Steven Johns

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

• 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.