Marg Gardiner
Council · Victoria
Victoria 23 yrs
About
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
Policy commitments
Buildings
We all want healthy, affordable, and comfortable homes. These policies will help to lower energy bills, cut pollution, and improve indoor air quality.
✓
Implement a 'right to cool' bylaw to protect tenants during extreme heat events.
Supportive
Climate Justice
Our community is already experiencing the harmful impacts of climate change caused by fossil fuel pollution, and taxpayers are on the hook to upgrade and repair critical infrastructure.
~
Pursue available legal options to recover a fair share of the climate costs facing our community from fossil fuel companies and other big polluters.
Neutral
✓
Collaborate with Indigenous peoples as partners in the stewardship of the land, air, and water, and work towards reconciliation.
Supportive
Ecosystems
The air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat all rely on healthy ecosystems. Nature can also help protect our community from extreme weather by controlling floods, protecting shorelines, and cooling neighbourhoods. Access to nature improves the health and well-being of residents, and supports biodiversity.
✓
Expand and protect tree canopy, parks, and green infrastructure to cool neighbourhoods, clean air, and manage stormwater.
Supportive
Land Use
We envision vibrant, walkable communities that protect nature and improve food security.
✓
Upgrade critical infrastructure for heat, fire, flood, and storm resilience.
Supportive
Transport
Connecting neighbourhoods through public transit and active transportation networks will cut pollution, improve public health, and make our communities more affordable (and fun!).
✓
Advocate to improve regional public transit between communities.
Supportive
Watersheds
Climate change, increasing populations, and overconsumption threaten our water security. Healthy watersheds and forests are critical to support clean drinking water, stormwater management, climate resilience, and biodiversity for future generations.
✓
Protect and restore watersheds as vital municipal infrastructure.
Supportive
Zero Waste
Zero waste policies reduce pollution, keep waste out of landfills, build resilient local economies, and safeguard public health by shifting society away from a disposable culture toward a sustainable circular economy.
~
Implement bylaws to eliminate waste from new buildings, renovation, and demolition projects and to use existing buildings as efficiently as possible.
Neutral
✓ Supportive
~ Neutral
× Opposed
– No response
Climate action
How have you contributed to climate action in your community through advocacy, past work, advisory committees, volunteer work, and/or reducing your personal carbon footprint?
• 2006-2014: Was lead resident advocate for JBAQS project. (measuring/containing SO2 emissions form cruise ships)
• 2025: successfully forwarded a Council motion to strengthen our urban forest by setting a 5-year tree canopy goal of 40% citywide coverage by 2050 . . . in the Official Community Plan.
• 2023: successfully forwarded a Council motion of support for establishment of a Local Natural Areas Protection Fund consistent with Resolution EB32 adopted at the 2023 UBCM convention.
Protecting and restoring biodiversity contributes toward more resilient and healthy local communities, while securing the health of local waterways, watersheds, air sheds, and plant and animal species.
• 2025: successfully forwarded a Council motion to strengthen our urban forest by setting a 5-year tree canopy goal of 40% citywide coverage by 2050 . . . in the Official Community Plan.
• 2023: successfully forwarded a Council motion of support for establishment of a Local Natural Areas Protection Fund consistent with Resolution EB32 adopted at the 2023 UBCM convention.
Protecting and restoring biodiversity contributes toward more resilient and healthy local communities, while securing the health of local waterways, watersheds, air sheds, and plant and animal species.
Questions for Victoria
What are Victoria’s three most important environmental priorities for the next four years? What policies and budgets would you advance, and how would you respond when environmental protection is presented as conflicting with housing or economic growth?
Trees, trees, trees.
Trees have not yet been planted on remediated brownfield lands. There should be a high priority.
Because of what the OCP states, climate, action, natural infrastructure and housing are competing goals.
A lot of policies created over the last few years have we walked back so that we can balance priorities.
Trees have not yet been planted on remediated brownfield lands. There should be a high priority.
Because of what the OCP states, climate, action, natural infrastructure and housing are competing goals.
A lot of policies created over the last few years have we walked back so that we can balance priorities.
