CENTRAL SAANICH COUNCIL
Chris Graham*, 40, accountant and farmer christophergraham.ca Top three issues:
1) Infrastructure renewal: not a ‘flashy’ priority but a critical one. Our hall was constructed in the 1960’s and it is a struggle to accommodate the needs of today. 2) Transportation and road safety: there have been accidents close to and on the highway. We have built a business case for improved highway access at Keating. 3) The official community plan (OCP) review: we must reach out to the community to help create infill and redevelopment standards that work with existing neighborhoods.
One big idea:
1) require new houses to be constructed ‘suite ready’, so if the owner wants a suite it is an easy simplified conversion process. Overtime this will help increase our rental stock. 2) All new construction is required to install electric car charges. This will help transition us to electric cars and reduce our Greenhouse gas emissions. 3) Use our business license process to help show case CS business on our website to encourage people to shop locally.
Carl Jensen*, 46, manager, client services carlforcouncil.com Top three issues:
The top three issues are: affordable housing, economic development and mobility. I believe in an “inclusive” Central Saanich that provides housing for families of all income levels, and I have demonstrated support of a diverse range of housing options. We need to support our business community as they provide local goods, services and employment. Finally mobility, which for me includes safe transportation options from a new overpass at Keating on the Pat Bay to bike and pedestrian trails.
One big idea:
I believe in more community building events around Central Saanich such as Music in the Park, Play in the Park and the Peninsula Country Market because these events are free, accessible and they get better and better every year!
Zeb King*, 43, senior policy analyst in the B.C. Ministry of Health zebking.ca Top three issues:
• Protect the Urban Containment Boundary during the review and update of the Official Community Plan • Develop policies to provide safe, affordable housing for young families and seniors • Promote safe sidewalks, trails and pathways while also continuing to lead the region with strategies to address climate change
One big idea:
One big idea that I have for Central Saanich is to build new public trails so that people can safely go from point A to point B while riding a bike, walking, jogging or riding horses. I’m committed to explore using the park acquisition fund to achieve this goal. Central Saanich has grown since it was created in the 1950s, and new safe public transportation networks are needed. I look forward to working with residents to achieve this goal and others
Gord Newton, business owner gordnewton.ca Top three issues:
Road Safety — Advocate for a new safe access off the Pat Bay highway for residents and businesses. I will also work on pedestrian walkways, lighting and road safety for cyclists. Housing — Provide affordable and attainable housing for young families, local workers and seniors. Promote the Keating Business District to diversify the local tax base and bring local jobs to our community so more people can work locally and spend less time commuting.
One big idea:
One idea I would like to see is the improvement of the Keating Business District. I would like to work with a variety of stakeholders to improve the safety, aesthetics, and overall usage of this vital area within our community. I believe this is an under-utilized area within Central Saanich and look forward to seeing revitalization and new investment here.
Niall Paltiel*, 25, small business owner and planning consultant niallpaltiel.ca Top three issues:
Traffic Safety — I am committed to work with Council and the community to develop an Active Transportation Plan which integrates safety planning into the Official Community Plan. Affordability — Through respecting your tax dollars and providing family, employee, farmer, and senior housing on the spectrum in the right places. Sustainability — Protecting and enhancing our shorelines, our farmland, our rural lands, and parks / trails for future generations.
One big idea:
One “big idea” that I have for Central Saanich is that we engage North Saanich and Sidney Councils to update our Official Community Plans. We need more cohesive transportation and development planning on the Saanich Peninsula and I have a proven ability to bring people together. This will ensure that regional goals (ie. the Keating overpass) are prioritized while working together to address some of the community concerns for today, tomorrow, and future generations.
Kathryn Parfitt, 35, financial services specializing in the housing market facebook.com/ kathrynforcouncillor Top three issues:
• Aging infrastructure and community accessibility • Responsible and sustainable housing expansion • Cannabis legalization and its impact on our community
Tayler Ruygrok, 28, dental hygienist ruygrok.ca Top three issues:
• Supporting local businesses and farmers • Accessible/ affordable housing for young families and seniors • Road safety but also respecting taxpayer’s dollars is always important
One big idea:
I would like to have a larger connection of trails and pathways throughout our community with clearly labeled signs to make it easier for people to travel by foot or bike.