About Kyle The 5 Pillars Media Hub Resources Get Involved & Contact Kyle 🗺 Am I in Area B? 🔥 A/B/C Referendum (Bylaw 4713)

CVRD Electoral Area B  ·  Shawnigan Lake  ·  October 17, 2026

Kyle for Change

Running for Area B Director, and here to represent you

A current Psychologist, retired Firefighter and Fire Safety Codes Officer, former Physical Therapist, and now a single dad living the rural homestead lifestyle in Shawnigan Lake. I see the rural way of life slipping away from our children. We need to fix this.

Kyle Cheveldayoff

October 17, 2026

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Mental Health Resource: ACT ACT is a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) anyone can use as a framework for meaningful action in their lives. Learn more →

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CVRD, Cowichan Valley Regional District

Are You in Electoral Area B?

Shawnigan Lake's boundary is surprisingly tricky, it crosses a mountain and confuses a lot of residents. Check your address before October 17 to make sure your vote counts.

🔥 Hot Topic
October 17 Ballot Question

Area A, B & C Referendum: Bylaw 4713

On October 17, eligible voters in Areas A, B, and C vote on a second ballot question: whether to create a dedicated fund to study local issues, at roughly $23 to $24 per year for an average home. I am pressing the CVRD for clear answers before taking a public position, and encouraging everyone to get informed from all angles before deciding.

NEW!

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KyleforChange

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Get informed. Vote informed.

October 17 Election Information
· Shawnigan Lake  ·  CVRD Areas A, B & C

What is Bylaw 4713, South Cowichan Series by Kyle Cheveldayoff

▶ Watch Kyle's South Cowichan Series on YouTube, breaking down Bylaw 4713 in plain language

What Residents Have Been Telling Me

Three current CRISIS exist, all impacting each other, and NEW SOLUTIONS are needed.

After months of meetings, conversations, and listening, three issues surface again and again across Shawnigan Lake and the CVRD. These aren't talking points, this is what your neighbours are experiencing and living.

Mental Health Crisis

Anxiety, isolation, and a lack of accessible support are things families across every age group are dealing with right here in the Cowichan Valley.

Drug Crisis

The drug use and overdose crisis doesn't stop at municipal borders. It often starts with people carrying too much stress in their life, financial pressure, and interpersonal challenges that push them further into isolation and numbing of the pain.

Affordable Housing Crisis & Land Issues

Affordable housing projects in the Cowichan Valley are being cancelled as rents climb beyond what most people can afford. I am leading the charge on a solution that doesn't wait on provincial funding to arrive.

Kyle Cheveldayoff

I'm Meeting With the Community From Every Angle

Through my work over the years I have heard from the farmer, the renter, the veteran, the single mom, the homesteader, the retiree, the teenager, the small business owner, the first responder, and every walk of life across the Cowichan Valley. The deep and personal conversations I've had with many, from all walks and ages of life, have informed me about their daily stressors and the challenges they face. In many cases these stressors come in part from government overreach and poor decision-making that do not represent the needs of the community.

I have heard from you loud and clear: we need change within the governmental structure across the CVRD, fewer rules, better transparency, more freedom, lower taxes, and solutions that will actually help people thrive in these challenging times, not just another consultant report. I'm stepping forward to do that for Shawnigan Lake residents, and to use my communication skills to work with other Directors across the CVRD in making things happen. Nothing gets passed unless there is a majority vote, so strong communication between all CVRD Directors is a critical factor.

I truly see the different sides people are bringing forward, and the need for our Directors and CVRD staff to work better in the interest of what people actually need, not what those in government believe people should be doing. Since my first speech on April 1, 2026 (available on the website and YouTube), I've been one of the most active voices at CVRD meetings, speaking from the heart and the research, and listening to what residents are saying. My decision to run for Director of Shawnigan Lake was sparked by your many requests to have me represent you, and I have accepted that offer.