What policies and investments would you prioritize for the next heat dome to retain mature shade trees, expand canopy in heat-vulnerable neighbourhoods, improve public cooling and drinking-water access, and ensure all at-risk residents receive protection?
Trees trees trees
In an area of town where we had most deaths in the last heat dome, the hundred trees that were felled so that the brownfield could be cleaned up, have not been replanted – in the last 10 years since the remediation work, plant trees could've grown into a decent height. It's time to slow down the destruction of older housing complexes that are healthy places to live.
In an area of town where we had most deaths in the last heat dome, the hundred trees that were felled so that the brownfield could be cleaned up, have not been replanted – in the last 10 years since the remediation work, plant trees could've grown into a decent height. It's time to slow down the destruction of older housing complexes that are healthy places to live.
What changes to bylaws, development standards and approvals would you support to retain mature trees, Garry oak ecosystems, wildlife corridors, adequate soil and permeable ground to measure and enforce progress toward the 40% canopy target?
I'm not sure that bylaw changes are what is needed. I believe we need to really look at the development guidelines and alter them to provide more green space and significant space for large trees to be planted.
I would place such a review at a very high priority.
I would like to see a broader promotion of the Gary Oak ecosystem – most people don't understand what that means. I believe we would get a better community buy in if people understood that Gary Oak ecosystem doesn't mean just Gary oak tree trees.
I would place such a review at a very high priority.
I would like to see a broader promotion of the Gary Oak ecosystem – most people don't understand what that means. I believe we would get a better community buy in if people understood that Gary Oak ecosystem doesn't mean just Gary oak tree trees.
Which municipal actions would you prioritize to close Victoria’s 2030 emissions gap? What improvements would you require or incentivize, how would you make them affordable and accessible, and what measurable results would you deliver during your term?
Please note that I gave a medium or neutral rating for the zero waste question. I find it rather hypocritical that we are setting limits and rules for people who live here while we are accepting tons and tons and tons of emissions and solid waste from a foreign country, namely, the United States.
Asked to the people that live here, we must make it easier for people to adopt, to become champions of zero waste, rather than punish them for not doing so. By This I mean we need more drop off centres for items that are not in the blue box or garbage system. I have lived in four provincial capitals – this is the city with the lowest level of programs to assist residents in achieving zero waste. Changes are needed.
I would rather put taxpayer money into assisting them to live lower footprint lives than enlarging our legal department to initiate lawsuits. We lead by example – not by suing people.
Asked to the people that live here, we must make it easier for people to adopt, to become champions of zero waste, rather than punish them for not doing so. By This I mean we need more drop off centres for items that are not in the blue box or garbage system. I have lived in four provincial capitals – this is the city with the lowest level of programs to assist residents in achieving zero waste. Changes are needed.
I would rather put taxpayer money into assisting them to live lower footprint lives than enlarging our legal department to initiate lawsuits. We lead by example – not by suing people.
Campaign contributions
Public records from Elections BC — 71 contributions totalling $28,340.11.
