The experiences that shaped me
Born in Scarborough and raised in a booming Edmonton suburb, I grew up in the middle of rapid urban expansion. Watching the forests I played in make way for housing sparked an early curiosity in me. I saw firsthand that while some developments brought tremendous benefits to a neighborhood, others stripped away its soul.
That early experience shaped my lifelong interest in how communities grow, and how planning determines whether a city thrives or fails.
At 18, I joined the Canadian Armed Forces Infantry Reserves (Loyal Edmonton Regiment). To support myself early on, I also spent seasons tree planting and wildland firefighting in the remote backcountry of Northern B.C.
In my early 20s, I became a young father to my son and then my daughter, eventually relocating to the Okanagan to finish my BA. For a grueling decade, I juggled the realities of parenting while working full-time at a local credit union and continuing my military service, now with the British Columbia Dragoons. I did all of this while pursuing my education. The hours were intense, and every single dollar had to be carefully weighed between rent, groceries, and tuition. With grit and vital community support, I successfully graduated with a BA in Economics and Political Science.
After a stint working in Fort McMurray, my path brought me to Vancouver Island to complete my Master’s Degree in Economics at UVic. Soon after, I accepted a teaching position at Camosun College, where I continue to instruct the next generation in economics and public administration. Beyond the classroom, I have put my values into action through my involvement with our Faculty Association and by leading initiatives to embed the UN Principles of Responsible Management Education and Sustainable Development Goals directly into our programs.
My life has been defined by balancing tight budgets, working in the field, and analyzing the numbers. That is the balanced, real-world perspective I bring to managing Langford's growth and protecting its future.
