Priorities and Commitments
North Cowichan is growing. My priorities are focused on managing that growth responsibly while protecting what matters, strengthening our community and creating opportunity for current and future generations.
My top priorities are:
1. Protecting Taxpayers through Fiscal Responsibility
Residents deserve responsible financial management and good value for every tax dollar.
As the costs and responsibilities downloaded to local governments continue to increase, Council must be disciplined about spending, service delivery, infrastructure investment and the long-term financial consequences of development decisions.
Fiscal responsibility means looking beyond the immediate benefits of development and asking who will ultimately pay to operate, maintain and replace the infrastructure it requires.
North Cowichan has significant infrastructure liabilities. Roads, water systems, sewer systems, buildings and other municipal assets require ongoing maintenance and eventual replacement. We need to ensure that new development does not add to the infrastructure burden carried by future taxpayers. Read the article -> Our big fat insfrastructure problem
Responsible growth means directing development toward locations that make efficient use of existing infrastructure and provide a reasonable return on the municipality's investment.
The principle is simple: spend wisely, plan ahead and make sure taxpayers receive good value for every dollar.
My Track Record
Throughout my time on Council, I have worked to protect taxpayers from unnecessary costs and ensure that any financial decisions made are based on good information rather than assumptions. Some specific examples include:
Growth Should Pay for Itself (2025)
I brought a successful motion to Council to reaffirm that new development proposals must commit to paying their fair share of the infrastructure and services they require, rather than shifting those costs onto existing taxpayers. Responsible growth means planning for the future while protecting today's residents. Read the article -> North Cowichan wants developers to pay for infrastructure costs related to their projects
Kingsview Development Financial Review (2025)
Before future phases of the Kingsview development are considered, I moved that Council obtain a detailed review of its long-term financial impacts. Understanding both the revenues and the long-term future costs of development helps Council make better decisions and protects taxpayers from unexpected financial burdens.
Read the article -> North Cowichan wants financial impact anaylsis of Kingsview development
Residential Tax Comparison (2025)
I requested a comparison of North Cowichan's residential property taxes with those of similar municipalities. Benchmarking gives Council and residents a clearer understanding of where we stand and helps ensure tax decisions are informed, transparent and focused on delivering good value.
Read the article -> North Cowichan tax levels lower than most study concludes
Responsible Investment Policy (2023)
I introduced a motion asking Council to explore a policy for municipal investments that would align investment decisions with Council's adopted priorities while maintaining prudent financial management. The motion recognized that investment decisions should balance safety, liquidity and financial returns with consideration of long-term environmental, social and governance factors.
My Commitments for the Future:
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Using tax dollars wisely, responsibly and transparently.
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Keeping spending aligned with community priorities, so municipal decisions meaningfully reflect the wishes of North Cowichan residents.
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Planning ahead for infrastructure, through strong asset management and a clear understanding of the long-term costs of maintaining and replacing municipal assets.
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Delivering cost effective services efficiently and accountably.
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Considering the full cost of development, including its long-term infrastructure, servicing and maintenance obligations.
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Making sure growth pays its fair share, so new development does not shift unnecessary costs onto existing or future taxpayers.
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Making better use of existing infrastructure, by focusing appropriate growth in village cores and established centres where services already exist.
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Supporting efficient development patterns, that help meet housing needs without costly infrastructure expansion.
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Avoiding long-term financial burdens, by resisting development patterns that leave taxpayers responsible for disproportionate infrastructure and servicing costs.
2. Safeguarding Our Environment
North Cowichan's natural environment is one of our municipality’s greatest assets.
Our forests, lakes, wetlands, rivers, estuaries, agricultural lands and marine environments support biodiversity, contribute to our quality of life, and form an important part of our community identity and economy.
These natural systems face increasing pressure from development, pollution and climate change. Protecting them requires more than simply setting aside individual parcels of land. We need to protect ecological connectivity, restore damaged environments, understand emerging risks and ensure new development works with—not against—the natural environment.
We need to protect the natural systems that sustain our community today so they remain healthy for future generations.
