Candidate for Qualicum Beach Mayor calls for careful, collaborative planning

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“My father was very active in Rotary and other community initiatives, and my mother was active in many different community boards, including starting the Family Resource Association right here in Qualicum Beach, and so I grew up with that. That’s how we used to get things done in this community, was by working together, leaning on folks that had expertise and a desire to make our community better.”

2026 municipal election

Candidate for Qualicum Beach Mayor calls for careful, collaborative planning

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Walker was elected as a Qualicum Beach councillor in 2018, followed by serving as the NDP MLA for the Parksville-Qualicum riding in 2020, being named Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainable Economy in 2022.

He was removed from the NDP caucus in Sept. 2023, following an investigation into a human resources complaint filed by an employee.

Premier David Eby did not elaborate on the move when asked, other than to say the situation involving Walker was not sexual or criminal in nature.

Walker ran in the 2024 B.C. general election as an Independent, with NDP Stephanie Higginson currently holding the title as MLA for the Ladysmith-Oceanside district.

Walker feel will has more to give to his community.

“Watching council over the last couple of years made me realize that we need more folks that are willing to collaborate. I’m on the Flower Stone Health Society board, and I was one of the spearheads of an initiative to try to save Qualicum Commons. Through these board experiences, I realized that Qualicum Beach today isn’t like it was when I was a kid.”

When it comes to housing needs, Walker said Qualicum Beach residents want to see stable, long-term planning which keeps the community “ambiance” unique to the Oceanside community.

He said unlike neighbouring Parksville, his community doesn’t want to see apartment buildings springing up all over town, including the ongoing rezoning and planned multi-store residential buildings planned for the Eagle Crest Golf Course, purchased by the town last year.

“We need to make sure that folks are able to stay in our community. But that density and that development should be happening in our downtown core. So we want to make sure that this community remains a truly walkable community, a friendly community that we have the water to be able to sustain our population, and that comes from very careful planning.”

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