Scott Garnett
Facebook: Scott Garnett for Sidney Council 2022
Are you associated with or running as part of a slate? If so, which one?
— I am not 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 have resided in North Saanich since April of 2020, before that I resided in Sidney for 22.5 years. My connection to the community is that I am an incumbent and serve as a councillor on the current Sidney Council and have worked there for the past 16 years.
What is your occupation, and for how long?
— I have been a delivery agent with Canada Post Corporation for over 31 years.
Tell us about your previous elected and/or community experience.
My previous elected experience is as current councillor on Sidney Council (2018-2022), which involves sitting on various community organizations as a liaison, such as the Sidney Museum, Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea, and the Memorial Park Society. In addition, I have been active in the community as a coach for various sports, including more than ten years as a baseball coach at Peninsula and Softball Baseball Association.
Why are you running? What’s your motivation?
I am running for re-election to carry on the good work our current Council has begun. Specifically, to ensure that the recently passed OCP is used in a manner that was intended for community development. Also, to maintain the level of community engagement that we have adopted during our term. Furthermore, to follow through on providing an updated State of the Environment Report and implement measures in the Climate Action Report. Finally, to strive to increase our tree canopy beyond the net no loss goal as set out in our Urban Forest Strategy.
What are your top three issues?
The top three issues for me during this election are: 1) pushing for more balanced developments with an eye to providing differing housing options, and the need for retention of green space and tree canopy, 2) working with senior levels of government and non-profits to provide affordable housing in our community to aid local businesses in the attraction and retention of employees, and 3) given engineering reports, come to a community based decision on the best option for the Beacon Wharf.
What’s your vision for your community in 25 years?
My vision for Sidney in twenty-five years is one that is inclusive and has a balanced demographic (not just age, but income level). It will be a community that embraces all people and provides them with the opportunity to work, live and recreate here. Sidney will have developed at a responsible and reasonable pace prioritizing the environment. The community will not just have tried to mitigate the impacts of climate change, but will have strived to adapt to them. Finally, there will be a well thought out Active Transportation Plan that affords every level of ability the opportunity to enjoy all aspects of our community.
What’s one “big idea” you have for your community?
I do not particularly like the expression of having one “big idea” for my community. I say this because of the reality of trying to implement a big idea. There needs to be staff buy in, as well as garnering the support of three other members of council who must see merit in the proposal. Having said that, I would like to see council take a more proactive approach to affordable housing in the coming term. I feel we need to be reaching out to senior levels of government and non profits more robustly for opportunities. I also feel we need to explore purpose built rental housing and potential zoning around that.
