Oct. 11, 2026
UpdateCity Hall Must Make Room for Disagreement
Residents deserve a mayor who welcomes questions and criticism of City Hall.
At the October 7th CFAX debate, Marianne Alto asked how I would work differently with other governments. When she pressed me for an example, I raised Victoria firefighter Josh Montgomery’s suspension, about 36 minutes into the debate.
Montgomery had written an open letter to Premier David Eby, published in July 2024, raising concerns about public safety and a planned services facility on Dowler Place, near his home. His union confirmed that the City suspended him for one day without pay for the views he expressed in that letter.
At the time, BC Conservative candidate Tim Thielmann publicly questioned whether Alto or Eby had influenced the suspension. Alto denies any involvement. At the debate, she said, “Bruce, you’re weighing into some very delicate…” She then called the allegation “absurd” and declined to discuss it further.
We should take her denial at face value unless evidence shows otherwise. The City still needs to explain who approved Montgomery’s suspension and why he was disciplined for his published criticism. More than two years later, the public deserves an answer.
Surely the City can explain more while respecting his privacy. If a confidentiality agreement with the City prevents Montgomery from discussing his suspension, the City should still offer to lift that restriction now.
The Dowler Place project also raises a question about how City Hall listens before making decisions. In June 2025, Capital Daily reported Alto’s explanation that early community engagement had not happened because Council “knew what the comments would be from the public.” Knowing residents are likely to object is a reason to hear their concerns early. It is no reason to shut them out of decisions that affect their lives.
Alto apologized for the “confusion” surrounding the project and accepted responsibility for a process that should have been better. But the problem went beyond confusion. Residents had been denied an early opportunity to identify problems and suggest improvements.
I support services that help people reach treatment and stable housing. Hearing from neighbours early can help those services work better.
During Alto’s term as mayor, the City also disabled public comments on its regular social-media posts. Residents can still send questions privately, but they have lost a public space where they could question City announcements, see one another’s concerns and read the City’s responses.
Protecting staff and residents from abuse is important. But closing public comments also shuts out respectful questions and criticism. Residents should not lose that public forum because others behave badly. That is an unacceptable response from a government that has a duty to answer to the people it serves.
Residents deserve a fair hearing, clear answers and a mayor willing to reconsider when criticism has merit.
Listening means more than letting people speak and then explaining why they are wrong. It means being willing to change a decision because of what they say.
During this campaign, I’ve been talking with residents at their doors, outside grocery stores, at markets and community events, and over coffee. I want to hear what you think City Hall should do differently. You don’t have to agree with me to join the conversation.
As Mayor, I will explain my decisions, welcome questions and consider what criticism may reveal. If a resident identifies something we missed, I will be prepared to act on it and change my mind.
Good neighbours don’t have to agree on everything. I trust my neighbours, including those who challenge me. On October 17, vote for a mayor who listens and answers to you. I’m asking for your vote. If I ever fall short of these commitments, hold me accountable.
We can do better, together.
In this short video, I talk about the spirit I want to bring to City Hall.