My Track Record
My record reflects a commitment to protecting North Cowichan's natural assets, addressing environmental risks and ensuring environmental impacts are properly considered in Council decisions.
As a Councillor, I have advocated for action on Quamichan Lake, biodiversity protection, and the development of an urban forestry strategy. I have also brought forward motions focused on protecting waterways, understanding environmental risks, and ensuring environmental impacts are considered in Council decisions. Some specific examples include:
Balancing Recreation and Environmental Protection (2023)
I successfully introduced a motion recognizing the importance of protecting sensitive ecosystems and natural areas as recreational opportunities and trail use expand. The goal was to ensure trail planning considers environmental impacts, supports responsible use of our natural spaces and preserves the places residents value for future generations.
Protecting Somenos Lake and Watershed Health (2024)
Following the Somenos Lake fish kill, when thousands of fish died over a two-day period, I successfully brought a motion to Council seeking a better understanding of the causes, current mitigation efforts and opportunities for further action to protect the health of the lake and watershed going forward.
Balancing Recreation, Transportation and Environmental Protection (2024)
I successfully introduced a motion requesting that the proposed Stamps Road to Bazett Road multi-use pathway be removed from the Master Transportation Plan pending further consideration of its environmental impacts, community benefits and long-term implications. This reflected my belief that transportation and recreation projects should provide meaningful value while protecting sensitive ecosystems, wetlands, agricultural lands and wildlife corridors.
Addressing Historic Industrial Impacts and Protecting the Crofton Waterfront (2025)
I brought a motion to Council requesting further investigation into historic industrial contamination and potential ongoing environmental impacts as a first step toward developing a long-term approach to clean up. Understanding past impacts is essential to making informed decisions about the future of the Crofton waterfront.
Protecting the Cowichan River Estuary from Emerging Risks (2026)
I successfully introduced a motion calling for investigation and collaboration with partners regarding potential fibreglass pollution in the estuary. This reflected a cautious approach to identifying emerging environmental risks before they become larger problems.
Protecting Agricultural Land, Rural Character and Food Security (2026)
I brought forward a motion reaffirming the importance of protecting agricultural land, maintaining the Urban Containment Boundary and strengthening food security. Responsible land-use planning is inseparable from environmental sustainability, community resilience and protection of the natural assets that make North Cowichan unique.
Protecting Water Quality in Beach Areas (2021)
I successfully introduced a motion requesting a review of options to improve septic-tank maintenance in environmentally sensitive areas. The goal was to reduce contamination risks, protect marine ecosystems and help ensure beaches such as Maple Bay remain clean, safe and enjoyable.
My Commitments for the Future:
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Protecting and restoring the health of our lakes, rivers and estuaries, with continued efforts to improve Quamichan and Somenos Lakes, reduce phosphorus loading, address pollution and protect natural waterways.
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Protecting biodiversity and building a connected network of natural areas, including Garry oak ecosystems and other rare and sensitive habitats, while identifying opportunities to acquire, manage or otherwise protect lands of significant environmental value.
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Protecting and enhancing our urban and rural forests through a sensible tree-protection framework, increased urban tree canopy and a community-supported management approach for the municipal forest reserve developed in partnership with the Quw'utsun Nation.
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Making development work with the natural environment, using site-adaptive planning and other approaches that protect sensitive ecosystems, maintain habitat connectivity and preserve greenspace, while encouraging compact forms of development such as conservation subdivision.
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Recognizing natural assets as part of our community's infrastructure, including wetlands and other natural systems that provide important environmental services and can help reduce infrastructure costs through green infrastructure.
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Restoring damaged and degraded environments and addressing emerging risks, including pursuing opportunities with provincial and federal governments to address historic industrial impacts and restore natural tidal flows in Osborne Bay/Crofton Harbour, while remaining alert to new environmental threats.
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Protecting agricultural land, rural character and the natural beauty of North Cowichan, recognizing their importance to biodiversity, food security, community resilience and the identity of our community.
