Do you live in Oak Bay?
Yes I do and I have two homes here - one in North Oak Bay and one in South Oak Bay. ( where I live currently). I enjoy bringing our older homes “back to life” and have updated these two homes in the past four years.
Are you in favour of some form of amalgamation in the Capital Region?
I certainly support posing the question on the upcoming municipal ballot and then working towards realizing the wishes of our local electorate. I think this effort and discussion should be led by the provincial government as in Ontario ( e.g Toronto and Ottawa where I have lived).
I have lived in communities with well run amalgamated services and in others with well run local services. Both work.
What is your vision for sewage treatment in Oak Bay?
The solution is long overdue. I have listened to the scientists who say we do not need to invest in new infrastructure; studied the single plant solution and I have seen the spills at Cadboro Bay ( where I walk my dogs in summer) and believe that we need to land on a solution and soon.
Do you think speed limits should be lowered in high crash areas?
Yes
Should mobility scooters be regulated?
Yes - there are people who scoot on the sidewalk and people who scoot in the bicycle lanes. I love to see everyone out and about and believe that we need rules of the road so that walkers, cyclists, scooters and motorized vehicles ( cars and buses) can co-exist.
Is a deer cull necessary?
A solid regional deer management strategy and implementation plan is necessary. This plan must be developed by all partners and not be left to Oak Bay to go it alone. Killing 25 deer in Oak Bay will simply not solve the problem of urban deer.
Should secondary suites be legalized?
We have many suites in our older existing homes. I have seen close to 200 homes across this community when searching for a one level home to renovate for the next stage of my life - almost all with suites. Most provide safe, livable accommodation and are used by students attending UVIC or Camosun. Some suites require updating in order to be safe which is why I support this move to regulate secondary suites. I believe it is important to relax today’s code when these suites are regulated as most cannot comply without causing serious financial hardship to homeowners. Where possible such suites should exist in owner occupied homes in order to “fit” better with the community. I believe we should celebrate our proximity to the post secondary institutions close by and bring this into the open.
Yes the suites should be regulated and any new houses built should be built to the standard required to accommodate a suite.
Does Oak Bay need stronger noise bylaws?
No
Should Oak Bay allow more freedom for dogs?
I am a dog owner and dog lover but believe that there are irresponsible owners and some breeds that require certain limitations. We have wonderful off leash walking areas and I have enjoyed all of them with my two labs. I believe that we should walk our dogs on the leash on the street and in shopping areas although I have met people who do not share this view. We need to be sensitive to non dog owners and other cultures as we care for our pets in responsible ways.
Do you agree with the basic principles in the new OCP?
Yes - I was a member of the advisory committee and believe that we listened well to the concerns of our residents. That said, this is still a high level vision document and much work still needs to be done. As well we need to be open - not start over - as the expressed needs and wants of our residents change. We must be open and willing to change course.
Should council encourage more filming opportunities in Oak Bay?
Yes - we need to have a strong economic base in Oak Bay and this is one means that has worked well. I understand that many people found the Gracepoint filming disruptive to our everyday lives but personally I welcomed the extra income and interest in our community.