Cory Montgomery is ready to bring a more businesslike approach to Saanich council.
“I’ve been thinking about it for quite a few years. I’ve just always been interested in local politics and the community,” said the 43-year-old Cadboro Bay resident in announcing his candidacy for Saanich council in the Oct. 20 municipal election.
“I love Saanich and choose to raise my daughters here with my wife, Robyn. I’m running for Saanich council to give back to the community that has treated my family so well. This municipality is already a great place to live but I know we can do better by working together.”
Montgomery said it’s a collection of many issues that prompted him to throw his hat in the ring.
“They just can’t seem to agree on anything or get anything through,” said the former Claremont grad, pointing to the Environmental Development Permit Area and the way small business is treated.
“The environment is definitely a big thing in my eyes,” said Montgomery. “But I don’t think it can be a blanket across the whole area. We need to consult the experts and come up with a plan that works.”
Montgomery previously owned a local refrigeration business with his wife, and now works as operations manager with his family business that handles industrial moving.
He sees economic growth and safe streets as major issues, and wants to build a more active Saanich through the support of parks and recreation initiatives to build a healthy and livable community.
“You should be able to move efficiently and safely throughout our community and there are many areas, such as Sinclair Hill, that desperately need attention,” said Montgomery. “I will champion two initiatives that address longstanding transportation challenges and improve the safety and accessibility of our sidewalks and roadways.”
He also wants to take steps to make Saanich more affordable, whether through reduced taxes or increased density.
“I want my kids to be able to live in Saanich when they’re [grown up],” said Montgomery, who would like to find a compromise solution.
“We have a bunch of high-rises and condos being put up, but there also needs to be some thought in whether the [infrastructure] can accept the density that we’re putting in.”
He says Saanich faces a wide variety of urgent challenges, from sustainable growth to protection of natural areas, from supporting our seniors and children to enabling families to withstand the housing crisis.
“I don’t have all of the answers to these questions, but my experience in growing businesses and building relationships will help us develop common-sense, forward-thinking solutions together.”
Montgomery joins Ian Jessop, Kathleen Burton, Nathalie Chambers, Rebecca Mersereau, Ned Taylor, Zac de Vries and Teale Phelps-Bondaroff in challenging incumbents Colin Plant, Susan Brice, Judy Brownoff and Karen Harper for a seat on council. Coun. Fred Haynes is challenging Mayor Richard Atwell for the mayor’s office, while Dean Murdock, Leif Wergeland and Vicki Sanders have announced they will not seek re-election.