Saanich Council Candidate, Lorne DeLarge
1. Are you familiar with the lingering issues created by the People, Pets and Parks Strategy in Saanich?
Yes. After hearing directly from residents at their doors, town halls, community meetings, and through emails, it is clear that significant concerns remain regarding how PPP was implemented, the balance between on-leash and off-leash spaces, and its escalating costs.
2. Has the People, Pets, and Parks (PPP) initiative been effective so far? Why or why not?
No, it has not been effective. Instead of resolving conflict, PPP has created artificial friction and divided park users. It overpromised on accessible spaces while severely restricting functional off-leash areas, leaving dog owners with inadequate options like three temporary pop-up parks. Furthermore, residents lack transparent data showing whether PPP has achieved any measurable outcomes or value for money.
3. What aspects of the PPP, if any, do you think need to change?
We need an immediate operational and spending pause on major implementation while we conduct a thorough review of costs and outcomes and reopen meaningful consultation. Saanich must re-evaluate space allocations to return appropriate natural trail spaces for responsible offleash use while maintaining appropriate on-leash options. We must also align park management with a Biodiversity Strategy and Invasive Species Management Plan so environmental stewardship and recreation are considered together.
4. How do you see Saanich supporting education programs related to Park, beach and trail etiquette?
Saanich should prioritize collaborative education and positive compliance over heavy-handed enforcement. The District should work directly with organizations such as the CRD DOGG Society, environmental and stewardship groups, Indigenous partners, and park users to develop clear signage, public outreach, and trail etiquette awareness. Rules work best when people understand their rationale and feel included in the process.
5. Is the $1.7M taxpayer funding allocated to the PPP the best use of those funds for Saanich? Why or why not?
No. With projected capital costs reaching $5.3M to $7.1M over five years and ongoing operational budgets stepping up to over $800,000 annually, taxpayers deserve a full accounting. As my teammate Rishi requested from Saanich on June 23, the District must disclose exact expenditures, committed funds, and measurable results. Unspent surplus allocations should be frozen immediately until clear community value can be proven.
6. Are you familiar with the Peg and Post fencing added to PKOLS this year?
Yes, I am familiar with the peg-and-post fencing in PKOLS.
● 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?
No, I do not support spending an additional $270,000 to complete a fully enclosed fence around the 1.7 km trail. The current fencing alters the natural atmosphere of the park and feels out of place. While protecting sensitive ecosystems in PKOLS is vital, we must evaluate whether ecological objectives can be achieved using less intrusive, more natural designs—such as split-rail fencing or targeted native habitat barriers—rather than enclosing entire trail loops.
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 collaborative leadership, fiscal responsibility, and practical park management. Saanich is blessed with incredible natural spaces, and I am fully committed to protecting our sensitive ecosystems, critical wildlife habitats, and natural parkland. At the same time, I believe environmental protection and responsible dog access can comfortably coexist. On Council, I will advocate for transparent spending, meaningful consultation with all park users, and bringing people back to the table so we can build a common-sense park strategy together.