About Kathleen

I am a mother, grandmother, gardener, and passionate advocate for agriculture, farmers, and public engagement in our rural community.

Born and raised in British Columbia, my parents were immigrants who grew up on farms in Switzerland. I was raised on a 10-acre family farm north of Kamloops. I developed a strong work ethic and fiscal prudence, and learned the hard work it takes to manage a farm, and the incredible risks that farmers take. At university, I studied how vital agriculture is to our society and our lives. Agriculture has literally been a lifelong passion.

For 20 years, I worked as a Professional Agrologist in BC, with a very strong public service focus. I supported local government and their agricultural advisory committees across the Lower Mainland with respect to their bylaws, Official Community Plans, and ALR applications.

I retired to Vancouver Island, and in 2021 moved to Brentwood Bay.  Since retirement, I have been an active member of the community.

My interest in local politics was sparked by what I saw during my community involvement. I believe that our rural community can be strengthened when we protect what makes it  great and create opportunities for meaningful community engagement.

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Read more about me in the Peninsula News Review, Master gardener, agrologist enters Central Saanich council race.

Kathleen, age 8, with a calf on her family's farm

Kathleen, age 8, on her family’s farm

Beautiful baskets of produce grown right here in Central Saanich.

Beautiful baskets of produce grown right here in Central Saanich

Kathleen with her granddaughter at the Victoria Butterfly Gardens.

Kathleen with her granddaughter at the Victoria Butterfly Gardens.

Kathleen at Municipal Hall rally, April 2026

Kathleen at Municipal Hall rally, April 2026
Photo credit: Tony Trozzo, Peninsula News Review

Community Involvement

Since I retired to Vancouver Island in 2017, my community involvement has included:

  • Treasurer, Association for the Protection of Rural Metchosin

  • Vice-President, Metchosin Garden Club

  • Committee Member, Victoria Master Gardener Association

  • Board Member/Committee Chair, Unitarian Universalist Community of Victoria

  • Secretary, Central Saanich Community Association

  • Vice Chair and Agriculture Representative, CRD Water Advisory Committee

  • Volunteer, Peninsula and Area Agricultural Commission (PAAC) and South Island Farmers’ Institute

  • Volunteer Peninsula Country Market

Education

M.Sc. (Resource Management and Environmental Studies), UBC

M.Sc. (Rural Extension Studies), University of Guelph

B.Sc. (Agriculture) Honors, University of Guelph