Dean Murdock Saanich Councillor

On Monday night, I will bring a motion to Council on behalf of the Healthy Saanich Advisory Committee. Here's a copy of the report to Council, recommending roof top gardens for urban farming. Have a look!

Background

Have you got a household oil tank? Better check it for leaks!

Don't know how? Check out these helpful tips: http://www.saanich.ca/living/environment/pdf/otank.pdf

Did you know that heating with oil produces more greenhouse gas emissions than natural gas or electricty? It can also be quite expensive!

Convert to a heat pump, natural gas, or hydro electricity and you could be eligible for up to $2,000 in rebates!
The provincial Livesmart and federal EcoEnergy programmes offer about $1250 to convert to natural gas and $2000 for a heat pump.

We asked the Saanich mayor and council candidates to provide their thoughts and strategies on climate change.

Dean Murdock, council candidate:

We know that other cities have seen incredible economic growth as a result of rail systems in their major corridors. We know that LRT can reduce emissions significantly and can do a lot to encourage new ridership — as much as double ridership -- bringing more convenience and lower car-dependence to thousands of individuals and families.

Here in our region, we need an independent review of the proposed regional LRT system to give the public and decision-makers the information we need to evaluate these extraordinary benefits and the estimated costs to build and operate the system.

Politicans join call for light rail transit in Greater Victoria
By Bill Cleverley, Times Colonist

Standing on a busy downtown sidewalk with transit buses rumbling by, politicians from three levels of government said the time has come for light rail transit in Greater Victoria.

Light rail transit "is the most cost effective form of transportation for our future in the region," said MP Denise Savoie (NDP-Victoria).

Saanich needs to raise its green design standards for commercial and industrial buildings.

A recent application before Council highlighted the deficiency in our energy and environmental design standards. Council approved the redevelopment of a warehouse building in the Ardersier Road commercial-industrial park. The building is a larger upgrade to the existing structure that will create new space for additional tenants.

Public deserves say on $1 billion light rail plan, Saanich mayor says
Erin McCracken, Victoria News

Reaction to bring B.C. Transit’s recommendation to bring a $950-million electric light-rail transit system to the region was swift – and mixed.

"The issue right now is do our taxpayers have an opportunity to comment between now and when they want a decision on May 17?" asked Saanich Mayor Frank Loenard. "That's a pretty tight timeline on a $1-billion decision for taxpayers."

This week, BC Transit recommended a Light Rail Transit system from Victoria to the West Shore. The total project cost (downtown Victoria through a hub at Saanich's Uptown to Station Avenue, Langford) is estimated at $950 million. Ending the rail line at Six Mile (the junction with the E&N) would be $770million. In my view, the critical passenger mass – where the train would collect the largest number of passengers – is at Six Mile. The track from Six Mile to Station Avenue can considered for a future phase.

Earth Day is an opportunity for us to join together in appreciation of our natural environment. Let's celebrate the steps we've taken to protect our climate and ecosystems, as we work together to stem the tide of further environmental devastation.

Saanich must raise green standards, councillor says
Kyle Slavin, Saanich News

Saanich is raising its expectations.

As sustainability features become standard when proposed residential and commercial buildings come to council for approval, one councillor is looking to ensure that all green options are considered.

Coun. Dean Murdock wants staff to set environmental standards for developers so bargaining for green features doesn’t take place at the council table.