Launched in early 2026, the Westshore Initiative for Sustainable Ecosystems (WISE) is a growing collaboration between Royal Roads University and engaged citizens across the Westshore. Today, our community includes Colwood, Highlands, Langford, Metchosin, View Royal, Sooke, and East Sooke.
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, July 15, 2023: Aerial Glen Lake overlooking Langford and distant mountain development on Vancouver Island.
ID 291675332 © Ramon Cliff | Dreamstime.com
ABOUT WISE
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Thriving Westshore ecosystems sustained through cooperation across Indigenous nations, communities, and municipalities. |
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WISE and the Westshore Bioregional Summit will bring together communities and municipal leaders to advance a shared bioregional approach to ecosystem and biodiversity protection — fostering collaboration across boundaries, aligning policies, and supporting coordinated action across the Westshore. |
STEERING COMMITTEE
 Andy MacKinnon Andy MacKinnon is a forest ecologist, conservationist, and co-author of six best-selling books on western North American plants and mushrooms. He serves as Board Chair of Habitat Acquisition Trust and has played a key role in establishing protected areas across British Columbia, earning the 2024 Lincoff Award for his contributions to mycology. |
 Colin Sparks Colin Sparks is a University of Victoria Geography student and a dedicated advocate for youth representation. A recipient of the 2023 CENIC Environmental Stewardship Award, he actively serves on the City of Colwood's Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and acts as Minister of the Islands in the BC Youth Parliament. |
 Dora Stroud Following a long career in computing technology and greenhouse gas quantification systems with the BC Government, Dora Stroud now serves as co-chair of the Greater Victoria Climate Reality Hub. She is an active citizen scientist who conducts water quality sampling in the Millstream Creek Watershed. |
 Helen Roberts Helen Roberts is a Professional Certified Coach and Organizational Development Leader with over 30 years of experience guiding teams through complex transitions. She designs customized workshops that integrate the UN’s Inner Development Goals to support sustainable change and positive workplace culture. |
 Jane Devonshire Jane Devonshire is an award-winning environmental activist and active member of multiple regional climate coalitions, including the View Royal Climate Coalition and Dogwood. A 2021 Victoria Honorary Citizen Award recipient, she is fiercely dedicated to climate action and securing a healthy planet for future generations. |
 Kent Mullinix Dr. Kent Mullinix is the founding Director of the Institute for Sustainable Food Systems at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Holding dual Ph.D.s in Agriculture Education and Plant Science, he brings decades of academic, research, and hands-on agricultural expertise to sustainable food systems planning. |
 Maria Bremner Maria Bremner serves as the Climate Action & Sustainability Manager at Royal Roads University. With over 20 years of public-sector experience, she is a published author and dedicated professional focusing on climate policy, environmental protection, and the circular economy. |
 Rick Layzell After a 40-year management career in the automotive industry, Rick Layzell transitioned to environmental advocacy upon retiring to Langford. He currently applies his extensive operational experience as the CEO of the Federal Green Party Electoral District Association for Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke. |
 Robert Newell Dr. Robert Newell is the Canada Research Chair in Climate Change, Biodiversity, and Sustainability at Royal Roads University. His research utilizes systems thinking and participatory mapping to develop integrated tools that support sustainable community planning, climate adaptation, and biodiversity conservation. |
CONTACT
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For more information or if you are interested in being part of our project, please contact: westshorewise[at]gmail.com |
