Independent community site. Not affiliated with the City or any campaign.
Nanaimo Vote is an independent, non-partisan, community-run site intended to promote citizen
engagement. We are not affiliated with the City, any candidate or campaign.
As the longest-serving current Councillor, it has been an honour for me to serve the City for the past twelve years.
Prior to my election to Council I gained civic experience through three years as a member of the City of Nanaimo’s Parks Recreation and Culture Commission. During that time I chaired the Parks Committee and the Harewood Dry Floor Facility Committee, which spearheaded construction of the multi-sport covered lacrosse box at Harewood Centennial Fields. I also sat on the City’s Grants Advisory Committee, and am on the Nanaimo Sports Hall of Fame Committee.
During my three terms as City Councillor, I have chaired the Public Safety Committee and the Nanaimo Parks, Recreation, and Wellness Committee, and the District 68 Sports Field and Recreation Committee. I have sat on the Protocol Agreement Working Committee involving the City and Snuneymuxw First Nation, and was appointed to the Mayor’s Leaders’ Table. I currently sit on the Nanaimo Port Authority/City Liaison Committee, the Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel, and the Tourism Nanaimo Board.
I am one of the City representatives on the Regional District of Nanaimo Board, where I served two terms as RDN Board Chair in 2018-2020. As an RDN director I chair the Liquid Waste Management Plan Committee. From 2018-2024 I was Chair of the Nanaimo Regional Hospital District Board. I am currently the Vice Chair, very involved with advocating to the provincial government to build a cardiac cath lab and new patient tower on our hospital grounds.
During my three four-year Council terms I have gained professional development by attending annual meetings of the Association of Vancouver Island Coastal Communities, the Union of British Columbia Municipalities, and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Among other conferences I attend each year the Vancouver Island Economic Summit. I have also benefited from attending workshops sponsored by the Local Government Leadership Academy, and have been awarded a Level 2 - Advanced Certificate in Local Government Leadership.
My experiences have given me many opportunities to demonstrate leadership skills, to learn about the principles of governance, and to work cooperatively as part of a team.
My past three terms on Council have given me valuable insight and knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing our beautiful city. I have learned much, and gained a great deal of experience. I have met many wonderful people, and it has been an honour for me to represent the City of Nanaimo. I ask for your support in letting me continue to do so.
I am proud to be a third-generation Nanaimoite. Though my mother was born here, I was raised in Victoria, attending Oak Bay High School and the University of Victoria. While growing up I spent many holidays in Nanaimo with my cousins and other relatives, then did summer work in Nanaimo during my university years. Following graduation from UVic in 1974, I moved back to Nanaimo and have lived here ever since. I have a B.A. and Diploma in Education from UVic, and an M.A. from San Diego State University.
In 2010 I retired following a 35-year career as a teacher and school administrator, all of it here in Nanaimo, working in all areas of the city.
Along with teaching I worked in local broadcasting for many years here in Nanaimo for CHUB and CKEG radio stations, as well as volunteer work with Shaw Cable. For over 45 years I have written a community sports column “The Thorpe Report” in the Nanaimo News Bulletin paper, and continue to enjoy this activity. I have also done contract work with the Justice Institute of British Columbia.
In all of my endeavours, I have been fortunate to have the support of my dedicated wife Ruth and our family, which now includes two wonderful grandchildren.
Over the years I have been involved in many local sports organizations as a coach, official, and executive member. I have had the honour of being president of Junior Babe Ruth Baseball, the Nanaimo Curling Club, and the Nanaimo Lawn Bowling Club. I am an Honourary Lifetime Member of the Nanaimo and District Youth Soccer Association, and am on the Nanaimo Curling Club’s Honour Roll. I have volunteered at the B.C. Summer Games hosted in Nanaimo, as Medals Chair in 2002, and Sergeant-at-Arms in 2014, and as Dais Coordinator for the B.C. 55+ Games in 2025. I have had the privilege of receiving a Community Sports Hero Award from Sport B.C.
I have served as a director of the Nanaimo Harbour City Seniors. I am also proud to be a long-time member of the Royal Canadian Legion, and for the past ten years have had the honour in emcee the annual Remembrance Day ceremony in downtown Nanaimo. As a member of the Rotary Club of Nanaimo North I help with volunteer activities in the community. I am a coordinator of the Coins for Kids charity sponsored by the Nanaimo News Bulletin, and am a member of Volunteer Nanaimo. I also sit on the Board of Central Vancouver Island Crimestoppers. Recreational activities I enjoy include reading, walking, curling lawn bowling, and golfing.
What is your approach to affordability and growth?
How Nanaimo can manage growth while addressing the cost of living, housing costs, and the infrastructure and services needed by current and future residents.
"We must limit tax increases for the coming year as much as possible. Financial accountability must be stressed."
How should the City manage its budget and property taxes?
The City's annual budget and five-year financial plan, property tax increases, spending priorities and efficiency, reserves and debt, and how residents can see the value they get for their tax dollars.
No statement found
This does not mean the candidate has never made a statement. It means Nanaimo Vote has not found one for this specific issue, or the candidate has not provided one in response to it.
What role should local government play in health care infrastructure and access?
Hospital and health-service capacity, facilities and access, including municipal and regional advocacy and partnerships with health authorities and the Province.
"As Vice Chair of the Nanaimo Regional Hospital District Board, I will continue to fight hard for much-needed major upgrades to NRGH, including a cardiac cath lab and a new patient tower."
How should the city plan land use, density, and infrastructure for growth?
Land use, density, development patterns and infrastructure capacity, including how neighbourhoods connect to jobs, services and transportation.
No statement found
This does not mean the candidate has never made a statement. It means Nanaimo Vote has not found one for this specific issue, or the candidate has not provided one in response to it.
