Long considered a green community, Saanich has won awards for its progressive approach to environmental issues.

But true leaders don't rest on their laurels. With that in mind, the News asked council candidates to weigh in on what specific project they'd undertake, if elected, to continue the legacy.

Respondents were also asked to include cost estimates with their plan.

As an example to the public, municipal facilities need to be upgraded, say challengers Harold Wolf and Patrick Chénier.

Wolf, running for mayor, proposes municipal hall become a beacon of sustainability with edible and native landscaping, on-site composting and solar or green roofs. Chénier would like to retrofit all buildings, including recreation centres and police and fire halls, with environmental features such as solar hot water systems. Neither dared estimate a budget for the work.

Leif Wergeland took the opposite approach.

"Individuals are the ones that can make a substantial environmental impact," he said, adding funds should be allocated towards educating Saanich citizens about changing their lifestyle.

Improved transportation was another popular option.

"A rail line from downtown to Langford is approximately 12 kilometres, or $240 million," said Dean Murdock. "The project costs are significant, but are marginal when compared to highway and roadway expansion."

A similar, but less expensive option, favoured by Paul Gerrard is a commuter rail along existing rail infrastructure. Estimated at $15 million, "this would take a huge amount of road traffic off our congested roads, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality," Gerrard said.

Susan Brice and Judy Brownoff both list compost collection as their first priority and tout the potential advantages of recovering resources from the waste. Brice estimates the curbside pickup at $25,000. Brownoff sees it as a regional program that will help divert 60 per cent of waste from the landfill.

Victor Hughes envisions garden plants could be cultivated throughout traffic islands, street medians and along trails.

"I believe this could be accomplished under the current allocation of money to the parks, gardening and street personnel," Hughes said, explaining that the edible landscaping could be harvested by citizens.

Rob Wickson proposes a change in the way people receive economic information.

Why, he asks, is transit listed as a levy rather than an investment, with savings highlighted? What does each household pay for municipal roads or parking?

"If we were really a corporation, we could be doing a better job showing the investor (taxpayer) what returns are on their investments," says Wickson.

rholmen@saanichnews.com

Other responses:

-Coun. Vicki Sanders would like to create an inventory of Garry Oak meadows to shift the focus from restoration to proactive preservation.

-Coun. Wayne Hunter proposes a climate action park where visitors can learn about sustainable gardening practices, buy produce from farmers and attend weekend fairs.

-Coun. Vic Derman would like to initiate long-term visionary planning, focusing on sustainable urban form.

-Mayor Frank Leonard will ensure sustainable programs outlined in the Official Community Plan will be met on budget.

• Part one of a three part series exploring the ideas and positions of council candidates. In the next two issues, the Saanich News, will on strategies for balancing the budget during hard economic times, and whether or not sidewalk spending needs to be ramped up.