City council

"Affordability & Tax Responsibility—Keeping tax increases low, if any at all, to ensure Nanaimo remains an affordable place to live for families, young adults, and seniors."

"Fiscal Responsibility & Accountability—Reducing excessive spending and advocating for lower taxes, while ensuring government operates efficiently and responsibly for all of the people of Nanaimo."

"People across Nanaimo are feeling the pressure of rising costs and the growing challenge of making ends meet. As a homeowner in the South End of Nanaimo, Marnie understands these challenges firsthand. She believes City Council must keep affordability at the forefront of its decisions and ensure tax dollars are focused on the services and infrastructure that matter most to residents. Marnie is also…"

"People across Nanaimo are feeling the pressure of rising costs and the growing challenge of making ends meet. As a homeowner in the South End of Nanaimo, Marnie understands these challenges firsthand. She believes City Council must keep affordability at the forefront of its decisions and ensure tax dollars are focused on the services and infrastructure that matter most to residents. Marnie is also excited to support film and creative industries in our community in light of the significant economic boost that they provide."

"I’d like for Nanaimo to grow up, not out. Increased urban density, especially around transportation hubs can prevent high infrastructure costs, which leads to lower and more consistent taxes over time. It also protects green spaces and agricultural land at the edge of the city."

"Make my money go further. I’ve spent more than 40 years in business. And one thing business teaches you is to pay attention to both the dollars and the pennies. You learn to look at the big expenditures. But you also learn that small costs, repeated often enough, become big ones. And you learn to ask questions. Do we really need this? Are we getting good value for what we’re spending? Could we…"

"Make my money go further. I’ve spent more than 40 years in business. And one thing business teaches you is to pay attention to both the dollars and the pennies. You learn to look at the big expenditures. But you also learn that small costs, repeated often enough, become big ones. And you learn to ask questions. Do we really need this? Are we getting good value for what we’re spending? Could we do this differently? Are we replacing something because it needs replacing—or because the schedule says it’s time? I brought those same questions with me when I served on Parksville City Council. We looked at things like the City’s vehicle replacement schedule. Did a low-mileage vehicle really need to be replaced after a set number of years? Could some vehicles be kept longer? Could vehicles that weren’t being used every day be shared between departments? We asked similar questions about staffing. Before automatically filling a vacant position or adding another one, could we look at the workload first? By asking good questions, we were able to find considerable savings without compromising the services residents depended on. That’s the kind of thinking I want to bring to Nanaimo. Sometimes the answer will be spend the money. Sometimes it will be don’t. But before asking taxpayers for more, I think we should be able to answer one very basic question: Are we getting everything we reasonably can from the money we’re already spending?"

"Despite provincial and national trends, the cost to rent in Nanaimo has increased. Many people have been priced out of housing and home ownership and are finding it increasingly hard to find affordable housing to fit their needs. Housing costs are outpacing income. We need to balance Nanaimo’s contribution of waived and reduced fees with effective tenant protection in the case of rental…"

"Despite provincial and national trends, the cost to rent in Nanaimo has increased. Many people have been priced out of housing and home ownership and are finding it increasingly hard to find affordable housing to fit their needs. Housing costs are outpacing income. We need to balance Nanaimo’s contribution of waived and reduced fees with effective tenant protection in the case of rental displacement and effective rental supports to ensure access of truly affordable housing, with oversight by City staff. The costs of development should not be borne by vulnerable individuals and families displaced and unhoused by development. Effective tenancy protection and rental support keeps people housed. Our infrastructure is aging and needs upgrades and replacement. Community service hubs and walkable, rideable commutes to services support sustainable built infrastructure. Natural areas, parks and protected areas, provide opportunities for recreation, reflection and general wellbeing as well as critical services such as storm water management, community cooling, and carbon sequestration. A city rich in natural amenities is an attractive location for both businesses and a workforce. We also need to attract and support businesses. Where our businesses experience challenges due to disruption in transportation networks and other public works, we can lower and waive fees to offset disruption related losses. Young people and families in Nanaimo deserve the opportunity to live, work, and play in their home community. We can make effective tenancy protection bylaws. We can make sure that affordable housing is truly affordable at less than 30% of income of fixed, lower, and middle income individuals and families."

"Fiscal Responsibility & Tax Stabilization — Advocating for responsible budgeting, careful spending, and a renewed focus on protecting taxpayers from unnecessary financial burdens."

"Every election, candidates promise to lower taxes. I’m not going to make that promise. The truth is, no councillor can honestly guarantee lower taxes. The cost of maintaining roads, water systems, police, fire protection and parks continues to rise every year. Pretending otherwise doesn’t help anyone. What I can promise is to focus on the real reason taxes continue to climb, and that’s because…"

"Every election, candidates promise to lower taxes. I’m not going to make that promise. The truth is, no councillor can honestly guarantee lower taxes. The cost of maintaining roads, water systems, police, fire protection and parks continues to rise every year. Pretending otherwise doesn’t help anyone. What I can promise is to focus on the real reason taxes continue to climb, and that’s because Nanaimo isn’t growing its tax base nearly fast enough. As a commercial real estate advisor, I’ve spent years working with businesses and investors who want to build here. I’ve seen projects delayed, cancelled, or moved elsewhere because the process became too uncertain, too expensive, or simply took too long. That’s not just frustrating for the people investing millions of dollars—it’s frustrating for every taxpayer who ends up carrying a larger share of the bill. Think about it this way. If the cost of running our city keeps increasing, but we aren’t adding enough new homes, businesses, and investment to share those costs, the math is simple. Existing taxpayers end up paying more. That’s why I believe the conversation shouldn’t begin with “How do we cut another few thousand dollars?” Of course we should spend responsibly. Every dollar matters, and I’ll always support common-sense budgeting. But trimming a few line items around the edges won’t solve the long-term problem if we aren’t growing Nanaimo’s economy at the same time. The better question is this: Why aren’t we creating more taxpayers? Nanaimo has every advantage. We’re the geographic centre of Vancouver Island. We have a deep-water port, an airport, rail, a growing university, and one of the best places in Canada to live. Businesses should be lining up to invest here. Developers should be submitting applications. Good projects should be moving through City Hall with confidence and certainty. Instead, too often the opposite happens. When investment goes elsewhere, we don’t just lose construction jobs. We lose future businesses, future homeowners, future taxpayers, and the opportunity to strengthen our local economy. That leaves everyone who’s already here paying a larger share of the costs. That’s why one of my priorities is making Nanaimo more attractive to investment—not for the sake of developers, but for the sake of every resident who wants a more affordable city and a stronger local economy. I’m not going to promise you lower taxes. I am going to work to reduce the pressure that keeps driving them higher. To me, that starts with welcoming responsible investment, approving good projects in a timely manner, creating better-paying jobs, and growing our tax base so the cost of running Nanaimo is shared by more people—not continually downloaded onto the same homeowners and businesses. That’s not an empty campaign promise. It’s simple economics."

"Fiscal Responsibility & Tax Relief—Advocating for responsible spending, improved oversight, and reducing the burden of rising taxes on residents."

"City land reserved for non-market housing A bus route to Snuneymuxw reserve lands Empty and derelict buildings brought back into use Food bank visits in BC are up 79 per cent since 2019. I have stood in that line myself. About 580 Snuneymuxw members living on reserve vote in a Nanaimo election this October for the first time in 152 years, and not one bus route reaches them. handyDART does not go…"

"City land reserved for non-market housing A bus route to Snuneymuxw reserve lands Empty and derelict buildings brought back into use Food bank visits in BC are up 79 per cent since 2019. I have stood in that line myself. About 580 Snuneymuxw members living on reserve vote in a Nanaimo election this October for the first time in 152 years, and not one bus route reaches them. handyDART does not go there either. Council cannot fix inflation. It does decide what city land is for, what gets built on it, and who our buildings serve first. A boarded-up building downtown drags its whole block down, and it sits there as a fire waiting for a reason. Bringing those buildings back into use is housing policy, business policy and firefighter safety at the same time."

"Finances are tight for everyone, including the city. Setting priorities and balancing the budget without excessive tax increases are the most important jobs for City Council. More focus on “must haves” versus “nice to haves.” Put vanity and “fun” projects on hold to focus on essential and time-sensitive needs of the city. Monitor property taxes annually and keep open the discussion about how…"

"Finances are tight for everyone, including the city. Setting priorities and balancing the budget without excessive tax increases are the most important jobs for City Council. More focus on “must haves” versus “nice to haves.” Put vanity and “fun” projects on hold to focus on essential and time-sensitive needs of the city. Monitor property taxes annually and keep open the discussion about how they are being used. Constantly review financial decisions for the impact they will have on future taxes. Focus on collaborating and working with Provincial and Federal Governments on programs and expenses that fall out of the municipal purview. Continue to explore the benefits and detriments of the Doughnut economic project that is being piloted in Nanaimo."

"Taxpayers deserve complete transparency, fiscal discipline, and maximum value for every dollar sent to City Hall. I am committed to keeping municipal spending focused strictly on core infrastructure and essential public services, rather than low-priority vanity projects. Through line-by-line budget reviews to cut administrative waste and open council decision-making, I will protect residents…"

"Taxpayers deserve complete transparency, fiscal discipline, and maximum value for every dollar sent to City Hall. I am committed to keeping municipal spending focused strictly on core infrastructure and essential public services, rather than low-priority vanity projects. Through line-by-line budget reviews to cut administrative waste and open council decision-making, I will protect residents from unsustainable tax hikes and restore fiscal accountability to local government."

"My focus on City Council has been to manage growth by creating and expanding the necessary infrastructure to handle that rapid growth including: increased affordable housing, expanding the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH), updating and creating new recreational facilities, expanding water, sewer, roads and active transportation to meet the needs of densification and expanding our system of…"

"My focus on City Council has been to manage growth by creating and expanding the necessary infrastructure to handle that rapid growth including: increased affordable housing, expanding the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH), updating and creating new recreational facilities, expanding water, sewer, roads and active transportation to meet the needs of densification and expanding our system of parks and green spaces. My goal is to ensure that we do not inadvertently destroy the quality of life we enjoy through unplanned and unchecked growth. We also need to encourage growth in clean industries and businesses to ensure that young people who grew up in Nanaimo can remain here with well paid fulfilling jobs."

"Nanaimo must keep pace with housing demand while ensuring qualified buyers can afford the homes being built. As the community grows and attracts new residents, the City should explore new ways to maintain an adequate supply of affordable housing. The City and Council should streamline development approvals so rezoning applications take months, not years. They should also review fees, charges,…"

"Nanaimo must keep pace with housing demand while ensuring qualified buyers can afford the homes being built. As the community grows and attracts new residents, the City should explore new ways to maintain an adequate supply of affordable housing. The City and Council should streamline development approvals so rezoning applications take months, not years. They should also review fees, charges, and procedures to help affordable housing projects move forward quickly and at a reasonable cost. More work is needed to ensure growth and development are well planned. Before approving a project, the City should determine whether existing infrastructure and transportation systems can support it, assess its environmental impact, and confirm that it is located within a neighbourhood node or a complete community where people can live, work, and play close to home."

"I oppose general property tax levy increases above the level of Statistics Canada national CPI of the previous year. Most workers and seniors in Nanaimo do not receive annual raises in the range of three percent, and recent increases are unsustainable for young families and for people on fixed-income pensions. When public sector contracts are in the realm of only three percent a year, serious…"

"I oppose general property tax levy increases above the level of Statistics Canada national CPI of the previous year. Most workers and seniors in Nanaimo do not receive annual raises in the range of three percent, and recent increases are unsustainable for young families and for people on fixed-income pensions. When public sector contracts are in the realm of only three percent a year, serious questions must be asked of our elected officials who regularly approve budgets that appear simply out of touch with the average person. Council's obligation is to work within its means and to find innovative ways to close budget gaps, rather than to push the shortfall onto the residential tax base. The 2026 annual operating budget for Nanaimo is over 225 million dollars, with a project budget of over 90 million for the same time period. During the next Council term, councillors should take an active approach when decisions are made, discerning the essential infrastructure upgrades from the optional beautification projects that serve largely as media events for those privileged few to cut a red ribbon. It is certainly difficult to offer a dissenting opinion on Council when public pressure mounts, but that is the weight of responsibility for accountable civic governance."

""Fix what is driving up housing costs and make room for the childcare Nanaimo families actually need." Cut development permit times toward the city's own 12-week target (currently 20–30+ weeks) Push the city's below-market housing tools, zoning incentives and community-led non-market pilots Back food security programs already working: Loaves and Fishes, Food4Schools, Nanaimo Foodshare, farmers'…"

""Fix what is driving up housing costs and make room for the childcare Nanaimo families actually need." Cut development permit times toward the city's own 12-week target (currently 20–30+ weeks) Push the city's below-market housing tools, zoning incentives and community-led non-market pilots Back food security programs already working: Loaves and Fishes, Food4Schools, Nanaimo Foodshare, farmers' markets, and partner with local producers while looking at a city-backed, not-for-profit grocery model Use the city's Zoning Bylaw Update to make it easier to open home and centre-based childcare (1 licensed space for every 10 children under 2 today)"

"A 2 pronged strategy. 1. Nanaimo needs to attract commercial investment as well bringing in the knowledge and research industries that create high paying jobs that benefit our city and expand our tax base. This can alleviate the current tax burden and fund projects aimed at creating affordable housing. 2. The island currently has the highest grocery prices in BC while we live in the warmest…"

"A 2 pronged strategy. 1. Nanaimo needs to attract commercial investment as well bringing in the knowledge and research industries that create high paying jobs that benefit our city and expand our tax base. This can alleviate the current tax burden and fund projects aimed at creating affordable housing. 2. The island currently has the highest grocery prices in BC while we live in the warmest climate in Canada where we have the longest growing season and plenty of rainfall. There is no good reason why we have to buy so much food and be at the mercy of the supply chains from the US or the mainland. We need a right to grow program in order to have high yields of cheap local and organic food which can create a market for island agricultural products not just here but abroad and in other parts of Canada."

"A focus on responsible investments to strengthen our local economy, through support for small businesses, tourism and sustainable industry."

"We must limit tax increases for the coming year as much as possible. Financial accountability must be stressed."

"I believe affordability touches every part of my platform. Housing, transportation, food security, infrastructure, public safety, accessibility and responsible budgeting are all connected to the cost of living. I support managed growth that adds diverse housing options while ensuring new development contributes fairly to the infrastructure and services it requires. I also want us to focus on…"

"I believe affordability touches every part of my platform. Housing, transportation, food security, infrastructure, public safety, accessibility and responsible budgeting are all connected to the cost of living. I support managed growth that adds diverse housing options while ensuring new development contributes fairly to the infrastructure and services it requires. I also want us to focus on maintaining what we already have, because deferred infrastructure costs eventually become higher costs for taxpayers. My approach is to ask: Can we afford to build it, can we afford to maintain it, and will it make life more affordable and livable for Nanaimo residents? I believe we can grow Nanaimo while keeping affordability, sustainability and fiscal responsibility at the centre of every decision."

"I hope to keep property tax increases lower than the rate of inflation during my time in office. I will never vote for raises for city employees (including the Mayor/council) above the rate of inflation. However, we must spend money on things like the urban tree canopy, sustainable buildings, and other environmentally-friendly infrastructure to prevent even higher costs down the road from heat…"

"I hope to keep property tax increases lower than the rate of inflation during my time in office. I will never vote for raises for city employees (including the Mayor/council) above the rate of inflation. However, we must spend money on things like the urban tree canopy, sustainable buildings, and other environmentally-friendly infrastructure to prevent even higher costs down the road from heat waves, flooding, and other severe weather events. Climate change will cost more in the future, if we do nothing about it today."

"Taxes are most certainly one of the top three concerns facing Nanaimo voters. Reduction in taxes can come in many forms. #1 Creating a more vibrant industrial and commercial building base. This would most certainly build up a surplus in restricted and unrestricted funds. Thus demanding less of the home owner. #2 Exploring cost savings with city vehicle fleets, manpower and the use of outside…"

"Taxes are most certainly one of the top three concerns facing Nanaimo voters. Reduction in taxes can come in many forms. #1 Creating a more vibrant industrial and commercial building base. This would most certainly build up a surplus in restricted and unrestricted funds. Thus demanding less of the home owner. #2 Exploring cost savings with city vehicle fleets, manpower and the use of outside contractors just to name three. This is what we accomplished during my previous term in a different jurisdiction. It was in the first year and set the tone for the four years. We had a tax increase of no more that 3.5% each year and added 20% to the city surplus funds account by the end of my term #3 we would need to review the infrastructure projects and the ongoing projects outside of that scope. In many cases and in most city budgets, there are far too many plans on the books in one year that will never get completed. We need to move those off the books into year two and stop Collecting tax money for things that clearly won’t happen for 12-18 months. This would assist in an immediate reduction. - this was done by our council in parksville. The work still got completed, but not prepaid too far in advance by taxpayers"

"We face challenges to our aging infrastructure (such as water and sewer), Climate Change effects (drought, deluge and sea level rise), and pressure to increase sprawl of housing and industry. By limiting sprawl we can concentrate our service delivery over a smaller footprint, eliminating the need for expansion of our below ground services and transportation to save costs. We have an expansive…"

"We face challenges to our aging infrastructure (such as water and sewer), Climate Change effects (drought, deluge and sea level rise), and pressure to increase sprawl of housing and industry. By limiting sprawl we can concentrate our service delivery over a smaller footprint, eliminating the need for expansion of our below ground services and transportation to save costs. We have an expansive run of water and sewer lines that are nearing the end of their functional time and will need increasing repair and replacement, we will need to increase our commitment to asset management to at least 2% of the budget to keep up and avoid emergency spending. Climate Change is creating challenges to our storm drain infrastructure with more intense flows during more intense deluges while conversely stressing our community amenities during times of drought, and sea level rise will need to be addressed to ensure we maintain our critical infrastructure such as our connections to the mainland, our low lying infrastructure, and our homes. All of these challenges will be unaffordable if we delay action but affordable if we begin acting now, in incremental ways to face these known challenges. A stitch in time saves nine is the old adage and it holds true to responsible governance and decision making on our local issues."

"Budget Discipline. Council sets property taxes and must remain mindful of that responsibility. After property assessments are issued, Council has sufficient time to determine the revenue needed to fund the budget. The budget should therefore be set within the revenue realistically available—a decision Council is responsible for making. Understanding Nanaimo’s Tax Burden. Residents have…"

"Budget Discipline. Council sets property taxes and must remain mindful of that responsibility. After property assessments are issued, Council has sufficient time to determine the revenue needed to fund the budget. The budget should therefore be set within the revenue realistically available—a decision Council is responsible for making. Understanding Nanaimo’s Tax Burden. Residents have repeatedly told me that Nanaimo’s property taxes are too high compared with those in other Vancouver Island communities. Although our taxes exceed those in many other cities, Nanaimo also covers an unusually large geographic area, which increases infrastructure costs. Expanding the Tax Base. To reduce the tax burden, the City should: • encourage commercial and industrial development; • support greater density when existing buildings are replaced; and • prioritize renewal in already developed areas. As more taxpayers are added, the tax cost per $100,000 of assessed property value can gradually decline."

