My name is Eric Galarneau, I have been a part of this community for 16 years now and I am feeling very grateful for it. My team and I have been providing a reliable transportation service for over 5 years now. We have been providing a service that has become almost essential for the community. Lately, I have been searching for ways to serve the community better. After a lot of reflection I saw in the mayor position a great opportunity to make a difference. This town has brought the best version of myself and I would love the chance to be apart of a team that can bring the best version of our town. I would like to bring new ideas, outside of the box thinking, with a passion for the community. One can only try to leave this place a little better then when they got there. This could be my chance. I will dedicate myself for the greater good of this town, standing for the people and their best interest.

-Union Representative (Paramedic)

-Supervisor(kitchen,maintenance department)

-Manager( Coastal rides)

Water security, housing affordability, managing tourism

I would like to look at all the possible options.

Yes I agree, I think we're already doing a lot regarding water conservation. Such as rain water collection and reducing services at resorts. I look forward to hearing about what else we can do.

Housing situations -looking into municipal spending -maximize alternative revenues -adjust tax distribution

Partnering on affordable housing projects, updating zoning and planning, and looking into alternative housing situations.

Social media platform and monthly gatherings. I would love to be the link between the district, the community, and businesses

The community and businesses have already decided to opt out of this and I stand by that decision.

This is a provincial issue but I believe targeting recruitment with staff housing solutions and licensing private in home daycare.

Conversation, understanding, healing and finding a way to move forward as one.

Hello my name is Tom Stere and Tofino has been my home for 39 years. My wife Darryn and I just celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary in September (and claims she still likes me). Our two sons were born and raised in Tofino. They are now both in their 20’s and following paths of their own. Over my time in Tofino, I have been fortunate enough to experience a variety of meaningful occupations that have built a deep appreciation for our community and its surrounding environment. In 1988 I helped establish a successful adventure tourism company, Tofino Sea Kayaking, and spent much of my earlier years guiding in the area. I spent 10 years working with the Clayoquot Biosphere Project as their field stations manager coordinating and delivering many research projects in the surrounding waters and forests. I am currently working for Canadian Coast Guard instructing our Pre-Hospital Care Program (Medic A) in the Western Region after serving as a Rescue Specialist at the Tofino Lifeboat Station for 25 years. It may sound cliché, but I have chosen to run for Mayor because I care deeply about the Tofino community and Clayoquot Sound. It has provided so much for me and my family. I now feel I have the time, energy and skills to give back in a meaningful way.

I believe the greatest qualification is the life experiences I have living, working, raising a family, participating in community events, and enjoying conversations on the beach and on Fridays at the Coop with locals. This is where I have learned the day-to-day realities of the people who live, work and play in our community. Regarding the practical aspects, my experience serving on council for two terms, the ACRD and the Regional Hospital Board for 6 years and opportunities of directly leading council as acting Mayor will support my ability to seamlessly take on the role. I have volunteered in many community activities including coaching little league, Tofino Salmon Enhancement Society, Wickaninnish School events, and Parent Advisory Committee. I am currently a board member on the Rainforest Education Society and Wickaninnish Community School Society and have previously sat on the Tofino Recreation Commission, and Food Bank on the Edge. These experiences, combined with my work experiences, help me understand the unique perspectives of a wide cross-section of our Tofino community as well as our surrounding communities.

The number one issue for council to address in this term and beyond is water security and the associated work necessary in the short, medium and long term. This will be a top priority for this term. Other key issues for our community include healthcare services, housing, affordability, property taxes and recreational opportunities. While not a direct responsibility of local government, council can play a major role in bringing healthcare services to support our community. This, of course, relates to the replacement of Tofino General Hospital and the work actively being done to bring a comprehensive health care delivery system for Tofino and the Region. In relation to health and well-being is the continued support of recreational opportunities in the community. The recent adoption of the Parks and Recs master plan in 2026 will help guide the decisions over the next years in the delivery of these services. Housing, and specific to the business community, work-force housing is an ongoing challenge. There are several avenues to support work-force housing and in supporting those initiatives council can have a positive role. Property taxes and affordability are front and centre to many in our community and I hear that message clearly. The district has tools to address some of those issues. These would be implemented balancing the challenges for local government to provide the critical services we all depend on in an environment of ever-increasing costs in a fiscally responsible way.

Since 2017, I have been involved with advocating directly with the Tofino Hospital Foundation promoting a Campus of Care approach to the replacement of Tofino General Hospital. Since being on council and the Regional Hospital Board, I’ve participated in negotiations with Island Health to bring forward the concept plan for TGH and advocated to the Ministry of Infrastructure as recently as September 16th, 2026, meeting with the Minister and Deputy Minister to advance the project to the business plan phase. On the Regional Hospital Board, I’ve supported creating and maintaining the ongoing financial reserves set up specifically for financing the Regional Districts contribution to the project. The accumulated revenue will be approximately $13 million within the current financial plan. I’ve also been a strong supporter and advocate for a sobering assessment centre for the region. This project was formed due to a recommendation by our local healthcare providers as a critical service for our community. This facility will be open within 12 to 18 months. As a First Responder for over 25 years in this community, I have advocated for and supported pre-hospital emergency services for the region.