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Preparing North Cowichan for the realities of climate change, by implementing the Climate Action and Energy Plan and ensuring land-use and infrastructure decisions address drinking-water protection, wildfire, flooding, stormwater management and other climate-related risks.
3. Building a Stronger, Safer, More Resilient Community
A successful community is more than buildings and infrastructure. People need affordable places to live, safe and welcoming neighbourhoods, opportunities to connect, and access to services throughout their lives.
North Cowichan must also prepare for the challenges facing communities across British Columbia: housing affordability, homelessness, substance-use disorders, mental-health challenges, extreme weather, wildfire, flooding, heatwaves and future pandemics.
Thoughtful planning can help us build complete, walkable and connected communities while reducing transportation costs, protecting the environment and making better use of existing infrastructure.
The goal is a North Cowichan where people can afford to live, feel safe, belong, and be confident that their community is prepared for the future.
Working toward reconciliation
A stronger, safer and more resilient community must include First Nations and start with recognition of the historic truths and ongoing realities of Indigenous peoples in North Cowichan and in neighbouring communities.
Reconciliation requires more than acknowledgement. I will continue working toward stronger government-to-government relationships with Quw’utsun Nation and other First Nations, supporting community-led reconciliation, and seeking opportunities to work together on shared environmental, social, economic and community priorities. This includes learning from Indigenous knowledge and perspectives, recognizing Indigenous rights and interests, and exploring opportunities for meaningful collaboration, partnership and shared stewardship, such as our work toward co-management of the forest reserve.
I have also made an effort to learn some Hul’q’umi’num’. For me, learning the language is one small but meaningful way of showing respect and deepening my understanding of the people and place we share.
Reconciliation is a long-term process. I believe it requires humility, persistence, respect and a willingness to keep learning and working together.
My Track Record
My record reflects a commitment to building a safe, strong and resilient community by listening to residents, working with community partners and preparing for future challenges. Some specific examples include:
Expanding Access to Youth Mental Health Supports (2025)
Together with Councillor Istace, I introduced a motion asking staff to explore how North Cowichan could support development of a Foundry Centre, including identifying possible municipal land or facilities. This reflected my commitment to improving access to youth mental-health and wellness services through community partnerships.
Supporting a Safer and Healthier Community (Ongoing)
The toxic-drug, mental-health and homelessness crises have created serious challenges for residents, businesses, first responders and local governments, including increased street disorder, crime and pressure on municipal resources. I have consistently supported the development and implementation of North Cowichan's community safety planning, including the SAFER Community Plan and the Cowichan Vision for Community Wellness. I have advocated for a balanced Four Pillars approach—prevention, treatment, harm reduction and enforcement—to improve community safety while addressing the underlying causes of these complex humanitarian and civic challenges with both compassion and accountability.
Preparing for Increasing Wildfire Risks (2025)
Together with Councillor Caljouw, I successfully introduced a motion requesting that wildfire preparedness become a strategic priority for North Cowichan. The goal was to strengthen planning, improve community readiness and ensure we are better prepared for increasing wildfire risks.
Making Community Connections Safer (2024)
I introduced a motion seeking further consideration of options to safely connect the community across the Trans-Canada Highway. This reflected a focus on transportation safety, accessibility and creating better connections for residents.
Preserving Our Community History (2026)
I introduced a motion directing staff to work with the Cowichan Historical Society to identify suitable, sufficient and sustainable space for the archives of the Cowichan Valley Museum and Archives. Preserving our history strengthens our community identity and shared sense of place.
Strengthening Council Effectiveness (2023)
I introduced a motion regarding Council conference attendance policies to support broader participation and continued learning among elected officials. Good governance requires informed decision-making and access to best practices.
My Commitments for the Future:
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Advancing an affordable and diverse housing supply by completing and adopting an affordable housing strategy, encouraging a range of housing types, sizes, tenures and densities, and assessing proposed housing against the needs identified in the most recent Housing Needs Assessment.
