Not an official City of Nanaimo website.
Independent community site. Not affiliated with the City or any campaign.
Not an official City of Nanaimo website.
We organize candidates’ public statements under the common issues below so you can compare what they have said on the same topics. The questions describe the scope of each issue; they are not a questionnaire sent to candidates.
How should the school board make decisions, engage the public and account for its work?
Trustees govern Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools as a board. They set the district’s strategic direction, approve budgets and policies, and oversee the superintendent, rather than managing schools day to day.
We ask trustee candidates how the board should make decisions, engage the public and account for its work.
What is your approach to affordability and growth?
Nanaimo has crossed 100,000 residents and continues to grow quickly. Growth brings new homes, jobs and services, but it also puts pressure on housing costs, property taxes and the infrastructure every household relies on.
Council sets the annual budget and property tax rate, decides how growth is paid for, and balances new spending against keeping the city affordable. We ask candidates how they would manage those trade-offs.
How should the City manage its budget and property taxes?
Each year Council adopts a five-year financial plan and sets the property tax rate that pays for policing, fire rescue, roads, parks, recreation and other City services. As costs and the population grow, Council decides how much to spend, what to prioritize and how much to raise taxes.
We ask candidates how they would manage the City's budget and make sure residents get value for their tax dollars.
What role should local government play in health care infrastructure and access?
Health care is funded and delivered by the Province and Island Health, but local government plays a role through land use, advocacy and the Nanaimo Regional Hospital District, which funds a share of hospital capital projects. Access to family doctors and the future of Nanaimo Regional General Hospital are ongoing local concerns.
We ask candidates what role they believe the City should play in improving health care access and facilities in Nanaimo.
What are your priorities for education and schools in Nanaimo?
Public schools in Nanaimo and Ladysmith are governed by the elected Board of Education of School District 68, working within provincial funding and curriculum. Municipal decisions on growth, transportation and land also affect schools and families.
We ask candidates about their priorities for education and schools in Nanaimo.
What is your approach to school district funding and budgets?
School districts are funded mainly by the Province. The Board of Education decides how that funding is allocated among schools, programs, staff and services, and must pass a balanced budget each year.
We ask trustee candidates about their approach to district funding and budgets.
How should the city plan land use, density, and infrastructure for growth?
How and where Nanaimo grows is shaped by the Official Community Plan, zoning bylaws and Council’s decisions on development applications. These choices affect housing supply, neighbourhood character, the environment, and the cost of roads, water and sewer services.
We ask candidates how they would plan for land use, density and infrastructure as the city grows.
What is your approach to safety and culture in schools?
Students learn best in schools where they feel safe and respected, and staff need safe workplaces. District policies, codes of conduct and school culture all shape that environment.
We ask trustee candidates about their approach to safety and culture in schools.
What are your priorities for transit and transportation in Nanaimo?
How people move around Nanaimo, whether by car, bus, bike or on foot, is shaped by the City’s transportation planning and by the Regional District of Nanaimo, which runs local transit with BC Transit. Growth is increasing demand on roads and transit alike.
We ask candidates about their priorities for transit, roads and active transportation.
What should local government do to improve housing affordability and availability?
Housing costs in Nanaimo have risen faster than incomes, and the City’s Housing Needs Report estimates thousands of new homes are needed over the next decade, many of them non-market. The City influences housing through zoning, approvals, fees and partnerships with other governments and non-profits.
We ask candidates what local government should do to improve the availability and affordability of housing.
What should the district do to recruit and retain teachers and support staff?
Schools depend on teachers, education assistants, support staff and administrators. Recruiting and keeping qualified staff affects class support, programs and services across the district.
We ask trustee candidates what the district should do to recruit and retain staff.
What is your approach to homelessness, mental health and addictions?
Homelessness, mental health and substance use are among the most visible challenges in Nanaimo. Services are largely funded by the Province and Island Health, while the City plays a role through land use, coordination with partners, bylaw enforcement and advocacy.
We ask candidates how local government should respond to homelessness, mental health and addictions.
How should schools support the wellbeing of students and staff?
The mental and physical wellbeing of students and staff affects learning, attendance and working conditions. Districts provide counselling, food programs and other supports, often in partnership with health and community organizations.
We ask trustee candidates how schools should support student and staff wellbeing.
How should local government support jobs, businesses, and economic development?
Nanaimo’s economy spans health care, education, the port, trades, tourism, technology and small business. The City and its economic development partners work to attract investment, support local businesses and help residents find good jobs.
