My Record
Regional Leadership • Committee Involvement • Taking Collaboration Seriously • Sustainable Growth & Housing • Modern Transportation & Careful Development
1. Regional Leadership
One of my biggest accomplishments was serving as Chair of the Capital Regional District (CRD) Board from 2018 to 2024. I led initiatives to establish a regional Transportation Service, develop Memorandums of Understanding with First Nations, acquire new land for regional parks, the establishment of a Foodlands Access Trust, Increased Canada Geese management as well as work on housing, water, wastewater and housing.
2. Committee Involvement
Over my time in office I have also chaired or served on committees dealing with:
• Arts and Culture
• Community Wellbeing
• Regional Housing
• Traffic Safety
• Hospital Board
• Transit
• LGBTQ+ inclusion
This involvement has allowed me to develop influence beyond Saanich itself.
3. Taking Collaboration Seriously
I understand that my colleagues on the Saanich Council and CRD board are elected – we are chosen by voters to work together on the priorities of our constituents. I take my role as a collaborator seriously, and am proud of the many accomplishments myself and my colleagues have achieved. At the same time, it has been my pleasure to promote:
• Greater public consultation before major decisions.
• Responsible growth rather than rapid development.
• Affordable housing integrated into new developments.
• Environmental protection and biodiversity.
• Investment in arts and culture.
• Improvements to transportation safety.
• Better engagement with residents during budgeting and strategic planning.
4. Sustainable Growth & Housing
Through my role as CRD Director, I was able to secure $50 million in funding for the CRD’s Regional Housing First Program, which garnered an additional $100 million in matching pledges from the Federal and Provincial Governments. Through this funding we have been able to complete several major housing projects that offer accessible units, affordable units, and deeply affordable units designed to help vulnerable people transition out of homelessness in the Capital Regional District.
Housing affordability is a multi-generational issue, and one that I take seriously. I was fortunate to spend my early working career in affordable CRD housing, and understand how important those resources are to the community, whether it’s getting young people started on the right foot, supporting our seniors as they make the most of their retirement, and everything in between.
At the same time, Saanich is a unique region with a strong agricultural base and ample ecological diversity. That’s why I’m careful when it comes to voting on proposed development plans. I prioritize sustainable growth that balances the needs of Saanich’s current and future residents. That’s why I never rubber stamp or outright dismiss development proposals, but make thoughtful suggestions on how these projects can be adjusted to maximize potential benefits for the region.
5. Modern Transportation & Careful Development
Over my time in office I have promoted updates to our regional transportation system that takes long-term planning into account. As a Saanich Councillor, this has meant leading the largest changes to the Quadra McKenzie Plan. Over the next twenty years, this development plan will see housing, jobs, transportation and tree cover added in the areas where people are most likely to live and work.
North of Saanich Road at Quadra St., new buildings will be capped at 4 stories, whereas some specific areas will see housing densification with larger and multi-use developments. This will ensure that Saanich residents have a variety of housing options available to them where they already work and live, as well as the bus and active transportation corridors needed to make getting around easier.
I am also proud that this plan will involve working with local Indigenous groups on Garry Oak restoration, as well as provisions to conserve natural areas for everyone to enjoy.
Recent wins in the CRD:
-Helped acquire the Royal Oak Golf Course for future park use
-Regional Foodland Access created
-Helped create and lay the foundation for Memorandums of Understanding with local First Nations
-Guided the creation of Performing Arts Facilities Service to protect our regional arts facilities
-Helped ensure the creation of the new Regional Transportation Plan Service
-Supported the creation of the Biodiversity strategy
-Supported enhanced Canada geese management to support local farmers
Recent Action in Saanich:
-Led the largest changes to the Quadra McKenzie Plan after listening to residents.
-Always looking to keep taxes low while delivering on the services Saanich needs
Whether you agree with Colin or not, you cannot question his competence, collaboration, and practical problem-solving.