My background spans construction and architecture, to kinesiology and physical therapy, to fire sciences (firefighter, safety codes officer, trained fire investigator), and over the past 12 years into psychology as a registered psychologist. Each field I've worked in has taught me a different way to listen, diagnose problems, find appropriate solutions, and take effective action that produces results.

I'm not a career politician. I've been in service to the public in a variety of ways, and now want to represent the people of Shawnigan Lake to keep control of our beautiful land before it slips too far into government overreach.

🧠 Registered Psychologist
Over ten years specializing in stress management, trauma, anxiety and depression, organizational assistance, Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs)
🔥 Fire Sciences & Safety Codes
A decade with the Calgary Fire Department (CFD), Firefighter, Fire Inspections, trained in Investigations, fireworks and pyrotechnics, Fire Safety Codes Officer (FSCO-II), and part of the Public Safety Task Force (PSTF) and Safe Housing Inspection Program (SHIP) teams
💪 Physical Therapist / Kinesiologist
Worked as a Personal Trainer, at the Athlete Training Center (UofA), in the Exercise Physiology Lab (UofA), and as Physical Therapist treating all populations
🏡 Homesteader & Single Dad
Living the life I'm advocating for, in this community, for this community, so our children can thrive in harmony with the land

Watch My Videos

5 Pillars, 25 Focus Areas for a Thriving Shawnigan Lake

These pillars didn't come from a party platform. They came from residents heard at community meetings, CVRD sessions, and hundreds of one-on-one conversations since April 2026. Shawnigan Lake is one of the fastest-growing communities in the region, and that growth demands forward-thinking leadership. Each pillar contains five Focus Areas with research and links so you can dig deeper.

