Saanich Council Candidate, Kathleen Burton

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

YES, I am familiar.

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

I believe this to be a loaded question with what may be interpreted as a loaded response because the answer is sort of, in that it is only partially effective, and has many important short comings. Effectiveness isn’t just about creating a strategy or changing a bylaw. For me to believe the PPP changes were or are effective, the strategy should have reduced conflict and created confidence among park users. This has not been the case. While Saanich has moved away from an inconsistent system toward more defined rules, I am not convinced the rules are clear nor are they necessarily the right rules and easily enforced. I believe more can be done to help reduce the conflict between people with (and without) pets, wildlife and the environment. This was after all the reason for the strategy in the first place.

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

I think the PPP strategy provides a useful framework, but some aspects of its implementation need to be reviewed. In particular, I would like to see clearer communication, and signage, consistent and practical enforcement, and a closer look at whether the current mix of dog-free, on-leash and off-leash areas is working for the people who actually use our parks. I also think we need to do a better job of listening to ALL sides. Dog owners, residents without dogs, families, people with accessibility needs, recreational users and environmental advocates have legitimate and sometimes competing concerns. Rather than assuming one group has all the answers I would like to bring those perspectives together and look for practical solutions, including whether additional appropriate off-leash opportunities or better protection for environmentally sensitive areas are needed. I can not promise that everyone will get what they want, but I can promise to listen, ask questions, look at the evidence and willing to adjust what isn’t working. Good policy should be able to evolve when experience tells us there is a need for it.

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

While Saanich has added education, outreach and some additional enforcement through the CRD; I believe Saanich should take a proactive approach to establishing more education on these topics. This could include clearer, consistent signage, social media and digital campaigns, school and community partnerships, and targeted outreach in busy parks and trails. Additionally, Saanich and the CRD could partner schools, local environmental groups, dog-training organizations, recreation groups, stewardship organizations, Indigenous partner and community associations. Rather than creating every program from scratch, Saanich could consider the possibility of small grants or incentives for organizations to deliver workshops, volunteer let stewardship activities and responsible parkuse campaigns. When I was at Swan Lake as their Executive Director, we worked with bylaw officers to run a series of blitz campaigns on educating people about dogs not being permitted at the Sanctuary. The blitz was not intended to be a gotcha moment, or to enforce tickets but rather to educate people about the important flora and fauna in the Sanctuary that could harmed by having dogs present. Education could better focus on shared responsibility and respectful behaviours among all users, including dog owners, cyclists, pedestrians and those enjoying our natural areas. Another idea might be to explore whether targeted tax incentives or credits could encourage businesses and community organizations to support these initiatives. I suggested something similar when I ran in 2022, local per businesses for example, could sponsor responsible dog ownership education or outdoor recreation businesses supporting trail etiquette campaigns. Of course, any tax credit would need to demonstrate a clear public benefit and be financially accountable, but partnerships can stretch taxpayer dollars while building a strong culture of shared responsibility.

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

When I met recently with the folks from the CRD Dogg Society, I explained that I believed the funding deserves careful scrutiny. Saanich is facing competing priorities and I believe we first need to see clear evidence that the investment is delivering measurable results. If the funding is reducing conflict, protecting sensitive ecosystems and improving the experience for all users, then perhaps it would be justified. But if the outcomes are not being demonstrated, council should be prepared to review the spending, prioritize the most effective measures and redirect funds where they can provide greater public benefit.

6. Are you familiar with the Peg and Post fencing added to PKOLS this year?

Yes, I am familiar. a. Do you support spending a further $270,000 to fully enclose the 1.7 km off-leash trail at PKOLS? Why or why not? As with the previous question, I would first want to understand the evidence of its effectiveness and the full costs and benefits before supporting a further $270,000 to enclose the entire 1.7 kilometer off-leash trail. Given the significant taxpayer investment, I would support proceeding Saanich and the CRD only if there is a clear demonstration that full fencing is necessary, effective and represents the best use of those funds compared with other options. While not part of the question, it seems like a good place to include that additionally in 2022, I suggested Saanich consider partnering with local organizations, community groups, and business as related to fundraising initiatives for expenses such as this. A community fundraiser could go a long way to supporting education or other initiatives like split rail fencing rather than peg and post fencing.

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

I stand for listening, practical solutions, and a Saanich that works for everyone. As a dog owner, of a high energy, working bred dog, I understand the importance of access to parks and trails, but I also have a Master’s degree in Environment and Management and understand the importance of protecting our natural environment. My priorities extend well beyond parks and dogs. I believe Saanich needs to focus on infrastructure that keeps pace with growth, housing, public safety, environmental stewardship, strong community services and responsible spending. I believe good governance means listening to different perspectives, asking questions, following the evidence and working collaboratively to find common ground. If you would like to learn more about my platform or about myself as a candidate, visit kathleenburton.ca As mentioned earlier, I can not promise that everyone will get what they want, but I can promise to listen, ask questions, look at the evidence and be willing to adjust what isn’t working. I firmly believe good policy should be able to evolve when experience tells us there is a need for it, and I believe this to be true of the PPP.