Issues for Cowichan Valley Regional District
Where do candidates stand on environment and climate?
This election is critical, and who we elect will shape the future of our community for decades to come. We engaged with candidates, and asked them to complete a questionnaire to find out where they stand on climate and environmental policies we care about.
How did we designate climate leaders?
To be designated as a climate leader, candidates needed to commit to more than 80% of the climate policies.
What about other issues?
Find out more directly from the CVRD and also access information throughout the election from 'The Cowichan Valley Citizen', local journalists, including award-winning journalist Larry Pynn who blogs at www.sixmountains.ca, and other local groups that are sending questions to candidates on issues of housing affordability, development, transit, childcare, parking, the climate crisis, and asking what candidates would prioritize if they are elected. We link to these questionnaires from each candidate page.
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Policy commitments for Cowichan Valley Regional District
Summary of candidates' policy commitments, grouped by category. Click on each candidate's name to learn more and read their responses to the questionnaire.
| Candidate | Area | Total | Buildings | Climate Justice | Ecosystems | Land Use | Transport | Watersheds | Zero Waste |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Director | |||||||||
| Jerry Anderson | Area A | 0/26 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Shane Ryan | Area A | 0/26 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Kim Barnard | Area B | 24/26 | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Amber Champ | Area B | 20/26 | ~ | ✓ | ~ | ~ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Kyle Cheveldayoff | Area B | 0/26 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Alan Sutherland | Area B | 3/26 | ~ | ~ | ~ | ~ | ~ | ~ | ~ |
| Jeff Metcalfe | Area C | 0/26 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Mike Wilson | Area C | 0/26 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Hilary Abbott | Area D | 26/26 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Chris Shaw | Area D | 0/26 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Andrew Snih | Area D | 0/26 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Bob Day | Area E | 0/26 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Raymon Farmere | Area E | 0/26 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Clayton Frost | Area E | 0/26 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Ian Morrison | Area F | 0/26 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Sean Jonas | Area G | 0/26 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Jesse McClinton | Area G | 0/26 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Jessica Barnett | Area H | 0/26 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Ben Maartman | Area H | 0/26 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Stephanie Harper | Area I | 0/26 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
Candidates for Cowichan Valley Regional District
Click on each candidate's profile to learn more and read their responses to the questionnaire.
Director
Jerry Anderson
Director · Area A DID NOT RESPOND
Shane Ryan
Director · Area A DID NOT RESPOND
Kim Barnard
Director · Area B 24/26 Climate Policies
Climate Leader My collaborative volunteering celebrates the spirit of Shawnigan Lake, with a 100% self-funded and 99% sign-free Kim-for-Shawnigan.com campaign centering on the pillars of community participation, transparent communication, and relentless advocacy.
Amber Champ
Director · Area B 20/26 Climate Policies
I’m ready to lead with experience, courage and a strong commitment to the residents of Shawnigan. I would be honoured to be your Director and your CHAMPion for Shawnigan.
Kyle Cheveldayoff
Director · Area B DID NOT RESPOND
Alan Sutherland
Director · Area B 3/26 Climate Policies
I'm committed to communication that is transparent, clear, open and honest.
Jeff Metcalfe
Director · Area C DID NOT RESPOND
Mike Wilson
Director · Area C DID NOT RESPOND
Hilary Abbott
Director · Area D 26/26 Climate Policies
Climate Leader I have a strong connection to the community through business, volunteer service and local government. 20 years experience working in the not-for-profit sector & 15 years operating a cheese business. I offer practical community-focused pragmatism.
Chris Shaw
Director · Area D DID NOT RESPOND
Andrew Snih
Director · Area D DID NOT RESPOND
Bob Day
Director · Area E DID NOT RESPOND
Raymon Farmere
Director · Area E DID NOT RESPOND
Clayton Frost
Director · Area E DID NOT RESPOND
Ian Morrison
Director · Area F DID NOT RESPOND
Sean Jonas
Director · Area G DID NOT RESPOND
Jesse McClinton
Director · Area G DID NOT RESPOND
Jessica Barnett
Director · Area H DID NOT RESPOND
Ben Maartman
Director · Area H DID NOT RESPOND
Stephanie Harper
Director · Area I DID NOT RESPOND
How to vote
On October 17, 2026, Cowichan Valley Regional District voters will elect Area Directors in the CVRD's nine Electoral Areas (A-I).
Are you registered to vote?
Update your voter information such as your residential or mailing address with Elections BC: elections.bc.ca/register
Find out more about how and where to vote: The upcoming local elections will take place on October 17, 2026, and advance voting will take place on Wednesday, October 7th and Tuesday, October 13th. Voters in the CVRD will also see candidates for school board on their ballots. Voters in Areas A, B & C will also have a referendum question on their ballot see: planourcowichan.ca/south-cowichan-community-issues-referendum
For General Election Questions for CVRD voters, including voting locations: email: election@cvrd.bc.ca or phone: 250-746-2500. See more at: cvrd.ca/government-administration/legislative-services/elections-referenda/
Member municipalities - City of Duncan, District of North Cowichan, Town on Ladysmith and Town of Lake Cowichan will hold their own elections to choose their councils on the same date - October 13th.
Voting tip
When you vote, only vote for the candidates you want elected. If that is one mayor and five councillors, only put down those names. For council, the top candidates with the most votes are elected, so if you vote for someone that you don't really want elected, that may bump your preferred candidates off the list.
Voting opportunities
| Date | Type | Location | Start time | End time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, October 17, 2026 | General Voting Day | See CVRD website | 8:00am | 8:00pm |
Compiled & presented by
Vote4Tomorrow is an independent voter guide to evaluate where local candidates stand on climate and environmental policies that will affect our future.