I love Esquimalt- the mix of people, strong sense of community and “live and let live” attitude.
I’m running for Esquimalt Council because I want to help our community actively tackle our housing and climate crises and make Esquimalt an even better place for families, children, and seniors to live in and get around.
Over the next weeks, I’ll be out talking to Esquimalt residents about what they see as our community’s priorities, and showing that I can be a positive advocate for your aspirations for Esquimalt.
My Priorities
Housing Affordability
Like everywhere in BC and Canada, too many people in Esquimalt are struggling to find affordable accommodation. Too many families and individuals are having to leave Esquimalt because they are unable to find housing that meets their needs and/or income levels. While affordable housing is largely a provincial and federal jurisdiction, there is a lot Esquimalt can do to help make housing more affordable.
Climate Change
Esquimalt, like many governments, has a long history of setting ambitious climate change targets, and then not doing much to ensure we actually meet them. Rather than making a big deal of our targets and intentions, I’d like Esquimalt to start developing some concrete actions and policies to match its ambitious plans and targets.
Safe Streets and Active Transportation
Esquimalt is a great place to walk and bike: but it could be so much better! There are many areas that lack sidewalks, and many vehicles don’t respect speed limits or stop signs in residential neighbourhoods. Where they do exist, many of our sidewalks and overall street design does not meet current standards for safe and comfortable pedestrian areas. We need to make Esquimalt’s streets feel safer for children and adults so more people feel comfortable walking and biking in our community.
Good Governance and Financial Management
The most important role of a council is governance and financial management. Council sets priorities and ensures that progress is being made towards these priorities. Taxpayer funds are limited, especially now given the economic climate, and need to be used with great care. Careful alignment of budgets with priorities is important.
Latest Updates
- 2025 Budget: Sewer Infrastructure
[As Council struggles with a draft budget increase of 14.5%, I thought I’d write a few posts summarizing some of the key drivers behind staff’s proposed increases. I’m planning on following up with posts on the Police Budget, new FTEs requested, as well as the Capital Plan in general. I do want to be clear… Read More »2025 Budget: Sewer Infrastructure - Thoughts after a year on CouncilI’ve been reflecting on my first year on the Esquimalt Council—it has been quite a year, filled with a lot of reading, meeting lots of new people from across the region and a significant amount of learning. Despite my years of experience in municipal policy and having a keen interest in cities, local governments, and… Read More »Thoughts after a year on Council
- My Responses to Esquimalt Chamber of Commerce QuestionsHere’s my responses to the Chamber’s questions. I did submit them by deadline Sunday night, but apparently some technological gremlins prevented them from being posted. Below are my answers in full: Candidate Statement I want Esquimalt to articulate a vision of what we want to see – and I interpret a vision as being a… Read More »My Responses to Esquimalt Chamber of Commerce Questions
- My vision for Esquimalt (from Chamber of Commerce All-Candidates Meeting)The Esquimalt Chamber of Commerce hosted an All-Candidates meeting last Thursday at the Esquimalt High School. We were asked to answer questions relating to business development in Esquimalt and make a 2-minute candidate statement. Here’s what I said in my two minutes about my vision for Esquimalt and its business development: I want Esquimalt to… Read More »My vision for Esquimalt (from Chamber of Commerce All-Candidates Meeting)
- Video of All Candidates Meeting (Sept 28)Last week the Esquimalt United Church and ECO, the Esquimalt Climate Organizers, hosted an all-candidates meeting. The meeting was broadcast on Zoom and was also recorded. The video of the event can be found on Youtube: https://youtu.be/b5w-1GqQXek Each candidate was asked to prepare a 4 minute statement as well as answer questions from the audience.… Read More »Video of All Candidates Meeting (Sept 28)
Contact Duncan
I’m often out walking in Esquimalt with our lively dog, Poppy. Please feel free to stop me to chat!
I’m also happy to meet anyone for tea or coffee – drop me an email at duncan@duncancavens.ca or send me a direct message on Social Media.
Feel free to leave me a message on 250.412.3830