The next municipal election in Saanich is just eight months away and some members of the current city council have already announced their intent to run for re-election.
However, some have been keeping their cards close to their chest, or have outright announced they will not be running.
Most notably, Mayor Dean Murdock announced early this week at Monday’s Saanich council meeting that he will not be seeking re-election.
Murdock said the past year has been especially difficult for his family, as his wife Rachel underwent treatment for breast cancer.
While the mayor said there is no remaining cancer, he noted that the journey is not yet over.
“Public service is demanding. Being Mayor is more demanding still,” explained Murdock. “The full measure of that duty comes at a cost I cannot keep paying.”
Murdock has served Saanich as mayor since 2022, and before that as a councillor between 2008 and 2018.
As of this publication, no one has announced that they intend to fill the void Murdock will leave behind when he steps away from municipal politics.
Those who intend to run for councillor
Councillor Nathalie Chambers has announced that she will be running for councillor once again.
Chambers was first elected in 2018 and says she is keen to keep working towards finding solutions to the various issues facing Saanich in today’s age.
“I’m encouraged by residents stepping up as stewards, becoming politically active to protect what they love and to restore balanced, grassroots governance,” said Councillor Chambers.
“It has been a tough term dealing with provincial overreach, financial downloads and the ‘density is affordability’ model.”
Councillor Judy Brownoff says that she too will “very likely” be seeking re-election this October.
Brownoff currently serves as both a District council member and a director of the Capital Regional District (CRD). She was first elected to council in 1993 and has served every year since.
“There is still important work ahead, including advancing the Royal Oak Area Plan in a way that protects significant heritage buildings while supporting healthy, livable neighbourhoods for the future,” said Councillor Brownoff.
She added that she is also looking to strengthen Saanich’s Climate Action Plan to ensure the District continues to make meaningful progress.
Councillor Teale Phelps Bondaroff has also announced he intends to run for re-election.
Phelps Bondaroff was first elected in 2022 and has advocated for housing, road safety, accessibility and the environment throughout his time on council.
With respect to housing, he helped remove parking minimum requirements from new housing projects, which helps lower building costs and get more housing built faster.
The councillor has also been a strong advocate for safe active transportation, such as implementing more effective bike lanes, and improving transit in the region.
“This is a great start, but there is still a lot of work to be done, which is why I will be running for another term as a Saanich councillor,” Phelps Bondaroff told Victoria Buzz.
“We need strong progressive voices on Council to continue to tackle the housing crisis, improve affordability, and plan for the future.”
Councillor Susan Brice will also be running once again, as she has been serving the District since 2005.
She says that being a councillor has helped her understand and guide processes related to land use, environment, safety and financial responsibility.
“I look forward to providing a balanced and knowledgeable perspective as the next Council looks to make decisions that will ensure our continued livability and security,” said Brice.
Councillor Colin Plant has announced that will be running for his fourth term as a council member, as he was first elected in 2014. He said he also intends to run for re-election as a CRD director.
Though he says he plans on running, Plant told Victoria Buzz that he hasn’t made an official announcement about running for re-election because he’s currently focussed on being the most effective councillor he can be.
“I truly care about Saanich and this region and want us all to prosper,” said Councillor Plant.
“I want to help steward Saanich through these challenging times. I am committed to creating a sustainable future where we meet the needs of our current and future residents.”
Those who have not announced if they will be running
Of the two remaining council members, Councillors Zac de Vries and Mena Westhaver, neither has either confirmed or denied their intent to run for re-election.
Councillor Westhaver told Victoria Buzz that she is still undecided.
She says that for the time being, all she wants is to focus her energy and attention on the work facing the District right now.
Westhaver says she will announce her intentions by September.
Victoria Buzz reached out to Councillor Zac de Vries to inquire about his intentions to run for re-election. As of this publication, the council member has not responded.
Aside from Mayor Murdock bowing out, no other councillor has gone on record to say they will not be running again.
This means that thus far, six out of eight councillors have indicated they do plan on running for council, there are currently no candidates vying for the mayoral seat on council and the two councillors whose intentions are unknown may still decide to throw their hats in the ring.
Who do you think would make the best mayor for Saanich of the sitting councillors? Let us know in the comments.
