Saanich Council Incumbent, Colin Plant

1. Are you familiar with the lingering issues created by the People, Pets and Parks Strategy in Saanich?

Yes. I am familiar with the concerns that continue to be raised about the People, Pets and Parks Strategy, and I recognize that this has been a difficult and, at times, divisive issue for many Saanich residents.

2. Has the People, Pets, and Parks (PPP) initiative been effective so far? Why or why not?

I believe it is still too early to fairly determine the overall effectiveness of the initiative. I understand the frustration of those who have concerns about how the changes are working in practice. At the same time, I am optimistic that as the changes become better understood, fully implemented and adjusted where appropriate, we will see greater community understanding and support.

3. What aspects of the PPP, if any, do you think need to change?

I am open to a review of the PPP after there has been a reasonable period of implementation. I believe it is responsible for Saanich to periodically review its policies and bylaws to determine what is working well, what is not, and where improvements can reasonably be made. To answer the question about possible changes directly, I believe clearer and more effective signage may be necessary. I also believe evening access should be considered in parks that currently provide the 6–9 a.m. access period. I supported adding evening access when this was considered by Council, although that position did not receive majority support. I remain open to hearing from residents about their experiences with the strategy as it continues to be implemented.

4. How do you see Saanich supporting education programs related to park, beach and trail etiquette?

I am very optimistic about what can be accomplished through education. This is an area where I believe Saanich can work constructively with community organizations, park users and other partners to develop educational materials, programs and clearer signage. Ultimately, we all benefit when people understand what is expected of them and why. Education and respectful communication can help reduce conflict and encourage everyone to share our parks, beaches and trails responsibly.

5. Is the $1.7M taxpayer funding allocated to the PPP the best use of those funds for Saanich? Why or why not?

As I voted in favour of these initiatives, I believe the funding was necessary to implement the direction Council adopted. I also understand why residents ask whether significant expenditures such as this are providing value for taxpayers. That is a fair question to ask of Council, and I believe we have a responsibility to continue assessing how effectively public funds are being used.

6. Are you familiar with the Peg and Post fencing added to PKOLS this year? Do you support spending a further $270,000 to fully enclose the 1.7 km off-leash trail at PKOLS? Why or why not?

Yes, I am familiar with the fencing. I believe completing the fencing is necessary to fulfill the direction Council undertook and to properly implement the approach that was approved. I recognize that some residents strongly disagree with both the approach and the expenditure, and I respect those concerns.

7. In seeking to be elected, what do you stand for that you think would be important for our members to know about?

I stand for being willing to listen, explain my decisions and reconsider them when new information comes to light. My approach to public service is to listen to people with different perspectives, read what residents send me, meet with people in person and speak with them on the phone, carefully consider existing and proposed Saanich policies, and then make the decision I believe best serves the community. I want to acknowledge the division that the People, Pets and Parks issue has caused. I know that for many people this is not simply a policy discussion. Our parks are places people love, use every day and feel deeply connected to. I understand why changes to how those spaces can be used have generated strong feelings. I take no pleasure when a decision I make as an elected official disappoints a large group of people. When I voted, I believed I was making the right decision based on public safety and environmental considerations. I continue to believe that, while also respecting that thoughtful and caring people can look at the same issue and reach a different conclusion. Disagreement does not mean we should stop talking to one another. In fact, I believe that is when listening becomes most important. As with all of my decisions at the Saanich Council table, I remain willing to meet with residents, hear their concerns and discuss why I voted the way I did. I have continued conversations with CRD DOGGS leadership, individual dog owners and other residents, including people who disagree with my decisions. I hope to return to Saanich Council to continue serving this wonderful place we call home. If I am fortunate enough to do so, I will continue trying to approach difficult issues with an open mind, respect for different perspectives and a willingness to listen. Thank you for the opportunity to answer these questions and for the advocacy and engagement of your members. I can be reached at colin@colinplant.com.