2018-2022
Term Accomplishments
A Term in Summary; examples of initiatives that were accomplished during my 2018-2022 term organized under the main pillars of my 2018 election platform.
Restore a well-functioning city government
Re-structured city senior management to improve efficiency and leadership
Re-structured committees and pioneered Governance and Priorities Committee to improve dialogue on strategic issues and enhance decision making
Re-established community tables of collaboration including: Protocol working group with Snuneymuwx First Nation, Tripartite working group with SFN and Nanaimo Port Authority, The Committee on Environment, the Community Accessibility and Inclusivity Committee, The Mayors Leaders Table, The Downtown Business Improvement Association, Tourism Nanaimo, The Health and Housing Systems Planning organisation and the Nanaimo Prosperity Agency.
Provided reliable city services throughout the Covid-19 epidemic
Restored a positive reputation of our city government amongst our provincial and national peer municipalities.
Created a building permit fast track program for tenant upgrades
Completed and new updated City Official Community Plan, that saw a record level of public engagement and pioneered an approach that integrated all other city planning documents into one cohesive plan to ensure a more co-ordinated implementation.
Strengthening Community
Investment in sport and recreational upgrades and amenities; Serauxman Stadium upgrade, Mary Davidson Bike Park and secured funding for new multiuse field at John Barsby.
Completion of the Number 1 firehall that will serve as a main emergency response center in the event of a major natural disaster
Created process to formally recognize Neighborhood associations and established a fund to support association operations and activities
Secured a 20% increase in service hours to our transit system and established inter-regional bus connections to Ladysmith and route to the Nanaimo Airport
Increased investment in much needed pedestrian safety upgrades and active transportation routes
Purchased the 5-acre urban farm to ensure that this agriculturally and historically significant piece of land will continue to be an asset for the community
Expanded city parkland, connecting Westwood Lake Park to Mount Benson Regional Park.
Secured MOU with BC housing to Build over 300 units of supportive housing for homeless
Enhanced community rent supplement program
Created a Community Safety Officer program as part of a downtown safety plan
Provided funding to support the very successful Chamber of Commerce downtown evening market
Continued funding for downtown arts festivals and events
Ensure a Healthy Environment
Set in motion a plan to develop a multi-location Nanaimo River Park System
Strengthened resourcing and updated the Regional District Drinking Water and Watershed Protection Program to better protect, manage and restore watershed ecosystems and aquifers and better prepare for climate change impacts
Established Environmental Protection and Climate action as a central pillar of the city of Nanaimo’s Official Community plan and committed to achieving international climate targets through transportation, building and waste management policies.
Accelerated adoption of step code for building energy efficiency and developing a policy for prioritizing low-carbon energy systems in new builds
Established a New Environmental Sustainability Section in the Development services department and created a position for a Manager of Environmental Sustainability
Adopted two important bylaws to support mandatory source separation of recyclables and organic materials from waste stream for all waste generators in the city (still waiting for provincial approval)
Approved and committed a budget for a region wide hazardous materials drop off program
Strengthened the Watercourse Development Approval process to ensure a net gain of habitat when developing in watercourse setbacks and to ensure wildlife habitat and hydrological impacts are mitigated when considering development.
Set in motion the development of a City of Nanaimo Circular Economy Strategy
Lobbied the provincial government through UBCM to develop a Circular Economy Strategy and a year later they announced they are embarking on a Circular economy strategy
Created a Community Watercourse Restoration grant stream
Created a Regional District Corporate Carbon Neutral 2032 plan to eliminate emissions from Facilities, Services, Fleet and mobile services
Participated on Steering committee that created an RDN Climate action plan that will: ensure water supply resiliency through a Natural Asset management Plan; ensure RDN policies support climate appropriate Development; will Increase support for home energy adaptation/retrofits
Participated on Steering Committee that developed Regional District Parks and Trails Plan that increased emphasis on park acquisitions for conservation purposes
Established a Sustainable procurement program to ensure that the millions of purchases made by the municipality and regional district stay more local and are environmentally responsible
Grow a strong and Diverse local Economy
Re-established a community economic development function through creation of the Nanaimo Prosperity Agency
Created a building permit fast-track program for tenant improvements
Created a Financing plan for the regional district portion of Nanaimo Hospital expansion which includes new patient tower, cancer treatment and improved cardiac services. Also established a detailed provincial advocacy strategy to secure provincial portion of the hospital upgrades
Continued funding for Arts and Culture and completed upgrades to facilities such as the OV Theater
Made strategic purchase of Jean Burns site to move forward redevelopment of this important downtown corner to improve commerce in downtown
Created a downtown re-development strategy to improve access and economic activity in downtown core