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Creating more walkable, complete and connected communities by directing appropriate residential development toward Village Centres, supporting mixed-use neighbourhoods, improving active transportation and transit connections, and streamlining approvals for projects that align with the municipality's housing, environmental and fiscal policies.
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Building inclusive communities for people of all ages and abilities by supporting integrated planning that considers accessibility, mobility, recreation, services and opportunities for people to connect throughout their lives.
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Strengthening community health and well-being by developing a Community Health & Social Well-Being Strategy and advocating to senior governments for increased investment in substance-use treatment, recovery and mental-health services.
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Supporting safer communities through balanced prevention, education and enforcement, including community policing, crime reduction, traffic-safety initiatives and programs such as Block Watch.
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Strengthening emergency preparedness and response by ensuring fire services have the resources and facilities necessary to protect residents and improving community readiness for wildfire, flooding, heatwaves, pandemics and other emergencies.
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Improving neighbourhood quality of life through an updated and effective noise-regulation bylaw and other measures that support safe, welcoming and respectful neighbourhoods.
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Protecting community identity and sense of place by maintaining the rural character residents value, supporting local neighbourhood planning, preserving important elements of our community history, and ensuring residents have a meaningful voice in shaping their neighbourhoods.
4. Supporting Agriculture and Food Security
Agriculture is an important part of North Cowichan's economy, environment and identity. Protecting farmland and supporting local food production can strengthen our resilience while creating opportunities for farmers, food producers, processors, tourism operators and other local businesses.
Local food production is about more than commercial agriculture. Across North Cowichan, people are growing food for their households, sharing with neighbours, keeping small livestock, and producing food on a scale that sits somewhere between a backyard garden and a commercial farm. Supporting people who want to grow more of their own food can strengthen community resilience while helping build a culture of food security from the ground up.
Growth and development must be managed in a way that protects current and potential agricultural land and minimizes impacts on farming operations. There is substantial capacity for development within the Urban Containment Boundary, creating an opportunity to accommodate growth through better, more efficient urban development while protecting our working agricultural landscapes. Protecting farmland may sometimes require different approaches to development, but development and agriculture do not have to be at odds.
We want to ensure that farmland remains productive, people have opportunities to grow and produce food at many different scales, farmers have a strong voice, and future generations have access to locally produced food.
North Cowichan also has an opportunity to become a regional food hub, building on our agricultural lands, farms, aquaculture, food-production and processing sectors
My Track Record
As Chair of the Agricultural Advisory Committee, I have worked with our agricultural community to help facilitate discussions between farmers, agricultural stakeholders, community representatives and municipal decision-makers. The committee provides advice to Council on agricultural priorities and helps ensure the experiences and perspectives of the agricultural sector are reflected in municipal planning.
Planning for the Future of Agriculture (Ongoing)
I have helped guide the development of a new Agriculture and Food Security Strategic Plan to establish a long-term vision for protecting farmland, supporting local food production and strengthening food security. This work recognizes agriculture as both an important economic sector and a key component of environmental sustainability and community resilience.
Protecting Farmland and North Cowichan's Rural Character (2026)
I brought forward a motion reaffirming Council's commitment to protecting agricultural land, maintaining the Urban Containment Boundary, supporting food security and preserving the rural character that makes North Cowichan unique.
Maintaining Agricultural Expertise During Important Planning Work (2026)
I introduced a motion to extend the terms of current Agricultural Advisory Committee members while the Agriculture and Food Security Strategic Plan was being developed. This recognized the importance of maintaining agricultural experience and local knowledge during an important policy process.
My Commitments for the Future:
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Managing growth to protect farmland and limit sprawl by maintaining the Urban Containment Boundary, focusing development within it, and ensuring development minimizes impacts on farming operations and allows agricultural lands to remain productive.
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Strengthening the viability and resilience of local agriculture by supporting agricultural water security and watershed health, encouraging regenerative and climate-resilient farming practices, and reducing unnecessary municipal barriers to viable agricultural and food-production businesses.
