Saanich Council Candidate Brendan Ralfs

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

I am not a dog-owner and so was only generally aware of the issues to the PPP initiative before announcing my candidacy in the upcoming election and meeting with representatives from the CRD DOGG Society this past week.

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

I am not educated enough – yet – in the conservation issues that are cited as some of the primary drivers for the PPP initiative to comment on its efficacy in addressing those concerns. However, my current assessment is that the initiative has not been effective so far. This assessment is based on the degree and volume of acrimony attached to this issue. When the discourse between environmental advocates and pet owners, two groups that I do not think are natural adversaries, has deteriorated to the point where both sides are reporting instances of intimidation and threats, something is not working properly.

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

Based the level of conflict around this issue, I currently believe that implementation of the PPP initiative should be paused to allow further consultation and engagement on this issue in an effort to reach a stronger consensus between all parties on how to achieve the 5 stated goals of the initiative, including its goals to: • Create a diversity of opportunities in parks for people with pets; and • Improve protection of important and sensitive environmental areas.

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

Apologies, but I am not sure if this question is asking how I think Saanich should support education programs or how it currently does support such programs.

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

As a candidate who has never sat on Saanich Council, I a greater understanding of the full spectrum of the District of Saanich’s budget, incomes, expenses, multi-year projections, etc. to provide a well-informed answer to this question.

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

I am familiar with it from media reports (related to the controversy surrounding its installation), but I have not yet had a chance to visit it in person.

a. Do you support spending a further $270,000 to fully enclose the 1.7 km offleash trail at PKOLS? Why or why not?

As stated below, I believe that the PPP initiative should be paused to allow an opportunity to seek a less contentious pathway to achieving its goals. This pause should include the current fencing installation at PKOLS.

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

My experience as an emergency manager in BC has taught me that pets are very much a part of our families. When people are on Evacuation Order due to wildfires or floods, many will turn down a hotel room and sleep in their cars to stay with their pets. I believe that pets, and dogs in particular, can be critical to their owners’ physical, mental and emotional health, at a time when many of us seem to need supports in those areas more than ever. I also believe that it is important to preserve and protect sensitive ecosystems within Saanich. I need to do more research to develop a better and more rounded understanding of the issues raised by the CRD DOGG Society related to the PPP initiative, but my current position remains that the initiative should be paused and further efforts made to arrive at outcomes that are less divisive within the community.