Oak Bay

Why we care about environmental, social, and economic sustainability

Oak Bay is a narrow coastal municipality, averaging 1.8 km wide and 5.8 km long, part of the traditional territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples, known today as the Songhees and Xʷsepsəm/Esquimalt Nations.

Climate, conservation, and community groups in Oak Bay work together on common goals of environmental stewardship, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and Reconciliation.

Seniors, youth, and families meet regularly on weekends to restore native ecosystems and wildlife corridors. An active network of community organizations also works to advance Reconciliation and forge a just, new relationship with the lək̓ʷəŋən people, inspired by the commitment embedded in the Sno’uyutth Welcome Pole at Oak Bay High to "spread good energy."

Oak Bay is also built on the most endangered ecozone in BC, a narrow strip of coast around the Salish Sea, with rare Garry oak ecosystems, the Bowker Creek Watershed, six of the 11 Key Biodiversity Areas in the CRD, the Oak Bay Islands Ecological Reserve, Uplands National Historic Site, and the federal Victoria Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary.

Environmental health and biodiversity are essential to Oak Bay’s economy, supporting tourism, outdoor recreation, education, and research. The natural environment is consistently ranked as the #1 best thing about living here in the Victoria Foundation’s annual Vital Signs survey.

Climate resilience is critical in Oak Bay due to its coastal location, rare ecosystems, and some of the oldest infrastructure and third highest density in the CRD (from Statistics Canada data).

In recent years, due to extreme heat, floods, drought, and sea level rise, all BC residents have seen their taxes and insurance bills go up to pay for infrastructure damage and increasing claims. To address these issues, local government is uniquely positioned to take a leading role on decisions related to land use, ecosystems and watersheds, low-pollution buildings and transport, and waste reduction policies.

These solutions have clear benefits for people and nature, as together we create a more prosperous and just society.

Where do candidates stand on these policies?

We surveyed all 2026 election candidates to inform the community about their policy positions.

What about other community issues?

The Community Association of Oak Bay will be hosting a series of non-partisan
All-Candidates Meetings:
https://www.oakbaycommunityassociation.org/events/candidates-events-in-october-

The format and start times for the All-Candidates Meetings will be determined after the number of candidates is confirmed.

The dates for the Community Associated of Oak Bay-hosted meetings and fairs are:

Oak Bay All-Candidates Meeting for Mayor and Council

Thursday Oct. 1

Evening, Dave Dunnet Community Theatre, Oak Bay High School, 2121 Cadboro Bay Rd.

Oak Bay All-Candidates Meeting for School Trustees

Tuesday Oct. 13

Evening, Dave Dunnet Community Theatre, Oak Bay High School, 2121 Cadboro Bay Rd.

Oak Bay “Meet the Candidates” Fairs

Saturday, Oct. 3

2-4 pm, St. Mary's Anglican Church, 1701 Elgin Rd

Tuesday, Oct. 6

7-9 pm, Oak Bay United Church, 1355 Mitchell St