Saanich Mayoral Candidate, Rishi Sharma

My responses are below.

1. Are you familiar with the lingering issues created by the People, Pets and Parks Strategy in Saanich? Yes. I have been hearing directly from residents about People, Pets and Parks through conversations at their doors, town halls and community meetings, as well as through emails and online comments. It is clear to me that significant concerns remain about how PPP has been implemented, the balance between responsible off-leash and on-leash opportunities, impacts on different park users, environmental protection, and the costs associated with implementation. I believe these concerns warrant further review and meaningful consultation.

2. Has the People, Pets and Parks initiative been effective so far?

Why or why not? I don't believe residents presently have enough transparent information to make a complete assessment of whether PPP has achieved its intended results and provided good value. Almost immediately after formally announcing my intention to run for Mayor, I wrote to Saanich on June 23 requesting a detailed update on PPP implementation and spending. I asked how much has actually been spent, what remains to be implemented, what measurable results have been achieved, and whether the monitoring and evaluation envisioned in the original strategy has occurred. I am still awaiting that information. Good public policy should be evaluated against measurable outcomes. Residents should be able to see what has been spent, what has changed, whether conflicts have been reduced, whether environmental objectives are being achieved, and whether the experience of park users has improved.

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

I support pausing further major implementation while we review the costs and measurable outcomes and reopen meaningful consultation on PPP. I also support exploring opportunities to return some appropriate natural trail space for responsible off-leash use, while ensuring appropriate on-leash opportunities remain available. That does not mean every trail or environmentally sensitive area should become off-leash. Decisions must consider other park users, wildlife, sensitive ecosystems, Indigenous interests and environmental science. I don't believe we have to frame this as dog owners versus environmental protection or dog owners versus other park users. I would rather bring people back to the table and determine where we can find common ground and a better balance.

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

Education should be an important part of the solution. Clear and understandable signage, public education, responsible pet ownership, effective control of dogs, respect for wildlife and sensitive ecosystems, and consideration for people who may not be comfortable around dogs all have a role. I would also like Saanich to work directly with organizations such as CRD DOGG Society, environmental and stewardship organizations, Indigenous partners and other park users on education and awareness. Rules work better when people understand why they exist and when the people affected have been meaningfully included in the conversation.

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

Before concluding whether the overall expenditure represents good value, I want Saanich to provide residents with a clear accounting of what has actually been spent, what has been committed, what remains to be implemented and what measurable outcomes have resulted. That is why I formally requested this information from Saanich in June. The original PPP Strategy contemplated significant capital expenditures over five years, in addition to ongoing staffing and operating costs. With taxpayers facing affordability pressures, major municipal expenditures should demonstrate value and measurable results. Our proposed 100-day fiscal and core-services review would examine expenditures such as these. If elements of PPP are working and delivering measurable benefits, we should be able to demonstrate that. If elements are not working, or if there are more effective or less costly ways to achieve the same objectives, we should be willing to change course. 6. Are you familiar with the Peg and Post fencing added to PKOLS this year? Yes. PKOLS has been part of my life for almost four decades. I started using the park when I was a young teenager and, now at 51, I continue to walk its trails. I recently walked through an area where some of the new fencing has been installed. Speaking personally, I did not like its appearance and found the enclosed feeling uncomfortable. For a natural place as special as PKOLS, I think we should care about both ecological protection and how infrastructure fits within the character and experience of the park. At the same time, I recognize the serious ecological concerns raised by the PKOLS–Mount Douglas Conservancy and others. I would also wish to see protecting sensitive ecosystems, restored areas, wildlife and the cultural and environmental significance of PKOLS be an important part of this discussion.

6(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?

Before making a final decision on further expenditure, I would want to review the environmental evidence, costs, design and alternatives and hear directly from the organizations and people involved. I want to be very clear that my personal concerns about the appearance and feeling of the current fencing should not be interpreted as opposition to fencing where it is demonstrated to be necessary to protect sensitive ecosystems. If the environmental evidence demonstrates that fencing along the full leash-optional trail is necessary to adequately protect PKOLS, I would take that evidence very seriously. My question would then be: can we achieve the necessary environmental protection in a way that is also sensitive to the natural character and experience of the park? I would like to understand whether alternative or more natural-looking designs could be appropriate in some locations while still achieving the required ecological protection. If the current fencing design is necessary, I also want residents to understand the evidence and reasoning behind that decision. This is precisely the kind of issue where I believe we need people at the same table. I would want to hear from the PKOLS–Mount Douglas Conservancy, CRD DOGG Society, Indigenous partners, environmental experts, Saanich Parks staff and other park users. I have enjoyed PKOLS for almost four decades. I want future generations to experience its extraordinary natural environment as well. We should protect that environment while continuing to find responsible ways for people — including people with dogs — to enjoy this special place.

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

I am running for Mayor because I believe Saanich needs leadership that listens. My approach to People, Pets and Parks reflects that philosophy. I support reopening meaningful consultation on PPP and bringing dog owners, on-leash users, environmental and stewardship organizations, Indigenous partners, other park users, staff and residents back to the table. I also believe environmental stewardship deserves greater attention. I have proposed developing a Biodiversity Strategy and Invasive Species Management Plan so decisions about recreation, parks, wildlife, sensitive ecosystems and invasive species can be considered together rather than in isolation. And I believe strongly in accountability for taxpayer dollars. Residents deserve to know what programs cost, what outcomes they are achieving and whether there are better ways to accomplish our objectives. We don't have to choose between protecting our natural environment and providing responsible opportunities for people to enjoy our parks with their dogs. My commitment is to listen, examine the evidence, be transparent about costs, measure results and be willing to adjust when something isn't working. Thank you again for providing candidates with the opportunity to respond. I would also welcome the opportunity to meet with representatives of CRD DOGG Society and continue the conversation.

Respectfully, Rishi Sharma Candidate for Mayor of Saanich