Accessible, accountable, approachable
I am dedicated to serving the public and helping create a better quality of life for everyone.
I have been a lifelong volunteer, holding positions on many committees and boards, and now I seek your support to continue leading the Town of Ladysmith this fall.
A big record for a short time
In a year and a half as mayor, I have worked with Council, staff, and regional partners on the practical work of running the Town.
I learned how civic government functions from the inside and built relations with our neighbouring communities including the Stz'uminus First Nation and the CVRD. All this while maintaining strong working relationships with all civil service leaders. Re-electing me means that Ladysmith needs not repeat that ramp-up period.
This year, I held the line on the tax raise ceiling at the Cowichan Valley Regional District ensuring that tax raises from the CVRD does not go beyond 4%.
Earlier this year, the CVRD sought to make yard waste drop off at Peerless a paid service. Because Ladysmith cannot pick up yard waste in its organic bins, I ensured that yard waste drop off at the Peerless Recycling Centre remains free for our community.
Supported reallocation of unutilized grant from Growing Communities Fund to the FJCC roof freeing up $200,000.00 for FJCC capital reserve fund and reducing budget by $50,000.00, saving tax dollars and supporting infrastructure renewal.
These are collaborative town and council achievements during my mayoral term, and could not have been accomplished without the support of our staff and council.
The work ahead
There is no Ladysmith without infrastructure! We have wonderful staff that keeps council updated on our infrastructure needs (such as resurfacing of roads) that help us shape the order of our recapitalization. I will ensure that they have the tools and budget so they can continue to see that our infrastructure meets our needs now and in the future.
To be able to support our infrastructure, we need to attract business and industry and we need the private sector to help us with that. I will convene a volunteer economic task force composed of local captains of industry, start-up founders and business leaders to help us find ways that Ladysmith can be more attractive to new businesses and industry, so that we can be the place for families to settle and stay.
We also want to attract families with more amenities. I will seek to convert the E&N rail segment between Saltair and Stz'uminus First Nation into a bike and walking trail with the aim of incorporating part of it into the Trans Canada Trail so that Ladysmith becomes easier to cycle through. I will also improve access between that trail and the Methuen tunnel so that downtown becomes easier to visit.
In addition to tourist amenities, we need better access for day berthers so that they can inject cash into our restaurants and stores. Partnering with Stz'uminus First Nation, the provincial and federal governments, we will pursue the creation of day-use moorage with easy access to downtown for those out-of-town recreational boaters.
No more studies. With the new council, we will put together a plan for city hall that provides staff with appropriate working conditions, serves the needs of the community and respects the taxpayer — and we will bring this plan to a final referendum.
I will deliver these priorities while minimizing the burden on an already financially stretched population. We don’t have to choose between a thriving community and an affordable one. Improving cost efficiency will allow us to support infrastructure and fund our budget needs without layoffs. I will pursue the best value for money so taxes are kept as low as possible.
My only focus is the well-being of Ladysmith, and I commit to being a voice for the community.
— Deena Beeston, 2025
Rooted here
Deena's family came to Ladysmith in 1961. This is where she grew up—and where she returned in 2007 to stay.
Her experience spans business ownership and management, health care, social services, and tourism. She has served on boards and committees, volunteered with local organizations, and learned that sound leadership starts with collaboration and ends with results.
In 2025, Ladysmith voters chose Deena from a field of five to serve as the town's 23rd mayor and only the second woman to hold the office. She is asking for the opportunity to keep serving.
Election 2026
General Voting Day
Saturday, October 17 · 8:00 am–8:00 pm
Frank Jameson Community Centre
Vote early
October 7 & 14 · 8:00 am–8:00 pm · City Hall
Be part of it