Town hall aims to introduce slate and platform
A new slate in the municipal race is stepping into the spotlight this week in Saanich, with a public town hall set for Wednesday, July 15, as the fall election draws nearer. The Save Our Saanich team says it will outline its priorities and take audience questions at the Greek Community Hall, 4648 Elk Lake Drive, near Saanich Commonwealth Place. Doors open at 6 p.m. and proceedings begin at 7 p.m.
The event is billed as an opportunity for residents to assess the slate’s positions months before the province-wide municipal election on October 17, 2026. Promotional materials for the gathering frame the pitch around change and a reset in approach to municipal decision-making.
“It is time for change” and a team “that will restore balance to Saanich,” the slate’s materials state.
Who is running under the Save Our Saanich banner
The slate identifies Rishi Sharma as its candidate for mayor. The campaign website lists council candidates Lorne DeLarge, Matt McGeachie and Graham Wright. According to Sharma, the team also expects to put forward Nancy Dicastri and Laurie Lidstone as part of its council lineup.
| Event detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Wednesday, July 15 |
| Doors open | 6 p.m. |
| Start time | 7 p.m. |
| Venue | Greek Community Hall, 4648 Elk Lake Drive |
| Format | Public presentation followed by Q&A |
Platform themes on offer
Save Our Saanich says it will focus on a mix of fiscal, environmental and service-delivery issues if elected. The campaign’s stated priorities include:
- Responsible spending
- Protected greenspace
- Smart development
- Transparent decision-making
- Efficient roads
The town hall format — a presentation followed by questions from attendees — gives residents a chance to press candidates for specifics on how those priorities would translate into bylaws, budgets or service changes. With significant decisions in recent years around growth, transportation and land use in Saanich, the slate’s emphasis suggests an appeal to voters focused on spending controls, environmental protection and planning approaches.
Race context and what’s next
The mayoral field continues to take shape. Two other candidates — Zac de Vries and Karen Harper — have also declared they are running for Saanich’s top job. The current mayor, Dean Murdock, is not seeking re-election, citing family reasons. The open seat raises the stakes for early campaign events, where candidates often test their messages and build name recognition ahead of the formal voting period.
Residents attending Wednesday’s session can expect the Save Our Saanich slate to expand on its headline themes, while the Q&A portion offers a venue to probe positions on taxes, service levels, development approvals, and infrastructure. The campaign says the meeting is open to the public.
Why it matters for Saanich voters
With October 17 on the calendar for municipalities across British Columbia, the window for voters to evaluate contenders is opening. For Saanich, where the next council will steer policies on housing, transportation and parks, early contact with candidates can clarify contrasts before ballots are cast. Wednesday’s town hall provides one of the first opportunities this cycle for residents to hear directly from a full slate that is seeking to set the agenda.
