A Safe and Prepared Community

I support strengthening public safety through prevention, preparedness and effective response services that help every resident feel safe and supported in their community.

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Public safety is more than policing. It includes fire protection, emergency medical access, disaster preparedness, safe roads and public spaces, effective bylaw enforcement and coordinated responses to mental-health, addiction and homelessness challenges.

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Support Effective Response Services

Police, firefighters, emergency personnel and bylaw officers need appropriate staffing, training, equipment and infrastructure. Council should establish clear service standards, monitor response capacity and ensure that population growth and new development do not outpace emergency services' capacities.

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Transportation and land-use decisions must also protect emergency response access.

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Invest in Prevention and Preparedness

My career as a forest firefighter and emergency manager has shown me that effective and timely investments in prevention and preparation save lives, reduce damage and lower long-term costs.

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Saanich must prepare for more frequent and more severe climate-driven emergencies, as well as for a major seismic event. Effective preparation will include resilient infrastructure, evacuation planning, public education, neighbourhood preparedness and support for vulnerable residents.

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Balance Compassion and Accountability

Homelessness, addiction and mental illness require coordinated housing, treatment, outreach and recovery services. These are regional challenges that require cooperation with other municipalities, First Nations, health authorities and the Province.

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Compassion does not require accepting violence, trafficking, property crime or dangerous behaviour. Everyone has the right to use streets, parks, transit and businesses safely. Enforcement should be lawful, proportionate and focused on harmful conduct while recognizing that poverty and illness alone are not crimes.

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Measure What Works

Public-safety spending should be evidence-based and rely on clear responsibilities and measurable outcomes. Council should report openly on service demands, response performance, prevention initiatives and regional partnerships.

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A safe community is one where residents know they will receive help when they need it, risks are addressed before they become crises, and everyone is treated with dignity and fairness.

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