Rishi Sharma
Website: https://www.rishisharmaforsaanich.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RishiSharmaforSaanich
Twitter:@Rishi_ss
Instagram:@rishisharmasaanich
Are you associated with or running as part of a slate? If so, which one?
I am running as an Independent Candidate
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?
Yes, I live in Saanich and have been a resident for 43 years.
What is your occupation, and for how long?
BC public service for the past 21 years,
Please include the URLs for any websites/social media you are using for your campaign.
Tell us about your previous elected and/or community experience. (80-100 words)
Project Manager for the Builders Code, a construction workforce equity project. A MinervaBC Board member. A certified trainer for the BC Lions Be More Than A Bystander program. Former Director of the Gordon Head Residents Association and a member of the local road safety advocacy group Fix Ash Road Now. This will be my second attempt to win a seat on the Municipal council. Also, I partnered with Habitat for Humanity on a residential deconstruction housing project and, regularly volunteer with the Victoria Hindu Temple. As a youth, I volunteered at the multicultural Folk Festivals.
Why are you running? What’s your motivation? (80-100 words)
I’ve had the pleasure of living in Saanich for close to 45 years and I’m hoping to have an opportunity to be part of a collaborative, consensus-building council that is ready to actively listen and advocate for better, more affordable services for our residents
What are your top three issues? (80-100 words)
Focused investments into arts and recreation programming to create a more livable Saanich for all residents. Increased attention to our roads and sidewalks while building an active transportation system that is safe for all users. Develop and implement a strategy that builds a culture of economic success that allows for responsible growth of our community.
What’s your vision for your community in 25 years? (100-125 words)
Through partnerships, active listening, and respectful discussions, I’m sure we can reach a consensus on responsible development and people-centred economic growth, and help residents and the district with more affordable housing, increased sports, arts and recreation amenities, with more daycare and seniors programs. All this with continued work toward climate change initiatives to help create a more energy efficient and climate change conscience district. A world-leading District in the area.
What’s one “big idea” you have for your community? (100-125 words)
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss a “Destination Saanich” initiative. Now is the time to implement a progressive, people-centred approach to economic growth and development so residents in Saanich can enjoy affordable living, improved amenities and programs, while keeping more of their hard-earned money in their pockets. One of the first deliverables would be to work towards a public forum focusing on the built environment with the goal to create a new vision and mission for economic growth while listening to recommendations for action from the public, developers, business owners, local resident associations, Indigenous partners and other interested groups.
