All Candidates Meeting – Candidate Written Submissions

Alton Toth was born and raised in Sechelt and has served on Council since 2018. He is Chair of the Sunshine Coast Regional District Board, a former small business owner, and a longtime community volunteer. Alton is running for Mayor to bring experienced, collaborative leadership to Sechelt for the future.

Question 1: Community Priority

My highest priority is making sure seniors can stay in Sechelt as their housing needs change. The District does not own enough land to solve that directly, so I want us to work closely with the Sunshine Coast Affordable Housing Society to build partnerships with private landowners, non-profits, senior governments and funders. The District can help by identifying opportunities, making approvals predictable, using housing agreements and incentives, and bringing partners to the table. SCAHS can then help develop, finance and operate projects. That gives us a practical way to create more accessible, affordable homes without relying on municipal land alone.

Question 2: Collaboration and Effective Governance

As Sunshine Coast Regional District Board Chair, I work with eight Directors representing differing communities, priorities and perspectives. Effective collaboration starts with listening, understanding why people disagree, and looking for common ground without avoiding difficult discussion. I believe the Chair or Mayor should help make sure everyone has a chance to speak and be heard, keep debate respectful, and focus Council on the decision in front of it. Consensus is valuable, but it won’t always be possible. When Council has heard debate and made a decision by majority vote, we all need to respect that decision and move forward together.

Anna MacNeil – Running for Sechelt Council

I’m Anna MacNeil, a Sunshine Coast resident for 22 years. My daughters were born at Sechelt Hospital and graduated from Chatelech. My background includes non-profit animal welfare, banking, research, policy, strata management and community safety. I love Sechelt and am running to protect its unique character and enrich its future.

Question 1: Community Priority

My highest priority is to help people stay in Sechelt, even if their housing needs change. That means more small, accessible homes people can afford, near shops, services and transportation. I would support the District creating a ‘small-home program’, with clear guidance for property owners, pre-reviewed designs and help for navigating permits and servicing. I would also ask for public reporting on applications, permit times and homes built. Aging in place should mean staying connected to your community, even when your current house no longer meets your needs.

Question 2: Collaboration and Effective Governance

I would work constructively by sticking to the facts, asking questions and respecting my colleagues’ perspectives. We should each explain our reasoning clearly and be willing to change our minds when better information emerges. Disagreement can improve decisions by raising concerns we have not considered. Collaboration means finding shared goals, comparing options and agreeing on how to measure results, not agreeing on everything. When consensus cannot be reached, the majority vote decides. I would respect that decision and help Council follow through. We can explain our differences without personal attacks, then return the next day ready to work together again.

Craig Moore – Running for Sechelt Council

I have lived on the Sunshine Coast for 45 years. I am a founding member of Dakota Ridge, the director of the Live Music Society, and an active director with the Ruby Slipper Group. I look forward to working with the Mayor and council to help create a safe, vibrant community.

Question 1: Community Priority

Create more affordable housing options —why do we not have a mobile park or a tiny home proposal in Sechelt? We could offer incentives for homeowners in the downtown core that are considering building laneway housing. Streamline the process so builders can build more homes. A client’s son contacted me last week. His mother is in her early 90s. She lives in a large house and wants to suite the downstairs for a live-in home care worker. She is nervous about talking to the district and the requirements that would be needed to do this. Can we not simplify and expedient the process so this could be done? As far as transportation, the Master Transportation Plan, which the District of Sechelt is working with BC Transit and the Regional District on, will be ratified soon. I look forward to seeing the final proposal and fully support more transportation options.

Question 2: Collaboration and Effective Governance

I believe one of my strengths is to listen to other ideas and then have a constructive discussion about the topic. My position can change if presented with a rational and knowledgeable perspective. Put your ego aside! After a vigorous discussion, a majority vote will decide on whether the proposal moves forward. I believe it’s that simple.

Darnelda Siegers – Running for Sechelt Council

My husband and I have lived in Sechelt 17 years. I sat on the District of Sechelt Council from 2011 to 2022. I am on the Chamber of Commerce, Senior’s Housing Committee, and Community Coast Health Society and I just stepped down from the SC Junior Hockey Society board.

