Comox Valley local election candidates on walking, cycling and active transportation

Leading up to the 2026 municipal election in the Comox Valley, The Discourse surveyed readers to learn what they wanted to know from candidates running for council and mayor.

For our Comox Valley respondents, the top issues that readers said are on their mind were environment, reconciliation and housing.

Based on your feedback, we sent five reader questions to candidates for Courtenay, Comox and Cumberland and asked them to respond with a maximum of three sentences. There were so many insightful questions and comments made in the survey and we tried to pick ones that were specific to the community and top issues of interest.

We also had to cut some questions to keep things concise. 

Many readers also wanted to know more about candidate track records and values, not just talking points, with some folks submitting questions to help indicate how much candidates actually know about their municipal roles and responsibilities.

Below are responses to a reader question about active transportation in the Comox Valley.

Responses are listed with mayoral candidates first, followed by council candidates, each in alphabetical order by last name, and have been lightly edited for length, clarity and fact-checking.

As a reminder, Cumberland and Comox mayors are acclaimed but we still asked candidates for responses.

Reader question: How do you plan to support the continued build-out of active transportation in the Comox Valley?

City of Courtenay

Trish McPhail (Mayor)

Trish McPhail did not respond by the deadline.

“Transportation & Walkability: Maintain and improve roads, sidewalks and bridges. Address the gaps in public transit.” (Trish McPhail campaign website)

Read their platform on their campaign website.

Manno Theos (Mayor)

Manno Theos did not respond by the deadline.

“Seven years later, he’s calling it ‘The bridge to nowhere,’ while his supporters call it ‘unnecessary spending.’” (Decafnation, Sept. 16)

See their candidate listing on CivicInfo BC.

Bob Wells (Mayor), incumbent

I have supported expanded and improved transit service throughout the Comox Valley since 2014 to make it more convenient for users. The increased service has resulted in a 25 per cent increase in riders over the past decade. However, we need to continue to make it more convenient to increase ridership across the entire Comox Valley by increasing the frequency of trips.

Phil Adams

Phil Adams did not respond by the deadline.

See their candidate listing on CivicInfo BC.

Vasil Beaton

We need safe sidewalks, bike routes, crossings and connections between neighbourhoods, schools, businesses and major destinations. I also want to see better coordination between the city, regional district, province and other partners so we aren’t building disconnected pieces of infrastructure.

My priority is safety, connectivity and value for taxpayers — before approving major projects, I want to know the cost, the funding source, the expected usage and how the project fits into the larger transportation network.

Guan-Carlo (Benny) Benvenuti

Guan-Carlo (Benny) Benvenuti did not respond by the deadline.

See their candidate listing on CivicInfo BC.

Rosanna Chamberlin

Rosanna Chamberlin did not respond by the deadline.

See their candidate listing on CivicInfo BC.

Dick Clancy

Dick Clancy did not respond by the deadline.

“I disagree with the building of the 6th Street bridge because in these tough economic times the money could be better spent.” (Decafnation candidate questionnaire, Sept. 29)

See their candidate listing on CivicInfo BC.

John Dacombe

The cost-effective solution to the continued build-out of active transportation is inexpensive design solutions, such as cement barrier blocks creating walking paths separated from traffic, which would provide more protection, cost a fraction of sidewalks and could be installed in days, not months. And we need to close the gaps in our pedestrian infrastructure, which is only as good as its weakest link, by being very loud with B.C.’s Ministry of Transportation and Transit, who own and control many of the most dangerous locations in Courtenay, for both active transportation and vehicle users. Most importantly, I will listen to the advice of local residents about unsafe pedestrian locations throughout the city because local residents know best where the unsafe spots are.

Editor’s note: The province’s Ministry of Transportation and Transit manages some key roads in Courtenay, including Ryan Road, parts of Highway 19A and Comox Valley Parkway. In 2023, the Comox Valley Record used ICBC statistics to create a list of Courtenay and Comox’s most dangerous intersections, which include Ryan Road and Comox Valley Parkway.

Erik Eriksson

Erik Eriksson did not respond by the deadline.

