Janice Williams
Website: willvotewilliams.ca
Facebook: facebook.com/WillVoteWilliams
Twitter: @VoteYYJWilliams
Are you associated with or running as part of a slate? If so, which one?
Not running as part of a slate.
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’m running in and live in Victoria. I have called Greater Victoria home since 1997, with the exception of 2002 to 2004 when I lived in Greater Vancouver and spent most weekends commuting to Victoria.
What is your occupation, and for how long?
I’m an economist and small business owner. I worked as an economist with the provincial government from 2004 to 2016 and since 2016 have helped run a business with my husband.
Tell us about your previous elected and/or community experience.
I have no previous elected experience - however, was involved with Save Beacon Hill Park, Rethink Richardson, and Save Clover Point community groups.
Why are you running? What’s your motivation?
I am running for Victoria City Council because this is where I live, where we’ve established our business and where we’re raising our kids. I love this city and those who call this place home and make it a great place. I want a city that works and works well, and that’s what I’ll be working to achieve.
What are your top three issues?
1. Good Governance - this is the foundation of a city that works well and is critical to making sustainable progress.
2. Public Safety & Crime Reduction - We need a city that people feel safe living in, working in and having their businesses in. We must work to reduce our crime severity index and support our first responders and VicPD.
3. Housing & Enabling Fair Growth and Development - We need to focus on supporting attainable housing that meets the needs of those who live and work in Victoria. We also need to respect the wishes of residents and our city evolves.
What’s your vision for your community in 25 years?
A thriving Victoria that puts the needs of its local residents and businesses first, a place with ample opportunity for those who live here to make a life, a vibrant downtown core that is a draw for those in the region, a place that celebrates its history and is continually working to improve itself, and a place that has exceptional parks and recreational opportunities.
What’s one “big idea” you have for your community?
Our city belongs to its residents, those who live and work here and make it a great place. Serving on council isn’t about my goals for the city - it’s about wanting to ensure that the needs of residents are met and that we move forward in healthy and sustainable ways. By focusing on good governance, we can overcome some of our most significant challenges and create a foundation that will serve our city for decades to come. We can have a city that works and works well.
