Hello, and thank you for taking the time to check out my website today.
My name is Johanne Kemmler, and I’ve had the privilege of calling the Cowichan Valley home for over 50 years. I raised my children here, and over the years, I’ve developed a deep love and commitment to this community. For me, it’s not just about the landscapes and the people—it’s about creating a place where everyone can thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances.
I am ready to jump right into the tasks at hand because I have significant insight into navigating political tables and understand the rules that govern them. I have no political affiliation or connections with existing councillors, this independence allows me to develop my own perspective and vote based on my personal convictions, always with the community’s best interests in mind. This freedom gives me the opportunity to represent the diverse voices of our residents without any external influences, ensuring that every decision I make is rooted in what’s best for North Cowichan.
I’m here to listen, learn, and work alongside you all to create a community where we all thrive. Your voice truly matters, and I want to hear from you. Together, we can build a future we can all be proud of. As we move toward the upcoming election, I ask for your support. I am committed to using my experience and political savvy to navigate the challenges we face, always with the goal of creating meaningful, lasting change for our community. In everything I do, I will prioritize collaboration, respect, and compassion. I’m not here just to speak for you—I’m here to listen, understand, and work alongside you.
I’ve had the opportunity to serve as a school trustee, a union executive, and as a community advocate. These roles have given me a unique perspective on how local government works, and how it can best serve the needs of our residents. My years of experience have also taught me the importance of listening, understanding, and collaborating to find solutions that work for everyone. I’m someone who is always ready to jump in, roll up my sleeves, and get to work. I believe in practical, solution-focused approaches, and I believe in doing what’s right, even when it’s hard.
Now, when it comes to what’s at the heart of my platform, I want to share with you the issues that I have heard matter most.
First, affordable housing. Everyone deserves a safe, stable place to call home. But right now, too many people in our community are struggling to find housing they can afford, and that’s not just an inconvenience—it’s a barrier to their well-being, health, and success. Whether it's seniors, families, workers, or our most vulnerable residents, we need to make housing a priority. My goal is to work with developers, non-profits, and government partners to bring more affordable and supportive housing to North Cowichan. When people have stable housing, they’re able to address other challenges like mental health, addiction, and employment. It’s the foundation for meaningful wellness and healing.
Second, public safety and addiction. We’ve all seen the social disorder along our highway corridor, and it’s clear that we need to address the root causes of homelessness and addiction. To do this, we need a balanced app
roach that includes enforcement, prevention, and support. We need to work closely with local non-profits, healthcare providers, and other community organizations to ensure that people have the resources and support they need to heal and rebuild their lives. We also need to make sure that our community is safe for everyone, and that means working together to address the issues that lead to crime and disorder. We can’t just focus on symptoms—we need to tackle the causes, with compassion and action.
Now, in terms of taxes, I think North Cowichan has a great opportunity to lower taxes without raising costs for residents. By using a combination of traditional approaches—securing government grants, attracting new industries, and fostering public-private partnerships—I am excited about some ideas of how we can make better use of underutilized municipal resources to generate new revenue streams. These funds can then be specifically allocated to help reduce taxes while also supporting local businesses and services.
Thank you for your support and trust. Please don’t hesitate to contact me for more information about my priorities. Vote for me Johanne Kemmler to work together to create a thriving North Cowichan.