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Paul Van Ryssel
Candidate for City Council

Paul Van Ryssel

Candidate statement

“Paul is running to bring steady judgment, responsible priorities, and stronger community connection to City Hall.”

Gathered by Nanaimo Vote · paulvanryssel.ca

Biography

Nanaimo has been home to me for much of my adult life. It's where I built my career, raised a family, formed lifelong relationships, and spent decades working with students, athletes, families, and educators throughout our community. Over the years, I've had the privilege of serving in many roles within public education, as a teacher, coach, mentor, student advisor, and district support leader. Alongside that work, I completed a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Educational Leadership, which deepened my understanding of service, responsibility, and thoughtful decision-making. But more important than any title or credential was the responsibility that came with those roles. Working with people teaches you something important very quickly, if people don't feel heard, respected, and understood, trust begins to break down. That belief shaped the way I approached my work throughout my career. I have always believed leadership begins with listening carefully, treating people fairly, communicating honestly, and following through on your responsibilities. Later in my career, I had the opportunity to represent Nanaimo and our school district internationally through student education programs. That work reinforced something I already believed, trust is earned through consistency, judgement, accountability, and the way you treat people over time.

Gathered by Nanaimo Vote · paulvanryssel.ca

Links

Campaign website Facebook Instagram

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. "Managing growth with care, clarity, and steady judgement so Nanaimo can plan responsibly for the future."

    Gathered by Nanaimo Vote · paulvanryssel.ca 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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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. "Supporting practical action that improves daily life for residents, families, seniors, young people, and local business."

    Gathered by Nanaimo Vote · paulvanryssel.ca 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.

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

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. "Making careful choices with public dollars, focused on clear priorities, practical value, and long-term results. I listen carefully, weigh the trade-offs, and make decisions with the long-term in mind. I plan responsibly, respect taxpayer dollars, and keep the focus where it belongs, on the people who call Nanaimo home."

    Gathered by Nanaimo Vote · paulvanryssel.ca 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.

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.

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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