Policies: Little Big

There’s more to any community than the large structural, financial, and operational issues. Yes, we need to fix the roads, financials, and other big items, but also we must take every opportunity to make our community more liveable right now.” That's why I created a platform of “Little Big Things.” 

To that end, I’m suggesting a diverse set of ideas as relatively low-cost ways we can make our community better for everyone by encouraging healthy living, operational efficiencies, or other improvements. Small but meaningful. I encourage all our residents to consider our community in this light: how do we keep making Oak Bay better?”

​

Some ideas from my initial campaign that have been implemented:

• Changing water fountains to frost-proof units so walkers and cyclists can hydrate all year round

• Adding more curb cuts to provide mobility at corners

• Improving lighting and adding flashing lights for pedestrian and bike crossings

• Improving visibility at corners by trimming hedge overgrowth

• Improving timing and consistency of line and curb painting

• ​Finding opportunities to naturalize our foreshore areas and celebrate our “naturehood”

• Welcoming First Nations youth into our parks 

 

Some ideas that have yet to be implemented due to transition cycles or lack of funding:

• Converting public garbage cans to include recycling and compost separation

• Adding amenities at Willows Beach such as watersports and lockers

• Automating incentives in exchange for heritage designation of homes

​

If you have ideas for making the community better, you can email me at murdoch4mayor@gmail.com