Claire Fitzpatrick

Colin Plant (born: 1972, age 52) is Chair of the Capital Regional District Board of Directors..(2018-present), Saanich Councillor (2014-present) and a candidate for Canada's Parliament with the New Democratic Party. 
Plant announced his candidacy in April of 2024, and is challenging Green Party Leader Elizabeth May. Canada's 45th federal election must be on or before October 20, 2025, to elect members of the House of Commons to the 45th Canadian Parliament. Plant is running to be the Member of Parliament for the Saanich-Gulf Islands riding. 
In his time as Chair of the Capital Regional District ("CRD"), Plant is best known for ending the controversial practice of dumping raw sewage into the ocean by building a new wastewater treatment plant. He was instrumental in building a new sewage treatment plant that meant that Victoria no longer flushes raw sewage into the ocean, a move that drew the attention of Washington-state Governor Jay Inslee
As of January 2021, due to Plant's work, the Greater Victoria area no longer uses surrounding ocean waters to flush away raw sewage. The plant received LEED certification in November 2021.
Plant is also known for his work expanding the CRD cycling network, including to the Gulf Islands, with the first section opening on Mayne Island in 2024. 
He was also involved with work on affordable housing, and Reconciliation projects with local Indigenous groups.
==As CRD Board Chair and Saanich Councillor==
In October 2017, Plant brought the issue of a so-called 'Zombie Bill' to the CRD, proposed investigating the idea of fines for distracted walking.
He was instrumental in building a new sewage treatment plant that meant that Victoria no longer flushes raw sewage into the ocean, a move that drew the attention of Washington-state Governor Jay Inslee. Plant has also been working to divert biosolids from entering the Hartland landfill. 
As a Saanich Councillor and CRD Board Chair, Plant has supported affordable housing initiatives throughout the Capital Regional District , including controversial policies to allow rural secondary suites. He has been quoted as saying that "The economics of housing are not going to support single-family homes for the majority of our residents," when supporting multi-family dwelling projects. However, he has also voted against projects that would sharply increase density. He has also worked on reconciliation projects with local Indigenous groups. 
Plant is known for championing the importance of "breaking bread" together when trying to find solutions to controversial problems, such as managing off-leash dog parks. He also supports use of the Alternative Approval Process for Capital Projects. 
Plant has worked on several environmental initiatives, including getting areas protected under federal law. 
Plant was a champion of getting free menstrual products into all public places. 
Plant is supporter of public transportation. As an avid cyclist, he has championed the controversial CRD cycling network. Plant helped to bring the cycling network to the Gulf Islands, starting with Mayne Island in 2024. He has also supported controversial initiatives to try to curb speeding using an interval system. 
==1994 Commonwealth Games==
During the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Saanich, Plant played Klee Wyck, the human-sized killer whale who was the mascot of the games. The orca was present at every Commonwealth Games event
==Teaching==
Plant currently teaches Musical Theatre, Drama, and Stagecraft at Claremont Secondary School. Plant has been a teacher with Saanich School District for 25 years. 
Plant served as President of the Royal Oak Community Association, President of the BC Drama Educators Association and 2nd Vice-President of the Saanich Teachers' Association.
==Awards==
In 2023, Plant won The Association of BC Drama Educators (ABCDE) Simpson and Lynds Distinguished Service Award. This award is for an individual who is an advocate for drama in B.C. schools and whose work reflects the policies and goals of ABCDE.
==Education==
* 1990: High School diploma from Stelly's Secondary School in Central Saanich, as co-valedictorian
* 1996: Bachelor of Fine Arts, with a specialization in directing from the University of Victoria
* 2000: Bachelor of Education in Secondary Education from the University of Victoria
* 2001: Masters of Education in Leadership from the University of Victoria
* 2001: Graduate of Leadership Victoria
==Personal Life==
Colin Plant was born in Salmon Arm, British Columbia, in 1972 to Stephen Plant and Anita Mark. He grew up in Sicamous and Central Saanich, where he worked on his parent's dairy farm and nursery business.
Plant is married to wife Catherine, and has four adult children.
After graduating from the University of Victoria's theatre department in 1996 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts specialization in directing, Plant became a drama teacher in Victoria, and also worked as a professional theatre director. He also produces the RON Talks speaker series.
Plant volunteered as a softball coach in Sooke.
Category:People from Salmon Arm
Category:1972 births
Category:Canadian people
Category:Board of directors