Meet Deborah 

I grew up in Colwood. I attended local schools like Colwood Elementary, participated in organized sports down at Westshore Parks and attended girl guides at the Colwood Hall. I moved away while pursuing my education and starting my career, but when it was time for my partner and I to expand our family we chose to live in Colwood. It was not a hard sell. I believe Colwood is the most beautiful corner of Greater Victoria – located on our amazing coastline and close to regional parks, great options for family housing and close to all the services we need. Returning to Colwood helped me share the best parts of my childhood with my own children.

Later, after taking our family to Australia for three years we chose to return to Colwood a second time, deciding to retire in Royal Bay.

You might be asking why the interest in municipal politics. Colwood is undergoing rapid change as developments like Latoria South, Beachlands and Olympic View progress. Effective local government is needed to maintain the quality of life we all enjoy as our community expands and welcomes new residents. Our community can grow but it starts with good long-term planning, policy and execution and that direction starts at the Council table.

I’ve spent over 25 years as a professional accountant auditing the BC public sector with the BC Auditor General’s Office. That experience gives me a unique perspective. I’ve had the opportunity to see what works for public sector organizations large and small. I understand how government works and will use that experience to help Colwood grow for everyone.

As an ordinary resident you can only influence change through engaging with your elected representatives.  Over the past two years that's what I've been trying to do.  Meeting with councillors and providing written submissions to Council on a variety of issues.  My submissions are publicly available on the City of Colwood website https://colwood.civicweb.net/portal/.   Here’s a sample of some recent changes I’ve influenced through my engagement that should produce positive results for Colwood going forward.

• Council will put greater focus on the city’s finances and operations through changes to the budgeting and service review process. There is significantly more work to be done here but it’s a start I intend to continue if elected.  
• Council passed a motion to develop a gentle infill strategy to thoughtfully consider how redevelopment occurs in Colwood’s established neighbourhoods.
• The maximum allowable size of any new housing built under the Province’s Small Scale Multiunit housing initiative is 25 to 50% smaller than originally proposed by staff depending on the required density (3, 4 or 6 units per lot)

This is just some of what I’ve been trying to influence in Colwood over the past two years. Better policy, better process and improved solutions that translate to better results for everyone.

I hope my approach for moving Colwood forward resonates with you. I’m informed, experienced, engaged and ready to make a bigger difference for Colwood. I look forward to meeting you over the campaign and hope I can earn your vote for a place at the Council table this October.

— Deborah