Question 1: Community Priority

According to the District of Sechelt 2024 Housing Needs Report, between 2024-2029, 591 additional units, from studio through 3-bedroom were/are required to be built to accommodate the projected demand for housing, with over half of those anticipated to be studio through 2-bedroom units. An additional 546 units were anticipated to be needed between 2029-2034. I’d like to see the District of Sechelt take the lead in working with the construction and development community to build projects that address mixed-income, seniors independent living, and supportive and transitional housing for those at risk of homelessness by accessing the Build Canada Homes program.

Question 2: Collaboration and Effective Governance

Municipal government decisions are not made through consensus but rather, by law, through majority rule. Not all of council has to or will always agree. However, council will make better decisions if they bring and voice their different perspectives at the council table. All need to be heard and have their ideas considered and debated. The decisions council makes will represent the will of a greater part of the community and reflect what the community wants to see. There have been times when I’ve had my vote changed through the conversation and debate had at the council table.

Desmond Das – Running for Sechelt Council

Desmond Das is a local businessman, father and longtime Sunshine Coast resident. After moving to the area in 2010, he managed a gravel pit in Egmont before leaving his career to pursue entrepreneurship. In 2021, he took a risk and purchased two Sechelt businesses, Shift Kitchen and Bar and The Daily Roast.

Question 1: Community Priority

My highest priority is creating more housing options while making sure growth is matched by the infrastructure and resources our community can support. I would like the District to use the Official Community Plan process to identify where and what types of housing we can responsibly add, including more attainable, accessible and age-friendly housing. I also want to make it easier for existing homeowners to create appropriate secondary suites and other housing options where infrastructure allows. We need housing for young families, workers and seniors, while making sure growth does not overwhelm our water, roads, services or the community character that makes Sechelt home.

Question 2: Collaboration and Effective Governance

I’m a straight shooter, but I believe disagreement is healthy when it is respectful and based on facts. I would listen to my fellow Councilors, staff, and the community, explain my position clearly and be willing to change my mind when the evidence supports it. Effective collaboration means leaving personal agendas at the door and working toward what is best for Sechelt. When consensus cannot be reached, I believe Council should respectfully debate the options, understand the consequences, decide and then move forward together. Residents deserve a Council that can disagree without becoming divided.

Dianne McLauchlan – Running for Sechelt Mayor

In retirement, I have applied my extensive education and municipal planning skills to the role of city Councillor. As a mother and a daughter, my values are to be friendly and open, to listen and learn, and to have conversations, work together and come to the right caring solutions.

Question 1: Community Priority

My highest priority is housing. Zoning is a municipality’s most powerful tool but it is not being used to the public advantage. In some ways, all land here is held in the public interest and Council does not need to approve inappropriate development proposals. Council can and should proactively change zoning to advance the need for actual appropriate housing. Identify lots for numerous public seniors’ homes and probably treatment centres Rezone for affordable family housing beside schools Test small lot/home planning concepts in-house to get better use of existing land and services and more small homes

Question 2: Collaboration and Effective Governance

Stop the bullying! New BC legislation is coming to ensure this. Don’t rush meetings, vote as a block or go to the bar afterwards to discuss Council business (with a quorum) of councilors. As meeting chairperson/mayor, encourage more fulsome debate until more aspects are explored and do not call the question. The majority must explain their reasons, then compromise/change the motion to include the other ideas. Don’t assume the staff report is sufficient or that staff recommendations have to be accepted. Talk to the Chief Administrative Officer in private for procedural advice.

Gary Trinder – Running for Sechelt Council

As a former IT specialist, I retired to Sechelt with my wife, drawn by its walkability, ocean setting, trails, arts, welcoming neighbourhoods, and strong community spirit. Since then, I’ve become actively involved in our community. I’m running for Sechelt’s future – offering practical leadership, clear priorities, informed decisions, and stronger collaboration on Council.

Question 1: Community Priority

Previous councils have supported seniors’ housing; these units serve independent seniors. We urgently need more assisted-living and long-term-care beds. With over 4,000 seniors, many with significant health needs, Silverstone’s 128 regional beds are insufficient. Totem and Shorncliffe previously provided 108 long-term-care beds; their closures resulted in only 20 additional beds. Our acute-care hospital is again being used for long-term care. VCH must provide more care spaces, especially as Totem and Shorncliffe are being repurposed. New housing must support aging in place and fulfilling lifestyles through improved transportation, safety and adaptable accessible design.

