Issues for Victoria
Why we care about environmental, social, and economic sustainability
The City of Victoria is a coastal city that covers an area of 19.5 square kilometers on the traditional territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən speaking peoples. Its health, livability and economy depend on strong communities, resilient infrastructure and a healthy natural environment.
Local government shapes daily life through decisions about land use, housing, transportation, buildings, infrastructure, ecosystems, and waste. These decisions affect affordability, public health, accessibility, climate resilience and who benefits—or bears the greatest risks—as the city changes.
Victoria is home to rare Garry oak ecosystems, an urban forest, coastal habitat, watersheds, parks and migratory-bird habitat. Less than two percent of the Garry oak ecosystem that existed in Victoria in the 1800s remains. Urban growth, aging infrastructure, extreme heat, drought, flooding and sea-level rise are increasing pressure on residents, municipal services and ecosystems.
In the Victoria Foundation’s 2025 Vital Signs survey, the natural environment was identified as the best thing about living in Greater Victoria. Protecting nature and reducing emissions also support public health, climate resilience, recreation, tourism, food and water security, and a strong local economy. Victoria Foundation
By considering environmental, social and economic sustainability together—and working in partnership with Indigenous peoples—Victoria can make decisions that are fair, affordable and resilient for current and future generations.
Where do candidates stand on these policies?
We surveyed all 2026 election candidates to inform the community about their policy positions.
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Policy commitments for Victoria
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 | ||||||||
| Marianne Alto | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| lyall Atkinson | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Darren Gervais-Harrison | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
| Christopher Hanna | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
| Mike Harris | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
| David Johnston | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
| Bruce McGuigan | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Gregoor Miller | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
| Candidates for Council | ||||||||
| Wendy Bowkett | ~ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Jeremy Caradonna | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Herb Collins | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Melissa Cseszko | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
| Matt Dell | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Shona Dion | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
| Steve Filipovic | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
| Jerry Garcia | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Marg Gardiner | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ~ | |
| Peter Rose Gibbs | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Martin Girard | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Stephen Hammond | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| James Harasymow | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Jason Heit | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Susan Kim | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Bella Lee | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Krista Loughton | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Arthur McInnis | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
| Karen Rothe | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Jack Sandor | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Dave Thompson | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Candidates for Victoria
Click on each candidate's profile to learn more and read their responses to the questionnaire.
Candidates for Mayor
Marianne Alto
Mayor
Marianne Alto was first elected Mayor of Victoria in 2022, and served three terms as a councillor prior. She is a small business owner and facilitator by trade, with degrees in law and science. She has spent decades advocating for progressive change.
lyall Atkinson
Mayor
Born and raised in Victoria ,63 married man, Landlord small Business owner .Grew up in the old Memorial arena, into hot rods and car shows and volunteer at many events
Bruce McGuigan
Mayor
Bruce McGuigan has called Victoria home for more than 30 years, raising his family and building a career in education, community service and nonprofit leadership. He is running for Mayor to bring a citizens-first approach to City Hall focused on list
Candidates for Council
Wendy Bowkett
Council
I’m a business strategist and community leader with 20+ years of volunteer service. I’m running for Victoria City Council to restore public trust, strengthen public safety and liveability, and ensure responsible spending.
Jeremy Caradonna
Council
I hold a PhD in history and have spent most of my career teaching history & enviro. studies. I have also worked as a provincial policymaker and a small-business owner. I am married with two teenage kids. I'm a first-term Councillor and CRD Director.
Herb Collins
Council
I support conserving the forest, oldgrowth,watersheds we still have.Innovation, indigenous stewardship, planting trees.More nature protection.
Matt Dell
Council
Matt Dell is a community leader with a proven record of getting results for Victoria. Matt was elected to Victoria City Council in 2022. He is an advocate for affordable housing, arts & culture, climate & transportation, and better parks, recreation
Steve Filipovic
Council
Steve organize the Annual Earth Walk for 15 yrs. As a Green MLA hopeful he ran in Victoria-Hillside, in 2008 running for Mayor he earned the endorsement from Monday Magazine. He runs Filipovic Residential Services serving Victoria area for 30 years.
Jerry Garcia
Council
Jerry Garcia is an engineer, project manager, business leader, entrepreneur, educator. As a downtown Victoria resident, Jerry understands firsthand the pressures facing residents, businesses and neighbourhoods.
Marg Gardiner
Council
Community advocate, 20 years. Background: BSc, MBA, career (health protection, product safety, research admin) Priorities: Safety, Liveable community, Fiscal prudence, Transparency I oppose rampant development threatening heritage + tree canopy
Peter Rose Gibbs
Council
Peter is a parent and lifelong Victorian running for Council so their four-year-old can afford to stay in Victoria when they grow up. After 18 years fighting for housing, climate action and democracy, Peter is ready to bring that work to City Hall.
