CV Regional District Candidates 2026

On Oct. 17, rural area voters will choose three Electoral Area Directors from six candidates. No one opposed Area A Director Daniel Arbour. Decafnation asked the candidates to respond to seven questions that might help voters decide how to cast their ballots. Here are their responses, sorted by the questions and alphabetically by candidates’ last names. Decafnation did not edit the responses, except for length. Not all candidates chose to respond.

? What aspects of your work/career/professional background would make you a valuable asset to the next Council or Board

Daniel Arbour -- Area A

I worked as a dishwasher, server, and as a treeplanter to support myself through university. I learned decent construction skills along the way. My professional career led me to work in the forest sector, and economic development. Along with being elected at CVRD, I hold a post at the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions at UVIC. While I was educated in public policy and environmental studies, I tend to view things through a practical lens. The working class is under a huge affordability crunch in the past years, and this informs how I show up at the CVRD board table.

Gillian Anderson -- Area C

I was a homemaker for many years: we were a one car, one income household. Around that I’ve worked a variety of jobs, ranging from retail through education and commercial operations. This has given me a valuable perspective on the costs and challenges of raising a family, operating a non-profit and running a business. Such perspectives would be useful in CVRD decisions.

Ariel Becherer -- Area C

Born and raised in the Valley.
Worked in Area C at the Black Creek Community Centre and Alders Beach Resort.
10+ years in education
Master’s degree in political economy
Volunteer Lush Valley, Tsolum River Restoration Society
Elected 4 consecutive times to represent 2000+ teaching assistants who lived and worked at the poverty line. Built an emergency fund for those who couldn’t afford rent and groceries. By making processes more transparent and democratic, led a team to win: some of the first protections from AI for educational workers in Canada; solid pay raises; access to a previously near-impossible to access million-dollar fund for: childcare, mental health, physiotherapy, and dental.

Arzeena Hamir -- Area B

As the owner of Amara Farm, I am constantly having to make decisions around what projects need to move forward, based on available budget. It requires skills in financial oversight and prioritization. These skills will be in high demand as we see multiple, large budget items coming to the CVRD this term, including $100 million in aquatics upgrades, a new ice sheet at the Sports Center, and potentially supporting an outdoor pool in Courtenay. Obviously, taxpayers cannot be expected to support all three this term so some difficult decisions will have to be made.
? What types of personal attributes do you have that will contribute to an effective Council or Board?

Daniel Arbour -- Area A

I am someone who likes to dig deep into issues and look for solutions or improvements. The work as an elected official requires continually learning and weighing in on a wide range of topics, where our expertise may be initially minimal. The love of learning and understanding the potential impacts of decisions is an important attribute in this work. In regards to contributing to Board effectiveness, I value different perspectives and keep an open mind on ultimate solutions or decisions. As a rural director, I am comfortable with
advocating a little harder for rural communities, because the municipal perspective is often defaulted to..

Gillian Anderson -- Area C

I believe I will bring a thoughtful and balanced perspective to regional issues.  I believe decisions must be based on thorough research.  I am persistent and diligent.

Ariel Becherer -- Area C

Integrity. Respect for those with different opinions. A solid balance of stubbornness and flexibility. Knowing how to listen to those who know more, and how to ask essential questions.

Arzeena Hamir -- Area B

I am a good listener and relationship builder. I have taken the time to build networks within Area B to help support my decision making. I am also tenacious. Even if I’m in the minority, I feel it is important to stay steadfast if compromise undermines the needs of my community. When working with Comox Valley Economic Development Society, I was the only one to vote against the budget in 2018. I did not feel they met their mandate to support local businesses and held fast on that, until the eventual folding of the organization and the service.
? What is your experience with governance work (committees, volunteer boards, etc)

Daniel Arbour -- Area A

Over the years I have had broad governance experience, from chairing a national non-profit organization with ties to 60 other countries; to being treasurer of a tiny education society; a stint as chair of the E&N railway; and ongoing committee work at the CVRD.

