Oak Bay voters will elect a new mayor and at least three new councillors on Nov. 19.
In advance of that date, residents have a chance to direct questions to council and mayoral hopefuls at two all-candidates meetings.
The first happens Friday (Nov. 4) in the Garry Oak Room of the Monterey Recreation Centre, 1442 Monterey Ave. The second goes Tuesday (Nov. 8) at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 2121 Cedar Hill Cross Rd. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for both events and the meetings close at about 9 p.m.
Three current councillors are vying to retain their seats in the Nov. 19 municipal election, while eight others are in the mix. Sitting councillors Hazel Braithwaite and Nils Jensen are running for mayor.
The meeting format allows people to direct questions to two candidates, after each candidate gives a two-minute introductory statement. The speaking order is determined by random draw.
If any candidates receive a disproportionate number of questions, moderator Keith McCallion, former principal of Mount Douglas secondary, can redirect the question to another. He will also eliminate duplicated questions.
Chris Harvey, former associate superintendent of the Greater Victoria School District, is facilitating the events with the help of the Community Association of Oak Bay and the North Henderson Residents’ Association.
ecardone@vicnews.com