I was born and raised in Langford. I ran for Council in 2022 to promote public engagement, transparency, and sustainable development. For the past 4 years, I have been working to balance community, affordability and the environment in one of the fastest growing municipalities in Canada.

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Before becoming a councillor, I earned a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Victoria. After several years of scientific research experience, I moved back to the heart of Langford where I raised my family while teaching biology at UVic for 15 years. I continue to live in the Langford core with my husband, two teenage daughters and the family cats.

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In addition to serving on council and chairing Langford’s Sustainable Development Advisory Committee, I serve on a diverse array of regional committees working on the water supply, reconciliation, climate action, transportation, waste management, parks, hospital and housing, and as the liaison to the Westshore Chamber of Commerce.

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I am known for my approachable, collaborative style and my ability to listen deeply. When I'm not at Council or a community event, you might find me curling with my family, attending local festivals, or volunteering.
 

Mary Key Priorities:

 

I have prioritized initiatives that support young people now and that will serve future generations:

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1.    Developed several first-ever long-term plans for everything from Parks to Transportation to Economic Development and more to set the community up for success as we grow; overhauled the Official Community Plan to focus on strategic development along transportation corridors, higher quality and climate-resilient building standards; established housing agreements to provide below-market rentals and relatively attainable ownership opportunities where possible and contributions to an affordable housing fund for all new builds

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2.    Improved budget processes to include more public input and transparency and fought for a balance of meeting our increased demands and rising costs with sustainable budgeting and strategic choices, making sure that expenses are being addressed today and not postponed for future generations

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3.    Building 2 new childcare facilities with over $13Million in grant funding to support young families

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4.    Established robust public engagement practices including the Let’s Chat Langford platform, presence on social media, pop-up events, Ideas Fairs and Community Fun Days throughout the city to reach more residents

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5.    Improved sidewalk and cycling infrastructure with a focus on safe routes to 7 different schools!  This provided options for students that also benefit everyone promoting health, well-being and affordability; brought in a micromobility service to make getting around Langford easier for anyone who doesn’t have a vehicle

 

My youth-focused priorities for a second term:

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 1.    Langford’s Housing Strategy that will be completed before the end of term will need to be actioned in the next term to support housing options including well designed, relatively affordable homes and below market housing; explore tenant support strategies

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2.    Advocate for transit improvements, including where express lanes can be added and increasing transit service to outlying neighbourhoods, and encouraging investment in Langford by implementing our new award-winning Official Community Plan; work collaboratively throughout the Capital Regional District for improved regional transportation

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3.    Enhance public engagement further with a focus on younger voices including renters who are often under-represented; explore a youth council and other ways to connect young people to their local government

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4.    Bring the Climate Action Plan currently under development to life, supporting a future where businesses and residents can thrive and we avoid the future costs of climate change.

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5.    Follow through on our recently adopted Economic Development Strategy to bring diverse, high-quality jobs to Langford.

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6. Expand parks, recreation and arts and culture in Langford with diverse options, free where possible, increasing health and wellbeing and feelings of connection to the community.