Question 2: Collaboration and Effective Governance

Respect for fellow council members’ opinions is essential. We have different life experiences and perspectives, so I will listen openly and consider issues from their point of view. Empathy builds connection, understanding, and cooperation. My focus will be “What’s right for Sechelt?” rather than “What do I think should be done?” Through active listening and respectful discussion, we can build understanding and develop better ideas. Consensus is ideal, but when it cannot be reached, I will seek common ground, consider amendments, and respect the final vote—even when I am on the ‘losing side’. Most importantly, I will not hold grudges over disagreements.

Joanne Van Ginkel – Running for Sechelt Council

I have been very active in the community for 10 years, serving on the Advisory Planning Committee for the maximum 6 years and now as President of the Sechelt Downtown Business Association. My degree in landscape architecture is helpful in understanding housing and transportation issues and finding solutions.

Question 1: Community Priority

Aging in place is best for seniors; many own big houses that are difficult to care for and have extra bedrooms. Let’s take advantage of this housing stock! Canada HomeShare and partners Happipad and Help Age Canada are 3 organizations that do that, so there is no need to re-invent the wheel. Providers and seekers are vetted. This frees up resources for senior non-homeowners. According to the District of Sechelt Housing Report 61% of houses here have 3 or more bedrooms. According to Statistics Canada, 1 person households have increased from 32% in 2006 to 35% in 2021.

Question 2: Collaboration and Effective Governance

The advantage of sitting on many boards, selection committees, and being a parent is learning how to listen to others. What is their main objection? How can we find a solution that may not please everyone fully but gets the bulk of what we want passed? On the APC, we would often vote and then rewrite the motion based on objections. It is important not to hold grudges about past voting. It is also important to go into a Council meeting fully prepared: talking to staff, reading all materials and perhaps casually checking in with fellow councillors one-on-one.

Lisa Christine Humphries – Running for Sechelt Council

Working with service organizations is part of my day-to-day life. From MSP to Search and Rescue, I excel under pressure, in team settings and independently. I arrived here in 1997, after working for the Nu Chal Nuth Tribal Council for 8 years, then teaching college and running a business in Vancouver. I bring research skills and a desire to work collaboratively to achieve mutual goals. I stand for sustainability, safety, care and respect for our citizens, ecosystem conservation, economic growth, food security and emergency preparedness. I am www.4sechelt.ca

Question 1: Community Priority

Adopt the provincial ‘Small Care Home’ model. Council updates our OCP and zoning bylaws to allow agile, 10-bed senior micro-facilities directly within Sechelt neighborhoods. Build on the momentum of the 5-bed Totem Lodge renovation to ensure VCH fast-tracks requests for proposals for permanent, contracted non-profit long-term care beds. Lobby for B.C.’s incoming $447-million federal ‘Aging with Dignity’ fund to cover the 24/7 clinical operational costs of these local beds.

If Sechelt brings nominal municipal land and fast-tracked permitting to the table, VCH can deliver the operational funding, working together to move our seniors out of hospital hallways.

Question 2: Collaboration and Effective Governance

Since the 90’s, corporate teams have been heavily invested in Non Violent communication and team building. Working with the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue #14, since 2007, we work to stay alive, relying on each other’s skills and good decision-making, enabling the whole team to be more effective. That said, when something goes amiss, we need to speak out, to protect the group from peril. Such is the circumstance with any team. If all is lost, we research similar situations that have been resolved elsewhere and, if necessary, call in an outside expert to achieve the best outcome.

Mary Degan – Running for Sechelt Council

Deeply rooted on Coast for 30 years, actively volunteering, organizing, co-leading projects and programs for a variety of organizations. Successfully chaired SCRD Elphinstone Area Planning Commission (APC) 10 years, currently Sechelt APC. Experienced relationship builder, working with local governance, effectively advocating citizens’ concerns. Bringing this strength and dedication to Council.

Question 1: Community Priority