Eight years as a local councillor, and four years as Ucluelet's Mayor. I would love the opportunity to serve another four years as your mayor to see the completion of some large capital projects.
As Mayor, I have led and worked hard for Ucluelet these past four years. I have listened, facilitated, and held integrity above all else. I maintain an open, consistent, respectful dialogue, have healthy and constructive conversations, and listen to opinions from the community, District Staff and Council about the issues Ucluelet is now facing.
I have served eight years as a Councillor and the last four years as Mayor. This election is critical for our community and now more than ever it is key to have an established civic leader at the helm to steer us through these challenging times.
I bring three decades of strong community commitment, volunteer and serve on many local boards, and have extensive small business experience. I am a practical and effective leader who has handled everything from successfully owning a number of small local businesses to handling contentious issues at public hearings, rezoning issues, by-law variances, and permit application discussions through the lens of reason, facts, and practicality.
Projects don’t automatically complete themselves; they require continuity, oversight and adjustments. Projects such as the new hard sports facility, key new housing developments, new water treatment plant, infrastructure, childcare, business development, and sustainable growth in our community will require full attention to effectively see them through to fruition.
Like many, I began coming to the West Coast over 40 years ago and have lived in Ucluelet for 30 years. It's been a wonderful journey, with so many memories and great friendships created. I have watched our community grow and prosper. During that time I have owned five successful businesses and volunteered for many local boards and committees. I have proudly served eight years as a Councillor and four years as Mayor. I love living on the West Coast and enjoy my time giving back.
My Values & PlatformA couple of municipal projects I am particularly proud of being part of moving forward are the new Medical Clinic and bringing BC Transit to the coast.
For 11 years I and my fellow councillors (and two former mayors) put a fair bit of time into re-imagining a better working space for Dr. Marshall and her team. At one point we thought we could build our own health centre on District owned property and had a feasibility study done to determine if and where that might be possible. We also looked at purchasing a 2-story commercial building that was for sale at the time and renovating it with potential grant money to provide a better space for our physicians to work from. Neither of those initiatives panned out for a variety of reasons, so after much lobbying to Island Health they finally announced that Ucluelet had moved up the list of capital projects for a new Health Centre – the best news ever.
In my first term on council I sat on the ACRD committee called Transportation Action Table. We were instrumental in bringing Wheels for Wellness to the coast for the first time. We lobbied BC Transit to provide public transit between Tofino and Ucluelet, and they promised to do so in 2020. But the pandemic stalled all capital investment by them for several years, so in early 2024 the ACRD launched an interim public transit service to connect residents and visitors in the region. It was then finally replaced March 1, 2025 by a BC Transit service.
Projects that didn’t take quite so long to see completion include Amphitrite House. That project started in 2022 with the official opening in April 2025. In March of 2017, Ucluelet acquired 18.3 ha of Coast Guard lands to develop as recreational park. It was designed to improve access and the recreation experience for residents and visitors to the west coast. The project was made possible through full funding from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program Recreation Stream (Federal & Provincial funding) and the Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI).
The skatepark expansion project was identified as a priority initiative within the District’s Resort Development Strategy and was supported through Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI) funding. The total project cost was approximately $335,000 and was fully funded through the Resort Municipality Initiative. This investment enabled the District to advance the skatepark expansion without drawing on general municipal taxation, while delivering a durable recreational amenity that contributes to community well-being and Ucluelet’s appeal as a destination.
Most recently we saw the grand opening of the Japanese Canadian Pavillion on Imperial Lane on August 29th. With land donated by the District of Ucluelet, the Ucluelet & Area Historical Society received grant funding and constructed the Pavillion from yellow cedar using traditional Japanese joinery techniques. It honours both the cultural traditions from Japan and the pioneering spirit of the Japanese Canadian families who lived and worked on the West Coast of Vancouver Island.
Over the past four years as Mayor, I have helped Ucluelet complete these major capital projects. From essential infrastructure to parks, trails and community spaces, these improvements reflect the commitment to getting the hard work done for Ucluelet.
“I wish I lived in Ukee...you would have my vote! Since the first time I met you Marilyn, years ago, at the Toastmaster sessions, I was always impressed with every meeting; and living here, I see you as the steadfast, emotionally strong, good listener... that will get you in, as mayor. My best wishes for you.”
- Vi Mundy ~ Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government - Ucluelet First Nation (Retired), Wild Pacific Trail First Nation Board Director
“My wife, Jeanne, and I have lived here for over a decade, and have known Marilyn throughout. I have had first hand experience when she was District Council representative to the Wild Pacific Trail Society, on whose Board I serve. As a citizen I have also observed Marilyn at District Council meetings. She brings a depth and range of experience to the issues at hand. She always impresses me as knowledgeable, thoughtful, and prudent. Ucluelet needs wise guidance and consideration as we move forward to meet the challenges of the future. I am proud to endorse Marilyn!”
- Don Ferris ~ Chair Treasurer, Wild Pacific Trail Society
“I have known Marilyn McEwen professionally and personally for close to two decades, after meeting her as the photographer for my wedding in 2006. I believe she has all the right credentials to be Ucluelet’s next mayor. Marilyn has the energy, leadership skills, experience and commitment to make a positive difference for the town. She listens to people and makes decisions based on the good of the community. For these reasons I believe Marilyn will be a great mayor for Ucluelet.”
- Andrew Hanson ~ Owner Ucluelet Lodge & Ucluelet Cold Beer & Wine Store
Don't hesitate to reach out and get in touch.
I'll get right back in touch as long as I'm not on the beach looking for more glass balls.
Donations: Please send eTransfers along with your full name in the message field to hello@marilynformayor.ca
Vote Marilyn Lawn Signs: If you wish to have a sign placed at your property please reach out. All signs will be saved, reused and recycled after the election.
