Fred Haynes
Website: VoteHaynes.ca
Facebook: MayorFredHaynes
Twitter: Haynes.Saanich
Instagram: fred.j.haynes
Are you associated with or running as part of a slate? If so, which one?
No. I work for all Saanich residents
Do you live in the municipality where you are running? for how long?
Yes since 2002
What is your occupation, and for how long?
Since 2018 Mayor of Saanich
Chair Saanich Police Board
CRD Director, Chair Traffic Safety Commission
Member Victoria Regional Transit Commission
1990-2021 CEO Contact Canada Publisher
Tell us about your previous elected and/or community experience.
My family moved to Saanich twenty years ago, with our own business. A life-long volunteer, I immediately became involved in the community. I jumped into volunteering, first at my local community hall, then taking on an ever-increasing level of responsibility and diversity of local issues. I joined grassroots groups working on the environment, charity, community building, road safety, food security, housing, sports and martial arts*. Due to my outside-the-box, productive approaches on issues, I was asked by community members to run for council in 2014. *see list on FredHaynes.ca.
Why are you running? What’s your motivation?
I am asking for a 2nd term to complete important work begun this term. It’s been my life-long honour to work alongside the community as Saanich Mayor to address the big issues of today. Despite the pandemic we’ve proven that Saanich can be an innovative, award-winning municipality. We have made tremendous progress. There is more to do. We have important ongoing initiatives to complete.
In this election, I am asking for your continued support and your vote to further this work for our joint success for Saanich.
What are your top three issues?
Climate/environment, housing and affordability.
High speed internet and digital technology have divorced home prices from local wages. That’s a huge, harsh shift and will take a lot of innovative work to address. Saanich’s new award-winning housing strategy integrates climate action, affordability and vibrancy. It adds density to corridors and centres next to transit and active transport. It also builds walkable villages. To provide career opportunities for young people, I am active in bringing a movie studio and med-tech hub to Saanich. A strong business sector reduces tax burdens on residents. Alongside this, we must continue to protect and enhance our natural environment.
What’s your vision for your community in 25 years?
My vision for Saanich in 25 years is a green, vibrant community where all generations belong, can find homes and thrive. A Saanich that retains our rural, farming, forest, urban and coastal areas, is affordable and easy to get around by varied modes of transport. Where parks and green spaces are secured for future generations. A place with well-paying jobs, local family doctors, day care centres, walkable villages and a prevailing sense of optimism. A community with vibrant business sectors that reduce residential tax burdens. A Saanich that welcomes you no matter where you come from, who you love, or the faith you have. One that delivers exceptional core services and that other municipalities continue to look to for “best practices” in addressing challenges.
What’s one “big idea” you have for your community?
My “big idea” is continuity. Let’s continue working together on our biggest challenges, with empathy, as we did through the pandemic – giving hope on affordability, environment, climate and housing. If Saanich re-elects me I will continue to deliver collaborative leadership on issues residents have asked to focus on. Take the guesswork out of how effective your next mayor might be. Re-elect Fred Haynes, your proven candidate.
I will tenaciously foster a thriving economy to reduce tax burdens on residents, deliver well-paying jobs, including movie studio and med-tech hub. Roll out our award-winning housing strategy integrating affordability, climate action, transit and vibrant walkable communities for all. I will ensure Saanich is well-run and vibrant. I will address any crises with proven professionalism and common sense.