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Supporting small-scale and community food production by exploring ways to make it easier for residents to grow, raise and share food at household and neighbourhood scales, including community gardens, urban agriculture, small-scale livestock and other forms of local food production, while identifying and reducing unnecessary municipal barriers.
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Supporting farmers and the next generation of agriculture by exploring ways to improve access to agricultural land, supporting agricultural succession, and working with agricultural organizations to provide mentorship, training and opportunities for new and young farmers.
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Growing agriculture as an important part of North Cowichan's economy by incorporating agriculture, food processing, aquaculture and related businesses into economic-development planning and supporting opportunities for local agricultural businesses to expand and succeed.
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Building North Cowichan as a regional food hub by strengthening local food processing, storage and distribution infrastructure, supporting small-scale food and aquaculture production and processing, and encouraging agri-tourism that complements our agricultural lands and rural communities.
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Strengthening local food security and community resilience by supporting food production at household, community and commercial scales, expanding community gardens and urban agriculture, supporting local markets, and encouraging local institutions to purchase locally produced food where practical.
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Implementing the Agriculture and Food Security Strategic Plan with clear priorities, measurable actions, dedicated resources and annual public reporting on progress.
5. Fostering a Prosperous Economy and Meaningful Local Jobs
A strong and diverse economy is essential to a resilient and prosperous community.
North Cowichan needs good, meaningful and well-paying jobs, a healthy mix of businesses, and economic opportunities that strengthen our community while advancing our environmental, climate and social goals.
Our oceanfront, forests, farms, food-production sectors and natural beauty provide a strong foundation for economic diversification. We should build on these assets, attract businesses that fit our community, and protect the qualities that make North Cowichan a great place to live, work and invest.
We also need to manage our natural resources responsibly, support local businesses and processing, and ensure that more of the value generated from our resources and local spending stays in our communities.
The goal is an economy that is diverse, resilient and locally rooted—providing good jobs while capturing more value from the resources, businesses and talent of our community.
My Track Record
My work has focused on supporting local employment, retaining more value from our resources and encouraging economic opportunities that benefit North Cowichan. Some specific examples include:
Supporting Workers Through Economic Change (ongoing)
As a member of the Mill Closure Response Committee, I have worked with affected workers, community representatives and stakeholders to understand the impacts of the Crofton mill closure on families, livelihoods and the broader local economy. This work reflects my belief that effective leadership starts with listening and ensuring those most affected by economic change are represented in municipal discussions and advocacy.
Supporting Local Forest Jobs and Value-Added Processing (2026)
I introduced a motion advocating for greater consideration of fibre security and the impacts of raw-log exports from private managed forest lands. The goal was to support a sustainable forestry sector, retain more economic value within the region and protect opportunities for local jobs and value-added manufacturing.
Creating More Value From Our Resources (2026)
I introduced a motion advocating for development of a Vancouver Island Value-Added Wood Manufacturing Strategy. This recognized the opportunity to move beyond exporting raw resources and strengthen the forestry economy through investment, innovation, local processing and higher-value manufacturing.
Read the article -> Keeping more of Vancouver Island's forest value at home
My Commitments for the Future:
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Implementing the Economic Development Action Plan as a practical roadmap for economic diversification, investment, business growth and job creation.
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Building a more business-supportive municipality by streamlining approvals, modernizing regulations, improving municipal services to businesses and reducing unnecessary barriers to investment and expansion, while supporting the retention and growth of existing local businesses.
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Ensuring an adequate supply of serviced industrial and employment land to accommodate business expansion, new investment, local processing and higher-value manufacturing.
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Attracting businesses and investment that are a good fit for North Cowichan, building on our strengths in forestry, agriculture, food production, aquaculture, manufacturing, tourism and our natural and geographic advantages, while advancing our environmental, climate and social goals.
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Keeping more economic value in our community by supporting local processing, value-added manufacturing and responsible resource management that turn local resources and products into higher-value goods and good local jobs.
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Building a more innovative and sustainable economy by supporting circular-economy initiatives, exploring opportunities for an eco-industrial park, and encouraging business clusters focused on innovation, clean technology and sustainable production.