Gillian Anderson -- Area C

I’ve volunteered since I was a teenager, in board and steering committee positions as well as on-the-ground activities. Working with other volunteers is both rewarding and challenging. We have to get along and keep the big picture in mind. This would serve me well if I am elected.

Ariel Becherer -- Area C

For my union local I’ve sat on: bargaining committees, finance committee, labour-management committee, constitutional committees, and an assortment of policy, research, external relations, and communications committees.
Representing 2000+ teaching assistants who lived and worked at the poverty line, I have gone from one-on-one meetings with individuals going through the worst day of their lives, into million-dollar budget planning meetings and long-term strategic planning meetings.
I am on the board of Lush Valley.

Arzeena Hamir -- Area B

I was Chair of the Electoral Areas Committee and Vice Chair of the CVRD for 4 years. In addition, I have volunteered on and Chaired local and provincial organizations, including the Mid Island Farmer’s Institute, Comox Valley Arts, Comox Valley Pride, Comox Valley Health Network, Comox Valley Arts, Investment Agriculture Foundation, Comox Valley Food Policy Council and the Sentinel Education Foundation. I understand procedures, how decisions are made at the CVRD and how to get projects into Strategic Plans and, more importantly, into the budget.
? What have you done to prepare yourself for office, if elected?

Daniel Arbour -- Area A

I really believe in being grounded and in touch with the priorities and challenges of Area A residents. For the past number of months I have connected with folks and organizations in Royston, Union Bay, Fanny Bay, Hornby and Denman to learn what people see as key priorities for the next four years. I know where the CVRD has delivered well, and where we have to do better. I am always ambitious in what we can achieve, and then work with people to try and get there.

Gillian Anderson -- Area C

I’ve cleared my INBOX of other Must Do projects!

Ariel Becherer -- Area C

Being young, I went around and listened to my elders. I listened to old forestry workers, farmers, environmentalists, health-care workers, and mine workers. I have met and chatted with three previous Area C directors.
I attended and observed months worth of regional district committee meetings. I have reviewed reports by the regional district on topics such as housing, water, agriculture, fire-protection, and growth. I have reviewed our regional district budget, and budgets and services of other regional districts. I reviewed statistics Canada data on area C, particularly employment and income. I conducted a needs and priorities survey for area C folks on Facebook.

Arzeena Hamir -- Area B

First, I have stepped down from a number of organizations and have stepped back from my position at LUSH Valley. I want to focus on the role of Area Director. Second, I have helped organize and meet within the Area B neighbourhoods. Third, I have networked with candidates who are running for election in the other Comox Valley municipalities because many of the issues that impact Area B come from other municipalities. The development on Hector Road and 721 Lazo are examples. Change will require relationship building with those elected officials and I have already begun that process.
? What motivated you to seek office (list as many as three)

Daniel Arbour -- Area A

I really love the work of being an elected official. Yes there are tough moments when we are not able to solve something, but there are many more moments where we achieve the things we set out to do, and the community appreciates it.
It sounds cliché, but being an elected official is a huge honour. It is a chance to make a positive impact for Area A and the Comox Valley, and that in itself is very rewarding.

Gillian Anderson -- Area C

I want to see the issue of safeguarding the Comox Valley aquifer resolved, specifically as per the zoning issue for water sales. I want to see the rural vibe of the Comox Valley conserved through sustainable and sensitive growth..

Ariel Becherer -- Area C

Water security. Cost-of-living. Wanting to give back to the community that raised me.

Arzeena Hamir -- Area B

– I do not feel that Area B is currently well represented at the CVRD and I want to ensure we have a stronger voice at the table, that residents have a representative that is responsive, and we make decisions that do not undermine our rural values.
– I see multiple issues coming at us: tariffs, food price and drought and I want to build robust systems to prevent crisis.
– I think trust in municipal government is at an all-time low and want to regain that trust through better communication with community and enabling more direct input into decision making.