What are your priorities for transit and transportation in Nanaimo?
Public transit, roads and traffic, walking and cycling, and regional transportation connections.
"Our city’s rapid growth has brought more buildings and vehicles to our streets. We must ensure that our infrastructure is keeping pace. I support a review of our transportation policy to acknowledge the need for roadways and traffic design to enhance traffic flow and parking availability.
We need to stop narrowing roads and eliminating right-turn lanes."
What should local government do to improve housing affordability and availability?
Housing availability and affordability for renters, young families and seniors, including rental and ownership options, non-market housing, approvals and partnerships.
No statement found
This does not mean the candidate has never made a statement. It means Nanaimo Vote has not found one for this specific issue, or the candidate has not provided one in response to it.
What is your approach to homelessness, mental health and addictions?
Homelessness, shelters and encampments, mental health and substance use, and how the City works with health authorities, other governments and community partners on these issues.
No statement found
This does not mean the candidate has never made a statement. It means Nanaimo Vote has not found one for this specific issue, or the candidate has not provided one in response to it.
How should local government support jobs, businesses, and economic development?
Local employment, business conditions, industry, workforce needs and economic development, including links to transportation and housing.
"We need to foster sustainable growth and a strong economic base by giving more support to local business. In this current time of inflation and high cost of living, we need to pay closer attention to financial health and responsible spending of taxpayers’ money."
Community safety, policing, prevention and responses to community safety concerns, including coordination with housing, mental-health and substance-use services.
"Beyond good governance, public safety and security is of paramount importance to our citizens. To maintain a safe, clean, and healthy community we will need to continue to build staff capacity in areas such as bylaw and RCMP enforcement, and park maintenance. Nanaimo needs to feel safe and welcoming to citizens and visitors – not just in downtown, but in all areas of the city. For the mental health/addiction issues that we cannot control, we must do all we can to lobby senior levels of government to take action and build secure treatment centres."
The health of the downtown core and nearby neighbourhoods, including businesses and vacancies, events and culture, streetscapes and the waterfront, residential growth, and how people experience safety and cleanliness downtown.
No statement found
This does not mean the candidate has never made a statement. It means Nanaimo Vote has not found one for this specific issue, or the candidate has not provided one in response to it.
How should local government strengthen community resilience and sustainability?
Preparation for environmental and climate risks, resource conservation and the community systems that support everyday wellbeing, including transport, green spaces, recreation and culture.
No statement found
This does not mean the candidate has never made a statement. It means Nanaimo Vote has not found one for this specific issue, or the candidate has not provided one in response to it.
What is your approach to transparency, accountability and public participation?
How Council makes decisions, involves residents, accounts for public money and provides transparent, accountable and respectful local government.
"There will inevitably be some change in Council following the October election. We need mature and thoughtful team players who can work together to provide the governance Nanaimo needs. We need candidates who are credible and professional, fiscally responsible, and business-friendly.
We need to re-focus on our civic mandate to oversee the responsible operation of our city through provision of basic core services. We need to remember five broad community values as identified in previous strategic plans: economic health, environmental responsibility, social equity, cultural vitality, and active lifestyle. Each of those lenses is important in decision- making.
In all of the above there must be open, honest, and respectful communication and consultation with the community – and of course responsible use of taxpayers’ money."
What is your approach to accessibility, equity and inclusion in Nanaimo?
Access to City facilities, streets, services and information for people with disabilities and residents of all ages and backgrounds, and how the City includes diverse voices in its programs, spaces and decisions.
No statement found
This does not mean the candidate has never made a statement. It means Nanaimo Vote has not found one for this specific issue, or the candidate has not provided one in response to it.
How should local government work with other governments on shared priorities and funding?
Cooperation among the City, Indigenous governments, regional bodies and provincial and federal governments on shared priorities, responsibilities and funding.
No statement found
This does not mean the candidate has never made a statement. It means Nanaimo Vote has not found one for this specific issue, or the candidate has not provided one in response to it.
What, if anything, would you change about how the City works with Snuneymuxw First Nation and other Indigenous governments?
The relationship between the City and Snuneymuxw First Nation, including government-to-government cooperation, agreements and treaty-related responsibilities.
No statement found
This does not mean the candidate has never made a statement. It means Nanaimo Vote has not found one for this specific issue, or the candidate has not provided one in response to it.
What priorities would you advance with provincial and federal governments?
How the City advocates to the Province and federal government for funding, legislation and services that affect Nanaimo, such as health care, housing, infrastructure and public safety.
"We must be prepared to work with partners and to lobby senior levels of government to take action in areas they have responsibility for, such as building secure treatment centres for those on the street with mental health/addiction issues, for bringing changes to a legal system that allows repeat offenders back on the street, and for approving improvements to our over-crowded Nanaimo Regional General Hospital."
What are your priorities for education and schools in Nanaimo?
How local schools can support student learning and well-being, provide inclusive and accessible education, and plan for changing enrolment, staffing, and facility needs.
No statement found
This does not mean the candidate has never made a statement. It means Nanaimo Vote has not found one for this specific issue, or the candidate has not provided one in response to it.
What are your priorities for childcare and families?
Childcare availability and affordability, and local programs, services and spaces for children, youth and families.
No statement found
This does not mean the candidate has never made a statement. It means Nanaimo Vote has not found one for this specific issue, or the candidate has not provided one in response to it.
Voting in Nanaimo
How to vote
Official details come from the City of Nanaimo. Check their site for last-minute changes.
General Voting Day
Saturday, 17 October, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
Nanaimo uses a vote-anywhere system, so you can vote at any City voting location.
The Protection Island Fire Hall is open 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
