Oak Bay Local
← All issuesReading No. 143

October 3, 2026

Oak Bay’s next council: what matters to you?

Pick your council priority, browse the bulletin board and meet the candidates today.

No. 143 · 5 min · about one cup of tea

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No. 143Saturday, October 3, 2026Oak Bay, B.C.

Oak Bay’s next council: what matters to you?

5 min · about one cup of tea · from the desk

Good morning, Oak Bay.

Two weeks to vote. An afternoon to ask your questions.

At least three of Oak Bay's six council seats will go to newcomers. Today, you can meet the candidates at St. Mary's, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Before you head out, tell us what you want the next council to put first. Pick a priority below, then add a sentence or two.

Also inside: this week's community bulletin board, who's running and your local news.

The Oak Bay Local team

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Calendar page for Saturday, October 17 with the date circled. Oak Bay votes Saturday, Oct. 17: 14 days to go. Half the council table changes no matter how the vote goes.
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Your Oak Bay

What should Oak Bay's next council tackle first?

Pick a priority, then tell us a little about it. A sentence or two is plenty.

Housing & affordability →
Roads, facilities & services →
Parks, places & community life →
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Paid partner · Oak Bay Notary

Oak Bay Notary storefront at 2185 Theatre Lane

It's Make A Will Week (Oct 4-10)

Determine how your affairs will be managed, assets distributed, and minor children cared for. If you're a couple, make your wills together. Trust your neighbourhood notary. Helpful and friendly legal services in the heart of Oak Bay Village.

To get started, contact Oak Bay Notary

Local ads help keep Oak Bay Local free. Become a partner

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Council Race Shakeup

At least half of Oak Bay's council will change on Oct. 17

Graphic listing the Oak Bay candidates on the Oct. 17 ballot. Mayor: Kevin Murdoch, returning, and Sam Holland, first-time candidate. Council, six seats: returning Hazel Braithwaite, Cairine Green and Esther Paterson; first-time candidates David Gleeson, Roxanne Helme, Will Moore, Sarah Starkweather, Karin Sweeney and Katerina Weller. Not running again: Carrie Smart, Andrew Appleton and Lesley Watson.

Photo · Oak Bay Local

Three of Oak Bay's six councillors are stepping aside: Carrie Smart, Andrew Appleton and Lesley Watson. That guarantees at least three newcomers after the Oct. 17 election.

Hazel Braithwaite, Cairine Green and Esther Paterson are seeking re-election. The six newcomers running are David Gleeson, Roxanne Helme, Will Moore, Sarah Starkweather, Karin Sweeney and Katerina Weller.

The mayoral race is between incumbent Kevin Murdoch and Sam Holland, a co-founder of Better Transit YYJ. Murdoch points to unfinished work on Turkey Head, village planning and the district's roughly $300-million infrastructure deficit. Holland wants more housing options and business growth to broaden the tax base.

Want to ask them a question? The Community Association of Oak Bay's Meet the Candidates Fair is today, Oct. 3, from 2 to 4 p.m. at St. Mary's Anglican Church, 1701 Elgin Road. Details are in Community Events below.

Sources · Times Colonist · Oak Bay News

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Community Bulletin Board

What's pinned up around the village

Posters from around Oak Bay. Tap any to open the source.

For Sale / Free: Free Wooden Bed Frame, First Come First Served
 
Services: Spaces Open at ShineKids Childcare
 
Lost & Found: Lost: 10-Year Anniversary Ring
 
Help Wanted: Wanted: Winter Garage Space for Vintage Car
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The election at a glance

14

Days until election day

Saturday, Oct. 17
6

Council seats to fill

At least three newcomers
2

Candidates for mayor

Kevin Murdoch and Sam Holland
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Community Events

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Today: Meet the Candidates Fair

Saturday, Oct. 3, from 2 to 4 p.m. at St. Mary's Anglican Church, 1701 Elgin Road. Hosted by the Community Association of Oak Bay.

🏊

Thanksgiving Swim & Skates

Oct. 10 to 12 at Oak Bay Recreation Centre. Check the recreation calendar for session times and admission details.

🚨

Emergency Preparedness Presentation

Thursday, Oct. 15, from 7 to 8 p.m. A free session with the Oak Bay Emergency Program. See the event page for registration and confirm the venue when booking.

⛸️

Free Family Skate

Sunday, Oct. 18, from 1:30 to 2:45 p.m. at Oak Bay Arena.

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The Pick · Local partner · DBC Cleaning & Concierge

House exterior pictured on the DBC Cleaning & Concierge website

Away this fall or winter?

DBC Cleaning & Concierge is a local, owner-operated business providing scheduled Home Check visits for Victoria and Oak Bay residents who are travelling, spending the winter away or leaving a property vacant. Each visit includes a careful visual walk-through, mail and newspaper collection, plant watering and a clear report, with anything unusual reported promptly. Call, text, or email DBC today for a consultation.

Learn more

Local ads help keep Oak Bay Local free. Become a partner

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In the News

⚖️

Seven-and-a-half-year sentence in Willows Beach attack

Kaspar Handspiker, 34, was sentenced for the 2017 attack on house sitter Nermeen Alireza. He pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and breaking and entering. With credit for time in custody, he has just under two years left to serve.

[Times Colonist]

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Police seek help identifying cheque-fraud suspects

Oak Bay Police are asking for help identifying two people believed to be connected to fraud cases in B.C. and Alberta. See the released suspect photos at the source link. Contact your local police department if you recognize either person, or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.

[Victoria Buzz]

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Oak Bay Police want your priorities

Randomly selected Oak Bay households will receive the survey, but the OBPD is asking all residents to weigh in on priorities like online reporting and new emergency facilities.

[District of Oak Bay]

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A school bike train and 79 calls for service

Officers responded to 79 calls for service the week of September 21 to 27, and ran a school bike train on September 24.

[Oak Bay Police Department]

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From the Oak Bay Local group

From your neighbours

Cookies, candidate meetings and an autumn view, shared by your neighbours.

Girl Guide Chocolatey Mint Cookies Have Arrived!

📷 Keira Morgan · Oak Bay Local Facebook group · see the post →

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Meet the municipal candidates today, Oct. 3, from 2 to 4 p.m. at St. Mary’s Anglican Church, 1701 Elgin Road. Bruce Kilpatrick shares the Community Association of Oak Bay’s meeting calendar.

📷 Bruce Kilpatrick · Oak Bay Local Facebook group · see the post →

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Autumn leaves above the shoreline and sailboats in Oak Bay, photographed by Mary McArthur

A rainy autumn day in Oak Bay, through Mary McArthur’s lens.

📷 Mary McArthur Photography · Oak Bay Local Facebook group · see the post →

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Oak Bay is shaped by the people who live here.

Have a local story, a photo or a letter you'd like to share? Share it using our short form. Tell us what we're looking at and whether we may publish it with your name.

Thanks for reading. See you next Saturday.

The Oak Bay Local team

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Oak Bay Local · Oak Bay

Made with care in Oak Bay, Victoria BC

Independent village news, supported by readers and local businesses. Sponsors do not influence our coverage.

— The Oak Bay Local desk. Next one Saturday, kettle time.

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