and responsiveness to input from residents.
What would you like to have accomplished by May 1, 2020
I would like to have the Vision Sandown infrastructure completed and facilities open to the public. Major repair work needs to be done on the Pat Bay sea wall and I would hope at the very least to have made some progress securing grant money to complete the project.
What would you like to have accomplished by Oct 1, 2022
I would like to have done what I can to change the corporate culture at the district hall to be more welcoming of resident input and more receptive to interesting outside-the-box ideas that could enrich the community in terms of character, beauty, lifestyle, housing, recreation and employment. I would like the term ‘NO Saanich’ eliminated from the local lexicon and hear from more people that they had a great customer service experience at district hall, delivered by a can-do team of staff, councillors and mayor who want to listen to their ideas.
Heather Gartshore
What would you like to have accomplished by October 1, 2019
Building on the success of the recent update of the District’s Communication Strategy, Council will have identified ongoing opportunities for improvements that connect and engage residents; where appropriate, the IAP2 Spectrum of Public Participation will be consistently used. Council will be considering an application for non-market housing in the McTavish area, based on a recently adopted Affordable Housing Policy.
What would you like to have accomplished by May 1, 2020
A Long Term Operator will be in place to manage the 83-acre North Saanich owned Sandown lands; detailed financial planning for the property will be underway. A draft bylaw to regulate short-term rentals in North Saanich will be the subject of extensive community consultation.
What would you like to have accomplished by Oct 1, 2022
A North Saanich branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library will be operating on the Panorama Recreation Centre site. Flexible shared meeting and programming space will be well used by Peninsula residents. A thriving community hub, the new library will provide innovative opportunities for community members of all ages to gather.
Dorothy Hartshorne
North Saanich – Mayoral Candidate
What would you like to have accomplished by October 1, 2019
A comprehensive community communications plan implemented
What would you like to have accomplished by May 1, 2020
Municipal processes and policies reviewed, updated and streamlined to better serve residents
What would you like to have accomplished by Oct 1, 2022
A coordinated long-range (25 year) tri-municipal community plan for North Saanich, Sidney and Central Saanich in place
www.dorothyhartshorne.ca
Geoff Orr
North Saanich Mayoral Candidate
What would you like to have accomplished by October 1, 2019
A non-profit society to manage the Sandown agricultural lands is established and a 5-year plan is approved. Council has made a decision whether or not to do an OCP review. Council has initiated a local area planning process for Area 1 (McTavish). Light industrial properties at Mills and McDonald Park are connected to sewer. North – south trail to John Dean Park is complete.
What would you like to have accomplished by May 1, 2020
Long term taxation strategy approved by Council. A non-market housing project in partnership with non-profit housing providers has been approved. Marine policy planning and associated bylaw amendments are well advanced. Council supports policy measures to improve transparency and accountability through enhanced communications initiatives and adequate resourcing. Active and meaningful dialogue with Tseycum and Pauquachin on items of common interest.
What would you like to have accomplished by Oct 1, 2022
Ecological asset management plan is approved by council. Recreational boaters have access to a public boat ramp in North Saanich. Farm retail centre on Sandown agricultural land is a well-established and thriving enterprise. Multi-use Vancouver Island Regional Library facility is operating at the Panorama Recreation Centre.
www.geofforr.com
SAANICH
Trevor Barry
What would you like to have accomplished by October 1, 2019
Summer 2019, about a dozen Saanich Parks, 12pm-sunset, specified “picnic areas” – bylaw allowing for the responsible adult consumption of beer and wine at a family/friends picnic or BBQ. #growup #equity #moderniseliquor #saanichvote #smartsaanich #saanpoli #electmillennials
What would you like to have accomplished by May 1, 2020
A UBCM resolution regarding #BCpoli Local Government Act and Community Charter, legislative amendments that would allow more flexible municipal council governance:
– a #smallbiz seat on council, or otherwise strong/guaranteed voice in decision-making.
