Dean Murdock Saanich Councillor

Thank you, Saanich! It's an honour to have your support for another term as your Saanich Councillor!

Conservation Voters of BC announces 2011 municipal endorsements

November 15, 2011 – Today the Conservation Voters of BC announced its endorsements for the upcoming November 19th municipal elections in BC. Conservation Voters of BC has a proven track record of helping elect environmental champions across party lines.

MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release
November 15, 2011

Murdock wants Saanich’s green roofs for urban farming

Victoria – Saanich Councillor Dean Murdock thinks one of the best places to grow crops in Saanich could be up on the roof.

Murdock wants to see Saanich Council introduce rooftop gardens as a suggested amenity for large-scale developments in major centre development permit guidelines.

“We can turn acres of asphalt into green space and vegetable gardens,” he said. “Green roofs allow urban residents to grow their own food, and help reduce our carbon footprint.”

Saanich Elections

The Saanich municipal election is shaping up to be one of the tightest races in the region.

We're focusing on Saanich because it is a regional powerhouse and has a huge influence over how the entire region manages its air, land and water.

Our mayors and councilors have a lot of power. For example, our local leaders can help stop the expansion of oil tankers on the south coast. They can also determine if our communities will preserve farmland and prioritize local food production.

Getting a name out a sign of the times
Kim Westad, Times Colonist

Shellie Gudgeon is the owner of two successful restaurants in a city known for eating new places alive.

But those challenges aren't nearly as daunting as running for Victoria council, said the 48-year-old restaurateur who is running for one of eight seats.

We asked the Saanich mayor and council candidates to provide their thoughts and strategies on light-rail transit along the Douglas Street corridor.

Dean Murdock, council candidate:

We asked the Saanich mayor and council candidates to provide their thoughts and strategies on the transportation issues in Saanich (outside of the light rail discussion).

Dean Murdock, council candidate:

Finding funds amid financial belt-tightening
Kyle Slavin, Saanich News

With uncertainty surrounding how much – if any – money will come from senior levels of government to pay for infrastructure upgrades that come with billion-dollar price tags, the mayoral candidates propose different approaches to foot the portion Saanich will be expected to pay.

Incumbent mayor Frank Leonard says creating a longer-term, multi-year fiscal plan must be created to respect taxpayers’ ability to pay for projects like a mandated sewage treatment facility and a proposed light rail system.