CLIMATE CHANGE

From last year’s heat dome that killed so many British Columbians, and the “atmospheric rivers” that created havoc around the Province, to the droughts, wildfires and weather extremes that have impacted our farming communities, our food security, our economy and even our way of life = EVERYONE I talk to is recognizing that Climate Change is building rapidly and must be addressed comprehensively. I agree, and I will continue to work to ensure that everything we do as a Council, and as a municipality, takes climate change impacts into consideration. Climate Change can no longer be an afterthought or a sideline — it must be front and centre in all of our deliberations.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Everyone deserves a decent, dignified and safe place to live. They are worried about whether their children or grandchildren will ever be able to afford a home in this area. Renters are finding their options limited more and more every day. Resolving the housing crisis will take all levels of government working together, but at the municipal level we can — and need to — lead the way in making sure that we create more variety in housing types that will result in “truly affordable” housing that meets the needs of our work force, families, seniors, singles and single parent households. 

ENHANCED MOBILITY OPTIONS

Not everyone can (or wants to) drive a car everywhere they go. Buses don’t work for all circumstances. But being able to be mobile, and being able to get around the community effectively and safely is critical for everyone, every day. We need to continue to build transportation infrastructure that includes real options for all ages, all abilities and all needs — it includes walking options (safe sidewalks and trails), cycling trails and safe routes, safe routes to our schools, accommodations for mobility aids (scooters, etc.), enhanced transit (including improved Handidart options), improved road safety (including the interactions with all the other modes of transportation). And all of this will lead us to create and support more livable neighbourhoods.

ENVIRONMENT AND PARKS

Saanich residents have always been understanding of the need for good parks and greenspaces in our community, and we are justifiably proud of the many parks we’ve been able to create so far. But there is a growing recognition that we need to do more — and to do it soon. The World Health Organization (and many others) have clearly demonstrated that there is a direct relationship between our health and our access to parks and recreation areas. As our community continues to grow, it is critical that our investments in infrastructure and housing are not only equitable and balanced, but also ensure growing access to high quality greenspaces as well. It’s about our well-being, and, everything is connected from housing, mobility and greenspace, to create a healthy community for all!

TREE CANOPY STRATEGY

There is growing awareness of the critical role that trees play in mitigating the destructive impacts of climate change. In particular, they are a critical part of heat mitigation — and just as important as other forms of infrastructure. Trees help stabilize our climate in general, and also go a long way to making our communities more livable. We need to continue to protect our existing tree canopy in Saanich, and work even harder to increase it — we need to adopt a Tree Canopy Strategy for our future. Trees matter!