Amalgamation + Mount Douglas Plaque update
Nov 16, 2017
Mayor Atwell
Amalgamation + Mount Douglas Plaque update

Education:
Born in the United Kingdom, Richard and his family emigrated to Canada when he was very young. After living in White Rock for several years, the family moved to Kamloops before finally settling in Victoria in 1982 where Richard attended Margaret Jenkins Elementary and Oak Bay High School.  During his last year of high school the family moved from Victoria to Saanich and following that, Richard began studies at University of Victoria.  Richard completed several university co-op work terms at BC Systems in Victoria, Bell Northern Research in Ottawa and BC Hydro in Port Kells and Surrey and it was during this period that he developed a passion for Apple Macintosh software and computers.

Career:
After earning a B.Sc in Computer Science from UVic Faculty of Engineering, Richard drove his Volkswagen Westfalia camper to Austin, Texas, and began work as an engineer at the Metrowerks Corporation for five years.   He then returned to Canada, and  resettled in Saanich . 

He set out to become more involved with community by volunteering as a Director of the Falaise Community Association (FCA) and he began attending Council meetings on behalf of the association.  Through the Falaise Community Association, Richard discovered the Saanich Community Associations Network, where he was introduced to the many associations and community leaders within Saanich, broadening his understanding of local Saanich issues.

Campaigning on a comprehensive platform, Richard was elected Mayor by the citizens of Saanich on November 15, 2014. In addition to his council role, he also sits as a Director on the CRD Board and Core Area Liquid Waste Management Committee as well as a voting member on the Victoria Regional Transit Commission (VRTC).

Mayor Atwell’s goal is to build a vision for a modern community where the citizens of Saanich will thrive, where businesses can grow and where neighbourhoods will flourish through open and transparent government employing comprehensive community consultation and empowerment.

Saanich has been Richard's home for eighteen years and he is very passionate about its' future.  In his own words, "I am absolutely committed to working with citizens and local organizations to help make Saanich the best place to live where we can enjoy the highest quality of life and leave behind a genuine legacy for future generations."

Mayor Atwell continues to serve the citizens of Saanich and approaches his job as an advocate for both Saanich and the Capital Region.