"We need to end fiscal bloat and endless reserve funds. I don't see how city hall thinks that construction materials will come down in price while all currencies worldwide devalue vs inflation rates. Todays dollars are worth much more now than in the future. The problems are urgent and in some cases we have already paid for the solutions. We need to deploy those tax dollars while we can afford…"

"We need to end fiscal bloat and endless reserve funds. I don't see how city hall thinks that construction materials will come down in price while all currencies worldwide devalue vs inflation rates. Todays dollars are worth much more now than in the future. The problems are urgent and in some cases we have already paid for the solutions. We need to deploy those tax dollars while we can afford those costs such as the 150 Million for the new Cath Lab and Cardiac centre at the Hospital or the 1M dollars for homelessness that is just sitting waiting for allocation in 3 different pots according to the city's numbers."

"Focus on accountability and transparency through in-depth reviews to find and fill all holes, gaps and pits in all areas of spending and investments, including payrolls, overhead, infrastructure and new developments."

"I believe residents deserve to know where their tax dollars are going and what they are getting for them. My approach to the budget is Accountable, Sustainable and Transparent. Before increasing property taxes, I want council to look at efficiencies, service priorities, reserves, debt and the long-term cost of maintaining our infrastructure. I support responsible investment in the essentials:…"

"I believe residents deserve to know where their tax dollars are going and what they are getting for them. My approach to the budget is Accountable, Sustainable and Transparent. Before increasing property taxes, I want council to look at efficiencies, service priorities, reserves, debt and the long-term cost of maintaining our infrastructure. I support responsible investment in the essentials: roads, water and sewer, transportation, public safety, accessibility and community services. I also believe we need to plan for the future instead of deferring necessary maintenance and leaving bigger bills for the next council. Tax increases should not be treated as the first or only solution. At the same time, I won't promise unrealistic tax cuts that simply push costs into the future. Residents should be able to easily see what we spend, why we spend it, what it costs to maintain it, and whether we're getting the results we paid for. For me, fiscal responsibility isn't just about spending less. It's about spending wisely, planning ahead and being able to show residents the value of every dollar."

"Marnie is committed to increasing and improving access to healthcare services for all Nanaimo residents — so that no one falls through the cracks. When people can’t get the care they need, it can lead to bigger issues with housing, mental health, social services and even community safety. Marnie proposes connecting more Nanaimo residents to primary care providers by using creative solutions to…"

"Marnie is committed to increasing and improving access to healthcare services for all Nanaimo residents — so that no one falls through the cracks. When people can’t get the care they need, it can lead to bigger issues with housing, mental health, social services and even community safety. Marnie proposes connecting more Nanaimo residents to primary care providers by using creative solutions to bring new medical professionals to our community and improve access to the healthcare people need, close to home. Marnie is ready to bring her frontline experience and expertise to the conversation. She proposes that Nanaimo explore the Colwood Municipal Clinic model and how that could be adapted to suit Nanaimo’s needs, as over 20,000 residents still do not have access to a primary care provider. While healthcare is primarily a provincial responsibility, that does not mean municipalities are powerless to act. The strongest next step would be to clearly outline what Nanaimo City Council can legally and practically do to support primary care, using the Colwood Municipal Clinic model as a comparison and this would allow us to have a more productive conversation about what the City can actually do and avoid simply dismissing the issue by saying, “healthcare is a provincial responsibility.”"

"Access to health care is a basic human right. I want to partner with the provincial government to build more community health centers, as well as support existing health clinics to recruit more doctors and NPs. The Colwood Clinic in Victoria is one example of a city-run health clinic. Let's explore something similar in Nanaimo. I will advocate for Nanaimo to the provincial government to fund…"

"Access to health care is a basic human right. I want to partner with the provincial government to build more community health centers, as well as support existing health clinics to recruit more doctors and NPs. The Colwood Clinic in Victoria is one example of a city-run health clinic. Let's explore something similar in Nanaimo. I will advocate for Nanaimo to the provincial government to fund the additional hospital tower, promised by David Eby before the 2024 election. And I honestly will not stop until the shovels are in the ground."

"We are at a critical time where families and especially seniors are without family medical representation. This must change through work with our relationships with all arms of Government. There needs to be a continued push to attract doctors and nurse practitioners into our area through incentives. It will be the best money spent at a provincial level and truly needs a big focus"

"The City and RDN have done an admirable job of setting the pathway for getting the healthcare we need and deserve in the Nanaimo region and beyond. They have secured the funding locally to build a cardiac catheterization lab and a new hospital tower to begin to address the inequity of healthcare delivery north of the Malahat as compared to the availability of beds and services in the Victoria…"

"The City and RDN have done an admirable job of setting the pathway for getting the healthcare we need and deserve in the Nanaimo region and beyond. They have secured the funding locally to build a cardiac catheterization lab and a new hospital tower to begin to address the inequity of healthcare delivery north of the Malahat as compared to the availability of beds and services in the Victoria area. We need to continue to press the provincial government (and those currently running in the provincial election) to commit to the necessary approvals, actions, and funding to begin immediately to get the catheterization lab done within 3-5 years and the process to build the tower started. The City also has the opportunity to bring proven innovative models such as the building space and administrative support to attract new doctors to provide more availability to people in Nanaimo who don't have access to a family doctor."

"Family doctors recruited the way Colwood does it Nurse practitioner care in a second neighbourhood Rec centres and parks this whole city can get into Medical calls are now most of what Nanaimo Fire Rescue answers. Our fire department became this city's biggest medical first responder, and nobody decided it should. ER hallways fill up partly because older patients have nowhere accessible to go home…"

"Family doctors recruited the way Colwood does it Nurse practitioner care in a second neighbourhood Rec centres and parks this whole city can get into Medical calls are now most of what Nanaimo Fire Rescue answers. Our fire department became this city's biggest medical first responder, and nobody decided it should. ER hallways fill up partly because older patients have nowhere accessible to go home to. A city cannot run a health system. It can stop pretending the file belongs to somebody else. Colwood hires its own family doctors, bills the province for their work, and it costs that city nothing year after year. A 22-bed complex care building is coming on Boxwood Road in 2028, and I would protect its timeline and publicly ask for the next one. And the buildings we already own should be open to everyone. A gym a wheelchair user cannot reach past the stairs is a gym the paramedics cannot reach either."

"I will continue to work with the province to improve health services through a major expansion of the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital including a new patient tower, and new wards for expanded cardiac care and psychiatric care. The Cancer Centre currently under construction and the new long-term care home expected to start construction in Lantzville are a result of the advocacy of the Nanaimo…"

"I will continue to work with the province to improve health services through a major expansion of the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital including a new patient tower, and new wards for expanded cardiac care and psychiatric care. The Cancer Centre currently under construction and the new long-term care home expected to start construction in Lantzville are a result of the advocacy of the Nanaimo Regional Hospital Board (all RDN directors sit on the Hospital board). Improvements and upgrades to NRGH will improve working conditions and attract new doctors and health care workers to the city. Continue to support projects in the hospital district to ensure access to specialists and general practitioners."

"Hospital Infrastructure and Cardiac Care. The Province continues to delay a catheterization lab and new patient tower at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. Through the Regional District of Nanaimo, the City is responsible for 40% of the capital cost and has been setting aside funds. The Province must now provide its share and authorize the projects to proceed. NRGH is a tertiary hospital, it…"

"Hospital Infrastructure and Cardiac Care. The Province continues to delay a catheterization lab and new patient tower at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. Through the Regional District of Nanaimo, the City is responsible for 40% of the capital cost and has been setting aside funds. The Province must now provide its share and authorize the projects to proceed. NRGH is a tertiary hospital, it serves approximately 500,000 people north of the Malahat. Nanaimo is the only community of this size in British Columbia without the equipment and services needed to deliver life-saving cardiac care. Transfers to Victoria take valuable time and can affect patient outcomes. Improving Access to Primary Care. Although operating a medical clinic may seem beyond the City’s traditional role, other Vancouver Island communities have demonstrated that this approach can succeed. I strongly support providing municipal seed funding to establish a public health clinic in Nanaimo. A community clinic would give residents better access to essential primary care while reducing pressure and wait times in NRGH’s emergency department."

"While healthcare delivery is a provincial responsibility, neighbouring land use, area zoning, street parking, and direct political pressure lie at the feet of the municipality. Council has more leverage on this critical file than it has utilized in the past, and I plan to work with other councillors to build a united front that can champion this vital service that everyone in our region depends…"

"While healthcare delivery is a provincial responsibility, neighbouring land use, area zoning, street parking, and direct political pressure lie at the feet of the municipality. Council has more leverage on this critical file than it has utilized in the past, and I plan to work with other councillors to build a united front that can champion this vital service that everyone in our region depends on. The commitments below are the ones a city council can credibly keep in a four-year term. Study and implement a municipally run primary care clinic based on the Colwood Clinic model. Colwood's clinic operates with salaried physicians delivering care to patients previously without a family doctor. Other Canadian cities have moved into primary care delivery when the Province has been too slow to act, and the City of Colwood is just one example on Vancouver Island. The clinic model is not the only option worth considering. A year of serious work should also examine contracting through a non-profit operator, partnering with organizations such as the Nanaimo Division of Family Practice and the Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation, and supporting the expansion of nurse practitioner capacity with the Nexus primary care clinic. At the end of the first year, council either has a project to action or a documented case for why the model does not fit Nanaimo. Either way, the roughly 20,000 residents currently without a family doctor get a clearer answer than they have today. On something as fundamental as healthcare, we should strive to elect councillors who will not look the other way when a fifth of our residents face the prospect of waiting in the emergency room for their non-emergent health concerns. Advocate for the construction of a cardiac catheterization lab at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital within three years, and a new patient tower to follow. Our regional hospital is the central healthcare facility for the roughly 500,000 people between the Malahat and Port Hardy. The Regional District of Nanaimo is the fifth largest regional district in BC and the only one in the top 5 without a cardiac catheterization lab. Patients travel to Victoria or Vancouver for cardiac procedures that should be available here, and this imposes a significant burden on patients and their families. Funding is not the obstacle. On December 9, 2025, the Nanaimo Regional Hospital District passed a unanimous motion to fund the full up-front cost of planning, constructing, and equipping the cath lab. The region has put its money on the table and asked the Province to accept it. Council should be a dependable voice in the room beside the doctors, nurses, and health sciences professionals, to fully support healthcare excellence in Nanaimo. Lobby for a Mental Health and Addictions Emergency Room, modelled on the existing Seniors' Emergency Room. The Seniors' Emergency Room at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital has worked well for this segment of the population. A specialized intake for the mental health and addictions crises that currently move through the main emergency room is the next logical step. Other Canadian hospitals have built these facilities. They improve patient dignity and appropriate treatment, and they reduce stigma for people experiencing these incredibly difficult situations. They also allow the general emergency room to function as it should, with both hospital staff and patients feeling safer in the building. The next council should make the case for further consideration by the Province. Collaborate with the Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation and the Nanaimo Division of Family Practice. The Foundation often raises capital for the equipment our hospital needs faster than the Province does. The Division organizes the local family doctors, understands where the gaps are, and is the most credible partner on any recruitment or retention program the city runs. Council's role is to be a regular partner to both bodies, and that means taking their initiatives seriously so unnecessary delays are not caused by municipal bureaucracy and red tape. Support nurse practitioner clinics such as the Nexus Primary Care Clinic. Nurse practitioners are qualified to deliver most of the primary care Nanaimo's unattached patients need, and Nexus is already delivering that care to residents without a family doctor. Council's role is to remove municipal barriers where they exist, to make suitable space available at rates this organization can afford, and to advocate provincially for the funding structure that clinics such as these can rely on over the long term. Short-term housing for new healthcare workers. Council can partner with community stakeholders such as the Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation to make short-term housing available for new healthcare professionals arriving in Nanaimo. Recruitment is one of the concrete files where a municipal contribution moves the needle, and a growing workforce is what makes every other commitment on this page deliverable. The Hospital and University area is designated a Transit-Oriented Area, which means provincial law requires the City to allow higher density within four hundred metres of the bus exchange. That tool was designed for housing, and it works equally well for medical clinics, professional offices, and staff housing. As new healthcare professionals arrive in our city, modern housing units within walking distance of the hospital are a direct advantage. We already do this for out-of-province locums, so there is a real case to be made for our regular staff who live, spend, and raise their families in the Harbour City. The next council should direct staff to amend the local zoning to allow medical and professional uses within the Hospital transit-oriented area alongside the residential density the provincial rule requires, and to fast-track applications for the kinds of buildings that will house the workforce the regional hospital needs."

"We already paid 150 Million in a special requisition in 3 years to the RDN Hospital Board. The province promised to build it and fund it years ago. We don't even have the approval or a binding construction date. With a 10-12 hr wait time at the ER for a hospital that serves most of the island we need provincial funding. I can be the strong voice that gets things done. We can not wait any longer.…"

"We already paid 150 Million in a special requisition in 3 years to the RDN Hospital Board. The province promised to build it and fund it years ago. We don't even have the approval or a binding construction date. With a 10-12 hr wait time at the ER for a hospital that serves most of the island we need provincial funding. I can be the strong voice that gets things done. We can not wait any longer. We have patients dying waiting for care . 440 inpatients in 356 beds. Unacceptable to have to pay 40% from Nanaimo taxpayers. Its a defacto provincial hospital. It needs provincial funding"

"As a 30-year healthcare leader, Janice will continue to advocate to the Provincial Government for expanded healthcare services, including: A major NRGH expansion and Cardiac Catheterization (Cath) Lab at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital More GPs, Nurse Practitioners, nurses, techs, and specialists to come to Nanaimo More medical support, supportive housing, and funding for people in crisis with…"

"As a 30-year healthcare leader, Janice will continue to advocate to the Provincial Government for expanded healthcare services, including: A major NRGH expansion and Cardiac Catheterization (Cath) Lab at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital More GPs, Nurse Practitioners, nurses, techs, and specialists to come to Nanaimo More medical support, supportive housing, and funding for people in crisis with addiction and mental health issues, and those experiencing homelessness"

"The role of local government in health-care infrastructure and access will vary depending on the needs of the community and the scale of the project. For larger infrastructure improvements, such as those needed at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH), we must work collaboratively with provincial and federal governments to advocate for and help secure the necessary funding. At the local…"

"The role of local government in health-care infrastructure and access will vary depending on the needs of the community and the scale of the project. For larger infrastructure improvements, such as those needed at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH), we must work collaboratively with provincial and federal governments to advocate for and help secure the necessary funding. At the local level, improving access to care, particularly for our most vulnerable residents, must remain a priority. This includes supporting initiatives that improve access to immediate care, reduce emergency room wait times, strengthen emergency response, and expand access to mental health services for people of all ages and income levels."

"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."

"I believe the City has a concrete role in advocacy, partnerships, planning and removing municipal barriers to access, even though health-care delivery is primarily provincial. My own lived experience navigating the health-care system has shown me how important timely, accessible care is. Through the Nanaimo Regional Hospital District, local taxpayers also contribute 40% of the capital costs of…"

"I believe the City has a concrete role in advocacy, partnerships, planning and removing municipal barriers to access, even though health-care delivery is primarily provincial. My own lived experience navigating the health-care system has shown me how important timely, accessible care is. Through the Nanaimo Regional Hospital District, local taxpayers also contribute 40% of the capital costs of major health-care infrastructure, so we have a responsibility to advocate for the facilities our region needs, including expanded hospital capacity and a cardiac catheterization lab. Health-care infrastructure is also economic infrastructure. Strong facilities and services can help Nanaimo attract and retain health-care professionals, support research and related industries, and make our community more attractive to families and businesses. That can contribute to a stronger and more diverse local economy and, over time, a broader tax base. As a councillor, I would work with the RDN, Island Health, the Province and community partners to advocate for Nanaimo's needs while looking for opportunities to connect health, housing, transportation, education and economic development. Investing in the infrastructure our community needs can also help build the community and economy we want for the future."

"Balanced Development—Supporting new development and industrial projects with an open mind while ensuring a better balance between private sector needs and environmental responsibility."

"Marnie supports responsible growth that is matched by the infrastructure and services our community needs. Growth should not outpace our ability to provide water, sewer, transportation, parks, and emergency services. Major capital projects also need to be evaluated based on their full lifecycle costs, including the long-term operating and maintenance costs they create. Marnie will work to create…"

"Marnie supports responsible growth that is matched by the infrastructure and services our community needs. Growth should not outpace our ability to provide water, sewer, transportation, parks, and emergency services. Major capital projects also need to be evaluated based on their full lifecycle costs, including the long-term operating and maintenance costs they create. Marnie will work to create more housing while also building a community that is environmentally responsible, protecting our water sources and green spaces. We can support responsible development while still protecting the areas that make our community special. Marnie believes Nanaimo can grow while protecting our water and green spaces. The decisions we make today should also not leave future residents carrying the costs of infrastructure we failed to plan and budget for properly."

"I'd like for Nanaimo to grow up, not out. Increased urban density, especially around transportation hubs can prevent high infrastructure costs, which leads to lower and more consistent taxes over time. It also protects green spaces and agricultural land at the edge of the city. Preventing urban sprawl leads to walkable, vibrant neighborhoods that are better for people, the Earth, and business.…"

"I'd like for Nanaimo to grow up, not out. Increased urban density, especially around transportation hubs can prevent high infrastructure costs, which leads to lower and more consistent taxes over time. It also protects green spaces and agricultural land at the edge of the city. Preventing urban sprawl leads to walkable, vibrant neighborhoods that are better for people, the Earth, and business. Let's remove the red tape for laneway housing and basement suites while we're at it! And let's talk about tiny home communities! This could be a solution to a whole host of density, infrastructure, and affordability issues."