Visit the Kyle for Change YouTube channel to watch Kyle speaking at CVRD meetings and engaging directly with Directors on these issues.
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Accountability & Governance
Transparency at every level
  • Tax Increase Investigation: Area B property taxes have approximately doubled over the past decade; I will conduct a thorough, independent review of what drove those increases, how much is attributable to CVRD staff and administration cost growth, and where forward-thinking changes can stop the increases and work toward reducing them
  • CVRD Staff and Consulting Costs: Staff and consulting budgets need independent evaluation; residents deserve to know exactly how their tax dollars are allocated and whether spending reflects community priorities rather than institutional growth
  • Waterworks Acquisition Accountability: The 2024 CVRD purchase of Shawnigan Village Waterworks for $3.2 million was approved through an Alternative Approval Process rather than a referendum; annual rates rose from roughly $948 to a minimum of $1,300, with debt running to 2045; I will review where this file stands and deliver a plain-language public summary
  • Transparent Decision-Making: The stopping of Bylaws 4710 and 4632 and the repealing of the 2025 Official Community Plan represent tax dollars spent without results; residents are owed a clear accounting of what went wrong and why, with genuine feedback loops going forward
  • Listening to Residents: Regular public meetings, polls, and direct communication throughout the full term, not just at election time; psychology-informed engagement to ensure actual understanding, not just the illusion of consultation
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Land, Housing & Property Rights
Practical solutions for how people actually live
  • Property Rights Protection: Strong advocate for expanded property rights where land is not harmed and development works in harmony with the environment; opposition to government overreach and excessive red tape; responsible landowners including farmers, homesteaders, and families should be trusted partners, not suspects
  • Housing Flexibility: Clarifying and improving rules around RVs, park models, tiny homes, secondary suites, and intergenerational arrangements; supporting BC's Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing legislation (Bill 44) to give Area B residents the same flexibility available elsewhere in the province
  • Zoning & OCP Reform: The CVRD Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw revision and modernized OCP process have created significant uncertainty; zoning decisions must reflect genuine community input and the mistakes of Bylaws 4710 and 4632 must not be repeated
  • Rural Lifestyle Preservation: Supporting farmers, homesteaders, and families with on-site worker accommodations, intergenerational property arrangements, and intentional land use that keeps the rural character of Area B alive for the next generation
  • Already at the Table: I have been speaking at the CVRD podium and meeting directly with Directors on housing and property issues before this election; this is not a promise to show up, it is a record of already showing up; watch the videos on YouTube to see where I stand and how I engage
3
🌊
Environment & Water
Protecting what makes Shawnigan special
  • Shawnigan Lake Water Quality: Protecting the lake from contamination is non-negotiable; water quality must be continuously monitored with results communicated clearly to the public; the Shawnigan-Mill Bay Lake Association's annual monitoring program is a model worth supporting and expanding
  • Watershed Protection from Logging: The cumulative impact of private logging operations on the watershed needs to be better understood and factored into every land use and infrastructure decision; clearcut logging increases runoff, sediment loading, and flood risk in ways not currently fully accounted for in CVRD planning
  • Flood Risk Assessment: Flood risk modelling for the Shawnigan Lake area is evolving; the goal is not alarm but clear understanding, looking carefully at all emerging data, climate projections, and local geography before any major infrastructure decisions are made
  • Water Infrastructure Accountability: The CVRD Shawnigan Village Water System now carries debt to 2045; the planned amalgamation with Burnum and Shawnigan Lake North systems and the treatment plant upgrade require full public transparency, including any grant applications and funding decisions as they develop
  • Parks, Trails, and Green Spaces: Access, maintenance, and expansion of community green spaces and trail networks are quality-of-life essentials that also support the lake's ecological health and attract residents who value what makes this place worth protecting
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Community & Economy
Building resilience together
  • Local Economy & Small Business: Reducing red tape for land use and small business development; supporting the rural construction economy (decks, cisterns, solar, compost toilets, greywater systems, ponds); local economic strength during times of geopolitical uncertainty starts with backing the people already here
  • Public Engagement: Youth to Seniors: Every generation deserves to be heard; from the resources young people need (skate parks, business pathways, affordable places to stay) to ensuring seniors can age in place; empowering young voters who have the most to gain from changes to housing, zoning, and land policy before October 17, 2026
  • Rural Lifestyle & Community Identity: The rural way of life is slipping away from our children; homesteading, farming, and community living are not just personal choices but shared values worth protecting through smart, people-first governance that trusts residents rather than restricting them
  • Mind, Body & Spiritual Well-being: A healthy community includes mental and spiritual health, not just economic metrics; supporting free stress reduction programming, physical activity initiatives, and community connection spaces using evidence-based models including ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)
  • Shawnigan Village Future & Incorporation: What does growth, commercial development, and potential incorporation really mean for Area B residents? These questions deserve honest, plain-language public conversations with all the facts on the table before any major decisions are made
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Safety & Infrastructure
Protection through expertise and planning
  • Wildland Fire Risk: BC declared a provincewide wildfire state of emergency on August 8, 2026 and Vancouver Island entered the 2026 fire season at elevated risk; I have already reached out to people in affected areas to understand resource gaps; Shawnigan Lake will benefit from having a Director with real fire prevention and suppression experience at the table
  • Emergency Preparedness: Bringing together fire departments, CVRD, province, First Nations, and community groups for faster, better-coordinated emergency response; leveraging my background in fire sciences, suppression, inspection, investigation, and safety codes to ensure informed budget oversight for emergency services
  • Waste, Services & Value for Money: The mandatory curbside garbage, compost, and recycling program has been a flashpoint for residents who preferred the old bag-tag system; this frustration connects directly to the broader question of whether Area B residents are getting value for taxes that have approximately doubled over a decade; all service contracts deserve fresh scrutiny
  • Roads & Utility Infrastructure: Low-impact housing including RVs, park models, and tiny homes are part of the infrastructure solution, not the problem; integrating flexible housing into planning reduces pressure on existing systems; all major infrastructure decisions must be preceded by proper data and genuine community input, not reactive spending
  • Rural Resilience: A community that can grow food, manage water, handle emergencies, and support its own economy is a community that can weather anything; building local self-sufficiency is the long-term infrastructure project that connects every other pillar

Watch, Listen & Follow Along

The YouTube channel is the living, evolving version of this campaign. Every pillar, every CVRD meeting, every conversation, it's all there.