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Strengthening North Cowichan as a regional food and agri-business centre by working with the agricultural and food sectors to support food processing, aquaculture and related businesses, building on the work outlined in the Agriculture and Food Security priority.
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Growing tourism and outdoor recreation opportunities by building on North Cowichan's natural assets and supporting nature-based tourism such as mountain and road biking, fishing, kayaking, hiking and nature viewing, while continuing to support community organizations that contribute to this sector.
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Supporting a healthcare-related business district around the new hospital, creating opportunities for health-related businesses, services, employment and investment.
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Using municipal purchasing to strengthen the local economy by developing a local-procurement policy that keeps more municipal spending within North Cowichan and the Cowichan Valley where practical and consistent with public-sector procurement requirements.
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Building strong economic partnerships with Quw’utsun peoples, neighbouring First Nations, local governments and regional economic-development organizations to pursue opportunities for investment, employment, innovation and shared economic benefits.
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Promoting North Cowichan as a place to live, work and invest, highlighting our economic and lifestyle advantages to attract businesses, investment and workers while recognizing that quality of life is one of our community's greatest economic assets.
6. Managing Growth Responsibly
North Cowichan is growing, and growth can bring housing, jobs, investment and prosperity. But growth that is poorly planned or located can consume land inefficiently, undermine agricultural and natural areas, diminish the qualities residents value and create long-term infrastructure and servicing costs for taxpayers.
North Cowichan’s 2022 Official Community Plan provides a community-supported vision for managing growth over the coming decades. I believe Council should respect that vision and use it as the foundation for growth and land-use decisions.
Managing growth responsibly means putting growth in the right places, making efficient use of existing infrastructure, protecting agricultural and natural areas, providing more housing choice and building complete, connected communities.
My Track Record
My record demonstrates a consistent approach: listen carefully, understand the facts, consider the long-term consequences, and seek practical solutions that serve the broader community.
I have consistently supported development that is consistent with North Cowichan's Official Community Plan, which reflects extensive public consultation and Council's adopted vision for our community, and that is located within the Urban Containment Boundary where growth can be accommodated efficiently.
I have consistently opposed proposals that would encourage urban sprawl, reduce agricultural land, threaten sensitive environments, or create long-term infrastructure costs for future taxpayers. My approach has been to respect the community's long-term plan while balancing housing needs, environmental stewardship, fiscal responsibility and economic opportunity.
My Commitments for the Future:
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Focusing growth in the right places by directing development primarily within the Urban Containment Boundary and established centres, consistent with the Official Community Plan.
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Making better use of existing infrastructure by encouraging efficient, compact development where roads, water, sewer and other services already exist, before creating costly new infrastructure obligations.
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Protecting agricultural land and rural character by maintaining the Urban Containment Boundary, minimizing impacts on farming operations and ensuring growth does not unnecessarily consume productive agricultural land.
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Protecting natural systems and biodiversity by maintaining ecological connectivity, safeguarding sensitive ecosystems and natural areas, and ensuring development works with—not against—the natural environment.
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Expanding housing choice by supporting a range of housing types, sizes, tenures and densities, including more attainable and affordable options, in locations that can be efficiently serviced.
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Building complete, connected communities where residents can conveniently access shops, services, schools, recreation, parks and other amenities, while supporting walking, cycling and transit.
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Ensuring growth pays its fair share by considering the full infrastructure and servicing costs associated with development and avoiding unnecessary financial burdens on existing and future taxpayers.
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Supporting a strong local economy by creating opportunities for local businesses, meaningful jobs, investment and economic diversification while protecting the qualities that make North Cowichan an attractive place to live and work.
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Respecting the community’s vision by listening to residents, honouring the direction established through extensive public consultation and using the Official Community Plan as the foundation for land-use decisions.
The choice is not between growth and no growth. It is about managing growth responsibly.
My commitment is to help build a North Cowichan where thoughtful decisions strengthen our community, protect what we value and leave future generations with opportunity—not an unnecessarily large bill.