Qualicum Beach Coun. Teunis Westbroek will run for mayor in the Oct. 15 municipal election.
Westbroek previously served as mayor of Qualicum Beach from 1999 to 2018, but chose to seek election as a councillor in 2018, according to a news release.
“Qualicum Beach is the crown jewel of Vancouver Island, but it is changing,” Westbroek said, speaking to supporters on Aug. 28. “We need to carefully manage that change in order to ensure that we preserve the very reasons that drew us here in the first place.”
Westbroek was introduced by Scott Hall, a third generation Qualicum Beach resident.
“Teunis knows Qualicum Beach, Teunis loves Qualicum Beach, and most of all, Teunis cares deeply about the future of Qualicum Beach. So please help elect Teunis Westbroek as the next mayor of Qualicum Beach.”
Westbroek listed four priorities: environment, health care, housing and quality of life.
“Future growth must enhance our town, and it must reflect our values,” Westbroek. “And the good community planning which evolved from a rich history which has served us well. I will not support lowering town standards for the sake of financial gains from short-sighted developments.”
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He added, “change does not have to result in getting bigger with taller buildings, and it should not require frequent departures from the Official Community Plan. I will work collaboratively with council and staff to ensure that Qualicum Beach can meet future needs and still preserve that which we hold dear.”
Westbroek immigrated from Holland in 1973 and worked for 35 years in the commercial fishing industry until he retired in 2010.
He is known for his volunteer work helping others and his service on the boards of several non-profit organizations. He currently serves as chair of the Arrowsmith and Cokely Manor Society.
Westbroek and his wife, Jenny, have been married for 44 years and residents of Qualicum Beach since 1992. They have two daughters and three grandchildren.
Westbroek can be reached at 250-752-9671, info@teuniswestbroek.ca and www.teuniswestbroek.ca.
— NEWS Staff, submitted