The plan
Three-Point Fiscal Plan
We will fix the math before we bill the taxpayer.
Aspirations
- Maintain property tax increase at inflation plus adjustment for real population growth. Ceiling of 5% maximum but look for savings and revenue streams to decrease that further.
- Protect neighbourhood character while allowing for thoughtful densification.
Pillar 1
Transitioning Corporate Rigour to Town Hall Budgets
Over the past five years, Esquimalt’s property taxes have compounded by nearly 50%, culminating in another double-digit projection this year.
For 40 years, I have successfully managed multi-million dollar resource-sector budgets where cost overruns are unacceptable, and accurate forecasting is mandatory.
I will reinforce strict corporate-style forecasting and department-by-department line-item audits to identify operational inefficiencies. We will fix the math before we bill the taxpayer.
Pillar 2
Strategic Asset and Infrastructure Management
Municipal staff continuously warn that infrastructure reserves must grow to protect roads and pipes, meanwhile presenting Council with a $36 million hole this past spring (it came to light in the February 2, 2026 council meeting that we had an $11.9 million backlog in the pavement management plan (37:13 of the video) and another $25 million gap in infrastructure which was overdue for replacement (47:54 of the video). Taxpayers cannot continue to absorb massive hits simultaneously.
My professional career revolves around infrastructure and fleet logistics—balancing capital maintenance with strict cost controls.
I will prioritize critical infrastructure over non-essential vanity projects. We will maximize the value of Esquimalt’s existing equipment and vehicles and aggressively pursue external federal and provincial infrastructure grants to build out local projects without penalizing property owners.
Source: Township of Esquimalt council meeting, February 2, 2026 (video on the Township website)
Pillar 3
Re-negotiating Shared Services and Regional Partnerships
The Victoria Police Department (VicPD) framework agreement is a major contributor to our tax hikes. Esquimalt pays a steep share, leaving us exposed to decisions made by external councils.
I have spent decades successfully navigating partner relations and high-stakes contract negotiations with joint-venture partners.
I will bring experienced corporate negotiation to the table regarding the expiring policing agreement. Esquimalt will no longer absorb unfair external cost allocations. Whether we re-establish an independent policing footprint or fiercely re-negotiate shared costs, I will ensure our community’s safety is funded fairly and efficiently.
Back to Basics
RESPECT
- R
Responsibility of municipal governance – police, fire, sewer, water, garbage, roads, libraries and parks and recreation. Stick to our knitting.
- E
Economic restraint and transparency lead to affordability for residents and businesses
- S
Solid business and financial management of taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars, data driven
- P
Planning and responsible growth, leading the community, overseeing services and SMART guiding policies
- E
Esquimalt residents first
- C
Character and liveability of the community
- T
Taxpayers respected