One of my key priorities in 2018 was to work with a new Council that would restore good governance and build relationships with all our stakeholders, such as VIU, the Port Authority, Chamber of Commerce and many other community organizations. I am very proud to say that our relationship was restored with the Snuneymuxw First Nations, and their flag was once again raised at City Hall. A new Protocol Agreement was signed and we now meet monthly.

Over the decades I have lived in Nanaimo a focus has always been Food Security for many citizens in our City that need a hand up. I am pleased to say that Council did purchase one of the last five acre farms in the City, operated by Food Share that provides education, an opportunity for those with challenging learning abilities to experience farming and providing healthy food choices to the Good Food Box and Loaves and Fishes ( our food bank ) The City also purchased land for Loaves and Fishes to use for a new warehouse that is badly needed.

I want to see more affordable housing, prefer rent to income housing – for seniors, those on disability and the working poor. At Council we have been advocating hard, for various forms of housing, on top of supportive housing when is being built now, with one building completed with full wrap around services on Nicol Street.

I was particularly pleased with the Advisory Committee for Accessibility and Inclusiveness that brought about improvements such as the Bowen Park Trail, that has access for all mobility plus is lighted now in the evening, the mobility mats to Departure Bay beach so more people can access the water, and a far simpler and less intrusive application now for all people on low income to enjoy our recreational services.

The Age-Friendly City Plan was developed by the Nanaimo Seniors Task Force and adopted by our City in 2019.  

 We had the additional challenge of a pandemic and the planning of our new Official Community Plan – ReImagine Nanaimo. For two and a half years we worked with thousands of citizens, who contributed to the plan with surveys, workshops, zoom meetings and more. This plan now incorporates all the previous city plans into one document. Our five goals are to be green, connected, healthy, empowered and prosperous. I have always worked through the lens that environmental and social responsibility go hand in hand with a healthy economy and a thriving liveable city.

We are the fifth fastest growing municipality in all of Canada. How we grow and build our city for future generations will take critical thinking and decision making. I hope I can count on your support!