Tara Todesco for Esquimalt Council

I'm committed to building a resilient and thriving Esquimalt through collaboration, transparency, and fiscal responsibility.Read my TC candidate article

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.I see two pieces of foundational work for the next council: careful budget work for more sustainable, predictable property taxes, and the new Official Community Plan, where we will work to plan the future of Esquimalt.Within this work, I will focus on these priorities:

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, making it safer and easier to walk, cycle, drive or take the bus, 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.Getting around is part of that too. Traffic congestion is a growing issue, and more of us will be sharing the same streets in the years ahead — we can't solve that with roads alone. Walking, cycling, driving and taking the bus all need to be safe, practical choices for everyday trips.

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 large-scale 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: September 12 2026

#1 Notes from the field: Door knocking so far

I started door knocking this week and it turns out to be pretty wonderful.
A few notes from the field:
Door knocking is a mix of awkward (walking up to a stranger's door where they are likely making or eating dinner inside) and genuinely meaningful, where residents who answer are encouraging, open and delightful.
It's true many don't answer, and some just want a brief exchange, but a lot of people have a real willingness to talk about our beloved Esquimalt.
Some themes:
*People truly love living in Esquimalt-- they say it often and with heart
*Walkability, parks, trees and greenspace matter deeply to residents
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Recent Posts: September 18 2026

#2 Notes from the field

Affordability is such a consistent theme in my conversations with Esquimalt residents — and of course in my own household and community of friends too. It's a complex and big challenge, with many causes that I don't believe any single order of government can address alone.Local government though has real tools to contribute:Housing development is accelerating — but much of what is being built remains unaffordable. Non-market housing is built to stay affordable over the long term. Council can set the policy direction to bring these projects forward
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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]