Martin Girard
Council
I am a community advocate and activist with lived experience of homelessness, running for council at a time the issue tops the concerns of the electorate.
Stephen Hammond
Council
Stephen is a lawyer by trade & a professional speaker. On council, he's been an advocate for responsible city spending, safer streets, reasonable development & renter protection. He and his partner, Jack Boomer have been married for 19 years.
James Harasymow
Council
Having worked and owned a business in downtown Victoria for over 25 years I’ve seen a lot of things change. I’d like to see Victoria be a place we can be proud of again.
Jason Heit
Council
Jason Heit is a longtime Greater Victoria resident, entrepreneur, coach, sports executive and community leader. Since moving here in 1988, he has built businesses, raised a family, coached and mentored others, and served his community.
Susan Kim
Council
Renter. Harm reductionist. Cyclist. Climate champion. Library enthusiast. Community auntie. Transit rider. Francophile.
Bella Lee
Council
My name is Bella Lee, and I’m running to lower your cost of living in Victoria. A long time resident and a renter, I have spent my career fighting to make sure no one gets left behind. I want to build a better Victoria. Better means a place where we
Krista Loughton
Council
I am an award-winning filmmaker (Us & Them, 940 Caledonia) and business owner, and I have dedicated my personal and professional life to exploring and implementing real solutions for affordability and homelessness.
Karen Rothe
Council
I grew up, live, and work in Victoria. I have been a public servant for 30+ years during which time my career has focused on planning and prevention, municipal affairs, and emergency management.
Jack Sandor
Council
28-year-old Red Seal electrician, renter, lifelong Victoria resident, transit and affordable housing advocate. Running to make Victoria a place where working families and young people can put down roots rather than being forced out from high costs.
Dave Thompson
Council
Former environmental lawyer, worked at Ecojustice / Sierra Legal Defense Fund, Co-Founder of Firelight Group working for Indigenous communities. Current Councillor and CRD Director advancing climate solutions.
How to vote
On October 17, 2026, City of Victoria voters will elect 1 Mayor and 8 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: https://www.victoria.ca/city-government/elections
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 | Victoria Conference Centre, Upper Pavilion, 720 Douglas St. | 8:00am | 8:00pm |
| Tuesday, October 13, 2026 | Advanced Voting Day | Crystal Garden, 713 Douglas St. | 8:00am | 8:00pm |
| Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | Advanced Voting Day | UVic, Student Union Bldg, Michèle Pujol Rm, 3800 Finnerty Rd. | 10:00am | 4:00pm |
| Thursday, October 15, 2026 | Advanced Voting Day | Crystal Garden, 713 Douglas St. | 8:00am | 8:00pm |
| Saturday, October 17, 2026 | General Voting Day | Central Middle School, 1280 Fort St. | 8:00am | 8:00pm |
| Saturday, October 17, 2026 | General Voting Day | Crystal Garden, 713 Douglas St *Accessible voting machine. | 8:00am | 8:00pm |
| Saturday, October 17, 2026 | General Voting Day | George Jay Elementary School, 1118 Princess Ave. | 8:00am | 8:00pm |
| Saturday, October 17, 2026 | General Voting Day | Glenlyon Norfolk Senior School, 781 Richmond Ave. | 8:00am | 8:00pm |
| Saturday, October 17, 2026 | General Voting Day | ames Bay Community School, 140 Oswego St. | 8:00am | 8:00pm |
| Saturday, October 17, 2026 | General Voting Day | Oaklands Elementary School, 2827 Belmont Ave. | 8:00am | 8:00pm |
| Saturday, October 17, 2026 | General Voting Day | Quadra Elementary School, 3031 Quadra St. | 8:00am | 8:00pm |
| Saturday, October 17, 2026 | General Voting Day | Quadra Village Neighbourhood Gym, 950 Kings Rd. | 8:00am | 8:00pm |
| Saturday, October 17, 2026 | General Voting Day | Royal Canadian Legion Branch 292, 411 Gorge Rd. East | 8:00am | 8:00pm |
| Saturday, October 17, 2026 | General Voting Day | Sir James Douglas Elementary School, 401 Moss St. | 8:00am | 8:00pm |
| Saturday, October 17, 2026 | General Voting Day | Victoria High School, 1260 Grant St. | 8:00am | 8:00pm |
| Saturday, October 17, 2026 | General Voting Day | Victoria West Elementary School, 750 Front St. | 8:00am | 8:00pm |
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