Support police and fire services as we grow

I support properly funding and equipping Saanich Police and Fire so they can serve our community effectively. I would support increasing the number of police officers and firefighters relative to our population where evidence demonstrates the need.

Population ratios should be considered alongside call volumes, response times, on-duty staffing, geographic coverage and the complexity of incidents.

I would ask for a clear staffing plan that identifies service gaps, anticipated growth and the cost of addressing them. Adding positions must also account for training, equipment, supervision and the support needed to keep personnel safe and effective.

Prepare for taller buildings

Developments such as the 18-storey Cedar Hill library and housing project near McKenzie Avenue and the 24-storey Uptown development reinforce the need to plan emergency services alongside growth.

I support ensuring our Fire Department has the appropriate trucks, equipment, training and staffing to serve taller buildings safely. I would seek an assessment from fire leadership of existing capacity, additional needs and procurement timelines.

That assessment should consider:

• Appropriate aerial apparatus and pumping capacity
• Equipment and training for firefighting and rescue inside high-rise buildings
• Sufficient personnel for complex incidents and simultaneous emergencies
• Reliable water supply, emergency-vehicle access and suitable operating space
• Building-specific response plans and coordination with neighbouring departments

High-rise preparedness requires more than a taller ladder truck. Council needs to understand the complete response capability required and plan for it before new buildings are occupied.

Prepare for flooding, extreme heat and fire

Emergency preparedness is a practical part of climate action. I would support identifying vulnerabilities early and coordinating prevention, response and recovery.

Flooding: Prioritize recurring drainage problems, maintain drainage infrastructure and assess areas vulnerable to heavy rainfall. Residents reporting repeated problems deserve clear communication and follow-through.

Extreme heat and heat domes: Plan accessible cooling spaces, clear public information and coordinated outreach for people at greater risk, including seniors, young children and people with disabilities. Trees and shade should also be considered in longer-term neighbourhood planning.

Wildfire and interface fire: Support risk assessment, public education and appropriate fuel management around homes and infrastructure, guided by fire expertise and ecological considerations.

Emergency plans should also account for power outages, evacuation needs and residents who may require assistance.

Make preparedness easier for residents

I would support clear, accessible information about emergency alerts, evacuation procedures and household preparedness.

Community organizations, neighbourhood associations and emergency volunteers can help connect residents with that information. Regular exercises and regional coordination would help identify gaps before a real emergency exposes them.

Preparedness should include people who face language, mobility, financial or communication barriers.

Address everyday community safety

Public safety also means responding to recurring theft, vandalism and other neighbourhood concerns.

I support collaboration between police, municipal staff, businesses and residents to identify problem locations and practical prevention measures. Better lighting, clear sightlines, maintained public spaces and safer pedestrian access can all be considered.

Residents and businesses need understandable reporting channels and confidence that recurring concerns are being assessed. Prevention and enforcement should be informed by evidence and respect for the people affected.

Fund readiness responsibly

Police, fire protection and emergency preparedness are essential services. I would prioritize demonstrated needs while asking for clear costs, implementation schedules and measurable service outcomes.

Equipment purchases should include maintenance and replacement planning. Staffing decisions should consider the full ongoing cost. Grants and regional partnerships can support this work, alongside dependable municipal funding.

How this connects to my priorities

Families First means safe neighbourhoods and dependable help in an emergency. Community Driven means listening to local concerns and communicating clearly. Protect What Makes Saanich Home means reducing risks to our neighbourhoods and natural spaces. Responsible Leadership means matching growth with emergency-service capacity and investing before avoidable gaps become crises.