– term limits placed on Councillors, or failing that, e.g. 50% less pay each consecutive term.
What would you like to have accomplished by Oct 1, 2022
UBCM Resolution #1 above implemented; now for #2 … changes to BC Laws regarding property tax:
(a) no longer a flat tax: the first $100k in assessed value of primary residence (and growing harmonically per additional primary resident living there) is tax exempt. A revenue-neutral marginal tax rate is added above this “basic allowance threshold”.
(b) Mill Rates can differentiate by zoning (e.g. higher residential rates on luxury condos, less on affordable family housing in denser neighbourhoods)
www.trevor4saanich.ca
Susan Brice
What would you like to have accomplished by October 1, 2019
I will have received the staff report I advanced at council outlining a Saanich program including climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation strategy and stewardship program. Council will have endorsed a course of action.
What would you like to have accomplished by May 1, 2020
There will have been extensive public engagement and the council will have given approval to the policy principles and bylaws will be drafted.
What would you like to have accomplished by Oct 1, 2022
The bylaws regarding a comprehensive Saanich Climate Adaptation , Biodiversity conservation and Stewardship programs and a new improved Environmental Development Permit Area will be adopted following thorough public input.
www.SusanBrice.ca
Nathalie Chambers
What would you like to have accomplished by October 1, 2019
Restoring governance and trust with Saanich residents. Revitalizing the Spirit of Saanich. Hiring more by-law officers, quest for the best land-use practices. Regional Farmlands Trust, recouping money and restructuring the EDPA. Affordable housing dedication: and funds to affordable housing including review of all lands Saanich owns. Major improvements to sidewalks, roads (bus service) and major invasive species removal. In our parks we “must be the exemplar of all exemplars”. Tiny house zoning. More EV chargers. Reduce speeds on some areas. Focus on health/environment.
What would you like to have accomplished by May 1, 2020
Regional Transportation Authority, implementation of Saanich Legacy Stewards Tax Incentive program. Affordable housing explore/pilot: Co-op housing village, continue place making and community repair (Mark Lakeman). More, bus lanes and transport. Shift economy to local/regenerative. Preserve, revitalize and replace old buildings inside
Legacy Building through continued protection of green space and farmland. Increase civic engagement.
What would you like to have accomplished by Oct 1, 2022
A council that works well together and is now feeling a shared sense of accomplishment. We are looking fairer, greener, more democratic Saanich. We Saved King St Park, the Royal Oak Golf Course, have become more environmentally sustainable. We fixed Ash and our rural roads. We have added our protected farms: Haliburton, Madrona, Panama Flats and Sandown Raceway farms to the Regional Farmlands Trust. We have supported local business and now have made a Saanich label and Grown in Saanich label. We are more climate change and ER prepared, more resilient and vibrant. We are taking care and considering all residents. We have restored the Spirit of Saanich
www.nathaliechambers.ca
Zac de Vries
What would you like to have accomplished by October 1, 2019
Saanich’s public consultation process is broken. I would like to have created made public consultation systematic and efficient. I will also liked to have launched participatory budgeting, so residents get some more say in spending priorities.
What would you like to have accomplished by May 1, 2020
By this time I would like to have completed a Master Plan for Transportation that embraces multimodalism. Our Local Area Plans, which should be well on their way to being updated in a way that sets a vision for building around the transportation plan in a nodular fashion, so that we can move forward as a municipality.
What would you like to have accomplished by Oct 1, 2022
I want rents to be stabilized and our municipality on a trajectory towards a healthy vacancy
www.zacforsaanich.ca
Vernon Lord
What would you like to have accomplished by October 1, 2019
I hope to have a consensus from both council and Saanich taxpayers that identifying a location for a permanent location for a transient camp is needed and necessary.
What would you like to have accomplished by May 1, 2020
I will take the lead on a transient camp committee to work with both the province and other local districts for the common cause of the camp and sharing of expenses.
