MAYOR ACCLAIMED: DAVID SCREECH
Damian Kowalewich*, 37, police officer damiank.ca Top three issues:
1. Traffic- I knocked on over a thousand doors last year and I heard loud and clear that traffic is the top issue in View Royal. 2. Community Engagement- This has two parts. First, to lay a foundation for everything, residents need to feel valued and heard by council. Second, to build engagement, we also need to create more opportunities for our town residents and businesses to come together for fun, family-friendly community events. 3. Sustainability- We must ensure that View Royal is vital and sustainable. This means finding ways to have thoughtful development, while protecting the natural environment.
One big idea:
I promised to bring more community events to our Town. We recently hosted an Arts fest that I championed. It brought residents from all ages out to the family friendly event that included an art contest, children’s activities, and live music. I plan to continue these types of events and collaborate with local businesses.
Gery Lemon, communications consultant gerylemon.ca Top three issues:
Transportation: actively seeking regional solutions to the congestion that is stressing View Royal Healthy community: sustaining a town that is safe, green, active and welcoming and with social opportunities so that residents feel a sense of community Stewardship: maintaining the integrity of the town, mindful of tax dollars and property values.
One big idea:
My big idea: a town centre serving the heart of View Royal. Like Admirals Walk and Eagle Creek provide neighbourhood shopping and service centres at View Royal’s gateways, I envision a similarly accessible centre in the middle of View Royal on land already designated ‘town centre’ in the official community plan.
Ron Mattson*, 65 facebook.com/ Re-elect-RonMattson-20181657893540989100 Top three issues:
1) Addressing local and regional traffic issues: 2) Addressing housing affordability to improve housing options for young families: 3) Making further progress on making View Royal the Best Place to Call Home — keeping taxes low, expanding and improving our system of parks and trails, improving recreational options for children and youth, maintaining the Town’s character and charm, adding additional safe walking and cycling routes, improving the Town’s communication with residents.
One big idea:
More Town-wide and (e.g., Canada Day Celebration and Arts Festival) local area events (e.g., block parties, and area celebrations — Chilco Trail Opening Celebration) to promote a strong sense of community in the Town and in individual areas and neighbourhoods. We need to do more to create an enhanced sense of place and identity by drawing on the Town’s array of parks, trails and recreational activities, as well as its unique waterfront setting. View Royal, simply the Best Place to Call Home.
John Rogers*, 67, retired systems analyst, Corrections Branch reelectrogers.ca Top three issues:
Traffic congestion. Our quality of living, and economic prosperity, is dependent on a modern multi-modal transportation solution. We need rapid transit / HOV lanes on the TCH, plus an efficient transit service on the E&N Corridor. Housing; Find innovative ways to increase affordable housing (while not compromising existing renters), that is near amenities and transit. Fiscal management: Balance fiscal priorities for municipal services (policing), while keeping taxes reasonable.
One big idea:
To work with stakeholders like transit, Island Corridor, and property owners to develop commercial / density residential nodes, such as the Atkins Thetis Interchange and Fort Victoria. Rapid bus, regional trails, park & ride facilities would enable compact successful commercial centres. These vibrant modern hubs would have great services, high speed internet, park amenities, ocean access and transit services in 6 different directions.