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

Housing and affordability

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 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.Climate change is real and we're already feeling it locally — in our ecosystems, our weather, and our landscapes. Our trees and green spaces are essential community infrastructure — they cool our streets, absorb stormwater, support biodiversity, and help build the resilient landscapes we need.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, non-profit, and government sectors — in climate action, community development, and grants management.My work has included strategic initiatives at UVic focused on climate action and research, grants management for local government, and community development work spanning neighbourhood planning, volunteer programs, and stewardship education.I hold a Master of Arts in Environmental Studies from UVic.Photo by Frances Litman

Community involvement

Volunteering has always been important to me. In Esquimalt, I have served on the 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 volunteer programs at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary and The Land Conservancy of BC.Pictured: My husband and I at a Nature Sanctuary event.

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 18, 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