"We’re growing. More people are choosing Nanaimo as home. That’s bringing new energy, new investment and new opportunities. But growth brings pressure too. Housing costs more. Our infrastructure and services have to keep up. People are wondering where their tax dollars are going. And too many Nanaimo residents feel decisions are being made without really hearing from the people affected by them.…"

"We’re growing. More people are choosing Nanaimo as home. That’s bringing new energy, new investment and new opportunities. But growth brings pressure too. Housing costs more. Our infrastructure and services have to keep up. People are wondering where their tax dollars are going. And too many Nanaimo residents feel decisions are being made without really hearing from the people affected by them. I think this is an important moment for our city. We don’t need to resist change. But we do need to ask good questions about where we’re going and how we’re getting there. Are we spending on the right things? Are we doing them in the right order? Are we solving the right problems? And have we asked the people who live here? I’ve served on a municipal council before. I’ve built businesses. I’ve made good decisions and I’ve learned from difficult ones. And one thing I’ve learned is that sometimes the most useful thing you can do is stop and ask: What if there’s a better way?"

"We can support the initiative to remove certain activities from Industrial zoning to allow oversight and community a say in which industrial activities belong where in our city. This will give us the opportunity to decide whether or not data centres or garbage incinerators belong in Nanaimo."

"Nanaimo is growing quickly, and we need planning that looks beyond the next budget cycle. Growth must be intentional, coordinated, and aligned with infrastructure capacity. Modernize development processes to support smart, sustainable growth Prioritize infrastructure upgrades that match population increases Ensure new housing aligns with transportation, utilities, and community needs Protect the…"

"Nanaimo is growing quickly, and we need planning that looks beyond the next budget cycle. Growth must be intentional, coordinated, and aligned with infrastructure capacity. Modernize development processes to support smart, sustainable growth Prioritize infrastructure upgrades that match population increases Ensure new housing aligns with transportation, utilities, and community needs Protect the character of established neighborhoods while supporting density where appropriate A growing city requires post secondary education opportunities that help create local business opportunities and support the growth of our local economy. This will be achieved by expanding offerings through local post secondary institues including: Universities Colleges Trade Schools Accademic Upgrading Schools"

"Reducing Red Tape & Streamlining Permitting—Improving development and building permit processes so Nanaimo can deliver the type of residential and commercial projects that residents, families, and local businesses actually want and need."

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

"We’ve Forgotten How to Attract Investment In my last email, I talked about growing Nanaimo’s tax base. The idea is simple: when more homes are built, more businesses open, and more people invest in our community, the cost of funding the services we all rely on is shared more broadly. That strengthens our economy and reduces long-term pressure on existing taxpayers. But if Nanaimo has so many…"

"We’ve Forgotten How to Attract Investment In my last email, I talked about growing Nanaimo’s tax base. The idea is simple: when more homes are built, more businesses open, and more people invest in our community, the cost of funding the services we all rely on is shared more broadly. That strengthens our economy and reduces long-term pressure on existing taxpayers. But if Nanaimo has so many advantages, why aren’t we attracting more investment? This Is About More Than Permits and Process Whenever this issue comes up, people usually point to slow permits, complicated regulations, or City Hall bureaucracy. Those problems are real, and we already know many of the practical ways to address them: clearer expectations, better upfront guidance, published timelines, concurrent processing where practical, and more predictable decisions. Those improvements matter, but I don’t believe they address the underlying problem. This is about more than permits and process. This is about culture. As a commercial real estate advisor, I regularly work with business owners, developers, and investors considering projects throughout Vancouver Island. What I have learned is that communities cannot simply assume investment will come to them. Businesses have choices about where to expand. Developers have choices about where to build. Investors have choices about where to place their capital. Cities Have to Compete for Investment Every community is competing for businesses, entrepreneurs, jobs, development, and investment dollars. The successful ones understand that prosperity is not automatic. They actively work to become places where responsible investment is welcomed, respected, and encouraged. Too often, I believe Nanaimo has forgotten that we are competing. We speak about attracting investment, but our actions can send the opposite message. A new proposal can quickly become a community-wide controversy, with every possible objection examined before anyone seriously asks how the opportunity could benefit Nanaimo or how reasonable concerns could be addressed. Instead of beginning from a position of possibility, we too often begin from a position of doubt. Council must consider the public interest, and not every proposal should be approved. But there is a major difference between thoughtful review and approaching new businesses, developments, or private investment primarily as problems to be managed. When the process becomes unnecessarily adversarial, unpredictable, or political, investors take notice. The Opportunities We Lose Are Often Invisible Most businesses and investors will not publicly complain when they decide Nanaimo is too difficult. They will simply invest somewhere else. A developer pursues a project in another municipality. An employer expands in another region. An entrepreneur opens the next location in another city. Those lost opportunities rarely make the news because they never arrive here in the first place. We only experience the consequences: fewer homes, fewer jobs, less economic activity, and a smaller tax base supporting the public services our community expects. That is why becoming more competitive matters to everyone, not only to the business community. A stronger private sector means more employment, more housing, more customers for local businesses, and more taxpayers sharing the cost of running the city. A Culture of Unreasonable Hospitality I believe Nanaimo should strive to become known for what could be called unreasonable hospitality toward responsible investment. That does not mean abandoning standards, cutting corners, or approving every proposal. It means treating entrepreneurs, employers, developers, and investors as potential partners whose success can contribute to the success of the entire community. When someone approaches Nanaimo with a responsible proposal, our first question should not be, “Why can’t this work?” It should be, “How can we help make this work while protecting the legitimate interests of the community?” That change in attitude would influence everything that follows. It would encourage clearer communication, earlier problem-solving, faster decisions, more predictable processes, and a genuine effort to resolve obstacles rather than continually raise new barriers. The Process Will Follow the Priority We already know many of the administrative changes that could improve our development and business processes. The more important question is whether we genuinely want to make those changes. Without a shared commitment to attracting investment, even the best process reforms will eventually lose momentum. But once we decide that becoming a competitive, welcoming place to invest is a real priority, better systems become the natural result. Staff, Council, applicants, and the community can begin working toward the same objective rather than approaching proposals from a position of opposition. Culture drives priorities. Priorities drive process. Process produces results. Nanaimo Should Be One of Canada’s Most Successful Mid-Sized Cities Nanaimo already has extraordinary advantages: a central Island location, major highways, a deep-water port, an airport, rail, Vancouver Island University, and multiple ferry connections. We have the ingredients to become one of Western Canada’s most prosperous mid-sized cities. What we need is a mindset that matches those advantages. We must remember that a strong private sector is not something merely to tolerate. It is the foundation that creates jobs, builds homes, supports local organizations, and generates the tax base that funds the public services we value. Prosperity cannot be shared until it is first created. If we want more housing, better jobs, stronger services, and less tax pressure on existing residents, Nanaimo must become a city that actively competes for investment—and makes responsible investors feel genuinely welcome when they arrive. That is what getting back to basics looks like."

"Infrastructure & Sustainable Growth—Ensuring infrastructure and city services keep pace with population growth while maintaining long-term affordability."

"Cameron will get affordable homes built faster by supporting transparent and reliable permitting delivered by skilled staff. He will reduce delays while maintaining strong building standards."

"As Nanaimo continues to grow, our roads, water systems, transit, and public services must keep pace. I will cut bureaucratic red tape and fast-track municipal permit approvals to get affordable, diverse housing built faster across the city. By enforcing an infrastructure-first approach to development, I will ensure Nanaimo expands responsibly while protecting the unique character of our…"

"As Nanaimo continues to grow, our roads, water systems, transit, and public services must keep pace. I will cut bureaucratic red tape and fast-track municipal permit approvals to get affordable, diverse housing built faster across the city. By enforcing an infrastructure-first approach to development, I will ensure Nanaimo expands responsibly while protecting the unique character of our established neighborhoods."

"Maintaining the urban containment boundary to protect agricultural and rural lands and avoid urban sprawl. Continuing to implement the Official Community Plan of increasing Nanaimo’s residential density around a series of secondary urban cores that incorporate commercial, office, education and recreation spaces. Continue building connections between urban cores with public transportation and…"

"Maintaining the urban containment boundary to protect agricultural and rural lands and avoid urban sprawl. Continuing to implement the Official Community Plan of increasing Nanaimo’s residential density around a series of secondary urban cores that incorporate commercial, office, education and recreation spaces. Continue building connections between urban cores with public transportation and active transportation corridors. Continue to achieve increased residential density by encouraging the development of secondary suites, laneway housing, townhouses and small multi-family dwellings (missing middle housing). Maintaining and expanding core infrastructure to accommodate growth."

"Planning for Sustainable Growth. Nanaimo’s comprehensive community plan provides a strong framework for decisions about zoning, density, and long-term growth. As development proceeds, the City must ensure that essential infrastructure—including water, sewer, and transportation systems—can support added density without becoming overburdened. Complete Communities. I strongly support creating…"

"Planning for Sustainable Growth. Nanaimo’s comprehensive community plan provides a strong framework for decisions about zoning, density, and long-term growth. As development proceeds, the City must ensure that essential infrastructure—including water, sewer, and transportation systems—can support added density without becoming overburdened. Complete Communities. I strongly support creating neighbourhoods where people can live, work, and play, with essential services and amenities available close to home."

"I oppose the construction of AI data centres in our city, as they draw heavily on the region's water and electricity supply. The main concern is large-scale facilities whose water consumption is unlimited under current regulations and whose penalties for overuse are set low enough that it can be treated as a cost of doing business. Council needs to carefully assess whether our actions truly…"

"I oppose the construction of AI data centres in our city, as they draw heavily on the region's water and electricity supply. The main concern is large-scale facilities whose water consumption is unlimited under current regulations and whose penalties for overuse are set low enough that it can be treated as a cost of doing business. Council needs to carefully assess whether our actions truly support local people or the profits of multinational corporations. Clean drinking water is a resource every resident of the region depends on to live, and it must be shared among all our current and future businesses as well. Electricity load without a plan to add capacity is the second grounds for opposition. The tax revenue such facilities generate is insufficient to warrant the resource consumption, and the current regulatory framework does not adequately protect our future generations from the downstream effects of such a facility."

"We are currently sacrificing our most ecologically sensitive sites such as cable bay, the millstone river, the rock city wetland amongst many others for the sake of an anachronistic model of development. In an island with finite resources we cant make the extraction of those resources the primary driver of the economy. Raw logs are worth a fraction of boutique manufactured goods. We need to…"

"We are currently sacrificing our most ecologically sensitive sites such as cable bay, the millstone river, the rock city wetland amongst many others for the sake of an anachronistic model of development. In an island with finite resources we cant make the extraction of those resources the primary driver of the economy. Raw logs are worth a fraction of boutique manufactured goods. We need to leverage public land for high yield agriculture in order to have a more affordable, sovereign food supply. This can also trigger a different kind of investment where Nanaimo positions itself as a research and logistics hub (paired with rail) which attract the knowledge industries which in turn help us bring high paying jobs and a knowledge base that aids in the public management of our lands."

"Take on more infrastructure projects that fix underground utilities and add sidewalks and bike lanes where it makes sense and is cost-effective."

"When it comes to development, we must carefully evaluate our priorities, plan for the long term, and understand where boundaries need to be drawn. Sustainability must be at the forefront of our decisions, and I will stand firmly against projects that put our local ecosystems and wildlife habitats at unnecessary risk. We should prioritize green infrastructure, net zero building standards, and…"

"When it comes to development, we must carefully evaluate our priorities, plan for the long term, and understand where boundaries need to be drawn. Sustainability must be at the forefront of our decisions, and I will stand firmly against projects that put our local ecosystems and wildlife habitats at unnecessary risk. We should prioritize green infrastructure, net zero building standards, and developments that deliver clear, lasting benefits to our community. On a broader scale, we need to protect our invaluable natural habitats, preserve existing forests, expand urban green spaces, and integrate nature into the way we design our neighbourhoods. We should also encourage greater density within our urban cores, increase access to subsidized housing, and find new uses for vacant commercial properties to create more affordable housing opportunities. Growth must be supported by thoughtful infrastructure planning, including accessible sidewalks, connected cycling networks, reliable public transit, and the services our growing community needs. By planning ahead and balancing development with environmental stewardship, housing affordability, and responsible investment, we can build a more sustainable Nanaimo."

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

"Pipes, roads, and systems that were built decades ago need attention before we keep adding load on top."

"Marnie advocates for the revitalization of the Vancouver Island rail corridor to improve connectivity and economic opportunities. Marnie states: “As a nurse, I see how important reliable transportation is, especially for people who don’t drive and need to get to healthcare appointments or visit loved ones in the hospital. Bringing rail back would give people another safe and accessible way to…"

"Marnie advocates for the revitalization of the Vancouver Island rail corridor to improve connectivity and economic opportunities. Marnie states: “As a nurse, I see how important reliable transportation is, especially for people who don’t drive and need to get to healthcare appointments or visit loved ones in the hospital. Bringing rail back would give people another safe and accessible way to travel while taking pressure off our busy roads. We need to look ahead and make sure rail, transit, trails, and roads all work together as our communities grow. Restoring the Island Rail Corridor would give people another way to travel while experiencing the beauty of Vancouver Island.“"

"I would like Nanaimo to grow up, not out. Increased urban density makes it easier to design transit routes that can serve the greatest number of people. Urban sprawl is an infrastructure nightmare on so many levels and will just result in higher taxes for people and businesses. Bus passes for kids—also a great idea! Let's keep that going. In general, I support active transportion, including…"

"I would like Nanaimo to grow up, not out. Increased urban density makes it easier to design transit routes that can serve the greatest number of people. Urban sprawl is an infrastructure nightmare on so many levels and will just result in higher taxes for people and businesses. Bus passes for kids—also a great idea! Let's keep that going. In general, I support active transportion, including bike lanes and sidewalks. Let's make it easier for people to get where they need to go without a car, safely."

"Transit will become a hot topic as more and more families and citizens use this service. With the cost of vehicles and fuel families are struggling to make ends meet. I also believe we need to add services to industrial areas in addition to what is currently available"

"I would like to reduce the speed limit on our neighbourhood streets to 30km/h supported by traffic calming infrastructure where needed. There is a significantly lower likelihood of seriously injury or fatality at 30km/h vs 50km/h in collisions between cars and pedestrians . This policy makes it safer for people to walk or ride in their neighbourhoods. This allows our kids to have safer active…"

"I would like to reduce the speed limit on our neighbourhood streets to 30km/h supported by traffic calming infrastructure where needed. There is a significantly lower likelihood of seriously injury or fatality at 30km/h vs 50km/h in collisions between cars and pedestrians . This policy makes it safer for people to walk or ride in their neighbourhoods. This allows our kids to have safer active transportation to school and safer walking and riding options for all of us. From these safer neighbourhoods people can then join separated active transportation routes along main roads with higher speed limits. I also support expanding free transit passes for youth beyond the two-year period currently committed to by the RDN."

"Nanaimo is rapidly growing and as we grow we need to ensure we have an efficient transportation network. We are fortunate to have a priceless land package in place to help support this goal. I will work directly with all levels of government along with key stakeholders to bring light rail transit to Nanaimo and Vancouver Island. Develop a plan to build a light rail transit system to connect…"

"Nanaimo is rapidly growing and as we grow we need to ensure we have an efficient transportation network. We are fortunate to have a priceless land package in place to help support this goal. I will work directly with all levels of government along with key stakeholders to bring light rail transit to Nanaimo and Vancouver Island. Develop a plan to build a light rail transit system to connect communities to key transport hubs including ferry ports and airports. Work with neighbouring municipalities along with the province/federal government to develop a light rail transit system that seamlessly connects all the cities in central and southern Vancouver Island by rail. Create a trail and bike path network that is separate from our roadways and connects all communities in the city."

"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…"

"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."

"Everyone in Nanaimo deserves safe, reliable and accessible public transit, staffed by unionized workers earning a good living wage. Cameron will also support affordable housing within walking distance of daily necessities, creating more connected neighbourhoods."

"Focus Local Transit on Local Needs. Nanaimo’s transit system should concentrate on delivering reliable service within the community, using appropriately sized vehicles and schedules that meet riders’ needs. Costly, heavily subsidized routes to other communities can reduce the resources available for local service. A separate regional entity could instead invite private operators to provide…"

"Focus Local Transit on Local Needs. Nanaimo’s transit system should concentrate on delivering reliable service within the community, using appropriately sized vehicles and schedules that meet riders’ needs. Costly, heavily subsidized routes to other communities can reduce the resources available for local service. A separate regional entity could instead invite private operators to provide intercity bus connections. Make Active Transportation Safer and More Accessible. As driving costs rise, more residents want to travel by bicycle or on foot, but many consider Nanaimo’s roads unsafe for cycling. As budgets allow, the City should continue investing in safe active-transportation infrastructure and give walking, cycling, transit, and driving equal consideration in transportation decisions. Nanaimo should also actively pursue provincial and federal funding to expand this infrastructure so there are more safe routes throughout the City."

"Gradual but specific changes to transit in the Regional District of Nanaimo will compound into a system that serves the people who depend on it most. As we look to the future and imagine our city in the next forty years, we will have higher density and increased demand on our roadways. Nanaimo City Council must take a leadership role at the RDN so residents can choose to travel with or without a…"

"Gradual but specific changes to transit in the Regional District of Nanaimo will compound into a system that serves the people who depend on it most. As we look to the future and imagine our city in the next forty years, we will have higher density and increased demand on our roadways. Nanaimo City Council must take a leadership role at the RDN so residents can choose to travel with or without a personal vehicle. A health transit corridor to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. Direct, frequent service from the major exchanges (Country Club, Woodgrove, downtown, and Vancouver Island University) to the regional hospital, with target frequencies of fifteen minutes during peak periods and thirty minutes off-peak. The #30, the main bus to the regional hospital, currently operates along a considerably indirect route. For healthcare shift workers on a 7 AM start, for outpatients arriving for appointments, and for family visitors, that schedule does not allow for reliable and predictable travel. The result is that most people are forced to drive, which contributes directly to the shortage of parking on Island Health property and on adjacent city streets. The capital cost is comparatively small, and the provincial cost-sharing model through BC Transit covers much of the operating expense. The mechanism for change is Nanaimo councillors on the RDN board making this the top operational ask going to BC Transit, and keeping the file moving until the frequencies and the route alignment improve. A review of the main routes that carry most of Nanaimo's ridership. The scope of the review is current ridership, frequency, span of service, on-time performance, and the gap between each route's design and the trips its riders are making today. Findings should be published along with recommended changes and timelines. The RDN's Three-Year Transit Improvement Program is the vehicle by which the review reaches BC Transit, and the councillors at the RDN board are the people who can take the initiative to act. Community buses for the neighbourhoods that currently have no service. The main routes carry the load, and the transit dead zones between them get left behind. A community bus model uses smaller vehicles and shorter loops to bring basic service into those neighbourhoods without the capital cost of extending fixed-route buses. Residents in these dead zones are often the residents least able to organize a car-based alternative, and a community bus network is the cheapest path to reaching them. Smaller vehicles also handle narrowed roadways and traffic circles better than full-size buses. Metro Vancouver already operates this model, and our city can apply the same benefits to improve access for residents while reducing cost and emissions. A new route with the regional hospital as the central destination. A dedicated route feeding directly to the regional hospital from the Hammond Bay area and extending to Vancouver Island University would connect neighbourhoods that currently need two or three transfers to reach it. This complements the health transit corridor, and it lifts the everyday transit access of families living north and south of the highway who have a family member being treated at the regional hospital, of the nursing students at Vancouver Island University, and of the thousands of residents living in the north end of Nanaimo. As the regional hospital continues to expand over the next forty years, it is prudent to plan ahead of the increased demand for access. Nanaimo City Council can lead the way for the entire region by making transit access to the regional hospital a regional priority. A secure, covered, attended bike parking facility downtown. Contracted to a community operator, within twelve months of the new council taking office. A downtown bike parking facility costs a small fraction of a single block of arterial road, and it removes the most common reason people give for not biking to work or to events: the very real fear that they will return to find their bike stolen or vandalized. Other Canadian cities have contracted the operation of these facilities to a community not-for-profit organization, which keeps city staff free from day-to-day management and gives the facility a local operator with a stake in its success. Align Route 25 with the BC Ferries and Hullo schedules. The Hullo is one of the best things that has happened to downtown Nanaimo in years, but the current bus schedule does not always match the sailings. Vancouver coordinates its bus arrivals with BC Ferries at Tsawwassen. There is no operational reason Nanaimo cannot do the same. The fix is a published schedule alignment between BC Transit, BC Ferries, and Hullo, and it can happen in one operating cycle. The Departure Bay terminal has bus service. The Duke Point terminal has no public transit at all, and that is a prime example of where a community bus route would let residents reach an important terminal without a vehicle. Free transit for youth continues, and seniors should be added to the same program. The operational cost of extending the youth model to seniors is modest relative to the ridership return and the public health return. When youth and seniors have an affordable way to leave home and take part in the broader community, Nanaimo becomes a more vibrant city. Greater population mobility also supports consumer activity and the local businesses that depend on it. Social cohesion improves mental health and overall wellbeing, for young adults and senior citizens alike."