Water supply issues will only be resolved through a multifaceted strategy. I do agree with the council’s decision to advance the Ahkmahksis Reservoir expansion as part of the solution to summer water supply shortages. In the near term, I feel it is important to support conservation initiatives, continue to work with the business community to provide messaging around water issues to guests, coordinate with the fish plants to curb production during peak dry season, and incorporate the recommendations from the 2024 water conservation plan. Investments in leak detection and capital projects like the main street water upgrades, providing incentives for rainwater collection systems and a continual review of water rates on an annual basis are also important near-term solutions for potential summer water supply shortages. As a note, Tofino residents are one of the most efficient users of water in BC.

The area of priority will be water infrastructure capital projects. The challenge of providing critical services to the community in an economic reality of cost escalations in most areas is real. There are several capital projects that are necessary for the continued maintenance of our water supply system. From a revenue perspective, exploring further non-property taxation sources, revenues from pay parking and the agreement with the use of MRDT to debt finance the waste-water treatment plant are successful initiatives to increase non-taxation revenues. Focused grant opportunities at the provincial and federal levels will be essential for large infrastructure projects. These initiatives will help reduce property tax increases. Another priority will be our emergency management systems, specifically our volunteer fire department and the equipment and training required to perform their duties servicing the community. Recreational infrastructure and programming, including the MUP and community programs like SMILE (Support Meals Improving Lives of Seniors) are examples of other programs I find important to support.

As a council we have opportunities to increase long term housing in Tofino; These include private development approvals already green-lighted such as Dawnie Townhomes and the Woodsmere 55 Rental apartments and the 24 single family lots, the  completion of Creekside and Headwaters and initiation of the Peterson Drive four-plex as an essential worker rental project. It will be important to further assess the type and amount of housing most needed as well as adjust and improve guidelines for qualifying and staying in attainable housing units as we continue long-term housing development in Tofino.

The process of improving engagement with the Tofino business community is well underway, and I will continue with these strategies. Through the Chamber as a direct voice to the business community, the district has been engaging at the staff level on a regular basis to establish clear lines of communication. The recent Chamber Board to Council meeting set the foundation for continual relationship building and communication. These meetings will be an ongoing and important part of communication with the business community. The renewal of the fee for service agreement between the District of Tofino and the Chamber is another example of clarifying and engaging with the business community on our respective responsibilities and commitments. As Mayor, as I have done as councillor, I would have an open-door policy for any individual business owner or manager to discuss issues that may arise and assist in finding positive solutions.

Short-term rentals are an important part of the accommodation sector and a source of revenue for many locals. The recent conversations on STR’s in Tofino have brought to light several concerns and questions. STR’s are regulated in Tofino including requirements for a business license which require proof that a permanent resident lives on site, capacity caps with a maximum of 3 bedrooms, and parking restrictions providing at least one off-street parking stall per rented room. I support the current regulations. One concern expressed has been the ability to enforce the regulations. STR’s must register with the provincial short term rental registry. With the support of the Province, Tofino bylaw enforcement has expanded tools and strengthened its capacity to work with STR providers to come into compliance where it is applicable.

Quality childcare is a critical component of our community services. Tofino operates the Taking Care of Children childcare facility, which opened in the new facility on Wickaninnish School property. This has expanded capacity for Tofino families with a $10 per day childcare subsidy. This makes it an affordable option for Tofino families. However, challenges persist. Staffing at childcare centers is a concern across the province. Tofino has offered educational subsidies and other incentives to recruit and retain childcare workers. The largest gap identified in our programming is the infant-toddler program, where staffing credentials are more robust with very few citizens qualified in that program. This is one area where staff has focused and I will continue to support those efforts. Another area identified is before and after school childcare. Working with the Wickaninnish Community School Society and the district to find opportunities to increase capacity is an endeavor I am actively engaged in as a board member of the Wickaninnish Community School Society and would continue to be as Mayor.

Listening to the Nations is the most important consideration for reconciliation efforts. As a two-term councillor and ACRD director, the work with TFN and AFN has been a very positive experience. Tofino will be formally signing a friendship accord with Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations on September 30th, and I will be honored to put my signature on that document. At the Regional District we signed a Memorandum of Understanding with TFN on the co-management and planning of the airport lands. As a community member I have a long relationship with AFN, working in the 80’s and 90’s in supporting the Outdoor Recreation Program at the high school. My wife has worked in the AFN for 25 years in the health services sector and values that relationship. As Mayor, I would look forward to congratulating the newly elected Chief Rebecca Atleo, and to confirm Tofino’s strong working relationship on issues of mutual importance. I look forward to the continued work with the Hereditary Chief Hasheukimiss, on initiatives like the community alcohol strategy and other issues identified that impact our communities.