Saanich councillor announces bid for mayor in upcoming local elections

District of Saanich councillor Karen Harper has announced her candidacy for the position of mayor in the upcoming municipal election this fall. 

Harper announced her candidacy on April 14th, and has since launched a website to communicate with Saanich residents what she would prioritize as mayor. 

“After nine years on Saanich Council, I offer my experience not only as a councillor, but as a former senior vice president and CIO of a crown corporation, to help lead Saanich through what are likely to be rather challenging times,” Harper said in a media release. 

“Over the next few months I will meet with residents and local businesses in every corner of Saanich, to hear your ideas on how, together, we can build a Saanich that works for everyone.”

She says that her priorities would be to help make Saanich more affordable, sustainable and a place where opportunities can arise for residents. 

Harper was born in Malden, Massachusetts, but moved to Saanich in 1967. She moved away for a time as an adult for school and work, returning in 2000.

Her education includes a bachelor’s degree and teaching certificate at Simon Fraser University, and a Masters of Education from UVic. 

Following post-secondary, Harper worked as a teacher and librarian for 17 years and worked for the BC Pension Corporation from 2000 to 2010 as their former chief information officer. She was also a union worker with the BC Teachers’ Federation, serving as administrative staff for 14 years.

She was first elected to the Saanich council in 2017 and has served on many District committees since. 

According to Harper, when she isn’t serving as councillor, she is happiest when she is riding her bicycle, sewing, knitting and reading. 

Thus far, no one else has announced their bid for the soon-to-be vacant position of mayor of Saanich. 

Mayor Dean Murdock announced he would not be running for mayor again in February. 

Saanich councillors Natalie Chambers, Judy Brownoff, Teale Phelps Bondaroff, Susan Brice and Colin Plant have all indicated they will very likely be running for council again. 

Councillors Zac de Vries and Mena Westhaver did not indicate whether they plan to run when asked by Victoria Buzz earlier this year. 

Across BC, all local elections will take place on October 17th.