14 hours Ago By Bailey Seymour
A long-time Esquimalt resident is looking to get his start in municipal politics as election day for the Esquimalt byelection is just a stone's throw away. "Esquimalt is a pearl, it'd be nice to have a goal of making it a diamond," said Cornelis Bouman, a retired civil servant and social worker with the province looking to take a seat in the council chambers. If elected, Bouman hopes to limit tax increases for residents, to manage growth and limit density.
He hopes to explore options for a new or upgraded swimming pool and recreation centre, and is looking to support an Esquimalt municipal police force. "I would want anyone that's going to build anything new to take care of the people that are here. If we are a community, we don't make people leave, whether they be renters, homeowners, or homeless, it doesn't matter," said Bouman, who has lived in Esquimalt for 20 years.
Though he is new to the local political arena, Bouman hopes to "learn the ropes" while working with township staff, council members, and the mayor. The 2025 Esquimalt byelection general voting day is scheduled for Saturday, April 5, with two advance voting days – March 26 and April 2 – and mail ballots..
