Duncan Cavens

Mayor

duncan.cavens@esquimalt.ca 

Duncan Cavens was elected Mayor of Esquimalt in October 2026, after serving on Council since 2022. He lives in West Bay with his partner Denise and their two children.

Duncan is a registered planner and has worked with communities across Canada on climate policy and community planning. He has degrees in Landscape Architecture and a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering. Much of his professional career has involved working with councils, municipal staff and residents to find practical solutions to complex issues.

Outside Council, Duncan is an active volunteer in Esquimalt, including as a regular cook at Rainbow Kitchen. He has served on a number of non-profit boards including the Victoria Rainbow Kitchen Society and Victoria Minor Hockey Association. He is also Chair of the Greater Victoria Public Library Board, where he previously served as Finance Committee Chair and Vice-Chair.

Duncan is often out walking his dog Poppy and loves to talk to residents about their concerns and enthusiasm for all things Esquimalt-related
 

External appointments
Capital Regional District Board / Hospital Board
Capital Regional District Housing Corporation Board
Greater Victoria Labour Relations Association (Alternate)
Greater Victoria Public Library Board
Municipal Insurance Association of British Columbia (Alternate #2)
School Liaison
South Island Reconciliation Advisory Committee
South Island Prosperity Partnership (Alternate)
DND Liaison
Internal appointments
Emergency Executive Committee