Cam McLennan
Website: cammclennan.com
Facebook: Cam McLennan For Sidney Council
Are you associated with or running as part of a slate? If so, which one?
No
Do you live in the municipality where you are running, and if so, for how long? If not, what is your connection to that community?
I am running in Sidney but currently live in North Saanich. We do not own a home, thus we are subject to live where we can find a rental. I feel my strengths are better suited to Sidney council as I am a huge advocate for affordable workforce housing on the Peninsula, and Sidney is the best location for this type of development.
What is your occupation, and for how long?
President - Island Pro Services Group, 7 years
Tell us about your previous elected and/or community experience.
I was elected to Sidney council from 2014 to 2018, and served as council liaison on many boards during that time. I serve on the board of directors for the Saanich Peninsula Celebrations Society (2015 to Present) and act as both the Canada Day and Sidney Sparkles Parade Marshal. I also serve on the board of directors of the Torque Masters Car Club (2009 to present) and have been a lead coordinator for the Sidney summer car show since 2010.
Why are you running? What’s your motivation?
I have lived in Sidney and the surrounding area my entire life (41 years) I have a wife and three children, and I want to create a place that my kids (and hopefully their children) can enjoy for years to come. Too often we see the older generation getting involved in local politics, and I feel we need younger voices to keep an even keel.
What are your top three issues?
I feel the number one threat to the Town of Sidney, is the lack of workforce housing. For too long this issue has taken a back seat, and we must take action.
Number two goes hand in had with number one. We need to attract more commercial businesses that caters to young families. We need places where families can shop for their pre-teen and teenage children. Driving to Saanich or Langford for basic needs is unacceptable.
Number three would be the construction of a new Beacon wharf. Council must work with the community to create a plan that we can all get behind.
What’s your vision for your community in 25 years?
I envision an inclusive community that encompasses retirees, and young families. A booming downtown retail centre, and a healthy industrial area on Sidney’s west side. I envision a west side residential village with light industrial, tech and neighbourhood commercial, plus housing for everyone who want to live and work in Sidney..
What’s one “big idea” you have for your community?
Now that the West Side Local Area Plan has been adopted, I would like to see the plan come to life. I feel that Sidney has a truly great opportunity to create a world class live/ work community. Sidney is both a retirement town, with a median age of 62. But at the same time, Sidney is the largest industrial hub of south Vancouver Island with over a billion dollars annual in exports and over 2500 employees working on the west side every day. I feel we need a balance of housing, and currently we are heavy on the fancy condos and dangerously light on the workforce housing. The last thing we want is for all the retirees to not enjoy their well deserved retirement due to a lack of workers.