What would you like to have accomplished by Oct 1, 2022
If by this date we have a functioning transient camp established, with involvement from local charity organizations, homeless support groups, shuttle services, etc. If we can establish the infrastructure by this date and continue to improve on it over time I will consider my first term as councilor a success.
www.govern2018.ca
Rebecca Mersereau
What would you like to have accomplished by October 1, 2019
- I have established strong working relationships with all Councillors so we can advance common priorities.
- We (the Council) have empowered our professional staff to find solutions and opportunities.
- We have identified and advanced measures that will most effectively and efficiently address our housing and rental shortage (e.g. improve process efficiency, revise zoning bylaw, consider smaller lots and dwellings).
What would you like to have accomplished by May 1, 2020
- We have lowered speed limits on residential and selected collector roads and actioned a strategy for expanding our sidewalk network.
- We have established a relationship with Saanich’s business community and an avenue for ongoing dialogue about increasing commercial enterprises and neighbourhood resilience.
- In conjunction with engaged residents and stakeholder organizations, we will be implementing actions from a biodiversity conservation strategy.
What would you like to have accomplished by Oct 1, 2022
- A Regional Transportation Authority (or similar entity) is established and working toward a plan to move our growing population around more efficiently and sustainably.
- More rental, below-market, and ‘missing-middle’ housing (e.g. duplexes, townhouses, low-rise condos) exist in areas well served by public transit so young professionals and families can continue to live here.
- Saanich will be the most welcoming, customer-service oriented, and inclusive community around!
www.voterebecca.ca
Shawn Newby
What would you like to have accomplished by October 1, 2019
By this date, I would like to have collaborated with my fellow Councillors and municipal staff to reform some municipal processes to allow the municipality to operate more efficiently for residents and business owners. I would like to be creating a progressive strategy to deal with density, affordability and homelessness.
What would you like to have accomplished by May 1, 2020
By this date, I would like our municipality to be making substantial efforts to reduce spending and keep tax increases to an absolute minimum. I would like to see Council find a progressive and healthy balance between our need for environmental protection and our need for more housing for students, families and our aging population. Focusing economic growth in the appropriate areas allows us to protect other areas in Saanich that we all consider precious.
What would you like to have accomplished by Oct 1, 2022
By this date, I would like Saanich to be a frontrunner within the CRD. I want businesses to feel welcome and comfortable working within the municipality. I want homeowners to feel that their tax dollars are being well spent and to feel they live in a healthy and vibrant and well-governed municipality. Most of all, I want homeowners, renters, business owners, students to be proud to live in Saanich.
www.shawnnewby.com
Colin Plant
What would you like to have accomplished by October 1, 2019
New methods of providing the public opportunities to participate in the Saanich Budget and Strategic Planning processes are implemented and Saanich is seeing more residents engaged.
What would you like to have accomplished by May 1, 2020
Saanich has implemented an inclusionary zoning policy requiring a certain percentage of new multi-unit developments be designated affordable and designated at below market rates.
What would you like to have accomplished by Oct 1, 2022
Saanich has implemented a new, significant Biodiversity and Stewardship strategy to replace the Environmental Development Permit Area Bylaw (rescinded in 2018) that the public, professionals and Council all support and champion.
www.colinplant.com
Art Pollard
What would you like to have accomplished by October 1, 2019
I would like to see the acquisition of the King’s Road property for green-space.
What would you like to have accomplished by May 1, 2020
I would like to see the centering of a movie studio/arts centre for the Southern Island built in Saanich.
What would you like to have accomplished by Oct 1, 2022
I would like to see a multi sports recreational facility in Saanich.
www.artpollard.ca
David Shebib
Saanich Mayoral Candidate
What would you like to have accomplished by October 1, 2019
An answer from police re [alleged] false arrest during last farce of provincial election.
What would you like to have accomplished by May 1, 2020
Freedom for a person to make responsible decision without the overload of false laws hacked out by a corrupt CRD.
