About Joyce
A neighbour, listener, a doer.
Joyce Behnsen is a fifth generation Cowichan resident. She's not a career politician - she's someone who shows up, listens, and gets things done.
I was born in Cowichan Valley and my family traces back five generations on the island - from ancestors such as- John Blair Landscape Architect designed Beacon Hill Park. He rests in Mtn. View Cemetery (1906), and Henry F W Behnsen MLA City of Victoria 1906-1917. My roots are here. My love for my home runs deep.
I spent most of my working years in and around the construction and sales industry. From having my own business - Showcase Services for three years that promoted local trades and services to selling concrete for Surespan Readymix for 11 years. I learned from the people I worked with (developers, contractors, families and business people) many of the issues they had with North Cowichan, and the many ways it needed improvement - and still does in many ways.
From being in the world of trades and selling concrete, I attended North Cowichan Public Works and Technical Planning Meetings. Let me just say it was an eye opener.
Quick facts
- LocationNorth Cowichan, BC
- Running forNorth Cowichan Local Council
- Election2026 Municipal Election
- Years in community20+
Why Joyce is running
North Cowichan is at a crossroads. Decisions made in the next few years will shape this community for decades - on housing, on the environment, on how we grow and who we grow for. Joyce believes those decisions deserve a councillor who is deeply rooted here, who understands the trade-offs, and who will always put the community first.
I'm not running against anything. I'm running for this community — for the people who built it, the families raising kids here, and the generations who will inherit what we leave behind.
— Joyce Behnsen
Core values
What guides Joyce.
Transparency
Open, honest communication with residents — no surprises, no backroom decisions.
Collaboration
Working across differences to find solutions that serve the whole community.
Stewardship
Protecting what makes North Cowichan special for the people who come after us.
Accountability
Doing what she says she'll do — and owning it when things don't go as planned.
Want to connect with Joyce?
Whether you have a question, a concern, or just want to introduce yourself — Joyce would love to hear from you.