? If elected, name your top three objectives and how you would achieve them

Daniel Arbour -- Area A

This term, there will be a key focus on Royston. We have multiple capital projects in that community, including a change from Cumberland to Comox Lake water; a final decision on the south sewer project, and parks and active transportation projects.
A second objective is to help the Denman housing project find the funding it needs. This past term we finally saw the opening of the housing project on Hornby, and the positive benefits of it. Denman has worked for the last 10-15 years on their project, and it is time for funding partners to step up and make it happen.
Lastly I want to keep supporting all the non-profits in Area A

Gillian Anderson -- Area C

Resolving the water sales issue. I think the issue would likely go back for a new legal opinion.
Safeguarding the watershed. We need to look into healthier land management, restore forests and slowly buy up specific portions of the watershed.
Residents are very concerned about traffic. Even though this is a Transport Ministry matter, I’m sure the CVRD can lobby for some changes and upgrades. I would look into this.

Ariel Becherer -- Area C

1 – Cost-of-living is the number 1 issue in the community. But we cannot tackle that here alone, we do not have the power. So we have to build power here to enable us to be a part of national-level solutions on affordability.
2 – We build power here through common-sense unifying, achievable goals that address immediate needs. Once these are achieved, we will have built trust. These short term goals are: one, getting rebates for rain barrels or cisterns; two, protect fire department funding; and three set up a sensibly–sized permanent building for the farmers market.
3 – We have to connect these short-term goals to a long-term vision of a society that is ready for climate change, and where everyone can afford food, housing, and rest.

Arzeena Hamir -- Area B

– Water storage for rural residents through subsidies for cisterns or removal of regulation of dugouts.
– A permanent farmer’s market building that can also be used as a community amenity. The market has already created an initial fund, the CVRD can provide the land in-kind and the construction can happen within the Exhibition Grounds plan.
– Pausing the Hospital Building tax. We have already built our 2 hospitals but continue to pay taxes to a fund that is not providing benefit to Comox Valley residents. We could instantly save hundreds of dollars for each household.
? If you have disagreed with any recent council action, explain why and what you would have done differently

Daniel Arbour -- Area A

From time to time, I do disagree with the majority at the CVRD board table. The most recent example was around the ask to regionalize capital funding for the Memorial Pool replacement. My approach I think was typical of how I do things – I came prepared at the meeting after consulting with Area A residents; researched the context and history of the issue; added elements to consider that were not highlighted in the staff reports; and suggested alternative courses. I think I was part of 3 people who voted against the main motion (7 in favor).

Gillian Anderson -- Area C

I felt the CVRD Board of Directors erred in their opinion that water sales was an appropriate use under Home Occupation zoning. I felt there was not enough information to make a decision, and the Directors’ duty to protect the ecological assets was not given enough consideration. I would have waited for more information.

Ariel Becherer -- Area C

In area C, there has been a steady sneak of developers and subdivision encroaching. We need affordable housing in urban areas. In area C, however, it is important to be more pro-active about protecting Agricultural land, and vulnerable eco-systems. Increasing development in area C is not about dealing with the housing crisis. Housing developments in area C are about asset speculation, and they strain existing water, sewage, and road infrastructure. To show area C folks that I will take a balanced approach on affordable housing, and protecting land, and water, I am not accepting donations from developers.

Arzeena Hamir -- Area B

Supporting the Courtenay outdoor pool. Courtenay did not include the Regional District in its decision to proceed with a new construction plan. An outdoor pool could be built at the Aquatics center instead and save millions.
Allowing the water bottling plant on Sackville Rd to proceed under “Home Occupation”. I would have voted against this.
The Regional District has refused to apply to Provincial grants to support water infrastructure for farmers. Funding is available and yet the RD Directors voted down a motion by Director Grieve to apply for these funds. I will bring a motion forward again.