Elsewhere: “I thought it would have been a better idea to replace the 5th Street Bridge with a modern one that had bike lanes and walkways and a proper width of roadway.” (Decafnation candidate questionnaire, Sept. 29)

Read their platform on their campaign website.

David Frisch, incumbent

David Frisch did not respond by the deadline.

“Efficient Transportation Network – this will include more frequent buses, multi-use pedestrian and active transportation paths connecting all parts of our community to keep our vehicle traffic flowing.” (Decafnation candidate questionnaire, Sept. 30)

“Connecting neighbourhoods with work and grocery centres is allowing people options for healthier and more affordable transportation like walking, cycling and scootering.” (David Frisch campaign website, Sept. 21, 2022)

Read their platform on their campaign website.

Evan Jolicoeur, incumbent

The Courtenay Cycling Network Plan is clear and practical. It articulates the network’s build-out in a phased gradual approach. The last missing link in Courtenay is connecting the infrastructure from the river up to East Courtenay, which is currently planned for behind Superstore. I also voted in favour (though it was ultimately defeated) of moving ahead with the 6th Street infrastructure upgrades — including a bike lane from Fitzgerald to Cliffe to connect to the 6th Street bridge.

Jessie Lightburn

Jessie Lightburn did not respond by the deadline.

Read their platform on their campaign website.

Jin Lin

Jin Lin did not respond by the deadline.

See their candidate listing on CivicInfo BC.

Kelly Matthews

Kelly Matthews did not respond by the deadline.

Read their platform on their campaign website.

Thomas McDevitt

Thomas McDevitt did not respond by the deadline.

See their candidate listing on CivicInfo BC.

Dave Mellin

Dave Mellin did not respond by the deadline.

Read their platform on their campaign website.

Wendy Morin, incumbent

During my two terms on council, we have developed a Cycling Network Plan and a Master Transportation Plan which provide for the ongoing build-out of active transportation, assuming that council approves the required budget support. We have also committed to improved safety and walkability in school zones, increased the number of bike lanes, pedestrian crossing lights/bump outs, built the new pedestrian bridge and implemented accessibility improvements, all of which is a testament to the importance of active transportation.

Kitty Pitt

Kitty Pitt did not respond by the deadline.

See their candidate listing on CivicInfo BC.

Davina Singh

Davina Singh did not respond by the deadline.

Read their platform on their campaign website.

Kam Singhania

Kam Singhania did not respond by the deadline.

See their Facebook page.

Darin Tufts

Darin Tufts did not respond by the deadline.

See their Facebook page.

Town of Comox

Nicole Minions (Mayor, acclaimed)

Nicole Minions did not respond by the deadline.

Read their platform on their campaign website.

Steve Blacklock, incumbent

Steve Blacklock did not respond by the deadline.

“Commit to securing improved and safer ‘valley-wide’ routes of travel for active and electric powered transportation (walking, bikes, e-bikes, scooters, skateboards, wheelchairs, etc.)” (Steve Blacklock campaign website)

Read their platform on their campaign website.

Lisa Bourgeois

Lisa Bourgeois did not respond by the deadline.

“Make it safer and easier to move around Comox, whether people are walking, cycling, driving or using transit. Focus on practical improvements to routes, crossings and connections between neighbourhoods, schools, parks and downtown.” (Lisa Bourgeois campaign website)

Read their platform on their campaign website.

Vivian Chislett

Vivian Chislett did not respond by the deadline.

See their candidate listing on CivicInfo BC.

Ken Grant, incumbent

Ken Grant did not respond by the deadline.

Read their platform on their campaign website.

Chris Haslett, incumbent

Chris Haslett did not respond by the deadline.

See their candidate listing on CivicInfo BC.

Jonathan Kerr, incumbent

I have a 100 per cent voting record in favour of active transportation, bike lanes, multi-use paths and public transit during my time as a Comox councillor and as vice-chair of the Comox Valley Regional District.

I will continue to support the implementation of the Comox Valley Regional Active Transportation Network Plan, working alongside key partners such as the Comox Valley Cycling Coalition.

My biggest wish in this area is finalizing a route and securing grant funding to complete the long-awaited dedicated bike route between Courtenay and Cumberland, to improve safety and increase rideability.