What would you like to have accomplished by Oct 1, 2022
Stupid government and sold out media a thing of the past.
Ned Taylor
What would you like to have accomplished by October 1, 2019
I would like to address pressing issues such as homelessness and safety concerns on areas like Ash Rd. These are pressing issues that we need to address immediately.
What would you like to have accomplished by May 1, 2020
I believe Saanich needs to lead in new, innovative policies such as phasing out harmful plastics and ensuring bylaw officers are employed 7 days a week, rather than just Monday – Friday.
What would you like to have accomplished by Oct 1, 2022
Over my four year term I would like Saanich to start creating real affordable housing, have a better transportation system by improving active transportation and public transit, protect parks and natural areas, and do all of this in a fiscally responsible manner.
www.votened.org
SIDNEY
Sara Duncan
What would you like to have accomplished by October 1, 2019
Sidney has a few environmental initiatives going on that I’d like to be able to help champion through to starting implementation of individual plans (Parks), completing the first draft plan (Urban Forest Strategy), and starting the framework and consultation (Active Transportation Plan). I’d also like to see something incorporated coming out of the community groups at the Sidney Summit.
What would you like to have accomplished by May 1, 2020
I’d like to have narrowed down which parts of the 2007 OCP the community and staff feel need review and updating, and a framework for the community consultation. I want to have in approval at least one more subsidized housing proposal, and one innovative proposal for market housing at affordable price (e.g. tiny homes), even if partnering with another municipality.
What would you like to have accomplished by Oct 1, 2022
We’ll have tested and started implementing infrastructure improvements per the Active Transportation Plan, we’ll have clarity on changes to zoning or parking bylaws that are likely to be issues rolling out from consultation on the OCP review. Council will have started discussions to add natural assets to our Asset Management Planning.
www.duncanforsidney.com
Barbara Fallot
What would you like to have accomplished by October 1, 2019
Create a new/revised Vision for Sidney
What would you like to have accomplished by May 1, 2020
Connect with stakeholders to expand our inventory of rental/purchase non-market and market housing. To develop & implement an environmental and habitat protection and management plan.
What would you like to have accomplished by Oct 1, 2022
To have completed the OCP review, brought about positive changes to the number of permanent new doctors in our town. To leave this term with a community feeling respected, heard and included in the decisions made by Council.
Scott Garnett
What would you like to have accomplished by October 1, 2019
I would like to see a community that has trust reestablished in its council. Hopefully the community will feel like its input is valued enough to come forward more often with its valuable input.
What would you like to have accomplished by May 1, 2020
This may seem grandiose but I hope we have created 200 affordable housing units in Sidney. This will hopefully alleviate some of the lack of employees businesses are dealing with.
What would you like to have accomplished by Oct 1, 2022
Sidney will remain a vibrant community with now hopefully 200-300 more affordable housing units leading to a more balanced income demographic in our town. Also, developments that are geared toward limiting their environmental impact.
Terri O’Keeffe
What would you like to have accomplished by October 1, 2019
I’m part of a new Affordable Housing taskforce. The # of affordable and adaptable units have increased as a result of our efforts.
We’re welcoming new doctors to the area after I’ve worked on our strategy with Island Health, local doctors and other municipalities
I’ve worked with Economic Development Commission to launch an employee recruitment and retention strategy.
What would you like to have accomplished by May 1, 2020
I have been an active part of the OCP review and Council now has a clear vision of how our community wants to see development in Sidney.
The # of affordable rental units has increased after I have worked with municipal staff, MLA and MP and community to reduce barriers to offering long term rentals in older homes.
What would you like to have accomplished by Oct 1, 2022
As part of the Affordable Housing taskforce I’ve been on, we continue to increase the # of new affordable housing units in Sidney and North Saanich.
After working with the local Arts & Culture community, the Province and federal government our plan for a new museum and community gallery is underway.
