Jacob Helliwell
Are you associated with or running as part of a slate? If so, which one?
No
Do you live in the municipality where you are running, and if so, for how long? If not, what is your connection to that community?
Yes, my family has lived at least part of their life in Esquimalt for five generations.
What is your occupation, and for how long?
I am a public servant and currently work for the BC government. I have built my career in public sector governance, financial management, and capital project delivery. I understand that every dollar the Township spends comes from its residents, and that funds should be spent where they create the most value for our community.
Tell us about your previous elected and/or community experience.
I was first elected to Esquimalt Council in 2018. Prior to joining Esquimalt Council, I was an active volunteer in the community. My volunteer activity has included leadership positions within Rotary International and the Association of Professional Economists of BC, as well as serving on two Senate committees at the University of Victoria. I also have previous experience with Esquimalt as a member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee and the Board of Variance.
Why are you running? What’s your motivation?
I am seeking re-election to continue to build a community that is responsive to the needs of its residents and continues to be an attractive and vibrant place to live.
My priorities over the last four years were promoting diverse housing options for everyone, building accessible, connected neighbourhoods, and investing in initiatives to support a strong, engaged community. I am seeking your support to continue this work.
What are your top three issues?
Vote Jacob Helliwell for:
• Diverse housing options for everyone
• Accessible, connected neighbourhoods
• A strong, engaged community
What’s your vision for your community in 25 years?
I am committed to long-term planning that pursues community growth informed by our community’s vision, sustainability, and the types of economic and community services that we want in the future. It is important that we increase and diversify Esquimalt’s housing supply and commercial spaces.
As Esquimalt grows, Council needs to continue to foster our strong, engaged community through supporting our community groups, promoting active transportation, advocating for local businesses, and ensuring supporting infrastructure and amenities are in place.
What’s one “big idea” you have for your community?
Over the last four years, Esquimalt Council has led many initiatives that will be implemented over the coming term. This includes creating an economic development manager position to implement our Business Investment Roadmap. It also includes implementing our newly adopted Active Transportation Network Plan, Climate Mitigation Plan, and Climate Adaptation Plan. The next term will include important work related to our policing model, reviewing parking requirements, and completing a development capacity study to understand the considerations that impact Esquimalt’s ability to grow and to ensure we have the right infrastructure and amenities in place to support that growth. I am seeking your support for re-election to continue to implement these priorities.
