From the National Observer, October 13, 2026, as told to Patrician Lane
[Ken Gray] I grew up in Oak Bay and still visit often. I wish I still did live there so I could vote for Sam Holland, for many reasons. but I can’t. Here in the South Okanagan we could sure use this kind of informed leadership. Oak Bay residents; vote your conscience but please consider Sam Holland for mayor
Sam Holland is running for mayor of Oak Bay, a municipality next to Victoria. This 26-year-old is offering the people of Oak Bay, British Columbia, ideas about taking action on climate to benefit us all and enrich democracy.
Tell us about your campaign.
The incumbent presides over a divided council. He breaks the tie toward the same side whenever a contentious issue arises, with no real attempt to build consensus. The council rules by veto and defaults to “No.” Leadership requires a vision and a collaborative approach. My vision is a community that works for everyone.
To thrive, Oak Bay needs more young people, families, renters and seniors to stay in the community they love. That means more diverse, affordable housing, health care close to home, and streets that are safe, easy and affordable. Done well, these initiatives also help protect the climate.
Transit could be easier and more pleasant. Too many bus stops have no shelter; some don’t even have a place to stand except in the mud. Council members must include people who rent, take transit, ride bikes or use wheelchairs.
Too many people still lack primary care. If we offer healthcare close to home, more people can walk or take the bus to appointments, reducing emissions. The majority of the present council said “No” to this idea. Affordable housing means people who work in our coffee shops and retail outlets, teach in our schools, build and repair our homes, or clean our streets, don’t have to commute from elsewhere. The present council slashed plans for it.
The current council has responded to the province’s requirement that we meet a portion of our community’s housing needs by allowing neighbourhood-inappropriate designs and welcoming short-term rentals. This has been divisive.
None of these issues need to polarize us. As a community organizer, I know we can build at least a rough consensus. If we create a shared vision, talk about the issues we face and explain our thinking, people will generally live with the outcome. Failure to use an inclusive process breeds resentment.
What inspired you to make the run?
I love this community, but cannot afford to live here, and many of my friends have been priced out. I saw many missed opportunities.
Our current mayor was acclaimed last time. Contested elections are important for accountable government, so I asked dozens of people I thought would be great leaders to run. None could see themselves doing it. I realized I should.
I hope to foster a culture of mentorship and inclusion so more people feel empowered to run next time.
What makes it hard?
I worry about being discounted for my age. But I have knocked on hundreds of doors and spoken at large gatherings. Almost no one has said they will not vote for me. I am honoured.
What gives you hope?
So many people have jumped in to take a sign, come to a meeting or wish me well. My campaign is lucky to be multi-generational, with lots of young people, working people and retirees.
Across the region, young people are stepping up to run or help in municipal campaigns. We want to be included!
How did you get into this?
In high school, I helped organize the restoration of an old greenhouse so we could grow food. I’m proud to say cucumbers were growing when I graduated!
I was active with Fridays for Future, but didn’t resonate with the idea that if we just got enough people onto the lawn of the legislature, things would change. There was definitely some impact, and I don’t minimize that. But I’ve since worked on housing and transit and believe real change requires relationship-building. If we understand each other, even if it takes time, we get more done and the change will be more lasting.
How does the way you were raised affect this work?
Making social change is in my blood. My great-grandmother was a suffragette. My grandmother campaigned for racial equality in the United States in the 1940s. My grandfather prosecuted companies that collaborated with the Nazis.
I was raised to stand up for my values.
What keeps you awake at night?
My generation will have to deal with many crises. I fear many of us have not been taught to understand the institutions our society uses to solve problems.
What possibilities do you see if we get this right?
A fairer, happier and healthier community where people trust government and know their neighbours. We teach accountability to both our children and our leaders.
Have you got any advice for other young people?
Get involved with something you care about through a real organization, not just online. Nonprofits are “schoolyards of democracy.”
I don’t just mean joining a board. Social dancing, book clubs, gardening, beer-league hockey — these are ways of building relationships and learning how to work together.
What would you like to say to older readers?
Offer your mentorship to a younger person. Teach us how to make a difference in public life.
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