Tara Todesco for Esquimalt Council

I'm committed to building a resilient and thriving Esquimalt through collaboration, transparency, and fiscal responsibility.

Where I will focus

I believe local government is one of the most powerful tools a community has for shaping its own future, and I'm ready to contribute more. As a councillor I will focus on:

Housing and affordability

Advocating for diverse, human-scale housing — including non-market, family, and seniors housing — that genuinely improves affordability and strengthens our neighbourhoods.Housing, affordability and development pressures are huge issues right now. We need more housing choices, including non-market and family housing, yet it's not just about building more — development should strengthen our neighbourhoods, reflect Esquimalt's character, and genuinely add value to community life.

Livable and connected communities

Stewarding Esquimalt's strong sense of community — by planning walkable neighbourhoods where daily needs are close to home, working collaboratively with local organizations, and supporting the events that bring us together.Esquimalt has something very special — people genuinely look out for each other here. It feels like a small town in the best way. As Esquimalt grows and changes, planning and development decisions should protect that — keeping daily needs close to home, supporting local businesses and community organizations, and championing the arts and community events that bring people together.

Climate action and natural assets

Taking climate seriously — prioritizing active transportation, resilient infrastructure, and protecting our tree canopy and green spaces as essential assets for a livable Esquimalt.Our trees and green spaces are essential community infrastructure — they cool our streets, absorb stormwater and support biodiversity. New developments need to preserve and grow tree canopy and make room for adequate green space wherever possible.Supporting more transportation choices and resilient, low-carbon building design are practical things council can shape. Trees, transportation, buildings — these aren't separate issues. They're all part of building a community that's resilient, livable, and more prepared for the climate realities that lie ahead.

My professional experience

I have over 20 years of leadership experience across the public and non-profit sectors. My work has spanned climate action, community development, and grants management — always focused on building programs and partnerships that leave communities stronger.I've led collaborative projects with regional and national partners, including government agencies, First Nations, and community organizations.An example of my climate work is initiating and vice-chairing the Climate Solutions Navigator, a two-year cross-campus initiative to accelerate climate action at UVic, and serving as an early project team member for UVic's Climate and Sustainability Action Plan to 2030.My community development work includes co-leading a United Way initiative that seed-funded climate readiness and food security projects across three Greater Victoria neighbourhoods, and managing 300-plus volunteer programs at The Land Conservancy of BC and Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary.I also bring experience in financial management — including securing and administering grants for local government, with responsibility for financial reporting and compliance.I hold a Master of Arts in Environmental Studies from UVic.

Community involvement

Volunteering has always been important to me. In Esquimalt, I have served on the Township's Design Review Committee (DRC) for over four years, currently as Chair. I also volunteer at community events, the farmers market, and the Township's Pulling Together program.More broadly, I have had the good fortune of working in the volunteer development sector, and have managed two large-scale, 300+ volunteer programs at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary and The Land Conservancy of BC.Pictured: My husband and I.

Recent Posts: June 30

Running for council announcement

I'm excited to share that I've decided to run for Esquimalt Council this fall.
I've called Esquimalt home for over nine years — as a neighbour, parent, and volunteer — and I genuinely love being part of this community. Over the past months I've been meeting with community leaders, neighbours, and friends to listen and learn, and those conversations have shaped why I'm running. Full post

Recent Posts: July 3 2026

Small-scale multi-unit bylaw survey

The Township's survey on the current Esquimalt bylaw associated with the Province's mandated Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) legislation closes tomorrow (July 4). This is a key chance to inform what you think needs recalibrating for these new fast-tracked residential developments.The province dictates how many units are allowed on a lot, and their policy and design packages are all aimed at accelerating housing development — which we do need. However, they don't address how that development interacts with the natural features already on a site, how to assure affordable housing is in fact created, as well as impacts on stormwater, urban tree canopy, municipal infrastructure etc. That is the responsibility of the municipality- and what the Township is asking for input on.Township Survey

Let's connect

I'd love to hear what's important to you this election — please don't hesitate to reach out with your priorities or questions about my campaign. Email: [email protected]