2022 GENERAL LOCAL ELECTIONS
46 contributions · $16,655.11
| Contributor | Date | Amount | Office | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GARY ALBERTS | Aug 31, 2022 | $257.78 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| TIM VAN ALSTINE | Sep 21, 2022 | $206.28 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| JACKSON AVIO | Aug 18, 2022 | $250.25 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| DARRELL BAILIE | Aug 12, 2022 | $100.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| ANKE BERGNER | Aug 25, 2022 | $400.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| JACK BOOMER | Sep 20, 2022 | $200.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| EDYTH BRADLEY | Aug 23, 2022 | $100.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| EDYTH BRADLEY | Sep 23, 2022 | $100.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| LORNE BROWNSEY | Sep 15, 2022 | $102.27 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| NORMA BUTTERFIELD | Sep 22, 2022 | $201.27 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| ANN CURRY | Sep 20, 2022 | $100.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| STEPHEN DORSEY | Aug 15, 2022 | $1,000.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| ROBERT DREW | Sep 14, 2022 | $257.78 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| TERRANCE FARMER | Sep 11, 2022 | $100.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| MARGARET GARDINER | Jan 11, 2023 | $808.22 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| CINDY GITTINS | Aug 8, 2022 | $600.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| MARK GITTINS | Aug 8, 2022 | $600.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| ELEANOR GOODAY | Sep 20, 2022 | $100.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| ELEANOR GOODAY | Oct 10, 2022 | $100.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| VIRGINIA GRAY | Sep 20, 2022 | $250.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| HILLARY GROOS | Aug 18, 2022 | $150.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| SHELLIE GUDGEON | Aug 18, 2022 | $250.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| DAVID HELM | Sep 5, 2022 | $1,250.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| WAYNE HOLLOHAN | Aug 14, 2022 | $300.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| ALICE HOWES | Sep 22, 2022 | $500.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| SHIRLEY HUNTER | Sep 3, 2022 | $100.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| NORMAN LOUIE | Aug 31, 2022 | $103.30 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| ERIC MANNING | Sep 26, 2022 | $257.78 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| CRAIG MCGUIGAN | Sep 14, 2022 | $250.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| TREVOR MOAT | Oct 10, 2022 | $500.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| LAURA NEIL | Sep 10, 2022 | $250.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| MIRIAM NELSON | Sep 26, 2022 | $100.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| DONALD NIGHTINGALE | Aug 17, 2022 | $1,250.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| MARGOT NORTHEY | Sep 5, 2022 | $1,250.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| JANIS RINGUETTE | Aug 16, 2022 | $102.27 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| HYACINTH ROUECHE | Aug 22, 2022 | $103.30 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| TERENCE SCANDRETT | Aug 1, 2022 | $500.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| DONALD SHIELDS | Aug 15, 2022 | $300.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| ROD SHOULDICE | Aug 15, 2022 | $200.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| PATRICK SKILLING | Jul 7, 2022 | $1,250.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| WILLEM STARINK | Sep 11, 2022 | $102.27 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| ROBERT VANDER STEEN | Aug 15, 2022 | $277.34 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| BECKY VANDER STEEN | Aug 18, 2022 | $250.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| CYNTHIA TANNER | Aug 12, 2022 | $1,000.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| JACOLYN TWEDDELL | Aug 15, 2022 | $125.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| GUY WHITMAN | Sep 26, 2022 | $100.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
2018 GENERAL LOCAL ELECTIONS
25 contributions · $11,685.00
| Contributor | Date | Amount | Office | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JACKSON AVIO | Sep 1, 2018 | $250.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| ANGELA BASSAGE | Jul 20, 2018 | $100.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| NORMA BUTTERFIELD | Sep 21, 2018 | $250.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| JERRI CARSON | Aug 28, 2018 | $500.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| LISELOTTE DUBNEY | Jul 30, 2018 | $100.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| MARGARET GARDINER | Sep 21, 2018 | $1,750.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| FRANK GATTO | Jul 23, 2018 | $100.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| CINDY GITTINS | Jul 20, 2018 | $1,200.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| MARK GITTINS | Jul 20, 2018 | $1,200.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| BRIAN GROVER | Jul 23, 2018 | $150.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| SHELLIE GUDGEON | Jul 23, 2018 | $250.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| ALICE HOWES | Aug 20, 2018 | $1,200.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| PATTI JACKSON | Sep 21, 2018 | $100.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| TIM LOUMAN-GARDINER | Nov 1, 2018 | $1,120.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| KATE LOUMAN-GARDINER | Nov 1, 2018 | $540.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| JUDITH MILLIKEN | Sep 21, 2018 | $300.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| LAURA NEIL | Aug 16, 2018 | $100.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| MIRIAM NELSON | Jul 23, 2018 | $100.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| REKA PATAKY | Nov 1, 2018 | $1,100.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| MARGARET RAVEN | Jul 21, 2018 | $200.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| JANIS RINGUETTE | Jul 20, 2018 | $100.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| PERI SMITH | Aug 1, 2018 | $200.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| ROBERT VANDER STEEN | Jul 25, 2018 | $275.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| BECKY VAN DER STEEN | Sep 21, 2018 | $250.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
| ANKE WOODS | Aug 14, 2018 | $250.00 | COUNCILLOR | VICTORIA |
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