Steve Price
Sidney Mayor Candidate
What would you like to have accomplished by October 1, 2019
To have opened at least one new walk-in medical clinic in Sidney, recruitment of 2 to 4 new doctors and to have 50-100 new CRD below market rental housing units under construction, creation of new environmental committee for the Roberts Bay Area
What would you like to have accomplished by May 1, 2020
Attainable rental Housing constructed, new doctors in place, 4000 more patients taken off of the orphan patient role, close to zero % tax increases due to new revenue from new construction
What would you like to have accomplished by Oct 1, 2022
Doctors crisis solved, everyone now has a family doctor, ample supply of new housing for all segments of Sidney’s society, including rent geared to income, 0% tax increases to help our seniors on fixed incomes, construction of Sidney’s new Beacon Wharf Complex underway with new Satellite Fish Market in place
www.mayorprice.com
Chad Rintoul
What would you like to have accomplished by October 1, 2019
Completion of a comprehensive public consultation process and adoption of a renewed Official Community Plan and a review of the Local Area Plan. These tools, and stringent design guidelines would be used by staff, the Advisory Planning Commission, and council to ensure future development in Sidney is in keeping with public expectations.
What would you like to have accomplished by May 1, 2020
Completion of an additional or expansion of the existing walk in health care clinic in Sidney, utilizing doctors and nurse practitioners. This initiative must include attracting new doctors to the community within the practice and capacity to increase walk in patient services.
Improvements to downtown parking completed, to ensure free parking to visitors and increased staff and recreational parking in the East of Sidney. Beautification, improved parking and signage to West Sidney businesses.
What would you like to have accomplished by Oct 1, 2022
Approval of at least 4 and competition of at least 2 new multi-unit affordable housing projects in Sidney, creating rental and home ownership opportunities for seniors and low income families to live and work in the community.
Competed enhancements to the Sidney waterfront to allow for additional transient moorage and increase access to the town centre for visitors arriving at the Washington State Ferry Terminal.
www.chadrintoul.ca
Peter Wainwright
What would you like to have accomplished by October 1, 2019
I’d like to have restored the community’s confidence in Sidney Council and clarified the community vision for our downtown; improved relations with North and Central Saanich; and completed updating the Parking Bylaw, development of a parking strategy, an urban forest strategy, and the West Sidney village master plan.
What would you like to have accomplished by May 1, 2020
I’d like to have substantially completed the OCP review; implemented the Downtown Streetscape and Urban Design Standards; and investigated means of improving public participation in decision-making.
What would you like to have accomplished by Oct 1, 2022
I’d like to have seen the completion of another significant affordable housing project; completed the planning for and begun implementation of the redevelopment of Beacon Wharf; and have completed and begun implementation of a climate action plan.
www.peterwainwright.com
Stephen Weller
What would you like to have accomplished by October 1, 2019
Potential medical professionals, signed and working.
What would you like to have accomplished by May 1, 2020
Comprehensive plan for the west side of Sidney.
What would you like to have accomplished by Oct 1, 2022
Buildings started before June 2019 finished and full.
Chris Graham
What would you like to have accomplished by October 1, 2019
Official Community Plan Review will be started. It has been 10 years since the last review. We will check in with the community, making sure we share a common vision. There will be a desire for further infill and densification within the core settlement areas, while protecting and enhancing our rural and agricultural lands.
What would you like to have accomplished by May 1, 2020
Infill guidelines will be completed ensuring that future infill and densification fits in and compliments existing neighborhoods. New construction will be built ‘Suite Ready’, allowing owners an easy simplified conversion process to expand the affordable rental stock. A ‘tiny homes’ program will be started allowing some areas to site small moveable homes allowing for the creation of lower income rental stock.
What would you like to have accomplished by Oct 1, 2022
Construction of safe highway access into Keating will have started. There will be redevelopment in Keating and lower vacancies. New construction will be more green, and will require inclusion of electric car charging stations. We will have built an online directory of Central Saanich businesses to promote our businesses and to encourage people to shop locally.
