Monday 17 November 2014

The results are in.

As a long time horseback rider, I can honestly say this has been quite a ride.  Thanks to all the good folks of Saanich – you turned out in much higher numbers to vote.  Good for you.
Thanks to all my supporters, you are the best.
Congrats to all those who ran, and most importantly, thank you to Mayor Frank Leonard for his visionary leadership, collaborative style and long term commitment to building this beautiful community.  He has been an unparalleled mentor to me.  I for one, will miss his drive, vision and support.
As for me, my commitment to community building remains undiminished.  I am certain that I will continue to serve the people of Saanich in some capacity as a volunteer.  And now back to the fun things in life, family, horses, sailing, motorcycling, running.  See you on the trails.

Friday 14 November 2014

Election Day is tomorrow: November 15, 2014

Polls are open from 8 am to 8 pm on November 15 and polling places for Saanich are listed below.

Campus View Elementary School at 3900 Gordon Head Road

Cedar Hill Middle School at 3910 Cedar Hill Road

Cordova Bay Elementary School at 5238 Cordova Bay Road

Cloverdale Traditional School at 3427 Quadra Street

Doncaster Elementary School at 1525 Rowan Street

Frank Hobbs Elementary School at 3875 Haro Road

Glanford Middle School at 4140 Glanford Avenue

Gordon Head Middle School at 1671 Kenmore Avenue

Hillcrest Elementary School at 4421 Greentree Terrace

Lochside Elementary School at 1145 Royal Oak Drive

Prospect Lake Elementary School at 321 Prospect Lake Road

Reynolds Secondary School at 3963 Borden Street

Royal Oak Middle School at 751 Travino Lane (off West Saanich Rd)

Spectrum Community School at 957 Burnside Road West

Tillicum Elementary School at 3155 Albina Street

Victoria Pacific Rim Alliance Church at 1792 Townley Street

For more information or for a ride to the polls, please contact me by telephoning (250) 652-1021 or emailing nicholawade6100@gmail.com

For more information about the election visit: Saanich Votes

Let's get out and vote! And whatever the outcome, I'd like to thank everyone who has supported me during this campaign and my time on Saanich Council. It has been a pleasure to serve the people of Saanich.

Tuesday 11 November 2014

In remembrance...

On this Remembrance Day I would like to take the opportunity to thank all the service men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and share a famous Canadian poem composed by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae during the second battle of Ypres in Belgium on May 3, 1915.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place: and in the sky
The larks still bravely singing fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead: Short days ago,
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved: and now we lie
In Flanders fields!

Take up our quarrel with the foe
To you, from failing hands, we throw
The torch: be yours to hold it high
If ye break faith with us who die,
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields

And at this time of remembrance, I can't help but remember my own father who served in the Royal Canadian Navy during World War II and the Korean Conflict.

For more information about the poem "In Flanders Field" visit: Great War

Friday 7 November 2014

Put a survivor to work for you

In 2008 I was diagnosed with cancer. This life-changing experience underlined for me the great fortune we have to live in one of the best places on earth. More than just great air, water, natural resources, human services and amenities, a healthy environment is dependent on community connections.

Counselling cancer survivors, supporting seniors, coaching half-marathon runners and volunteering at community events lets me ‘pay it forward.’

I was honoured to be the keynote Survivor speaker at the CIBC Run for the Cure in 2011 and to represent the District of Saanich at the CIBC Run for the Cure in 2014.

Returning to Saanich Council for another term in 2014 will enable me to take these efforts to the next level. My commitment is to examine projects and proposals to ensure we never lose sight of the very aspects that make Saanich so liveable.

For more information about the CIBC Run for the Cure visit: Run for the Cure




Sunday 2 November 2014

Advance voting begins tomorrow: November 4

Advance polling takes place November 4, 5, 6, 7, and 10 at several venues including Saanich Municipal Hall at 770 Vernon Avenue.

For a full schedule with locations visit Saanich Election website.

For more information about the election including mail-in ballot information visit the link above or call 250-475-1775.

Wednesday 29 October 2014

Sustainability and Community Liveability

Good governance means utilising the excellent guidance provided by the Official Community Plan, the Local Area Plans, respecting the Urban Containment Boundary and supporting our Agricultural Land Reserve and the farmers who depend on it for a living.

I believe that growth within the context of sustainability takes successful transportation and transit planning, effective use of greenways for recreation and travel, and accessible, affordable and inclusive recreation opportunities.

If elected to Saanich Council again, I will continue our efforts to build an even more accessible, inclusive and affordable community.

To learn more about Saanich and its vision for the future visit: Saanich Vision

Thursday 23 October 2014

Fiscal Responsibility

While Saanich has a strong fiscal foundation, it is critical that this be maintained. Council must scrutinise expenditures to ensure taxpayer funds are appropriately spent.

Combining my local government experience with Master's degree in Business Administration, I am committed to a reasonable approach.

For more information about Saanich government visit: Saanich Mayor & Council

You can download the 2013 Saanich Annual Report here in PDF.