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Meg Fyfe Watkins
Candidate for City Council

Meg Fyfe Watkins

Candidate statement

“I’m running for Nanaimo City Council because I want to help create a better Nanaimo, for everyone.”

Gathered by Nanaimo Vote · megfyfewatkins.com

Biography

I’m Meg, and I would like to be your next City Councillor. I founded and run a small business downtown, and I’m a mom of two children who both attend public school in Nanaimo. I grew up on Vancouver Island, and I’ve lived in Nanaimo with my family for the past 12 years. After moving here I quickly came to love Nanaimo’s strong sense of community, incredible local businesses, and the easily accessible green spaces and natural beauty that make our city special.

Gathered by Nanaimo Vote · megfyfewatkins.com

Links

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Profile last updated on

On the issues

What they've said publicly

Compare candidates

Public statements are organized under common issue topics to make comparison easier, with links to their sources.

Mayor & City Councillor

Affordability

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.

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.
Mayor & City Councillor

Budget & Property Taxes

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.
Mayor & City Councillor

Health Care

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.

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.
Mayor & City Councillor

Planning for Growth

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.

  1. "Walkable neighbourhoods & attainable housing Thoughtful and functional infrastructure Intentional growth that creates a better city for our children and future generations"

    Gathered by Nanaimo Vote · megfyfewatkins.com 09/27/2026
Mayor & City Councillor

Transit & Transportation

What are your priorities for transit and transportation in Nanaimo?

Public transit, roads and traffic, walking and cycling, and regional transportation connections.

  1. "Improving convenient, reliable transit options At the same time, we need to support infrastructure that will allow our population to grow while minimizing the impacts on traffic and congestion. For me this means anticipating our traffic needs well into the future, investing in transit to make it a more accessible and feasible option for everyone, and building roads and paths that people who commute by bike can use to safely and efficiently get around in the city."

    Gathered by Nanaimo Vote · megfyfewatkins.com 09/27/2026
Mayor & City Councillor

Affordable Housing

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.

  1. "I want to ensure that we have a proper vision for Nanaimo as we grow from a small city into a larger one, as we’ve now crossed the 100,000 population mark in the city. This means working to ensure that we are providing pathways to affordable and attainable housing for those who need it, which includes diverse-housing and mixed income developments, and increasing density mindfully in areas where it makes sense."

    Gathered by Nanaimo Vote · megfyfewatkins.com 09/27/2026
Mayor & City Councillor

Homelessness & Addictions

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.
Mayor & City Councillor

Local Economy

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.

  1. "Growing meaningful, innovative job opportunities Supporting vibrant local businesses"

    Gathered by Nanaimo Vote · megfyfewatkins.com 09/27/2026
Mayor & City Councillor

Public Safety

What is your approach to public safety?

Community safety, policing, prevention and responses to community safety concerns, including coordination with housing, mental-health and substance-use services.

  1. "Public safety is another topic that is at the forefront of many people’s minds here in Nanaimo. If elected, I plan to pursue evidence-based solutions that create a safer downtown, while at the same time providing upstream supports for people who are struggling so we can provide help before those struggles turn into crises and become unmanageable. True change comes from meeting a situation and the people involved exactly where they are, and working together to find lasting solutions that benefit everyone."

    Gathered by Nanaimo Vote · megfyfewatkins.com 09/27/2026
Mayor & City Councillor

Downtown Revitalization

What are your priorities for downtown Nanaimo?

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.
Mayor & City Councillor

Resilience & Sustainability

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.

  1. "Creating & funding community spaces Strengthening social supports Protecting our trees, green spaces, and waterways Supporting clean energy and climate resilience Strengthening local food security"

    Gathered by Nanaimo Vote · megfyfewatkins.com 09/27/2026
Mayor & City Councillor

Good Governance

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.

  1. "Community empowerment is at the heart of my campaign, and my personal values. I want to create a city where not only is it easy for the average citizen to make their voice heard, but where engaging with local government feels accessible, supportive, and worthwhile. Your voice matters, and I want it to be easier for you to speak up on the issues you care about."

    Gathered by Nanaimo Vote · megfyfewatkins.com 09/27/2026
Mayor & City Councillor

Inclusion & Accessibility

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.
Mayor & City Councillor

Intergovernmental Relations

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.
Mayor & City Councillor

Snuneymuxw First Nation Relations

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.
Mayor & City Councillor

Provincial & Federal Advocacy

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.

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.

Education

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.

Childcare & Families

What are your priorities for childcare and families?

Childcare availability and affordability, and local programs, services and spaces for children, youth and families.

  1. "Supporting accessible childcare & healthcare"

    Gathered by Nanaimo Vote · megfyfewatkins.com 09/27/2026
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.

Voting locations map

Advance and mail voting

Advance voting is at Beban Park Social Centre, 2300 Bowen Road, on Wednesday, 7 October and Wednesday, 14 October, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.

Apply to vote by mail by 4 p.m. on Friday, 16 October. Completed ballots must reach the Chief Election Officer by 8 p.m. on Saturday, 17 October.

Vote-by-mail information
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