"We need to finish the multimodal infrastructure axioms in the city so we don't have to rely on bike lanes next to cars, so that we have efficient roadways and public transport. I am a champion for restoring our part of the Island Rail because as the Port of Nanaimo expands to 1.4 million TEUs a year, that equates to 3500 truckloads a day which can collapse our traffic and destroy our already…"

"We need to finish the multimodal infrastructure axioms in the city so we don't have to rely on bike lanes next to cars, so that we have efficient roadways and public transport. I am a champion for restoring our part of the Island Rail because as the Port of Nanaimo expands to 1.4 million TEUs a year, that equates to 3500 truckloads a day which can collapse our traffic and destroy our already frail highway system. Freight rail is a necessity here, it can create new commercial and industrial corridors away from sensitive ecological areas and can expand our tax base dramatically paving the way for a next gen passenger train network which fuels the tourism/eco tourism industry."

"Improved accessibility through continued upgrades to pedestrian, cycling and public transit infrastructure, including expanded transit routes to rural areas."

"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."

"My priority is a transportation system that works for drivers, transit users, pedestrians, cyclists and people with disabilities. My own experience with vision loss has made me very aware of how transportation and accessibility affect independence. Getting to work, appointments, services and community activities shouldn't depend on having a vehicle or being able to navigate infrastructure that…"

"My priority is a transportation system that works for drivers, transit users, pedestrians, cyclists and people with disabilities. My own experience with vision loss has made me very aware of how transportation and accessibility affect independence. Getting to work, appointments, services and community activities shouldn't depend on having a vehicle or being able to navigate infrastructure that wasn't designed with accessibility in mind. For Nanaimo, I want to see better transit reliability and connections, including improvements to Routes, the downtown transit exchange and rapid transit along the Island Highway corridor. I also support maintaining our roads and bridges while improving sidewalks, crossings, cycling connections and projects such as the E&N Trail. Having worked in physically demanding jobs and raised a family, I understand that transportation is also about time, affordability and getting where you need to go reliably. A missed bus or an unsafe crossing isn't simply an inconvenience for everyone. I want better connections between neighbourhoods, VIU, the hospital, employment centres, downtown, the ferry terminals and surrounding communities, while working with regional partners on transportation planning. My goal is simple: a Nanaimo where your ability to get to work, school, health care or community isn't determined by your age, income, vehicle ownership or ability."

"Marnie is passionate about expanding shelter options and affordable housing so that every person in our community has a safe place to call home. She feels that we need more shelters, day spaces and places where people can connect meaningfully with resources and support. Nanaimo’s current challenges don’t exist in isolation and when people have nowhere to go and no way to access the help they need,…"

"Marnie is passionate about expanding shelter options and affordable housing so that every person in our community has a safe place to call home. She feels that we need more shelters, day spaces and places where people can connect meaningfully with resources and support. Nanaimo’s current challenges don’t exist in isolation and when people have nowhere to go and no way to access the help they need, it impacts the entire community."

"I'd like to explore the option of allowing tiny home communities within Nanaimo. This could solve many of the problems of affordable housing, as well as homelessness."

"A Nanaimo you can still afford to call home. Nanaimo is growing. Part of that growth comes from something those of us who live here already know: this is a pretty remarkable place to call home. But growth brings growing pains. Housing costs have climbed. Rents have climbed. And for a lot of people who have lived and worked here for years, staying in Nanaimo is becoming harder. So when we talk…"

"A Nanaimo you can still afford to call home. Nanaimo is growing. Part of that growth comes from something those of us who live here already know: this is a pretty remarkable place to call home. But growth brings growing pains. Housing costs have climbed. Rents have climbed. And for a lot of people who have lived and worked here for years, staying in Nanaimo is becoming harder. So when we talk about Nanaimo needing more affordable housing, I want to ask another question: Affordable for whom? For the person working in a restaurant? The care aide? A young family? A senior on a fixed income? Someone who has rented here for twenty years? Because building more housing isn’t enough if the people who need it can’t afford what’s being built. And I don’t think we’re going to find all the answers by simply doing more of what we’ve always done. We may need to step outside the box. I have some creative ideas I’d like to explore. Some might call them a little off the wall. That’s okay with me. I also want to know what other forward-thinking cities are trying. What’s working? What could work here? Are there zoning changes or different ways of using land that could open up possibilities we haven’t seriously considered? I don’t pretend to have all the answers. But I think this is one of the biggest questions facing Nanaimo over the next four years: How can the people who make Nanaimo work afford to live in Nanaimo?"

"We need to balance Nanaimo’s contribution of waived and reduced fees with effective tenant protection in the case of rental displacement and effective rental supports to ensure access of truly affordable housing, with oversight by City staff. The costs of development should not be borne by vulnerable individuals and families displaced and unhoused by development. Effective tenancy protection and…"

"We need to balance Nanaimo’s contribution of waived and reduced fees with effective tenant protection in the case of rental displacement and effective rental supports to ensure access of truly affordable housing, with oversight by City staff. The costs of development should not be borne by vulnerable individuals and families displaced and unhoused by development. Effective tenancy protection and rental support keeps people housed. We can also have pre-approved design for single family and multi family housing on sites meeting criteria set out by council (not on environmentally sensitive areas that require more oversight) to speed up approvals, get building started, and reduce costs associated with delay in the approval process. I know the City is exploring taking a more active role in affordable housing supply and I look forward to supporting innovative ways to provide affordable housing options in our community."

"Back faster permitting Plan missing middle, ground-oriented & family housing Build partnerships for attainable, supportive and long term care housing Cultivate convenient neighbourhoods connected to safe, reliable transportation"

"Housing & Economic Growth That Reflect Community Needs—Supporting attainable housing and functional commercial development for working families, blue-collar workers, and local employers, while reducing unnecessary barriers that delay projects and increase costs"

"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…"

"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."

"This is my home, and it is very important to me to build a strong, caring community that meets peoples’ needs. Eliminate red tape and work on building homes for all people in Nanaimo. Make business and residential permits faster and more accessible. Offer a program where builders or businesses can choose to pay extra to fast track permits, which will offset hiring more people for the permit…"

"This is my home, and it is very important to me to build a strong, caring community that meets peoples’ needs. Eliminate red tape and work on building homes for all people in Nanaimo. Make business and residential permits faster and more accessible. Offer a program where builders or businesses can choose to pay extra to fast track permits, which will offset hiring more people for the permit department. Offer more dry housing options for people who need it"

"Continue to partner with senior levels of government on funding for affordable housing, including workforce housing, supportive housing, low-income housing and cooperative housing. Work with the non-profit sector, the coop sector and the private sector on alternative models for affordable housing development and explore the creation of a development corporation for community ownership of…"

"Continue to partner with senior levels of government on funding for affordable housing, including workforce housing, supportive housing, low-income housing and cooperative housing. Work with the non-profit sector, the coop sector and the private sector on alternative models for affordable housing development and explore the creation of a development corporation for community ownership of affordable housing. Speed up the process for development and building permits. Work with the development community to continue to improve processes and approval times. Continue to incentivize the construction of affordable housing. Council has already pre-zoned thousands of parcels across the city for affordable housing which will speed up the process for building non-market housing. Continue to purchase properties in the city using the affordable housing reserve fund for non-profit, supportive and cooperative housing."

"Streamline Approvals for Non-Market Housing. Nanaimo has many local non-profit organizations with expertise in providing non-market housing. Yet one project has remained under rezoning review for more than a year. The City should comprehensively review its approval process and consider dedicated review streams, with specialized teams fast-tracking projects that offer the greatest community benefit…"

"Streamline Approvals for Non-Market Housing. Nanaimo has many local non-profit organizations with expertise in providing non-market housing. Yet one project has remained under rezoning review for more than a year. The City should comprehensively review its approval process and consider dedicated review streams, with specialized teams fast-tracking projects that offer the greatest community benefit while other applications follow the standard process. Address the Missing Middle. Although the Province has invested significant effort and resources in housing people with the greatest needs, Nanaimo must also expand options for residents who are being priced out of suitable homes, including: • single parents earning minimum wage; • seniors on fixed incomes who lose their homes through renovation-related evictions; • newcomer families who can afford only an undersized apartment; and • young families who need attainable alternatives to a single-family home. Create More Attainable Housing Choices. As a community, we must develop practical, innovative housing options that reflect a wider range of needs and incomes. We should welcome every credible opportunity to help residents find safe, comfortable homes they can afford and thrive in."

"Nanaimo is a beautiful city with a central location on Vancouver Island, but it has become increasingly unaffordable to many of us who live here. I've heard directly about the struggles of young adults seeking to one day start a family, and seniors on fixed incomes who are being priced out of the housing market. Renters have the least protection against the financial strain that our current system…"

"Nanaimo is a beautiful city with a central location on Vancouver Island, but it has become increasingly unaffordable to many of us who live here. I've heard directly about the struggles of young adults seeking to one day start a family, and seniors on fixed incomes who are being priced out of the housing market. Renters have the least protection against the financial strain that our current system has created due to an imbalance in supply. We need a Council that is committed to building affordable housing on city-owned land, in areas that have already been designated for high density. This will allow residents to access the amenities, public transportation, and employment opportunities that they rely on. That access is the standard of living we aspire to provide to everyone who calls Nanaimo home. Responsible development with reduced permitting delays will require an investment in the city staff who ultimately perform the administrative work to move housing projects forward."

"We need to digitize the permit approval process. We can not have the current lag due to bureaucratic stasis. Non market housing, high density planning (w amenities) has to be part of the equation. We have 1300 people moving here every year. Nanaimo is the 5th fastest growing city in Canada. Our building has to at least match that. Otherwise simple supply and demand will continue to raise rents and…"

"We need to digitize the permit approval process. We can not have the current lag due to bureaucratic stasis. Non market housing, high density planning (w amenities) has to be part of the equation. We have 1300 people moving here every year. Nanaimo is the 5th fastest growing city in Canada. Our building has to at least match that. Otherwise simple supply and demand will continue to raise rents and the barrier to home ownership."

"Bring more housing options and more affordable housing projects."

"To address housing affordability and availability, we need to build denser neighbourhoods, embrace taller buildings with more housing units and smaller footprints, and make better use of the space we have. We also need to recognize that having a large home is a privilege when so many people are struggling to find a place to live. Within our urban cores, we should expand access to subsidized…"

"To address housing affordability and availability, we need to build denser neighbourhoods, embrace taller buildings with more housing units and smaller footprints, and make better use of the space we have. We also need to recognize that having a large home is a privilege when so many people are struggling to find a place to live. Within our urban cores, we should expand access to subsidized housing, encourage vacant investment properties to return to the rental market, and explore converting underused commercial buildings into new, affordable housing options. By making better use of existing spaces and prioritizing housing for people at all income levels, we can work towards a more accessible and inclusive Nanaimo."

"We need homes people can actually afford — without overwhelming infrastructure or erasing neighbourhood character."

"Currently, Nanaimo has fewer than 100 shelter beds available, while between 800 to 1000 community members are living outside or in precarious housing situations. During the day, the only regularly available places for people to access include our local libraries or city lobbies. There are funding pathways available to address these issues. Current leadership is directing resources and…"

"Currently, Nanaimo has fewer than 100 shelter beds available, while between 800 to 1000 community members are living outside or in precarious housing situations. During the day, the only regularly available places for people to access include our local libraries or city lobbies. There are funding pathways available to address these issues. Current leadership is directing resources and opportunities toward inappropriate avenues rather than the community’s actual needs. This is also affecting many seniors who are currently living within our shelter system or precariously housed. They have worked their entire lives and now cannot afford rent, in large part due to factors outside of their control."

"Housing is a basic human right. I want to expand the Heart and Hearth programs, operated by BC Housing to offer more shelter beds (and longer-term options). How can you focus on getting a job if you're living on the streets? How can you get clean and sober if you don't have a safe place to stay?"

"Help me feel proud of how our city is responding. The homelessness issue has been driving me crazy for over 20 years. That’s how long I’ve been walking alongside someone I love who has been struggling with addiction. I’ve advocated for him. I’ve learned how treatment, housing and support systems work. I’ve watched him succeed and struggle. I’ve tried to help. And at times, I’ve felt completely…"

"Help me feel proud of how our city is responding. The homelessness issue has been driving me crazy for over 20 years. That’s how long I’ve been walking alongside someone I love who has been struggling with addiction. I’ve advocated for him. I’ve learned how treatment, housing and support systems work. I’ve watched him succeed and struggle. I’ve tried to help. And at times, I’ve felt completely helpless. By the time I was elected to Parksville Council, I was looking at this issue through several different lenses. I could see the person struggling. I could see the family trying desperately to help. And as a councillor, I also had a responsibility to see the impact on the wider community. I learned that we have to be able to hold all of those perspectives at the same time. We can have compassion for someone who is homeless or living with addiction and still question an approach that isn’t working. We can support housing and ask what happens after someone is housed. We can believe deeply in helping people and still believe our parks, streets and public spaces need to work for everyone. Those things are not opposites. During my time on Parksville Council, we had to put that thinking into practice when supportive housing was being developed in the community. The original proposal combined approximately 50 supportive-housing residents with a year-round shelter in the same building. We had concerns about that model. So rather than simply accepting the plan (or simply opposing supportive housing) we worked with BC Housing and the Regional District to change it. The shelter component was eventually removed. And that experience reinforced something I’d already learned personally: Compassion doesn’t mean we stop asking questions. Sometimes asking the difficult question is part of caring enough to find out whether the solution is actually working. I don’t have a simple answer to homelessness and addiction in Nanaimo. After more than 20 years of living alongside this issue, I’m suspicious of anyone who says they do. But I do believe we can look honestly at what we’re doing. Keep what is working. Question what isn’t. Explore other approaches. And advocate with other levels of government when the solutions are beyond the City’s reach. Because surely we can aim for this: A response that is compassionate, effective and responsible—and one we can be proud of."

"In addition to effective tenancy protections to keep people housed mentioned above under the heading of Affordability and Liveability, our most vulnerable citizens deserve the right to safe, secure, and, when needed, supportive housing. I support removing politics from addiction treatment and following pathways that are proven to work. Many models of supportive housing are needed as well as the…"

"In addition to effective tenancy protections to keep people housed mentioned above under the heading of Affordability and Liveability, our most vulnerable citizens deserve the right to safe, secure, and, when needed, supportive housing. I support removing politics from addiction treatment and following pathways that are proven to work. Many models of supportive housing are needed as well as the services to help navigate housing, healthcare, and employment opportunities. We can work with senior government to provide the full array of supportive housing on a scale that fits our neighbourhoods and fills our community needs."

"Nanaimo is facing a complex humanitarian challenge that demands coordinated, evidence‑based action. I support a balanced approach that helps vulnerable residents while ensuring our public spaces remain safe and accessible for everyone. After a near‑fatal surgery in 2016, I gained a profound, firsthand understanding of the struggles many people face. What I once saw as simply an addiction issue —…"

"Nanaimo is facing a complex humanitarian challenge that demands coordinated, evidence‑based action. I support a balanced approach that helps vulnerable residents while ensuring our public spaces remain safe and accessible for everyone. After a near‑fatal surgery in 2016, I gained a profound, firsthand understanding of the struggles many people face. What I once saw as simply an addiction issue — similar to alcohol or tobacco — I now recognize as part of a far more complex modern opioid crisis. Through extensive study, conversations with professionals, and listening to those living these realities, I’ve become convinced that lasting change requires the creation of Therapeutic Communities. These communities would include three primary residences: One for individuals currently using substances One for those in active recovery One for those managing mental health challenges Each residence facility would provide a safe, structured environment where residents can heal while contributing through meaningful work opportunities. Supported by integrated services, these facilities would help people rediscover purpose in a compassionate setting — equipping them with the tools and confidence to reintegrate successfully into society. Strengthen partnerships between the City, Island Health, and frontline organizations Ensure accountability and measurable outcomes for funded programs Support treatment‑focused pathways that help people rebuild their lives Protect parks, trails, and business districts through consistent enforcement and compassionate outreach"

"Explore a Range of Housing Models. A major challenge in addressing homelessness is the level of resources required by the single model currently under consideration. Successful approaches used elsewhere in Canada and the United States may offer effective alternatives and should be carefully evaluated. Provide Individualized Paths to Recovery. Too many people have become trapped in cycles of…"

"Explore a Range of Housing Models. A major challenge in addressing homelessness is the level of resources required by the single model currently under consideration. Successful approaches used elsewhere in Canada and the United States may offer effective alternatives and should be carefully evaluated. Provide Individualized Paths to Recovery. Too many people have become trapped in cycles of addiction and need meaningful support to move forward. Because needs and circumstances vary, no single solution will work for everyone. Coordinate All Levels of Government. Effective support requires municipal, provincial, and federal governments to work collaboratively toward one shared goal: helping community members recover and improve their well-being. I am committed to working with senior governments to address these complex challenges."