Neil Ladell

Where road infrastructure requires upgrading in Comox, I believe that active transport needs to be part of the planning for those upgrades (e.g., a bike grid parallel to main roads).

Comox should advocate for increased federal and provincial support for active transportation.

As a cyclist myself, I would advocate for regional collaboration to improve connections of active transportation routes, such as from the Comox Hill to the 17th Street bridge (which needs safer bike lanes).

Jenn Meilleur, incumbent

Active transportation is part of good community planning, which is why our Complete Communities work looked at housing, daily needs and transportation together and helped inform the neighbourhood mixed-use nodes in Comox’s new OCP. I want more people to be able to safely walk, cycle or roll to the things they need every day, which means continuing to build safe, accessible connections while strengthening local businesses and services so Comox residents can make fewer trips back and forth to Courtenay. I’ve been a cycle commuter for much of my adult life and have consistently supported active transportation infrastructure, with particular attention to safety and accessibility for people of all ages and abilities.

Ruby Sidhu

Ruby Sidhu did not respond by the deadline.

See their candidate listing on CivicInfo BC.

Maureen Swift, incumbent

Maureen Swift did not respond by the deadline.

“I want to continue working on priorities that matter to our community, including encouraging and promoting the development of industrial lands and housing options in Northeast Comox, continuing to expand pedestrian and trail linkages … and ensuring fiscal management that balances our ‘wants’ and ‘needs.’” (Comox Valley Record, Sept. 23)

See their candidate listing on CivicInfo BC.

Jessica Wegg

Jessica Wegg did not respond by the deadline.

Read their platform on their campaign website.

Village of Cumberland

Vickey Brown (Mayor, acclaimed)

Working with regional partners, advocating to the province, continuing to work with the ministry (MOTT) and applying for grants.

Zanoni Agnew

Zanoni Agnew did not respond by the deadline.

“I would like to get a safe bike trail down to the lake. There are already trails covering part of the way. It would get cyclists off that narrow and very busy road.” (Decafnation candidate questionnaire, Oct. 1)

See their Facebook page.

Ellian Bell

Ellian Bell did not respond by the deadline.

“I am keen to support the development of diverse ways of traveling safely that meet community needs, whilst getting us out of our old habits, from bike lanes to public transit, to sidewalks and benches” (Ellian Bell campaign website)

Read their platform on their campaign website.

Neil Borecky, incumbent

During my time on council, we strongly pursued an active transportation link between Cumberland and Courtenay. A safer alternative to the existing parkway shoulder is essential for encouraging ridership. Also, communication regarding a regionally-linked trail network — including signage, maps and apps — encourages existing residents and visitors to realize the value of connected communities.

Kevin Snaden

I support active transportation where it makes sense, especially when roads are already being rebuilt or new neighbourhoods are being designed, with wider shoulders or multi-use pathways built in from the start. In Cumberland, I’d like to see some obvious gaps fixed, especially the unsafe connection from Gas N Go toward Peace Park and around the overpass, but we also have to be realistic that water, sewer and basic road renewal need to come first after years of being deferred. I’m cautious about narrowing existing roads too aggressively because, in places like 5th and 17th streets in Courtenay, I think some of those changes have made things feel less safe rather than more.

Sean Sullivan, incumbent

Sean Sullivan did not respond by the deadline.

See their candidate listing on CivicInfo BC.

Troy Therrien, incumbent

Troy Therrien did not respond by the deadline.

“Bike lane to Courtenay – I recently brought a motion to council directing staff to begin discussions with MOTT about a possible bike path. I will continue to push this forward.” (Decafnation candidate questionnaire, Oct. 1)

“I am currently working on an affordable made-in-Cumberland solution for a safer travel route to Courtenay, while concurrently advocating with MOTT for bicycle infrastructure in the underpass.” (Troy Therrien campaign website, Sept. 18)

Read their platform on their campaign website.

Nick Ward, incumbent

Cumberland is well suited to active transportation in all its forms. I have and will support the creation of safe sidewalks, cycling infrastructure and alternatives to road routes that allow people to enjoy getting to school, work and wherever without needing to take the car. A safe cycle route from Cumberland to Courtenay remains a council priority and I’d keep working on that, piece by piece and whenever an opportunity arises.