Every municipal election is a chance to help shape Saanich's future. It is easy to think one vote won’t make much difference, or that municipal decisions are too small to have a lasting impact. But local elections are deeply personal; they impact you, your home, your neighbourhood, the parks you visit, and the roads you travel. They shape the kind of community we want to leave for the next generation. Here in Saanich, the choices we make today will help shape the community we

Transportation is about more than bike lanes and reducing car traffic. Transportation is one of the issues that affects our daily lives most directly. It shapes how we get to work, take our children to school, visit friends, access services, support local businesses and enjoy everything Saanich has to offer. Yet conversations about transportation can sometimes focus too narrowly on just a few pieces of the puzzle, particularly bike lanes or reducing car traffic. While cycling

Today was a special day. Receiving my official parchment from Royal Roads University and revisiting campus gave me a chance to reflect on my studies, the journey that brought me here, and how I hope to put what I’ve learned to work for our community. Having my credentials officially confirmed in September made the achievement feel real, but holding that parchment in my hands today made it even more meaningful. I am proud to have completed my Master of Arts in Environment and

Running for municipal office is a chance to talk with residents about our community's future, listen to their concerns, and share ideas for making Saanich an even better place to live. But it also raises a question: How much does an election campaign really need to cost, and could some of that money be better spent? Election campaigns require time, energy, and resources. Candidates need to reach voters, communicate their priorities, and make sure people know who is running. S

Good leadership isn’t just about the positions you take. It’s about how you make decisions, especially when the choices are difficult. Municipal government faces competing priorities. Residents want attainable housing, safe and welcoming neighbourhoods, reliable infrastructure, responsible spending, effective transportation, protected green spaces, and a high quality of life. These priorities matter, but they don’t always point in the same direction. Sometimes, advancing one

It’s a question worth asking not just during an election campaign, but whenever Saanich makes decisions about our community's future. Saanich is a special place. It’s where we put down roots, raise families, build friendships, volunteer, enjoy our parks and trails, support local businesses and connect with the people around us. It’s a community with a strong sense of place, beautiful natural surroundings, and neighbourhoods, each with its own character. As someone who lives,

As I spend these final days before the election knocking on doors across Saanich, and having recovered from COVID, drafting my blog posts, I have been thinking about the conversations I have shared with residents. Every neighbourhood has its own character, its own community association, its own priorities, and its own concerns. But something has surprised me along the way, and that no matter what community I canvas in, many of the conversations come back to the same fundament

As we approach the close of an advance voting today, and inch closer to Saanich's offical election day on Saturday, I’ve found myself reflecting on a question that sits at the heart of why I continue to put my name forward for Saanich Council: What does community really mean? For me, Saanich has always been about so much more than the place we call home. It’s about the people who live here, the connections we build, the stories we share, and the small, everyday moments that r

On August 23, I officially announced my candidacy intentions for Saanich Council and the CRD. Since then, the campaign trail has been busy, and those who know me well, know I wouldn't have it any other way! For me, campaigning isn't just about putting a name on a ballot. It's about getting out into the community, listening, asking questions, having conversations and learning what matters most to the people who live, work and play in Saanich. Since announcing, I've been knocki

~ Listening First. Planning Together. Building Saanich’s Future. ~ SAANICH, B.C. — August 23, 2026 — Kathleen Burton today announced her candidacy for Saanich Council and the Capital Regional District (CRD), bringing years of community leadership, nonprofit experience, public-service work and a strong commitment to Saanich families to the 2026 municipal election. Burton has spent years working in and for the community, including leadership in the nonprofit sector and expe