"This is the toughest problem. I say that as someone that experience homelessness. Its a national problem that necessitates national action with local coordination. We can not fund our way out of this problem by ourselves as a city. But we can establish the guidelines and do everything in our power to leverage the current funding. As of May 2026 there were 1.05 Million dollars destined for…"

"This is the toughest problem. I say that as someone that experience homelessness. Its a national problem that necessitates national action with local coordination. We can not fund our way out of this problem by ourselves as a city. But we can establish the guidelines and do everything in our power to leverage the current funding. As of May 2026 there were 1.05 Million dollars destined for homelessness that are still waiting for city hall to allocate. These dollars are devaluing as all currencies are. We need to deploy them to get the addicted people off the streets."

"People experiencing homelessness are part of our community. They are our friends, family members, and neighbours. Working every day in downtown Nanaimo gives me the opportunity to connect with people firsthand, listen to their stories, and better understand the challenges they face. Some of the common needs I hear about include access to both short and long term housing, especially during the…"

"People experiencing homelessness are part of our community. They are our friends, family members, and neighbours. Working every day in downtown Nanaimo gives me the opportunity to connect with people firsthand, listen to their stories, and better understand the challenges they face. Some of the common needs I hear about include access to both short and long term housing, especially during the colder months, safe shower facilities, hygiene products, food security, and access to a mailing address. By building stronger relationships from the ground up, I will work collaboratively with the incredible organizations already doing this important work to explore meaningful, practical solutions. We also need to look at new approaches to improving mental health, addictions treatment, and long term care options. I will continue advocating for greater support and accountability from our provincial and federal governments."

"I believe we need a compassionate, practical approach. People experiencing homelessness, mental-health challenges and substance use are not a homogenous group, and there is no single solution. The City cannot provide every health or addiction service; treatment primarily falls under provincial and health-authority responsibilities. Its role is to use municipal tools, advocate for the services…"

"I believe we need a compassionate, practical approach. People experiencing homelessness, mental-health challenges and substance use are not a homogenous group, and there is no single solution. The City cannot provide every health or addiction service; treatment primarily falls under provincial and health-authority responsibilities. Its role is to use municipal tools, advocate for the services Nanaimo needs, and coordinate responses with BC Housing, Island Health, First Nations, community organizations and other governments. Nanaimo's 2024 Point-in-Time Count identified 621 people experiencing homelessness, nearly 70% of them unsheltered. Among those surveyed, 74% reported substance-use issues and 66% reported mental-health challenges. These figures show why housing, health, addiction and public safety must be addressed together. I support a housing continuum that includes prevention, emergency shelter, supportive and transitional housing, complex-care options, recovery-oriented housing and permanent affordable housing. Different people need different levels of support, and programs should be evaluated by whether they help people become safer, healthier and more securely housed. The City should publish an annual homelessness and housing outcomes dashboard, developed with service providers and people with lived experience. It should report the number of people housed through municipal or partner programs; housing retention after 6 and 12 months; shelter and supportive-housing capacity; repeat shelter use; average response times for outreach and encampment concerns; and connections to health, treatment or income supports. Programs should set annual targets and be adjusted when data shows they are not working. I support evidence-based harm reduction alongside accessible treatment and recovery options. Harm reduction keeps people alive and reduces harm while creating opportunities to connect with treatment, healthcare, housing and recovery. The City should work with Island Health and community partners to expand coordinated outreach, naloxone access, referrals and transportation to treatment, while advocating for measurable targets such as faster referral follow-up and increased access to detox, treatment and recovery beds. For encampments and public spaces, responses should balance compassion, safety, dignity and the rights of the broader community. The City should maintain a current inventory of shelter, supportive-housing and storage options; assign a lead coordinator for each response; and provide written notice, outreach and transportation before closures wherever safety permits. Responses should include sanitation, garbage removal, sharps disposal, fire-risk reduction and follow-up connections to housing and services. We should track alternatives offered and accepted, destinations, housing retention and returns to unsheltered homelessness. Simply moving people does not solve homelessness. Nanaimo already has important resources, including Community Safety Officers, the Nanaimo Acute Response Table, the Health and Housing Action Plan and provincial programs. I would strengthen coordination, measure outcomes and advocate for the provincial and federal investment needed to close gaps. The City should hold quarterly coordination meetings with BC Housing, Island Health, First Nations and frontline organizations, publish progress reports, and identify service gaps with timelines and responsible partners. Prevention is also essential: keeping people housed is often less disruptive and costly than responding after chronic homelessness develops. I support affordable and diverse housing, eviction prevention, youth and seniors' housing, and partnerships addressing housing instability. Subject to annual council approval, a municipal prevention fund could support rent-bank assistance, eviction-prevention services, landlord-tenant mediation and rapid support for people leaving hospitals, corrections, foster care or unsafe housing. Outcomes should include households assisted, the percentage remaining housed after 6 and 12 months, and evictions or shelter entries prevented. My approach is simple: housing, health, safety and dignity all matter. We need clear responsibilities, public reporting and measurable results."

"Economic Growth & Job Creation—Working with the business and industrial community to promote job growth, support economic development, and improve quality of life through cleaner, safer work environments."

"Economic growth is important, but it can't come at the cost of our Earth. I will work together with the Chamber of Commerce and other groups to attract top-quality employers and employees to Nanaimo that care about the environment and do minimal harm. Having worked in the film industry in Vancouver for many years, I know firsthand the number of jobs this industry can create. I will work to attract…"

"Economic growth is important, but it can't come at the cost of our Earth. I will work together with the Chamber of Commerce and other groups to attract top-quality employers and employees to Nanaimo that care about the environment and do minimal harm. Having worked in the film industry in Vancouver for many years, I know firsthand the number of jobs this industry can create. I will work to attract productions to Nanaimo. We have so many beautiful places to explore around Vancouver Island. I'd like to work together with Tourism Nanaimo to figure out how we can make Nanaimo more of a destination. Perhaps get people to stop here for a night or two on their way to other places like Tofino. Let's also talk about getting the promised hospital upgrades. This will bring a whole host of jobs during construction, as well as high-quality jobs for nurses, doctors and other hospital staff."

"With growth in every city we attract more small businesses, larger employers and commercial investment from many sectors. I have been a strong voice in the past working with the tools I’ve been given to advocate for a vibrant business base."

"Grow the Tax base - we know we need more industrial activity to provide good paying jobs and taxes for City services and infrastructure. We can optimize use of existing Industrial lands by reducing barriers to multi level industrial development, incentivizing development of existing underutilized industrial lots, and encourage the relocation of non-industrial activities on existing industrial…"

"Grow the Tax base - we know we need more industrial activity to provide good paying jobs and taxes for City services and infrastructure. We can optimize use of existing Industrial lands by reducing barriers to multi level industrial development, incentivizing development of existing underutilized industrial lots, and encourage the relocation of non-industrial activities on existing industrial lands to lands zoned for those non-industrial uses. Just like we encourage our housing build up not out we can do the same for industrial use and reduce industrial sprawl while growing out tax base. I support the removal of heavy polluting industry from the automatically permitted uses allowed under the current zoning bylaw so that the community has a say in what industrial activities are appropriate for our community. Natural areas, parks and protected areas, provide opportunities for recreation, reflection and general wellbeing as well as critical services such as storm water management, community cooling, and carbon sequestration. A city rich in natural amenities is an attractive location for both businesses and a workforce. We also need to attract and support businesses. Where our businesses experience challenges due to disruption in transportation networks and other public works, we can lower and waive fees to offset disruption related losses. Young people and families in Nanaimo deserve the opportunity to live, work, and play in their home community."

"Supporting Small Businesses—Championing local entrepreneurs and fostering a business environment where small businesses can grow, create jobs, and remain the backbone of Nanaimo’s economy."

"Support local business, skilled trades, entrepreneurship, diversified industries, emerging sectors, and infrastructure Balance growth to support good jobs, economic resilience, housing, our health and the environment Invest in vibrant business districts, downtown, arts and culture"

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

"We talk a lot about affordability in Nanaimo. We talk about attracting workers, training workers and retaining young people. But there is a much more fundamental question we should be asking: Where are the jobs that allow someone to build a life here? Not just jobs. Careers. Six-figure incomes. Jobs that can support a mortgage, raise a family and give our kids a reason to build their future in…"

"We talk a lot about affordability in Nanaimo. We talk about attracting workers, training workers and retaining young people. But there is a much more fundamental question we should be asking: Where are the jobs that allow someone to build a life here? Not just jobs. Careers. Six-figure incomes. Jobs that can support a mortgage, raise a family and give our kids a reason to build their future in Nanaimo. For some reason, we have started talking about industrial land as though it is an archaic relic of the past rather than one of the basic components of a functioning city. The word industrial comes from industry. Modern industrial land isn’t just smokestacks and factories. It is advanced manufacturing, technology, construction, transportation, clean energy, medical production, food processing, distribution, trades and countless other businesses that employ people and produce economic value. A strong city needs places for people to live. It also needs places for people to work. This is basic city building. When we eliminate employment land, constrain investment and make it increasingly difficult to build the infrastructure businesses require, we shouldn’t be surprised when the result is fewer high-paying private-sector jobs and an ever-greater burden on residential taxpayers. And I think we have part of the workforce conversation backwards. We constantly hear about the need to “attract skilled workers” to Nanaimo. Of course skills and training matter. But great jobs attract great workers. Create the opportunity and people will come for it. Better yet, Nanaimo residents who currently leave the city for opportunity elsewhere may finally have a reason to stay. We should be especially interested in industries capable of creating high-paying careers with relatively low barriers to entry — jobs where someone can graduate from high school, pursue a trade or technical qualification, work hard and realistically earn enough to support a family. There is nothing wrong with tourism or hospitality. They are important parts of Nanaimo’s economy, and we should continue growing them. But our ambition for the next generation has to extend beyond an economy built primarily around serving coffee to kayakers. We need both. As a commercial real estate advisor, I see the opportunity firsthand. There are major companies prepared to invest extraordinary amounts of private capital in communities like Nanaimo. Investment on that scale means construction, infrastructure, tax revenue, suppliers, apprenticeships and permanent high-paying jobs. Our challenge isn’t convincing businesses that Vancouver Island is a desirable place to be. Our challenge is creating the conditions that allow them to invest here. That means protecting strategic employment lands. It means building infrastructure. It means making decisions faster. It means welcoming responsible investment instead of treating economic growth with suspicion. And none of this requires choosing between prosperity and the environment. We can protect what makes Nanaimo special while also building the economic foundation that allows families to prosper here. In fact, a financially strong city is better positioned to invest in parks, environmental protection, public safety, infrastructure and the services residents expect. Housing matters. Infrastructure matters. The environment matters. But jobs matter too. I want Nanaimo to become a city where a young person can graduate, learn a skill, find a $100,000 career, buy a home, raise a family and never have to leave the community they grew up in simply to find opportunity. That future is absolutely achievable. But it won’t happen by accident. This October, Nanaimo has a choice about what kind of city we want to become. If you believe we need more good jobs, more investment and a stronger economic future, please vote. We cannot afford to leave Nanaimo’s future to chance. Let’s build the jobs. Let’s build the infrastructure. Let’s build the future — right here at home."

"Cameron will strengthen Nanaimo’s economy by supporting local businesses and keeping investment in our community. His experience navigating provincial and federal governments will help secure more funding for Nanaimo."

"Downtown should be the vibrant, safe, and welcoming heart of our city, a place where residents and visitors actively want to gather. I will restore visible downtown security to support local shop owners, workers, and visitors. By creating incentives to fill vacant storefronts with local restaurants and boutique shops, and actively investing in arts, festivals, and nightlife, I will transform…"

"Downtown should be the vibrant, safe, and welcoming heart of our city, a place where residents and visitors actively want to gather. I will restore visible downtown security to support local shop owners, workers, and visitors. By creating incentives to fill vacant storefronts with local restaurants and boutique shops, and actively investing in arts, festivals, and nightlife, I will transform downtown Nanaimo back into a premier Mid-Island destination."

"Create the conditions for small and medium-sized enterprises to thrive. SMEs are the engine of the local economy and are able to pivot and fill gaps when international supply chains are disrupted. Ensure affordability for the local workforce through the creation of affordable workforce housing in different parts of the community. Encourage the growth of clean non-polluting industries in the marine…"

"Create the conditions for small and medium-sized enterprises to thrive. SMEs are the engine of the local economy and are able to pivot and fill gaps when international supply chains are disrupted. Ensure affordability for the local workforce through the creation of affordable workforce housing in different parts of the community. Encourage the growth of clean non-polluting industries in the marine and blue economy sectors, the cleantech and biotech sectors and advanced manufacturing and industrial technology sectors. Develop a master plan for the expansion of the Port of Nanaimo and the associated industrial lands in partnership with the Nanaimo Port Authority, Snuneymuxw First Nation, major land-owners and the business sector. Work with senior levels of government, the Island Corridor Foundation and First Nations to revitalize the E&N rail corridor. Add light rapid transit and multimodal connections in urban areas. Advocate for freight transportation between the Port of Nanaimo at Duke Point and urban destinations both north and south of Nanaimo to decrease truck traffic on roads and highways."

"Create a Welcoming Investment Climate. The City’s most important role in supporting jobs, businesses, and economic development is to make Nanaimo a place where investment is welcomed and businesses can prosper. Complex regulations and lengthy development processes can discourage investment and drive opportunities to other communities. Nanaimo should adopt a solutions-focused approach that helps…"

"Create a Welcoming Investment Climate. The City’s most important role in supporting jobs, businesses, and economic development is to make Nanaimo a place where investment is welcomed and businesses can prosper. Complex regulations and lengthy development processes can discourage investment and drive opportunities to other communities. Nanaimo should adopt a solutions-focused approach that helps worthwhile projects move forward. Support Businesses at Every Stage. When new industries consider Nanaimo, the City should ask focused questions about their operations, workforce, and requirements for success. After a project is completed, City staff should follow up with the business to assess its experience and identify ways to improve municipal support."

"The Port of Nanaimo and the industrial economy are the region's other structural assets. The Duke Point terminal expansion, the deep-water access, the freight capacity, and the industrial land at the Wellcox rail yard together form the base of the regional economy. Restoration of the E&N corridor, with the potential for a Wellcox to Duke Point freight spur, is the infrastructure project that…"

"The Port of Nanaimo and the industrial economy are the region's other structural assets. The Duke Point terminal expansion, the deep-water access, the freight capacity, and the industrial land at the Wellcox rail yard together form the base of the regional economy. Restoration of the E&N corridor, with the potential for a Wellcox to Duke Point freight spur, is the infrastructure project that will anchor the next decade of industrial activity to our city. In cooperation with the Island Corridor Foundation and the Reconciliation Corridor Initiative, our region will one day benefit from economic activity linked to passenger and freight rail traffic. Vancouver Island University plays a supporting role in this vision, training the skilled workers the port, the regional hospital, and local industry all rely on."

"Logistics infrastructure namely Rail will be the key to unlocking economic potential. With diesel prices at the whims of the global wars and almost at 3$/L, we have to be as independent as possible on the island so that we can set our own course in economic development. Each freight train can carry up to 280 TEUs vs trucks that can carry 1 or 2. This makes transportation for goods 5x to 10x more…"

"Logistics infrastructure namely Rail will be the key to unlocking economic potential. With diesel prices at the whims of the global wars and almost at 3$/L, we have to be as independent as possible on the island so that we can set our own course in economic development. Each freight train can carry up to 280 TEUs vs trucks that can carry 1 or 2. This makes transportation for goods 5x to 10x more cost effective faster and much cheaper. It enables new commercial and industrial corridors along the rail line and can fund the next generation of passenger/tourist rail that can further create high paying jobs and enable new zoning for housing."

"Welcome business to Nanaimo to bring more job opportunities to residents. Continue the next phase for our downtown."

"A focus on responsible and sustainable investments to strengthen our local economy. Collaboration with small businesses to improve marketing campaigns and promote core business districts. Continuing to showcase Nanaimo's local talent and unique character through markets, community events and activities. Creation of an annual grant to help fund and inspire young entrepreneurs, providing more…"

"A focus on responsible and sustainable investments to strengthen our local economy. Collaboration with small businesses to improve marketing campaigns and promote core business districts. Continuing to showcase Nanaimo's local talent and unique character through markets, community events and activities. Creation of an annual grant to help fund and inspire young entrepreneurs, providing more opportunity for innovative and diverse local businesses. Prevent vacant commercial spaces by encouraging owners to provide short-term leases to renters. Focus on accountability and transparency through in-depth reviews to find and fill all holes, gaps and pits in all areas of spending and investments, including payrolls, overhead, infrastructure and new developments."

"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."

"Goal: Help local businesses grow and make Nanaimo a place where investment and entrepreneurship can thrive. Reduce red tape for small businesses. Support downtown revitalization. Attract investment through predictable regulation. Partner with post-secondary institutions on workforce development. Balanced-budget approach: Use existing economic development tools strategically and measure results.…"

"Goal: Help local businesses grow and make Nanaimo a place where investment and entrepreneurship can thrive. Reduce red tape for small businesses. Support downtown revitalization. Attract investment through predictable regulation. Partner with post-secondary institutions on workforce development. Balanced-budget approach: Use existing economic development tools strategically and measure results. Bottom line: The best economic development strategy is a city that works: safe, clean, and easy to do business in."

"Public Safety & Crime Prevention—Strengthening crime prevention through enforcing existing bylaws and introducing new measures where necessary to restore safety and public confidence."

"Nanaimo has budgeted $48.6 million this year, making community safety the highest municipal expense. It is 21.4% of our annual operating budget, and this does not include the RCMP, which is second at 17.9% and $40.6 million. Yet despite that level of spending, we don’t think people in Nanaimo feel any safer. This should tell us that we need to take a serious look at whether we are investing…"

"Nanaimo has budgeted $48.6 million this year, making community safety the highest municipal expense. It is 21.4% of our annual operating budget, and this does not include the RCMP, which is second at 17.9% and $40.6 million. Yet despite that level of spending, we don’t think people in Nanaimo feel any safer. This should tell us that we need to take a serious look at whether we are investing these resources in the right areas and if we are getting the outcomes our residents deserve. Simply spending more is not necessarily the path forward. Nanaimo needs a different, more effective approach to community safety. We can’t keep doing things the same way and expecting different results. If what the current leadership was doing was going to work, it would have worked by now."

