Board of Directors

I have lived in Rockland for close to six years. We are fortunate to live in such a beautiful community. The surrounding neighbourhood is beautiful, the community and neighbours are wonderful and we enjoy living so close to downtown. Joining the RNA Board as a Director (2013), in 2018 I assumed the role of President while also leading RNA related responsibilities for Traffic, Police Liaison and Emergency Management. When you research Rockland, it is described as an ’historic neighbourhood’. Locals and tourists visiting Victoria make a point of visiting Rockland and they often tell me it is a highlight of the trip. Tall majestic oak trees, beautiful heritage homes and the historic feel of Rockland make our community a truly magical place. The preservation of Rockland's "uniqueness" reminds us to be attentive and not take something for granted at the risk of losing it forever. Having said that, I do not consider myself “anti-development”; instead, I advocate for preservation and/or responsible development that takes in to account the special heritage attributes of Rockland. I also feel strongly in the need to develop collaborative productive relationships with our partners, including the City of Victoria. You will often see me walking 'the beat' in the neighbourhood with our clan of spoiled golden retrievers. Besides my rewarding full-time career, my volunteer work with the RNA, spending time with my family, travel and sports take up all of my free time.

I was born in Victoria and educated at U. Vic, U. Laval, UBC and U. Oregon. I worked in International Development for several years, mostly in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa, administering technical and land management projects. I was also involved for 25 years in developing BC’s post secondary international education system by helping to build the BC Center for International Education and by establishing and operating the international offices of Camosun College and Royal Roads University. I have lived in Rockland for 31 years. With this background, I feel I can offer the Neighbourhood Association practical management skills as well as financial, government, and land management experience. My overseas experience has reinforced my perception that our corner of the planet is particularly special and deserves the best possible stewardship we can provide - I hope to contribute to this through my role in the RNA.

My passions are native flora and fauna, environmental activism, tennis, and single malt scotch. I have lived in Rockland since 1991 and have been active in the neighbourhood association the entire time. In a nutshell, I believe that the three features that make Rockland so special - the Garry oaks, the character houses, and the rock outcropping - need to be protected. The new signs that are going up everywhere summarize my position perfectly: Stop Overdevelopment and Respect Neighbourhoods.

My wife and I have lived in Rockland for 10 years and thoroughly love the community. I joined the Board a couple of years ago as a member of the Land Use Planning Committee. Enjoy the close proximity to the ocean and get out on the boat fishing as much as possible.

I am an Agrologist with an interest in wildlife habitat, gardens and in nurturing a sense of community. I have lived with my wife, Heather in the neighbourhood for the past 28 years and for another period of six years through high school. I have been a Board member for the past 16 years serving in a number of capacities, most recently as chair of the Environment Committee. I focus on environmental issues such as Greenways, gardens and the “Urban Forest”. I also support a strategic focus on issues and would like to help develop basic information about the neighbourhood to increase the level of common understanding. I think that a better appreciation of Rockland's character and awareness of other's viewpoints will assist us as we enter the long-awaited process of Local Area Planning.

My husband and I recently moved to Rockland in Vancouver for the sense of community and overall quality of life. My occupation in global financial services for the past 25 years has allowed me to travel extensively, which helps me appreciate even more the decision to call Victoria home. I have a keen interest in history and am looking forward to actively protecting Rockland’s heritage from overdevelopment and enhancing the uniqueness of new neighbourhood. My goal is to also support Victorians in their efforts to ensure our city grows sustainably and is enjoyed by all residents and visitors.

Elizabeth and I moved to Rockand in the spring of 2006 on a whim of hers. I thought we had a discussion about moving in a few years and the next thing I know we are looking at our home on Manor Road. For us it was the classic decision of buying the only home we could afford in a neighborhood we really liked. Those things that we did like were the architectural mix, the greenery and the location within walking distance of downtown and Oak Bay. It was a great move for us. We have excellent neighbors, a wonderful place to walk dogs and a lifestyle that helps get us out of our cars. To help maintain this neighborhood I have been engaged with the RNA for since 2008 and with the RNA Land Use Committee since 2010, for the last 4 years as LUC Chair. Looking forward I am enthusiastic about the upcoming Official Community Plan Local Area Planning process and the opportunity that will bring to define our community vision going forward. Bob June

I moved to Victoria in 2015, from my hometown of Vancouver. I chose Rockland to make my home largely because of the wonderful heritage homes, the gorgeous mature trees, beautiful gardens and the wonderful sense of community. I am a real estate agent, heritage advocate and passionate gardener. In Vancouver I sat on the Vancouver Heritage Foundation Board, the First Shaughnessy Design panel, and was also a board member of St. James Community Square. Community involvement has always been important to me. I have a keen interest in ensuring that development in Victoria, and in particular the Rockland, respects the character and scale of the existing neighbourhood.

I have lived in Rockland since 2012 along with my wife, two young children, and two dogs. We feel very fortunate to live in such a naturally beautiful community. I have been a Director on the RNA Board and a member of the Land Use Committee (LUC) since 2015. I feel that I bring a balanced perspective to the LUC, and am happy to have the opportunity to influence projects and issues that impact Rockland. Outside of the RNA, I keep myself very busy with my career and young family. I am a Project Management Professional specializing in marine construction, which exposes me to many interesting projects in BC’s coastal communities. I also enjoy squash, golf, hiking, camping, skiing, and generally keeping myself active.

Chantal Meagher hails from Regina, but fell in love with Victoria in 1982 when she came here to study. An early graduate of UVIC Law, Chantal's career with the Foreign Service (and peripatetic nature) took her to Hong Kong, Warsaw, Beijing, and Bangkok before finding her way back to Victoria. Thrilled to be back, and to be part of this wonderful community, Chantal spends her time exploring BC, learning to garden, and planning her next travels.

I'm excited to join the board as a Rockland renter, having grown up in Victoria and recently returned after studying and working in Ontario. I graduated from Victoria High School and have a BA (Hons) in Political Science from UVic and an MA in Political Science from Carleton University. I've worked in marketing, operations, and administration for nonprofits and start-ups, and currently freelance write for a company in Seattle. I live on the Rockland border with my husband, James, and our one-year-old son, Clifford. Cliff and I frequently play at Government House and explore the neighbourhood. I'm pleased to represent renters and young families on the Rockland board, as well as serve as website administrator and head of the Social Committee. It's residents who create neighbourhoods, communities, and cities. I hope to help preserve Rockland's history, natural beauty, and unique character, while building a forward-thinking community for the generations ahead.

I am an Australian by birth but have lived in Canada since 1976. I studied Economics and Politics and later Education at Monash University in Australia, taught in high school there, then took Spanish and Linguistics at UVic after coming to Canada. Subsequently I taught English as a second language at UVIC for 12 years. I also lived for many years at Pearson College, in Metchosin where I was a house fellow and later a teacher for 10 years. I have lived in Rockland since 1997 and have always felt it an absolute privilege to be part of a community where it is apparent that the preservation of natural beauty and historical heritage are paramount. I became aware of the Rockland Neighborhood Association in 2014 when I was part of a group that successfully campaigned to halt the proposed development of 1745 Rockland. I am indebted to the RNA (particularly Janet Simpson) for helping us to achieve our aims. After that experience I felt I would like to give back to the RNA and work more in this community.