What does Leadership Look Like on Council
A councillor cannot lead by acting alone.
Council is a collective decision-making body. No councillor can simply implement their own ideas. Leadership means helping the group make good decisions: asking questions that bring clarity to complex information, building trusting relationships, and bringing forward ideas that Council can consider, improve and ultimately own together.
Over my time on Council, I have tried to lead in this way: by treating colleagues and community members with respect, asking thoughtful questions grounded in the available information, and bringing forward constructive ideas.
I have also demonstrated an ability to work cooperatively across differences. I have co-authored motions with all but two of my fellow councillors, including colleagues with whom I have sometimes disagreed. In an increasingly divided and polarized world, finding common ground and working constructively with others is more important than ever.
Leadership also means being willing to put ideas on the table.
My record of bringing motions forward through the Notice of Motion process reflects that commitment. These motions are not simply a list of positions I have taken. They represent issues I have chosen to raise, questions I believe Council should consider, and ideas I have brought forward for Council to debate, improve and act on.
Much of this work happens in the background, but it is not passive. It is the work of building trust, asking difficult questions, moving conversations forward and helping Council make decisions in the long-term public interest.
That is the kind of leadership I have sought to provide on Council, and the kind of leadership I will continue to provide.
Putting Ideas on the Table: A Record of Initiative
The following is a record of motions I have brought forward through the Notice of Motion process. They reflect the issues I have chosen to put before Council and the questions I believe are important to North Cowichan’s long-term future.
2018
Cowichan Watershed Society Representation
Sought municipal representation in regional watershed governance.
Stoney Hill Forestry
Raised concerns about forestry practices and protection of community and environmental values.
2019
Proclamation Policy
Sought a clear and consistent process for community proclamations.
Forestry Advisory Committee / Municipal Forestry Review
Sought stronger advice and oversight of municipal forestry practices.
Quamichan Watershed & Lake Phosphorus Loading
Sought action to reduce phosphorus entering Quamichan Lake and improve water quality.
Climate Action for BC Communities
Sought municipal participation in a provincial climate-action initiative.
Urban Containment Boundary & Quamichan Watershed
Examined the relationship between growth, watershed protection and long-term servicing costs.
2020
Inclusivity Planning
Sought a more deliberate municipal approach to inclusion, diversity and respect.
Climate Action & Energy Plan / OCP Alignment
Sought to integrate climate objectives into land-use planning.
Environmental Advisory Committee
Sought to reinstate dedicated environmental advice to Council.
Biodiversity Protection
Sought greater consideration of biodiversity and habitat in municipal decision-making.
2021
OCP Stakeholder Advice
Sought meaningful community and stakeholder input into the new Official Community Plan.
Rennie Report & Pace of Growth
Raised questions about the pace and implications of growth and infrastructure capacity.
Sustainable Economic Development
Sought an approach to economic development that supports jobs while considering environmental and community sustainability.
Septic Tank Pumping & Water Quality
Sought stronger septic maintenance requirements in environmentally sensitive areas.
Bell-McKinnon Development Impacts
Sought a better understanding of the long-term costs and impacts of proposed development.
2022
Councillor Marsh Lost Remuneration
Sought to address lost remuneration resulting from Council responsibilities.
2023
Strengthening Council Effectiveness
Supported opportunities for Council professional development and exposure to municipal best practices.
Balancing Recreation and Environmental Protection
Sought responsible planning for recreation and trail use in sensitive areas.
Coastal Douglas-fir Conservation Partnership
Sought stronger collaboration to protect Coastal Douglas-fir ecosystems.
Responsible Investment Policy
Sought prudent investment practices aligned with Council priorities and long-term considerations.
Noise Bylaw Evaluation
Sought an evaluation of municipal noise regulation and options for addressing persistent concerns.
Master Transportation Plan Update
Sought transportation planning that reflects current needs, costs and community priorities.
Bylaw Deliverables in Business Planning
Sought clearer identification of bylaw priorities and deliverables.
Climate Emergency Priorities in Business Planning
Sought to translate climate commitments into specific municipal actions.
Parks & Trails Master Plan Update
Sought an updated framework for future parks and trails decisions.
Urban Forest Strategy
Sought a strategy recognizing the environmental and community benefits of urban trees.
Stamps–Bazett Road Connection
Sought removal of the proposed connection pending further consideration of environmental and community impacts.
2024
Making Community Connections Safer
Sought further consideration of options for safely connecting the community across the Trans-Canada Highway.
Protecting Somenos Lake and Watershed Health
Sought investigation and action following the Somenos Lake fish kill.
2025
Protecting the Crofton Waterfront
Sought investigation of historic industrial contamination and potential ongoing environmental impacts.
Growth Should Pay for Itself
Sought to ensure new development pays its fair share of infrastructure and service costs.
Expanding Access to Youth Mental Health Supports (with Councillor Istace)
Sought to explore municipal support for a Foundry Centre.
Preparing for Increasing Wildfire Risks (with Councillor Caljouw)
Sought to make wildfire preparedness a municipal strategic priority.
Kingsview Development Financial Review
Sought analysis of the long-term financial implications of future development phases.
University Village Town Centre Vision (with Councillor Hogg)
Sought a long-term vision for a vibrant town centre around VIU and the Cowichan Community Centre.
Residential Tax Comparison
Sought benchmarking of North Cowichan’s residential taxes against comparable municipalities.
2026
Protecting the Cowichan River Estuary from Emerging Risks
Sought investigation and collaboration concerning potential fibreglass pollution.
Supporting Local Forest Jobs and Value-Added Processing
Advocated for fibre security, local employment and value-added forestry.
Maintaining Agricultural Expertise During Planning Work
Sought continuity of agricultural expertise during development of the Agriculture and Food Security Strategic Plan.
Protecting Agricultural Land, Rural Character and Food Security
Sought to reinforce agricultural land protection, the Urban Containment Boundary and food security.
Creating More Value From Our Resources
Advocated for a Vancouver Island Value-Added Wood Manufacturing Strategy.
Preserving Our Community History
Sought sustainable space for the Cowichan Valley Museum and Archives.