I’m in it for the long run!
Hello Esquimalt! I am hoping to gain your confidence and trust over the campaign leading up to voting day on October 17, and over the next four years of Esquimalt Town Council. Having been in regular attendance at Council since January, I have gained insights and knowledge that I feel will help me in making decisions that are reasonable, practical and maybe most importantly consistent.
Esquimalt has experienced rapid growth over the past four years, with developers adding 2,000+ more units than our provincial targets. With those kind of numbers, and with a healthy 3 percent vacancy rate, we can now consider proposals even more carefully.
Public consultation will continue to be a cornerstone of Council’s approach, and I fully support seeking resident feedback regarding what Esquimalt needs.
Early in the next term, Council will be recalibrating its Official Community Plan during a comprehensive review process, and I am excited about working on that. I am also looking forward to further developing the Active Transportation Network Plan.
There is a lot of work to do in the next four years. I have the energy, the commitment and a middle-of-the-road common-sense attitude that I believe makes me one of six great choices you can make this year!
Platform
I Believe In An Esquimalt That Is…
Affordable
I will be your champion for keeping expenditures and taxes reasonable
• This year, Council had to make some tough decisions during the budget process and that meant some trimming to keep expenses as low as possible while maintaining key commitments to infrastructure. Our ongoing relationship with Victoria Police Department will continue to be revisited over the next four-year-term, and my goal is to get maximum value from that commitment.
Safe
I will support policing and public safety initiatives in Esquimalt
VicPD Chief Fiona Wilson has made several appearances at Council, and indications are that we will be getting more face-time with officers in our community. The new Public Safety building is due to complete construction in early 2027, and will be a major benefit to Esquimalt. As well, I am committed to improving safety for pedestrians (e.g., 30km/h speed limits, flashing lights at crossings, new sidewalks) and cyclists (e.,g protected bike lanes and signage).
Connected
I will help build bridges with business, community groups and Council
Esquimalt is now an increasingly attractive place for businesses to locate, or even re-locate to. Recently, we have seen CTV move from downtown into the Town Square office space, and the past four years have seen more businesses choose Esquimalt. We need to recognize the importance of business to the fabric of our community, both with our support and patronage but also by getting out of the way and not being an impediment to growth.
Active
I will work to maintain and improve our parks and recreation opportunities
Esquimalt is like many communities that have aging infrastructure with their recreation facilities. I want to ensure that we continue to support initiatives like improvements to Archie Browning Arena, as well as new proposals, especially if they offer more opportunities for youth. I will also support proposals that increase accessibility to all facilities, as well as to our wonderful parks.
About Me
Esquimalt has been my home since 2019. I live in Saxe Point with my wife Val, son Nick, mother-in-law Katherine and 9-pound mutt Julie. I work in the software industry as a content designer for a Canadian company that enables charitable giving in the workplace, and I have experience sitting on community boards as well as strata councils.
I’m also a writer, with a blog you might enjoy.
Since moving to Esquimalt, I have been involved in a ton of activities that cemented my love for this community and its wonderful advantages.
I live, work – and run – on the traditional lands of the Songhees Nation and the Esquimalt Nation.
Volunteering My Time
- Removing invasive species in Gorge Park with Green Teams
- Packing hygiene kits and sorting clothes with Soap for Hope
- Working on the tear-down crew at Buccaneer Days
- Greeting and issuing ID bracelets at Ribfest
- Course marshalling for the Esquimalt 5K Run
Being Active & Involved
- Leading and managing the Esquimalt Run Club (with generous sponsorship and support from Greg at ERC)
- Participating in runs and triathlons, playing hockey at Archie Browning arena, curling at the Esquimalt Curling Club, swimming at the Esquimalt Recreation Centre
- Walking with our dog Julie to all the wonderful parks: Saxe Point, Macaulay, Captain Jacobson, High Rock, Gorge Park
Engaging in the Community
- Attending Council meetings regularly (since January)
- Hosting TCAC Urban Arts Tour at our home
- Meeting with condo residents at Swallows Landing, attending Greenwood Block Party
- Making regular visits to the Farmer’s Market
- Enjoying live music at the Memorial Park Music Fest
- Participating in Benji Duke’s Pub Trivia events
Supporting Local Business
- Attending webinars and events hosted by the Chamber of Commerce (e.g., a primer on Small Scale Multi Unit Housing)
- Ensuring all my key services are Esquimalt-based: dentist, optometrist, RMT, barber, mechanic, etc.