"I support a housing first approach. Clearing out encampments if folks have no place to go is a waste of time and resources. Police enforcement just shifts the problem to a slightly different location. How can you even think about getting a job or some further education if you don't have a safe place to live? Or, getting clean and sober when you're sleeping in a tent? Near impossible. I will push…"

"I support a housing first approach. Clearing out encampments if folks have no place to go is a waste of time and resources. Police enforcement just shifts the problem to a slightly different location. How can you even think about getting a job or some further education if you don't have a safe place to live? Or, getting clean and sober when you're sleeping in a tent? Near impossible. I will push the provincial government for an expansion of BC Housing's Heart and Hearth programs to get people the support they need."

"Help me feel safe where I live. When we talk about public safety, it’s easy to think first about crime. But I think a safe city starts with something much more everyday: Can you move through it confidently? Can your kids walk or bike safely to where they’re going? Can an older person or someone with a disability cross the street before the light changes? Are there sidewalks where people actually…"

"Help me feel safe where I live. When we talk about public safety, it’s easy to think first about crime. But I think a safe city starts with something much more everyday: Can you move through it confidently? Can your kids walk or bike safely to where they’re going? Can an older person or someone with a disability cross the street before the light changes? Are there sidewalks where people actually need them? Are our streets and pathways well lit? Do you feel comfortable downtown at night? As Nanaimo grows, we’re making decisions now about how people will move around this city for decades to come. We need to plan for that future. But we also need to pay attention to what’s missing today. We can build bike lanes while still asking why some established neighbourhoods close to downtown don’t have sidewalks. Those things don’t have to compete. But they do raise an important question: Are we doing things in the right order? And yes, public safety also means being able to walk down a street, use a park, run a business or go downtown at night without feeling threatened. Nanaimo needs to work closely with the RCMP and bylaw services. And when provincial or federal policies aren’t working for our community—particularly around chronic and repeat offenders—I believe Council needs to say so, loudly and clearly. We may not control every part of the system. But we can advocate. We can ask good questions. And we can make sure the things that are within the City’s control are being done well."

"Safety concerns in our neighbourhoods cover the gamut. From concerns around traffic safety to property damage and vulnerability. Working in our Neighbourhoods we need to mesh data with lived experience to make sure that the safety needs of the community are met. That may mean extending lower speed zones around schools, play grounds, and neighbourhoods where active transportation infrastructure,…"

"Safety concerns in our neighbourhoods cover the gamut. From concerns around traffic safety to property damage and vulnerability. Working in our Neighbourhoods we need to mesh data with lived experience to make sure that the safety needs of the community are met. That may mean extending lower speed zones around schools, play grounds, and neighbourhoods where active transportation infrastructure, like sidewalks, doesn’t yet exist. In terms of safety with regards to substance use, public safety requires a coordinated response health care, intervention, and enforcement. A criminal element is using our unhoused population as shield, while preying on this most vulnerable segment of our community and others. Safe secure housing is a community safety priority. We can extend 30km/h speed zones around schools and where active transportation infrastructure, like sidewalks, does not yet exist. 30km/h saves lives."

"Public Safety & Community Well-Being—Supporting practical, compassionate measures that strengthen neighbourhood safety, restore public confidence, and protect vulnerable residents."

"Support coordinated responses to health and safety challenges Advocate for treatment, mental health and support services Create public spaces that feel welcoming, safe and accessible"

"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…"

"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."

"Public Safety & Community Protection — Supporting practical solutions that improve community safety, protect residents and businesses, and restore public confidence in how safety concerns are addressed."

"Nanaimo residents are compassionate people. We want someone experiencing addiction to survive an overdose. We want someone in a mental-health crisis to receive help. We want people living on our streets to be treated with dignity. But compassion should also mean asking a harder question: Are we actually helping people get better? For years, governments at every level have spent more responding…"

"Nanaimo residents are compassionate people. We want someone experiencing addiction to survive an overdose. We want someone in a mental-health crisis to receive help. We want people living on our streets to be treated with dignity. But compassion should also mean asking a harder question: Are we actually helping people get better? For years, governments at every level have spent more responding to homelessness, addiction, mental illness and public disorder. Yet too many Nanaimo residents still see the same people cycling through crisis, emergency rooms, temporary housing and the justice system. At the same time, families and businesses are increasingly concerned about disorder in public spaces, property crime and whether parts of our city feel safe. We should expect better outcomes for everyone. That means recognizing that keeping someone alive today and helping them build a better life tomorrow are not competing goals. Emergency intervention and harm reduction can save lives. But they cannot be the end of the conversation. When someone wants treatment, treatment should be available. When someone is suffering from severe mental illness, there needs to be meaningful intervention and appropriate care. When supportive housing is needed, it should come with the supports necessary to help people stabilize and move forward. When programs receive public funding, we should measure whether they are actually producing better outcomes. And while we help people struggling with addiction, homelessness and mental illness, we must also maintain reasonable standards of safety and public order in our neighbourhoods, parks and downtown. Compassion and accountability are not opposites. Neither are recovery and harm reduction. Neither are helping vulnerable people and protecting public spaces. Ultimately, the outcomes matter more than the labels. The goal should be fewer people dying, fewer people living on the street, more people entering recovery, safer public spaces, and more people rebuilding stable and independent lives. Municipal government cannot solve every part of this crisis. Health care, treatment and many social services are primarily provincial responsibilities. But Nanaimo can advocate relentlessly for the resources our community actually needs, coordinate effectively with other levels of government, demand accountability for local outcomes, and make public safety a priority in the decisions that are within the City’s control. Success should not be measured simply by how much we spend or how many programs we create. It should be measured by whether Nanaimo is becoming safer, healthier and more functional. That is the standard I will bring to City Council. But better outcomes won’t happen by accident. This October, Nanaimo has a choice. We can accept the same outcomes, or we can insist on doing better — for people struggling with addiction and mental illness, for families and businesses, and for everyone who calls Nanaimo home. We can be compassionate while expecting accountability. We can help people in crisis while protecting our public spaces. And we can focus our resources on solutions that produce real, measurable progress. A safer Nanaimo should mean better outcomes for everyone. If you share that vision, I would be honoured to have your vote this October."

"Public Safety & Community Well-Being—Addressing increasing concerns around crime and homelessness through responsible planning and resource allocation."

"A published list of which crossings get fixed first, ranked by where people have been hit The fifth fire station sited and budgeted A provincially funded crisis team, so an officer is not the default answer to a mental health call Four people have been hit on Departure Bay Road since neighbours started asking for help in 2019. One of them died. The fix sat in the city's own plan the whole time.…"

"A published list of which crossings get fixed first, ranked by where people have been hit The fifth fire station sited and budgeted A provincially funded crisis team, so an officer is not the default answer to a mental health call Four people have been hit on Departure Bay Road since neighbours started asking for help in 2019. One of them died. The fix sat in the city's own plan the whole time. Our fire crews face a harder problem: distance. When the 2022 fire plan was written, the department could gather a full crew for a house fire only 9 times out of 100. The plan has a three-step fix, and step one is funded. I would keep the next two on schedule, starting with the fifth fire hall the plan already has a spot for. When somebody is having the worst mental health day of their life, we send police and firefighters, because there is nobody else to send. BC pays for crisis teams of mental health workers instead. Those teams have taken about 20,000 calls since 2023, and 99 out of 100 needed no police at all. Nanaimo does not have one. I would apply for one. Every call handled by the right team is an hour handed back to the officer investigating your break-in. Source: Nanaimo Fire Rescue Master Plan, 2022."

"Everyone in Nanaimo should feel safe and welcome. Work with Nanaimo Pride, First Nations and Metis organizations, multicultural organizations, and others to identify risks that different groups face, and collaborate with them to ensure that every person feels included and safe in a diverse, vibrant city. Increase the number of CSO’s — community safety officers - downtown and across Nanaimo. It…"

"Everyone in Nanaimo should feel safe and welcome. Work with Nanaimo Pride, First Nations and Metis organizations, multicultural organizations, and others to identify risks that different groups face, and collaborate with them to ensure that every person feels included and safe in a diverse, vibrant city. Increase the number of CSO’s — community safety officers - downtown and across Nanaimo. It is obvious to me as a small business owner downtown how much this program has helped make spaces safer. Balance their salaries with money saved on city cleanups and repairs that are needed when help and security are lacking. Make new policies and guidelines for electric bikes and scooters to ensure safety for riders, pedestrians and drivers Upgrade and expand paths and sidewalks, and make crosswalks safer Increase the vandalism relief program that has been a huge success but runs out by end of spring each year."

"Every resident, family, and business owner deserves to feel safe in their own neighbourhood. I will prioritize reclaiming our parks, trails, and commercial streets so they remain clean, secure, and welcoming for everyone. By securing dedicated provincial resources for mental health and addiction support while empowering local police and bylaws to address property crime and open drug use, I will…"

"Every resident, family, and business owner deserves to feel safe in their own neighbourhood. I will prioritize reclaiming our parks, trails, and commercial streets so they remain clean, secure, and welcoming for everyone. By securing dedicated provincial resources for mental health and addiction support while empowering local police and bylaws to address property crime and open drug use, I will deliver a firm, compassionate approach to public safety."

"Continue to lobby senior levels of government for financial support, criminal justice reform, expanded public health and harm reduction services, and additional treatment facilities. Continue to support combined health, housing and community safety responses to the city’s current challenges. Continue the collaborative approach that includes health care workers, outreach workers, community safety…"

"Continue to lobby senior levels of government for financial support, criminal justice reform, expanded public health and harm reduction services, and additional treatment facilities. Continue to support combined health, housing and community safety responses to the city’s current challenges. Continue the collaborative approach that includes health care workers, outreach workers, community safety officers and the RCMP to effectively address mental health, addiction, social disorder, and repeat offenders. Enhance the new Community Safety Officer program with additional trauma informer training and partnerships with outreach workers. Continue to work with BC Housing on the housing first model but focus on temporary housing in smaller projects dispersed in the community where groups of 10-12 unhoused people can stay in a supported environment with access to washrooms, showers, laundry and cooking facilities. Ensure that some supportive housing facilities are recovery oriented for people in recovery and people who need support but are not in active addiction or who have never had substance abuse challenges. Advocate for criminal justice reform to improve public safety based on models that have proven successful in other jurisdictions. There are models that have reduced criminality and drug use, diverting repeat offenders with mental health and addiction issues to treatment programs."

"Provincial Decisions and Local Impacts. Many of the public-safety measures the City has had to introduce stem directly from provincial decisions. For example, low-barrier housing can create unintended challenges in surrounding areas, including public drug use, theft, and disorder. BC Housing has stated that providing security around these provincially supported facilities is not its…"

"Provincial Decisions and Local Impacts. Many of the public-safety measures the City has had to introduce stem directly from provincial decisions. For example, low-barrier housing can create unintended challenges in surrounding areas, including public drug use, theft, and disorder. BC Housing has stated that providing security around these provincially supported facilities is not its responsibility, leaving municipalities to bear the cost. This approach is neither reasonable nor fair to Nanaimo taxpayers. Shared Responsibility for Community Safety. The City must protect residents while pressing the Province to take responsibility for security in the areas surrounding its facilities."

"We are spending a record amount on public safety while the results do not appear to be there in terms of crime and homelessness. Some candidates want to keep throwing money into CSOs as if theory equates with practical realities. Not me. We need to assess the public safety budgets line by line, with an econometric lens and make decisions based on actual measurable results. What works should…"

"We are spending a record amount on public safety while the results do not appear to be there in terms of crime and homelessness. Some candidates want to keep throwing money into CSOs as if theory equates with practical realities. Not me. We need to assess the public safety budgets line by line, with an econometric lens and make decisions based on actual measurable results. What works should stay, what doesn't should be studied further and perhaps curtailed to reallocate those funds to other more effective approaches."

"Make our city safer by reducing crime."

"Improved safety measures that benefit local residents, visitors to our our city and the unhoused community. Increased collaboration and development efforts between social outreach teams, Community Safety Officers, RCMP, Snuneymuxw First Nation, block watches and third party contractors to effectively monitor and respond to health and safety issues. Engaging Downtown Nanaimo Business Assn. and…"

"Improved safety measures that benefit local residents, visitors to our our city and the unhoused community. Increased collaboration and development efforts between social outreach teams, Community Safety Officers, RCMP, Snuneymuxw First Nation, block watches and third party contractors to effectively monitor and respond to health and safety issues. Engaging Downtown Nanaimo Business Assn. and business owners to play an active part in the above goal - people who witness these issues firsthand - by increasing awareness and access to first aid and overdose response training and supplies. Allocating funds for interested parties to receive training when necessary. More supportive pathways for at-risk youth, including through better access to extra-curricular programs, workshops and volunteer opportunities. Cleaner streets through improved maintenance for removal of hazardous waste materials, and expanded public garbage and recycling locations."

"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…"

"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."

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

"Safer streets mean preventing problems where we can, while making sure there's a clear and effective response when something does happen."

"Let's get rid of those vacant lots, perhaps by increasing taxes on them year over year, such that it becomes prohibitively expensive to hold and not develop them."

"In 2023 my life after council in another jurisdiction allowed me to slow down my private business interests and travel across North America for 275 days. I was able to witness some truly amazing downtown revitalization ideas and have some incredible photos and documentation to support some new fresh ideas. The downtown core is considered the business card of a city. The more attractive it is…"

"In 2023 my life after council in another jurisdiction allowed me to slow down my private business interests and travel across North America for 275 days. I was able to witness some truly amazing downtown revitalization ideas and have some incredible photos and documentation to support some new fresh ideas. The downtown core is considered the business card of a city. The more attractive it is the stronger the interest level from both travellers and business operators"

"The City is on the right path by increasing housing density in the downtown core. A higher population will support local businesses and cultural events. An active downtown core, with food, entertainment, and other services open after 5 pm is key to improving how people experience downtown."

"Learn from Successful Downtowns. Nanaimo faces many of the same downtown challenges as communities across North America. We should study proven approaches, learn from municipal leaders who have achieved results, and adapt successful ideas to Nanaimo’s needs. By creating conditions in which businesses and residents can thrive, we can attract new investment, activity, and people downtown. Activate…"

"Learn from Successful Downtowns. Nanaimo faces many of the same downtown challenges as communities across North America. We should study proven approaches, learn from municipal leaders who have achieved results, and adapt successful ideas to Nanaimo’s needs. By creating conditions in which businesses and residents can thrive, we can attract new investment, activity, and people downtown. Activate Streets to Improve Safety. A busier downtown, with more people using and informally monitoring public spaces, can help discourage crime and create a safer, more welcoming environment for people of all ages. Use Available Expertise and Resources. Nanaimo can draw on existing knowledge, partnerships, and resources; the City must actively seek them out and put them to work."

"We can not have idle or dilapidated storefronts in prime high visibility areas of downtown. We need a downtown vibrancy stimulus for each business so that they can beautify and protect the first impression people coming to Nanaimo get from our downtown. It has to be clean and safe. Foot traffic has been shown in many studies to be the driver of investment to a city's core. The Jean burns hole in…"

"We can not have idle or dilapidated storefronts in prime high visibility areas of downtown. We need a downtown vibrancy stimulus for each business so that they can beautify and protect the first impression people coming to Nanaimo get from our downtown. It has to be clean and safe. Foot traffic has been shown in many studies to be the driver of investment to a city's core. The Jean burns hole in the middle of downtown has to be transformed into a high density vertical urban farm where we can sample to ourselves and others what the environment of our island can provide if we align the science, the econometrics and the ecological vision in one project with measurable results."

"As a longtime resident and downtown business owner, I have experienced firsthand the challenges our core community faces. Through shared experiences, we can truly understand how to build a better, more inclusive, and supportive community. Economic Stability, Public Safety, Connected Communities, and Preservation & Revitalization are all key pillars of how a successful city should grow. Filling…"

"As a longtime resident and downtown business owner, I have experienced firsthand the challenges our core community faces. Through shared experiences, we can truly understand how to build a better, more inclusive, and supportive community. Economic Stability, Public Safety, Connected Communities, and Preservation & Revitalization are all key pillars of how a successful city should grow. Filling vacant spaces, restoring our history, creating more long and short term leasing options, improving tourism, encouraging sustainable development, protecting green spaces, supporting small businesses, inspiring innovation, and celebrating cultural diversity are just a few of the many things I’m fighting for!"

"Downtown Nanaimo I want to see downtown Nanaimo become a place people choose to spend time in, not simply pass through. The “More for Downtown” conversations are important because downtown isn't just a collection of businesses. It is a neighbourhood, employment centre, cultural district, transportation hub, waterfront gateway and one of Nanaimo's most important economic assets. The City has…"

"Downtown Nanaimo I want to see downtown Nanaimo become a place people choose to spend time in, not simply pass through. The “More for Downtown” conversations are important because downtown isn't just a collection of businesses. It is a neighbourhood, employment centre, cultural district, transportation hub, waterfront gateway and one of Nanaimo's most important economic assets. The City has already identified downtown and the waterfront as strategic priorities, and I think the next step is making sure those investments create a downtown that works for the people who live, work and visit there. My priorities would be: 1. Make downtown clean, safe and welcoming. Public safety and cleanliness are foundational. I support continuing coordinated Community Safety Officer, bylaw, outreach, cleaning and enforcement efforts, while measuring whether those investments are actually improving people's experience. Safety has to include businesses, residents, visitors, vulnerable people and people working downtown. Nanaimo's existing Downtown Safety Action Plan already recognizes the connection between public safety and revitalization. 2. Put local businesses at the centre of revitalization. Empty storefronts don't just represent lost rent. They reduce foot traffic, activity and confidence in an area. I want the City working with downtown businesses, property owners and the BIA to identify barriers to occupancy, support small businesses and entrepreneurs, and make it easier to activate vacant spaces with pop-ups, markets, galleries, studios and other appropriate uses. I also want us to be careful about spending public money without measuring the outcome. Revitalization should have a scoreboard. We should track vacancies, business openings and closures, pedestrian activity, event attendance, cleanliness and public-safety indicators so Council can see what is working. 3. Bring more life to the streets and waterfront. Nanaimo has an extraordinary waterfront. We should connect Commercial Street, the Old City Quarter, Maffeo Sutton Park, the waterfront walkway and surrounding neighbourhoods into a destination people can comfortably explore on foot, by bike, transit and mobility devices. That means better wayfinding, lighting, seating, accessibility, trees and public spaces, alongside programming that brings people downtown throughout the year. Nanaimo's Design Commercial work already envisioned a greener, connected, safe and equitable downtown, and I would continue that work while being disciplined about costs and implementation. 4. Support downtown housing and a genuine mixed-use neighbourhood. A downtown shouldn't empty out when the offices close. More people living downtown can support restaurants, shops, events and transit while making the area feel active at more times of day. I support appropriate residential growth and mixed-use development, including affordable and purpose-built rental housing, while ensuring that infrastructure, accessibility, parking, transportation and public amenities keep pace. 5. Treat culture and events as economic infrastructure. Arts, festivals, music, markets, restaurants and public art aren't just “nice extras.” They give people reasons to visit and return. I want to see more opportunities for local artists, businesses, cultural organizations and event producers to activate downtown spaces, particularly during evenings and the shoulder seasons. 6. Fix the experience of getting around. My background in sustainable city planning and my own experience navigating Nanaimo with accessibility challenges have made me particularly aware that a beautiful streetscape isn't useful if people can't safely get through it. Downtown needs connected sidewalks, accessible crossings, safer cycling connections, reliable transit, appropriate parking management and better connections between the waterfront, Commercial Street, neighbourhoods and the transit hub. Transportation should help people arrive downtown, not create another barrier to spending time there. Finally, I want downtown revitalization to be accountable and financially sustainable. We have a lot of competing infrastructure needs across Nanaimo. I don't want to promise a shiny downtown while ignoring the pipes, roads, sidewalks and public assets underneath it. My vision is a downtown that is clean, safe, accessible, economically active, culturally alive and connected to the waterfront, with more people living, working, shopping and enjoying themselves there. Downtown should feel like the heart of Nanaimo because people are actually using it as one."