Video Series

Dr. Carolyn Nesbitt Series thumbnail

The Dr. Carolyn Nesbitt Series

A deep conversation covering my background, philosophy, and vision for Area B, being released as short clips and full topic segments.

Watch the series →
🏛

CVRD Meetings & Speeches

Every CVRD meeting I've attended, in chronological order. See the issues as they unfolded and how the platform evolved.

Watch the series →
📋

Bylaw Issues (Spring 2026)

The bylaws that mobilized Shawnigan Lake. Everything that happened, explained clearly, from April onward.

Watch the series →
🎯

Platform Deep Dives

Each of the 10 pillars, explored in detail. Longer form conversations for people who want to understand the why behind each issue.

Watch the series →
YouTube

The YouTube Channel Is the Hub

New content goes up regularly. Subscribe to stay current, and don't miss older videos. Some of the most important context is in the earlier recordings.

Subscribe

💡 Tip: Watch at 1.25× speed while cooking or commuting, you'll get through more without losing any substance.

Information You Can Use

One of my core skills is finding, synthesizing, and sharing information. These resources are here to assist you, those you know, and people of all ages regardless of who you vote for.

CVRD Electoral Area B map

Am I in Electoral Area B?

Shawnigan Lake's boundary is confusing. View the official CVRD boundary map to confirm whether your address is in Electoral Area B before October 17.

Look Up Your Address →
Mental Health Toolbox illustration

Mental Health Resources

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) are evidence-based tools for psychological flexibility, stress relief, and meaningful action in daily life. Free public resources, no therapist required.

Explore ACT Resources → Learn About EFT (HealthLink BC) →
Tiny home on wheels

RV, Tiny Home & Park Model Info

Current rules, UBCM updates, and what's changing around alternative housing options in BC. Understand your rights before you build.

Watch My Videos on This → Complete the Survey →
Shawnigan Lake contour map

Area B Shawnigan Lake Info

This CVRD link provides key information about Electoral Area B (Shawnigan Lake) and all other CVRD areas.

View on CVRD Website →
Save Our Shawnigan Water banner

Shawnigan Lake Water Info

Watershed management, contamination history, and current water quality resources for Shawnigan Lake residents.

Shawnigan Basin Society →
October 17 2026 voting box

Voter Registration & Election Info

Everything you need to know about voting on October 17, 2026: registration, polling locations, and eligibility in the CVRD election.

Elections BC →

This Campaign Runs on Community

I'm out there in the community, on YouTube, on Facebook, and at the CVRD meetings. Go find the content on my YouTube channel to learn about my platform and share what resonates. If you want to roll up your sleeves and help directly, I'd love to hear from you.

📺 Follow the Campaign

I put content out regularly: CVRD speeches, platform deep dives, community conversations. YouTube and Facebook are where it all lives. Go there. Subscribe. Share with a neighbour.

Watch & Subscribe on YouTube f Follow on Facebook

🗳 Election Day: October 17, 2026
Mark it. Tell a friend. ACT, because change only happens when people show up.

🤝 Want to Help or Have a Question?

Reach Kyle directly

✉ kyleforchange@gmail.com

Questions, ideas, or anything on your mind, just send an email.

Ways you can volunteer

🚪 Door-to-door canvassing in Area B neighbourhoods
📅 Event coordination and community outreach
📢 Sharing content on social media and within your network
💡 Other ways to help (I'm open to your ideas)

Support the Campaign

ACT and Consider Donating

Consider donating to support my campaign: signs and flyers, venues, community events, and everything it takes to reach nearly 9,000 Shawnigan Lake residents in one of the fastest-growing communities in the region.

How to donate:
E-Transfer to kyleforchange@gmail.com
Subject line: "Kyle for Change Donation"
BC residents, Canadian citizens & permanent residents only

💛 Send your E-Transfer to: kyleforchange@gmail.com