Issues for Esquimalt
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.
What about other issues?
We also asked candidates 5 additional questions relating to Esquimalt-specific subjects like how to mitigate the impacts of CFB Esquimalt's coming expansion.
Candidate Responses
The Candidates page contains a table summarizing their responses to the environmental policy questionnaire, as well as individual candidate links to the detail behind the summary table as well as their free-form responses to the 5 Esquimalt-specific questions.
All Candidates Meeting
Attend the all-candidates meeting for the chance to hear how your candidates propose to deal with the municipal issues that impact you.

If you can't attend the event you can watch a recording of it later, either via the Creatively United website noted in the poster, or from this page using (link to be added post event).
Policy commitments for Esquimalt
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 | Buildings | Climate Justice | Ecosystems | Land Use | Transport | Watersheds | Zero Waste | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates for Mayor | ||||||||
| Duncan Cavens | ~ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ~ | ~ | |
| David Gauthier | ~ | ~ | ~ | ~ | ~ | ~ | ~ | |
| Candidates for Council | ||||||||
| Andrea Boardman | ~ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | |
| Meagan Brame | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Holly Courtright | – | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ~ | |
| Dan Igaz | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | |
| Meredith James | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Robb Johnstone | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Bruce McIldoon | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
| Tim Morrison | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Zach Mulder | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
| Tyler Russell | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Kody Thomson | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Tara Todesco | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Candidates for Esquimalt
Click on each candidate's profile to learn more and read their responses to the questionnaire.
Candidates for Mayor
Duncan Cavens
Mayor
Duncan Cavens is an Esquimalt councillor and registered planner who has spent nearly 20 years as a consultant, helping communities turn climate goals into practical plans. He is an active volunteer in Esquimalt.
David Gauthier
Mayor
Lived & worked around the CRD, traveled coast to coast, raised in Esquimalt 30+ here, have kept many hobbies & studies. twitter/x suspended. Seek to understand, support human rights & individual choice, consider alternatives.
Candidates for Council
Andrea Boardman
Council
I am a 32-year Esquimalt resident with a 40-year career in health care. I hold a BScN from UVic and an MBA from UBC. I am an Esquimalt councillor and a member of the Police Board, and it would be a privilege to serve this community for 4 more years.
Meagan Brame
Council
Meagan Brame has served on Esquimalt Council since 2008. A longtime community advocate, retired childcare operator and grandmother, she brings experience, common sense and a strong commitment to the community she calls home.
Holly Courtright
Council
Holly Courtright brings 25 years of municipal public-service experience and leadership with the Esquimalt Chamber, Farmers Market and Police Board. She believes good decisions start with clear evidence, hard questions and public input.
Dan Igaz
Council
After a 20-year career in recreation, I most recently created a program to address our area's swim lessons shortage. It now teaches ~1,000 kids a year how to swim. I'm running for Council to apply that work ethic to improving Esquimalt's future.
Meredith James
Council
For 15 years, I have worked as a lawyer advocating for the people, communities, and organizations I represent. My legal practice has included municipal, environmental, and Aboriginal law. I love gardens, festivals, and bike rides by the ocean.
Robb Johnstone
Council
I manage the Esquimalt Run Club and am active in the community as a volunteer. I have attended all Esquimalt council meetings since January. I work in the software industry for a Canadian company that enables charitable giving in the workplace.
Tim Morrison
Council
I'm an Esquimalt Councillor and communications professional who enjoys staying active by walking, cycling & swimming. Having visited nearly 90 countries, I have worked, volunteered and travelled throughout the world, but Esquimalt is my forever home.
Tyler Russell
Council
I am a transit+car-share using Esquimalt scooter dad; a polyglot with a 20 year career in art and international relations. Let's build zero emissions transportation systems and biomass-based carbon removal infrastructure for our kids and grandkids.
Kody Thomson
Council
I live and work right here in Esquimalt. My professional background includes civil engineering, emergency management, and 12 years of military service. I love adventuring all over BC, but I love living here with my partner and my dog even more.
Tara Todesco
Council
I have 20+ years of experience in the public and nonprofit sectors, leading projects in climate action, community development, and grants and financial management. I've served four years on the Township's Design Review Committee, currently as Chair.
How to vote
On October 17, 2026, Esquimalt voters will elect a Mayor and 6 Councillors.
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 from Esquimalt's Notice of Election By Voting web page.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | Advanced Voting Day | Esquimalt Rec Centre Gym 527 Fraser St | 8:00am | 8:00pm |
| Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | Advanced Voting Day | Esquimalt Rec Centre Gym 527 Fraser St | 8:00am | 8:00pm |
| Saturday, October 17, 2026 | General Voting Day | Esquimalt Rec Centre Gym 527 Fraser St | 8:00am | 8:00pm |
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