"Marnie aims to build a more inclusive, connected, and secure Nanaimo through arts, culture, and social services where every neighbourhood feels supported and heard. Key to this is supporting transportation, recreation and social services. Marnie will focus on rebuilding connection between people and creating more civic pride, so that we all feel like we’re all part of the same community and that…"

"Marnie aims to build a more inclusive, connected, and secure Nanaimo through arts, culture, and social services where every neighbourhood feels supported and heard. Key to this is supporting transportation, recreation and social services. Marnie will focus on rebuilding connection between people and creating more civic pride, so that we all feel like we’re all part of the same community and that we have a role in making it better."

"Climate change will cost us more in the future, if we do nothing about it today. Let's protect our green spaces, build green buildings that include heat pumps, plant more trees (especially fruit and nut trees), start community gardens, and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels."

"Investment in our parks, leisure services and welcoming infrastructure projects should be a focus over the next four years. I believe the City of Nanaimo and council has done a very good job working towards these areas. Continuous improvement is very important"

"Our environmental responsibilities are various and require action on several fronts. One of those areas for action is expanding our parks and natural spaces. Our sense of a home place, many of our recreation activities, our core city services, and those places we seek out healing and calm rely on natural areas. Healthy forested areas, and watersheds support values as diverse as health and…"

"Our environmental responsibilities are various and require action on several fronts. One of those areas for action is expanding our parks and natural spaces. Our sense of a home place, many of our recreation activities, our core city services, and those places we seek out healing and calm rely on natural areas. Healthy forested areas, and watersheds support values as diverse as health and wellness, biodiversity, and storm water retention and attenuation. Even as we grow as a city, we need to ensure that we live in visibly green neighbourhoods in close proximity to natural settings. We can't continue to operate in an ecosystem deficit. Biodiversity is good for sustainable service delivery, community and the bottom line. We can ensure that all development proposals that include environmental Development Permit Areas are not considered through the delegated approval process, thereby allowing council oversight and a conduit for including community concerns in decision making. We need to protect places like the Rock City Wetland."

"Foster accessible, inclusive arts and culture, public spaces and programs Support food security and wellbeing Work for collaborative solutions for primary care, urgent care, mental health, hospital, and support services Nurture neighbourhoods where people can safely access daily needs, enjoy parks and green spaces, and feel connected"

"Local food production is critical for any city, and as our population grows, it is important that we ensure that local food production increases accordingly. With that in mind I will make every effort to work with provincial leaders to allocate the neccessary land to make this goal achievable. Increase the farm land supply in land that surrounds Nanaimo. Work with agriculture groups to support the…"

"Local food production is critical for any city, and as our population grows, it is important that we ensure that local food production increases accordingly. With that in mind I will make every effort to work with provincial leaders to allocate the neccessary land to make this goal achievable. Increase the farm land supply in land that surrounds Nanaimo. Work with agriculture groups to support the development of these designated farmlands. Provide opportunities to locals wishing to farm or ranch on these lands."

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

"One funded wildland fire fuel program, with a published map The wetland protection bylaw finished and passed Tree planting aimed at the least shaded neighbourhoods first There are hundreds of hectares of dry wildland in and around this city, with no real plan to reduce the fuel. Our wildfire plan dates from 2016, written before Lytton burned. The province has replaced that whole generation of…"

"One funded wildland fire fuel program, with a published map The wetland protection bylaw finished and passed Tree planting aimed at the least shaded neighbourhoods first There are hundreds of hectares of dry wildland in and around this city, with no real plan to reduce the fuel. Our wildfire plan dates from 2016, written before Lytton burned. The province has replaced that whole generation of plans. I would bring ours up to today's standard and fund the work with the provincial money that exists for exactly this. In July 2026 the City's own hazard study called extreme heat, drought and wildfire almost certain here and getting worse, with heat dangers growing by as much as 400 per cent. Wetlands and trees are how a city protects its people and property from exactly that. So the wetland bylaw gets finished and passed, community gardens get placed as fire breaks, and tree planting money goes first to the neighbourhoods with the least shade, because heat and smoke hit hardest the people with the least."

"Support arts and cultural activities that are essential in all parts of Nanaimo, especially with a focus on young people who thrive when they can create and express themselves. Create more opportunities for volunteers to contribute to city events, programs and policy work. Create more city-based social programs and events for all ages with an emphasis on community building, and engaging volunteers…"

"Support arts and cultural activities that are essential in all parts of Nanaimo, especially with a focus on young people who thrive when they can create and express themselves. Create more opportunities for volunteers to contribute to city events, programs and policy work. Create more city-based social programs and events for all ages with an emphasis on community building, and engaging volunteers and students to help create the events. Hold more events and activities in the Downtown area, Old City Quarter and Victoria Crescent (like the picnic in the plaza, downtown night market and holiday markets) that bring many people downtown and show off our great business communities. Support similar events in other growing areas of Nanaimo to showcase their regions. More collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce and various business and neighbourhood associations to make these events and programs more affordable."

"Cameron will prioritize sustainable infrastructure to protect our environment and build a healthier Nanaimo for future generations. He will also support incentives for people to grow their own food, strengthening local food security."

"Continue to implement and expand the current city action plans to mitigate the effects of climate change Continue to ensure emergency responders and auxiliary teams are well equipped and prepared for climate-related disasters including wildfires, flash floods and extreme storms. Continue to plan for improved infrastructure for walking and cycling. Continue to expand public transit services in…"

"Continue to implement and expand the current city action plans to mitigate the effects of climate change Continue to ensure emergency responders and auxiliary teams are well equipped and prepared for climate-related disasters including wildfires, flash floods and extreme storms. Continue to plan for improved infrastructure for walking and cycling. Continue to expand public transit services in the city and create a hub and spoke system connecting neighbourhood urban cores with major transit corridors and minor routes with smaller buses connecting outlying areas. Focus on low carbon and zero-emission public transit. Continue to encourage transit use by making it more affordable and expanding the free youth pass system for seniors and people living on fixed low incomes. Continue to work towards zero waste and a circular economy and the goal of 90% diversion of waste from the landfill. Retrofit existing city infrastructure to ensure energy efficiency. Expand energy efficiency programs and incentives for homeowners, rental units and businesses. Protect green space in and around the city including ecologically sensitive areas such as the Nanaimo River, Cable Bay, Linley Valley and Harwood Plains. Protect the quality of life we enjoy and which attracts people and businesses to the region by maintaining the natural infrastructure, and continuing to expand the city’s parks and recreation infrastructure. Work to ensure that a growing population has access to green space and amenities across the city. Continue to support local arts, culture, recreation and sports organizations and expand related facilities.. Maintaining the urban tree canopy to counteract the urban heat island effect, address climate change and protect biodiversity. Continue to increase the city's renewable electricity production by adding solar panels to new civic buildings and during roof replacements. Create additional micro hydro-electric production in our water system and explore the use of geothermal in abandoned mines (similar to the VIU geothermal system). Continue to encourage the introduction of solar systems on private residential, business and industrial properties. Improve local food security by creating the conditions for local urban agriculture to thrive including community gardens and food forests in local parks. Develop One Port Drive to include a mix of business, retail and residential spaces. Work towards a vision of the downtown waterfront section of One Port Drive which includes a public amphitheatre and performance space, a cultural centre with galleries, cafes, restaurants and retail outlets to attract both tourists and residents. Work on extending the waterfront walkway to Departure Bay."

"Learn from Climate-Resilience Research. Universities and insurance companies have conducted extensive research on how climate change affects cities. Dr. Blair Feltmate, of the University of Waterloo, is a leading expert in climate-resilient construction and has worked with municipalities and insurers to develop practical measures that reduce climate-related risks. Turn Expertise into Action.…"

"Learn from Climate-Resilience Research. Universities and insurance companies have conducted extensive research on how climate change affects cities. Dr. Blair Feltmate, of the University of Waterloo, is a leading expert in climate-resilient construction and has worked with municipalities and insurers to develop practical measures that reduce climate-related risks. Turn Expertise into Action. Nanaimo should draw on this research, listen carefully to experts, and apply proven resilience strategies that reflect local needs."

"I oppose the development that is currently proposed at the Rock City wetland. Although the development permit has been approved through delegated authority, significant environmental concerns remain unresolved. The broader groundwater system and seasonal hydrology supporting the wetland has not received sufficient independent review. The building permit has not yet been issued by city staff, and…"

"I oppose the development that is currently proposed at the Rock City wetland. Although the development permit has been approved through delegated authority, significant environmental concerns remain unresolved. The broader groundwater system and seasonal hydrology supporting the wetland has not received sufficient independent review. The building permit has not yet been issued by city staff, and Council has an opportunity to take direct and immediate action following the municipal election this October. The six-storey, 102-unit residential building proposed for 3400 Barrington Road, immediately upslope from a sensitive pine swamp ecosystem in Linley Valley, would require significant blasting and excavation of steep rocky terrain. The site sits directly above a groundwater-fed wetland system, and residents, biologists, and provincial experts are concerned this work could alter the groundwater pathways and seasonal water flow that sustain the wetland ecosystem, impacting birds, insects, and of course, the neighbourhood beavers. The Rock City wetland is cherished by Nanaimo residents for its natural beauty and close connection to the Linley Valley park. Most residents support responsible housing development in appropriate locations, but not at the expense of irreplaceable wetland ecosystems and watershed functions. On municipal planning grounds, the development site itself sits outside the Official Community Plan's growth areas, and lacks close transit access. It is not proximate to the amenities such a development is meant to enable, and these secondary considerations to the environmental case reinforce the case against it."

""Build a city where staying healthy, connected, and represented is the easy choice." Advocate for fair provincial resourcing for our hospital, while backing what's already proven for addiction, mental health, and supportive housing (Road to Recovery, Complex Care Housing) rather than inventing new policy Champion a wellness coordinating table, bringing schools, recreation, food, arts, health and…"

""Build a city where staying healthy, connected, and represented is the easy choice." Advocate for fair provincial resourcing for our hospital, while backing what's already proven for addiction, mental health, and supportive housing (Road to Recovery, Complex Care Housing) rather than inventing new policy Champion a wellness coordinating table, bringing schools, recreation, food, arts, health and climate experts together, with one long-term goal: making Nanaimo the healthiest city in Canada Grow the city's culture grants and champion inclusivity, so a vibrant, diverse Nanaimo is something the city actively builds"

"We don't have to reinvent the wheel. Every city is at risk from climate change. In Japan they use tetrapods to create a barrier against tsunamis. In Saitama, our sister city, they have effectively managed 11x the population of Nanaimo in only 2x the landbase. In Mexico city they use neighborhood community kitchens to enable moms and children to have good cheap meals in a community setting after…"

"We don't have to reinvent the wheel. Every city is at risk from climate change. In Japan they use tetrapods to create a barrier against tsunamis. In Saitama, our sister city, they have effectively managed 11x the population of Nanaimo in only 2x the landbase. In Mexico city they use neighborhood community kitchens to enable moms and children to have good cheap meals in a community setting after school, in the US and cities in Europe food forests and farmers markets help the local economy at the individual and family levels. We need to look for proven models so we can find cost effective solutions we can apply here for the benefit of all. We don't need more Loblaws selling US pesticide laden strawberries at exorbitant prices. We need to help and leverage the knowledge base of our farmers to densify high yield food production and have independence from the global supply chains. We don't need to be a timber yard or export our raw materials. We need to support and foster more of the existing industries on the island that create secondary industry products in order to be sustainable and profitable."

"Advance Nanaimo’s culture of art, entertainment, and sports. Get the Loudon Park Boat House and Community Centre, and the South End Community Centre, built and open."

"Moving forward through the preservation and celebration of local heritage, culture and lands. Preservation and restoration of foundational historic and cultural sites, including fair reviews of the goals and scope of prospective projects. Expand on existing cultural heritage education and related tourism opportunities. Increased support of the Island Corridor Foundation's proposed and current…"

"Moving forward through the preservation and celebration of local heritage, culture and lands. Preservation and restoration of foundational historic and cultural sites, including fair reviews of the goals and scope of prospective projects. Expand on existing cultural heritage education and related tourism opportunities. Increased support of the Island Corridor Foundation's proposed and current development efforts. Protection of invaluable local ecosystems from development; growth cannot come at their cost. A healthy environment is fundamental to all facets of a thriving society, and appreciation of natural spaces must remain an essential part of our culture."

"Protecting green spaces, adapting to climate change, and maintaining parks as public health infrastructure."

"Transparency & Free Expression—Championing open dialogue, transparency, and free expression at council meetings and throughout the city."

"Transparent & Effective Governance—Pushing for a government that prioritizes accountability, transparency, and practical decision-making. Community-Focused Leadership—Ensuring decisions reflect the needs of old, new, and future community members while maintaining a strong connection to Nanaimo’s values."

"I will not conduct business behind closed doors. Everything should be in person, on-camera for the public to see."

"Your voice should matter before the decision is made. Being elected doesn’t automatically earn you the trust of the people you represent. You have to earn it. And one of the ways you earn it is by listening. We all know what it feels like when someone really listens to us. And we all know what it feels like when they don’t. When the decision has already been made. When you’re given a chance to…"

"Your voice should matter before the decision is made. Being elected doesn’t automatically earn you the trust of the people you represent. You have to earn it. And one of the ways you earn it is by listening. We all know what it feels like when someone really listens to us. And we all know what it feels like when they don’t. When the decision has already been made. When you’re given a chance to speak, but you’re not sure anyone is actually hearing you. When consultation feels more like a process than a conversation. That’s not how you build trust. For me, good decisions start with good listening. That means asking the people who will actually be affected. It means being willing to hear things you don’t particularly want to hear. And it means being prepared to change your mind when somebody brings you information you didn’t have. I don’t expect everyone to agree with me. You don’t have to agree with me. I still want to hear from you."

"I think that City council should review Freedom of Information request dispersals of information to make sure that information isn't being unnecessarily redacted. I also believe we should make sure the community voice is heard when decisions about certain industrial activities, like waste to energy incinerators are contemplated for our community. The City could also involve neighbourhood knowledge…"

"I think that City council should review Freedom of Information request dispersals of information to make sure that information isn't being unnecessarily redacted. I also believe we should make sure the community voice is heard when decisions about certain industrial activities, like waste to energy incinerators are contemplated for our community. The City could also involve neighbourhood knowledge when contemplating development proposals especially those in proximity to natural areas and schools. Audited financial statements are available."

"Youth Engagement & Representation—Ensuring young people have a meaningful voice in local decision-making and a direct pathway into civic leadership through initiatives like the Nanaimo Youth Council."

"Encourage transparent decision-making and public reporting to promote trust around taxes, budgets, and decisions Invest responsibly in infrastructure Improve cost and user projections Support improved collaboration with other levels of government"

"Residents deserve a City Council that treats public dollars with the same care and scrutiny as a household budget. I believe in transparent decision‑making, clear communication, and responsible spending. Strengthen financial oversight and reporting Reduce inefficiencies and duplication across departments Ensure tax increases are justified, necessary, and clearly communicated Promote open data…"

"Residents deserve a City Council that treats public dollars with the same care and scrutiny as a household budget. I believe in transparent decision‑making, clear communication, and responsible spending. Strengthen financial oversight and reporting Reduce inefficiencies and duplication across departments Ensure tax increases are justified, necessary, and clearly communicated Promote open data and public access to budget information My background in construction and development fills a critical void in our current city council. Having built roads, homes, recreational facilities, and civil service buildings, I have an in depth understanding of the budget and scheduling associated with these projects. This will provide residents with added reassurance that tax dollars are being used effectively. While our world has evolved and changed significantly with the help of technology, our government systems have failed to keep up with the pace. I believe it's time we change this and give citizens more input on important issues. This is I why I will work with council to develop a citizen input portal that allows all our residents to have more involvement. This portal will include: Polling on all items brought before council. Insight and background on each topic so citizens can better understand what is being considered and why. A suggestion section where citizens can suggest new ideas and initiatives."

"Fiscal Responsibility & Efficient City Operations—Bringing prudence, accountability, and efficiency to city operations and public projects so taxpayers receive real value for their money. Review of External Policy Frameworks—Re-evaluating initiatives such as the doughnut economic model to ensure city operations reflect the real priorities and values of the Nanaimo community."

"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."

"Transparency & Accountability — Ensuring residents have meaningful opportunities to understand and participate in important decisions before they are made. Core Municipal Services First — Prioritizing essential services, infrastructure, and community needs before pursuing projects that do not directly benefit residents. Common-Sense Governance — Bringing practical experience and balanced…"

"Transparency & Accountability — Ensuring residents have meaningful opportunities to understand and participate in important decisions before they are made. Core Municipal Services First — Prioritizing essential services, infrastructure, and community needs before pursuing projects that do not directly benefit residents. Common-Sense Governance — Bringing practical experience and balanced decision-making to council discussions, always considering how policies affect everyday citizens."

