Valuing what brought us here
Metchosin affords its residents an uncommon quality of rural life. Over successive generations the district has evolved; but the pace of change has never threatened the core qualities that drew us here. Today, development pressures are mounting on our borders, and from within the community. Gradual change is inevitable; abandonment of Metchosin's character is not.
The late Councillor Moralea Milne was remembered for the clarity of her vision: “The environment is the lens through which I view every decision.” With the greatest of respect, I’ll borrow from that: valuing and sustaining what brought us here will be the lens through which I view every decision.
Priorities
A straightforward platform: keep Metchosin rural, spend within the means of our rural tax base, and rebuild a culture of respect and collaboration at the council table.
Rural Metchosin
Metchosin's potential in food security, climate resilience, and environmental stewardship has not been fully realized. I'll prioritize actions that sustain local agriculture and protect our natural areas.
When changes to the Official Community Plan or key bylaws seem warranted, they should come through a transparent process with meaningful public involvement; not rushed, not routed around the community. Recognizing and safeguarding the things that keep us rural is the job.
Financial stability
Capital projects should be constrained by rigorous needs assessments and honest options evaluation. Operating budget line items should be assessed against a clear picture of the costs incurred and the community benefits derived. Prudent financial management, built-up reserves, and a debt-averse posture protect us when contingencies arrive.
A case in point is our aging Fire Hall. It needs to be addressed; but the response has to be to scale. An oversized project would have enormous long-term consequences for Metchosin taxpayers, and those consequences would outlast the ribbon-cutting.
A collaborative community
The best decisions come through active listening and collaboration. Key decisions with long-term ramifications should not be settled on a 3–2 vote. I'll work to restore a consensus-oriented council culture; hearing from residents, staff, fellow councillors, and outside experts, defining issues clearly, and addressing them as pragmatically as possible. Impactful decisions should be made transparently and grounded in thorough due diligence.
A collaborative community also means valuing the volunteers and non-profits that embody what brought us here; with tangible policy steps that support their work, not just symbolic gestures.
Election day
General voting day
Saturday, October 17, 2026 · 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Metchosin School Gymnasium, 4495 Happy Valley Road
Advance voting
Wednesday, October 7 and Wednesday, October 14 · 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Metchosin Municipal Hall, 4450 Happy Valley Road
For official information and any updates, see the District of Metchosin's elections page.