We ask candidates how local government should support jobs, businesses and economic development.
What are your priorities for childcare and families?
Access to affordable childcare affects families, employers and the local economy. Local governments help through zoning, space and partnerships, while funding is largely provincial and federal. Programs and spaces for children and youth also shape family life in the city.
We ask candidates about their priorities for childcare and support for families.
What is your approach to public safety?
Public safety is one of the City’s largest budget areas, covering policing through the Nanaimo RCMP, fire rescue, bylaw services and community safety officers. It also connects to prevention, social supports and how the City works with health and housing partners.
We ask candidates about their approach to public safety.
How should the district support students with diverse learning needs?
Many students have disabilities or diverse learning needs and rely on education assistants, inclusion support teachers and specialists. How these supports are resourced is a significant district decision.
We ask trustee candidates how the district should support students with diverse learning needs.
What are your priorities for downtown Nanaimo?
Downtown Nanaimo is the city's historic centre and the gateway from the harbour, with shops, restaurants, arts venues, offices and a growing number of residents. It also faces vacant storefronts, concerns about safety and cleanliness, and the visible effects of homelessness and addiction.
We ask candidates what they would do to support a vibrant, welcoming downtown and the neighbourhoods around it.
How should local government strengthen community resilience and sustainability?
Nanaimo faces hotter, drier summers, wetter winters, wildfire smoke and rising sea levels. The City’s climate, parks, water and emergency planning shape how well the community can adapt, alongside the green spaces, recreation and culture that support everyday wellbeing.
We ask candidates how they would prepare Nanaimo for environmental and climate risks and strengthen community resilience.
What is your approach to Indigenous education and reconciliation in schools?
Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools is located on the traditional territories of the Snuneymuxw, Snaw-Naw-As and Stz’uminus First Nations. The district supports Indigenous students and brings Indigenous knowledge and perspectives into schools.
We ask trustee candidates about their approach to Indigenous education and reconciliation.
What is your approach to transparency, accountability and public participation?
Council makes decisions on behalf of residents, sets the budget, and oversees how the City is run. How Council conducts meetings, engages the public and accounts for spending shapes public trust in local government.
We ask candidates how Council should make decisions, involve residents and manage public money.
How should the district plan for school facilities and changing enrolment?
After years of decline, enrolment in Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools is growing. The district’s Long Range Facilities Plan guides decisions on school capacity, new and aging buildings, and catchment areas.
We ask trustee candidates how the district should plan for school facilities and changing enrolment.
What is your approach to accessibility, equity and inclusion in Nanaimo?
City facilities, streets, services and information need to work for people of all ages and abilities. The City’s Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusiveness advises Council on removing barriers, and City Plan serves as the City’s accessibility and inclusion plan.
We ask candidates about their approach to accessibility, equity and inclusion in Nanaimo.
How should local government work with other governments on shared priorities and funding?
Many local issues depend on cooperation with other governments and public bodies, including the Regional District of Nanaimo, neighbouring municipalities, Island Health and the Nanaimo Port Authority. Council members also sit on regional boards that decide on transit, water and hospital funding.
We ask candidates how the City should work with its regional and intergovernmental partners.
What, if anything, would you change about how the City works with Snuneymuxw First Nation and other Indigenous governments?
Nanaimo is located on the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. The City and Snuneymuxw renewed a Protocol Agreement in 2019 that sets out a government-to-government relationship, including collaboration on land use decisions that affect Snuneymuxw interests and treaty rights.
We ask candidates how they would approach the City’s relationship with Snuneymuxw First Nation and other Indigenous governments.
What priorities would you advance with provincial and federal governments?
Many of the issues residents raise, including health care, housing funding, treatment and justice, are provincial or federal responsibilities. Council can advocate to senior governments, apply for grants and partner on funding.
We ask candidates how the City should advocate to the Province and federal government on behalf of Nanaimo.
Official details come from the City of Nanaimo. Check their site for last-minute changes.
Saturday, 17 October, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
Nanaimo uses a vote-anywhere system, so you can vote at any City voting location. The Protection Island Fire Hall is open 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Advance voting is at Beban Park Social Centre, 2300 Bowen Road, on Wednesday, 7 October and Wednesday, 14 October, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
Apply to vote by mail by 4 p.m. on Friday, 16 October. Completed ballots must reach the Chief Election Officer by 8 p.m. on Saturday, 17 October.
For eligibility, registration or mail ballots, contact the City's Legislative Services Office (Elections).
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