Seven Esquimalt council candidates have officially hit the election campaign trail.
Four newcomers to council – Dave Hodgins, Bob McKie, Tim Morrison and Josh Steffler – declared their intent in May.
Mayor Barbara Desjardins is seeking her second mayoral term. To date, no one has declared they will run against her.
Coun. Meagan Brame is campaigning to secure her second term, and Coun. Lynda Hundleby has announced she will vie for a fourth council term.
"I still want to assist my community and be involved," said Hundleby, adding her proven track record on council includes upgrades to Craigflower Road and the Archie Browning Sports Centre.
"I know I can offer my depth of experience and my wealth of community involvement."
Randall Garrison vacated his council seat in May following his win as member of Parliament for the Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca riding. Coun. Don Linge is stepping away from politics after eight terms on council, and Coun. Alison Gaul is not seeking a second term.
Coun. Bruce McIldoon is also taking a breather after his second term in municipal politics.
"It's a big time commitment," said McIldoon, a full-time civilian employee at HMC Dockyard.
"I haven't been satisfied with some of the directions we have been taking," he said, noting his disappointment with the township's living wage stalemate, the demolition of the old municipal hall and high-density development in the Saxe Point neighbourhood.
"Often times I'm at odds with the position of the current council because they seem to be pro development," McIldoon said. "I believe in slow, quality development."
Municipal elections will be held in B.C. on Nov. 19.