Do you live in Oak Bay?
Yes.
Are you in favour of some form of amalgamation in the Capital Region?
We need to continue seeking opportunities for cost efficiencies and integration (sharing) of services (like emergency services, sewer, police, fire, etc). I’m not in favor of amalgamating representational government that would reduce responsivity to local needs. I would support a governance review of the CRD.
What is your vision for sewage treatment in Oak Bay?
We need to work with our regional partners to find the most effective, current, and cost-efficient sewage system affordable to taxpayers. Also, we now have Ministry approval to twin the Uplands sewer over a longer period of time to make this project more affordable to OB taxpayers. That’s good.
Do you think speed limits should be lowered in high crash areas?
Yes. To make OB walkable and livable we need safe streets. Reducing speed limits, signage changes, and traffic calming interventions are options to mitigate crashes. We could also consider updating a traffic plan to inform strategies to deal with increasing speed and traffic on particular corridors.
Should mobility scooters be regulated?
As per our Complete Streets Policy, roads must service all forms of transportation, so we need to look for opportunities to expand sidewalk width, and allow mobility scooters to pass while ensuring pedestrian safety. I’m not convinced more regulations are required at this time.
Is a deer cull necessary?
There has been a 300% increase in deer deaths since 2011 due to collisions, impalement in fences, and disease. Overpopulation creates an unsafe situation for both deer and residents. The provincial veterinarian advised that the most effective and humane intervention will require a cull and partnership with our regional neighbors.
Should secondary suites be legalized?
Legalizied suites provide a housing option that can ensure that suites are safe, meet minimum codes, and we can we collect fees for the extra burden suites put on the community infrastructure. We can also regulate on-site parking, own-occupied residency, where suites are permitted, and size of suites.
Does Oak Bay need stronger noise bylaws?
I’ve always thought Oak Bay was pretty quiet. People have complained about the noise of some heat pumps. We could explore ways to mitigate noise from such machines.
Should Oak Bay allow more freedom for dogs?
20% of people in OB have dogs, so we want to be dog-friendly and balance the needs of the broader community. This past term we added McNeil Bay where dogs can go off-leash. Most dog owners are responsible, though we could develop strategies to improve compliance with the poop bylaw.
Do you agree with the basic principles in the new OCP?
Yes. The OCP was informed by thousands of people in OB. It is a forward-thinking document that, unlike the former OCP, now addresses energy efficiency, sustainability, climate change, and housing options, and has provisions for development permit areas and design guidelines that give increased community voice to land-use decisions.
Should council encourage more filming opportunities in Oak Bay?
Yes. We can harness opportunities from filming to bolster tourism and our local economy. Film crews and tourists shop at our local shops, eat in our restaurants, and stay at our hotels. The municipality will need to develop policies that clarify working and financial expectations for residents and film companies.