"Every election, we’re told City Hall has another new priority. Another strategy. Another consultant. Another study. Another political cause. Meanwhile, the things residents actually expect from local government keep falling behind. People don’t expect City Hall to solve every problem in the world. They expect it to do the job they elected it to do. That means maintaining our roads, investing in…"

"Every election, we’re told City Hall has another new priority. Another strategy. Another consultant. Another study. Another political cause. Meanwhile, the things residents actually expect from local government keep falling behind. People don’t expect City Hall to solve every problem in the world. They expect it to do the job they elected it to do. That means maintaining our roads, investing in critical infrastructure before we need it, supporting public safety, delivering reliable core services, spending tax dollars responsibly, and creating the conditions for good jobs, affordable housing, and a stronger local economy. Local government works best when it focuses on the basics. When City Hall loses sight of those priorities, public confidence suffers. Residents begin to feel that their concerns aren’t being heard and that their tax dollars aren’t being spent where they matter most. It’s time to restore confidence by getting back to what municipal government exists to do. As your Councillor, I will focus on: Building and maintaining the infrastructure our growing city needs. Supporting safer neighbourhoods and stronger communities. Delivering responsible, transparent spending. Cutting unnecessary bureaucracy and improving efficiency. Keeping the focus on residents—not political distractions. Nanaimo has enormous potential. We can build a city that’s more affordable, more prosperous, and better prepared for the future—but only if we focus on the fundamentals first. It’s time to get back to basics. Focus. Prioritize. Deliver."

"Independent Decision-Making—Ensuring council decisions reflect the needs of Nanaimo residents—not external pressures or agendas. Accountability in Spending & Borrowing—Improving transparency in financial decisions, including borrowing practices and long-term budget impacts."

"Trust is not a policy area. It is how I plan to work. A written answer, with reasons, to every advisory committee recommendation. I have watched good ones vanish without one. Let the public vote on part of the building budget. Then publish what got built and what it cost. Documents everyone can read. Plain language summaries of staff reports, agendas that work with a screen reader, and captions on…"

"Trust is not a policy area. It is how I plan to work. A written answer, with reasons, to every advisory committee recommendation. I have watched good ones vanish without one. Let the public vote on part of the building budget. Then publish what got built and what it cost. Documents everyone can read. Plain language summaries of staff reports, agendas that work with a screen reader, and captions on meeting video. Engagement that goes out to community centres and food banks, instead of waiting for people to show up downtown at 7 p.m."

"I strongly believe that the current city Council has done an amazing job over the last eight years. I want to continue to push for accountability and transparency. Council has to be able to defend their decisions and explain why they are the best interest of the general population. Research the new data centre project with an emphasis on noise and water use, and ensure that community members are…"

"I strongly believe that the current city Council has done an amazing job over the last eight years. I want to continue to push for accountability and transparency. Council has to be able to defend their decisions and explain why they are the best interest of the general population. Research the new data centre project with an emphasis on noise and water use, and ensure that community members are aware of all steps of the project. Create more public hearings and discussion forums for the citizens of Nanaimo to have their voices heard and considered in all the big decisions."

"Good governance requires cooperation and respectful dialogue, with residents, city staff, and between council members. I pledge to work respectfully and collaboratively with everyone who is elected to the next council, with all staff members and with all residents of Nanaimo. I pledge to continue to listen to all residents of Nanaimo and carefully consider competing interests in the decision…"

"Good governance requires cooperation and respectful dialogue, with residents, city staff, and between council members. I pledge to work respectfully and collaboratively with everyone who is elected to the next council, with all staff members and with all residents of Nanaimo. I pledge to continue to listen to all residents of Nanaimo and carefully consider competing interests in the decision making process while keeping property taxes reasonable. I will continue to ensure transparency and accountability for both council deliberations and decisions. Adhere to the Local Government Act and the Council Procedure bylaw. Ensure that In-camera discussions are only for matters mandated under the Local Government Act including matters related to land, labour and legal negotiations and that council rises and reports on all in-camera decisions as soon as legally possible. Explore options for participatory budgeting so residents can propose and prioritize the ‘want to have’ projects in the community. Continue to allow residents to make presentations to City Council for residential re-zoning decisions in cases where public hearings have been banned by the provincial government. Use site specific zoning for contentious industrial projects such as data centres and polluting industries such as garbage incinerators to ensure that there is a public process including studies, staff reports, public hearings and a democratic vote by council."

"Open and Transparent Decision-Making. The Community Charter clearly defines a municipality’s duty to conduct public business openly and transparently. Only limited circumstances require Council to make decisions in closed meetings. Clear, Consistent Public Communication. Effective government depends on keeping residents informed about future plans, current challenges, and community successes.…"

"Open and Transparent Decision-Making. The Community Charter clearly defines a municipality’s duty to conduct public business openly and transparently. Only limited circumstances require Council to make decisions in closed meetings. Clear, Consistent Public Communication. Effective government depends on keeping residents informed about future plans, current challenges, and community successes. Because today’s media landscape is fragmented, the City should expand its communication channels by holding public information sessions twice a year and publishing a quarterly newsletter. Accessible Information. The City is responsible for sharing key information regularly in a format that is easy to understand. Residents have busy lives and need communication that is accurate, relevant, and concise."

"I support a fiscally responsible approach to city policy, and I say this with real financial governance experience rather than as a slogan. Every spending decision should be tested against three questions: what public need is being addressed, what is the lifetime cost, and how is success measured? The benefit to the broader community has to warrant the figure spent, as we endeavour to do the…"

"I support a fiscally responsible approach to city policy, and I say this with real financial governance experience rather than as a slogan. Every spending decision should be tested against three questions: what public need is being addressed, what is the lifetime cost, and how is success measured? The benefit to the broader community has to warrant the figure spent, as we endeavour to do the greater amount of good for the greatest number of people. Council should take an active approach to the budget process, working toward a general property tax levy that increases at the level of Statistics Canada national CPI rather than above it. Council should also hold the distinction between critical infrastructure and beautification firmly. Repairing a water main is an obligation to the safety and wellbeing of our residents. A decorative streetscape is an aspiration that can wait until the fiscal position is sufficient to proceed without over-burdening our tax base."

""If City Hall says it will fix something, put a deadline on it and show your work." Publish real turnaround targets for major city processes and report progress on a regular, public schedule Bring transparent budgeting to City Hall Build real public input channels, including youth voice, with a clear process for how input gets used and a stated timeline for a response"

"We need data driven governance for measurable tangible results. Not politically calculated decision making. As someone who has vowed to not serve more than 1 term if elected, I will be free of the burden of thinking of pandering for electoral purposes. Effective fiscally and scientifically literate long term planning with applied econometrics can create predictable measurable results instead of…"

"We need data driven governance for measurable tangible results. Not politically calculated decision making. As someone who has vowed to not serve more than 1 term if elected, I will be free of the burden of thinking of pandering for electoral purposes. Effective fiscally and scientifically literate long term planning with applied econometrics can create predictable measurable results instead of cost overruns and half finished projects. We need change and a faster flow of ideas and actions through city hall."

"Good government is vital. Janice believes in collaborating with fellow council members and supporting city staff to get projects moving — not stalled by politics. Her approach is practical, transparent, and focused on results for Nanaimo residents."

"Responsible management of taxpayer dollars Greater transparency and public accountability Informed public consent before major borrowing decisions Listening to residents and ensuring their voices are heard Practical, common-sense governance focused on real outcomes"

"To me, community means kindness, empathy, compassion, inclusion, transparency, and honesty. It means standing firmly against hate and celebrating the people, cultures, and places that make our community worth fighting for. I will work to bridge gaps, strengthen communication, and ensure every voice has an opportunity to be heard. That starts with making information more accessible in different…"

"To me, community means kindness, empathy, compassion, inclusion, transparency, and honesty. It means standing firmly against hate and celebrating the people, cultures, and places that make our community worth fighting for. I will work to bridge gaps, strengthen communication, and ensure every voice has an opportunity to be heard. That starts with making information more accessible in different languages and creating more opportunities for everyone to participate in important conversations and decisions that shape our community. Transparency means keeping people informed, communicating openly, and being accountable for the decisions we make. I believe residents deserve to understand how decisions are reached, have opportunities to share their perspectives, and know that their concerns are being taken seriously. We can also strengthen our community by celebrating diverse cultures and shared experiences, creating opportunities to come together, learn from one another, and work towards common goals. By fostering open dialogue, mutual respect, and meaningful public participation, we can build a more connected, inclusive, and accountable Nanaimo."

"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…"

"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."

"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."

"Every dollar Council spends belongs to us, Nanaimo residents. Spending it wisely isn't optional — it's the job. Residents deserve to know what Council is doing, why, and how decisions affect them — including the uncomfortable numbers."

"I am a proud member of the Nanaimo Queer community and will always support a diversity of voices, cultures, abilities, and backgrounds. I don't claim to know the ins and outs of what every resident needs, but I'm open to listening and being an advocate. My door is open!"

"In my past there was a solid focus on this for our community beach park with accesibility mats allowing wheelchair access and many upgrades to the downtown core and other areas. Our council liaison at the time did a great job bringing these projects to our attention which is a vital part of the success"

"I think we need to hear the lived experience of our community members facing barriers to buildings, services, and opportunities to better identify where and what the barriers are and effectively remove them throughout our city. These include physical barriers and barriers of prejudice and attitude."

"Accessibility is not a fifth priority. It is the lens over the other four. A crossing built for the person who moves slowest is a safer crossing for everyone on it. A step-free door is what lets somebody stay in the home they already have. A gym with no flight of stairs in front of it is somewhere a doctor can actually send a patient. And people defend the places they have been let into.…"

"Accessibility is not a fifth priority. It is the lens over the other four. A crossing built for the person who moves slowest is a safer crossing for everyone on it. A step-free door is what lets somebody stay in the home they already have. A gym with no flight of stairs in front of it is somewhere a doctor can actually send a patient. And people defend the places they have been let into. Accessibility gets a person through the door. Inclusion is whether they are working there, performing on that stage, or sitting on the committee that decided what the room would look like. Every accessibility audit this city has run looks at a building through the eyes of a visitor. Nobody has looked through the eyes of the person on shift. That is the standard I would hold this city to. Whether the people a decision lands on were in the room when it was made."

"Being visually impaired for the last 8 years, I have had a glimpse into the challenges that people with disabilities face. There are many small and large ways that the city council can help. Ensure that City programs, documents and feedback opportunities are accessible to all residents. Work with advocacy groups and individuals so that I can confidently speak in Council about the range of issues…"

"Being visually impaired for the last 8 years, I have had a glimpse into the challenges that people with disabilities face. There are many small and large ways that the city council can help. Ensure that City programs, documents and feedback opportunities are accessible to all residents. Work with advocacy groups and individuals so that I can confidently speak in Council about the range of issues and needs, and work on solutions that make peoples’ lives easier, safer and more fulfilling. Ensure accessibility for all ages, who have a range of needs."

"Make City Facilities and Services Accessible. Nanaimo’s Accessibility Advisory Committee provides an important foundation, but more work is needed to ensure that parks, buildings, public spaces, and services are inclusive and accessible to everyone. Disabilities take many forms, including those that are not visible, so the City should assess its facilities against clear, comprehensive…"

"Make City Facilities and Services Accessible. Nanaimo’s Accessibility Advisory Committee provides an important foundation, but more work is needed to ensure that parks, buildings, public spaces, and services are inclusive and accessible to everyone. Disabilities take many forms, including those that are not visible, so the City should assess its facilities against clear, comprehensive accessibility standards, not just physical barriers. For example, where hearing-loop systems are appropriate, they should be installed consistently in City buildings. Strengthen Accessibility Through Community Input. I would welcome the opportunity to contribute to the Accessibility Advisory Committee. Continued collaboration is essential to better accommodate residents and visitors with diverse accessibility needs. Lead Through Inclusion. Council must set the standard for an inclusive community. Nanaimo has made meaningful progress as a welcoming city, but continued leadership, awareness, and accountability are necessary to ensure everyone can participate fully in community life."

"Public infrastructure exists to serve the entire population, and this includes people with mobility challenges and other accessibility needs. Infrastructure decisions and investments made today set the path forward, as well as influencing future decisions for decades to come. Nanaimo should ensure that future projects continue to meet the needs of everyone who uses them, not just in the…"

"Public infrastructure exists to serve the entire population, and this includes people with mobility challenges and other accessibility needs. Infrastructure decisions and investments made today set the path forward, as well as influencing future decisions for decades to come. Nanaimo should ensure that future projects continue to meet the needs of everyone who uses them, not just in the immediate vicinity with the minimum standards, but with a vision that incorporates all municipal and regional services together. People with diverse abilities and older adults face higher rates of mobility challenges, and although well-intentioned, active transportation simply does not suit everyone. When faced with limited resources drawn from city taxes, municipal governments need to evaluate a project not only by the individuals who will be able to benefit from it, but also by the people who will be excluded. As we renew urban infrastructure in an environmentally conscious way, the City Council must not overlook the crucial aspect of accessibility that people with diverse abilities and our aging population will require."

"Extremely important. Accessible streets are safer streets by default. Bus stops are a good example. One I can think of is the one by country club. However, that is just me thinking of the top of my head. Its the disability community that has lead the way so that we can identify what we can not see from our non-disabled vantage points. Same with people that have suffered from exclusion and…"

"Extremely important. Accessible streets are safer streets by default. Bus stops are a good example. One I can think of is the one by country club. However, that is just me thinking of the top of my head. Its the disability community that has lead the way so that we can identify what we can not see from our non-disabled vantage points. Same with people that have suffered from exclusion and inequities."

"Improved communication within diverse groups and local connections between people and places. Lead initiatives to connect with underrepresented and marginalized groups, supporting meaningful participation from everyone affected by important issues - no voice above another. Strengthen relationships with local arts and cultural groups to promote diverse opportunities for community engagement.…"

"Improved communication within diverse groups and local connections between people and places. Lead initiatives to connect with underrepresented and marginalized groups, supporting meaningful participation from everyone affected by important issues - no voice above another. Strengthen relationships with local arts and cultural groups to promote diverse opportunities for community engagement. Improved accessibility through continued upgrades to pedestrian, cycling and public transit infrastructure, including expanded transit routes to rural areas. Encourage and support development of urban green spaces and multi-use third spaces based on community input."

"Accessibility is personal for me. After losing much of my vision and becoming physically disabled, I experience our streets, sidewalks, transportation and public spaces differently than I once did. It has shown me how quickly something that looks fine on paper can become a real barrier to participating in community life. That experience has strengthened my belief that accessibility should be built…"

"Accessibility is personal for me. After losing much of my vision and becoming physically disabled, I experience our streets, sidewalks, transportation and public spaces differently than I once did. It has shown me how quickly something that looks fine on paper can become a real barrier to participating in community life. That experience has strengthened my belief that accessibility should be built into every part of Nanaimo's planning, not added afterward. It connects directly to my platform priorities: infrastructure, transportation, housing, downtown revitalization, parks, public safety, climate resilience and responsible spending. Accessible sidewalks and crossings, reliable transportation, usable public facilities, accessible housing and clear City information all contribute to a more connected and independent community. My concrete commitment would be to establish an Accessibility Action Plan with measurable annual targets, including a prioritized inventory of accessibility barriers on City streets and facilities, timelines for addressing them, and public reporting on progress. Major City projects should include an accessibility review at the design stage, with people who have lived experience involved before decisions are finalized. I also want people with disabilities, seniors, youth, Indigenous communities and other residents who experience barriers to have a meaningful voice in decisions that affect them. For me, equity isn't about treating everyone identically. It's about removing unnecessary barriers so more people can participate fully in Nanaimo. My guiding question is simple: Can people actually use what we're building?"

"The federal and provincial governments have failed us here in Nanaimo in multiple ways, particularly when it comes to the promised hospital upgrades, and enough shelter beds (and more medium to long-term supportive housing). I will advocate on behalf of Nanaimo to get the resources that we need to make sure everyone gets the proper healthcare, including mental health supports, as well as a safe…"

"The federal and provincial governments have failed us here in Nanaimo in multiple ways, particularly when it comes to the promised hospital upgrades, and enough shelter beds (and more medium to long-term supportive housing). I will advocate on behalf of Nanaimo to get the resources that we need to make sure everyone gets the proper healthcare, including mental health supports, as well as a safe place to sleep at night."

"Experience in a past council role has its benefits to opening additional doors for all levels of Government to give you a voice. This can’t be a second thought as funding and support to make changes and solidify public safety and wish list projects that cities need assistance with"

"The City needs to work with all levels of government and collectively with other local governments to deliver programs and services to our community. In areas like healthcare and housing this requires active advocacy and lobbying through bodies like the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities and the Union of BC Municipalities."

"Strengthen Regional Coordination. The partnership between the City and the Regional District demonstrates how governments can work effectively together. Decisions made by Regional District board members directly affect Nanaimo residents, particularly through taxation. Respect the Taxpayer. Regardless of which level of government collects or spends public funds, the money comes from the same…"

"Strengthen Regional Coordination. The partnership between the City and the Regional District demonstrates how governments can work effectively together. Decisions made by Regional District board members directly affect Nanaimo residents, particularly through taxation. Respect the Taxpayer. Regardless of which level of government collects or spends public funds, the money comes from the same taxpayer. Elected officials must keep that shared responsibility in mind when making decisions. Build Strong Indigenous Partnerships. As First Nations continue to grow, their governments must be meaningfully included in decisions that affect our communities. The City should work closely with First Nations and with provincial and federal partners on shared priorities. Defend Local Responsibilities. Nanaimo must also advocate firmly when provincial or federal governments shift their responsibilities or costs onto the City."

"Many of Nanaimo’s challenges can only be addressed by working together with the Federal and Provincial governments, the Snuneymuxw nation, community organizations and local stakeholders. My experience has shown me what can be accomplished when people work to forward a common goal."

"We need to stand up for the Nanaimo taxpayers. Specially to the province. The hospital expansion funding being a prime example. NRGH services over 400000 people. Only 120000 have paid for it. The 40-60 ratio for funding has not been a law since 2003 and neither Victoria, Vancouver pay even 30 % of their hospitals. With a budget of 36.8 Billion dollars we have to put massive pressure on the…"

"We need to stand up for the Nanaimo taxpayers. Specially to the province. The hospital expansion funding being a prime example. NRGH services over 400000 people. Only 120000 have paid for it. The 40-60 ratio for funding has not been a law since 2003 and neither Victoria, Vancouver pay even 30 % of their hospitals. With a budget of 36.8 Billion dollars we have to put massive pressure on the provincial governments and our MLAs to get on the priority list and achieve a binding construction date."

"Collaboration is key at every level of government. Building stronger relationships with our municipal neighbours, provincial and federal governments, opens the door to meaningful discussions around shared priorities and long term goals. Through open communication, collaborative planning, and responsible funding, we can work together to move important initiatives forward, such as Island Rail, while…"

"Collaboration is key at every level of government. Building stronger relationships with our municipal neighbours, provincial and federal governments, opens the door to meaningful discussions around shared priorities and long term goals. Through open communication, collaborative planning, and responsible funding, we can work together to move important initiatives forward, such as Island Rail, while ensuring our decisions reflect the needs of our communities and deliver lasting benefits for the region."