WAKE UP NANAIMO

Nanaimo Votes 2026

Your City. Your Taxes. Your Say.

The next Nanaimo municipal election will not simply be about campaign signs, slogans, personalities, or promises.

It will be about the future direction of this city.

Over the past several years, Nanaimo taxpayers have seen sharp tax increases, rising public safety concerns, major capital spending, expanding staff costs, and a growing sense that ordinary citizens are being asked to pay more while having less real influence over the decisions being made at City Hall.

That is why Voice of Nanaimo is changing gears this election year.

Our purpose is simple:

Educate. Motivate. Inspire to Participate.

An informed electorate is the foundation of a healthy democracy. Voters should not wake up only when the tax bill arrives. They should know what is happening before decisions are made, before borrowing is approved, before reserves are built, before land is sold, before major projects run over budget, and before election day arrives.

Leading up to the 2026 election, VON will be digging into the issues that matter most to Nanaimo taxpayers.

Issues VON Will Be Covering

Property tax increases and whether taxpayers are receiving better core services in return.
The hospital tax and NRHD reserve issue, including why taxpayers are being asked to pay more now for projects that remain uncertain, delayed, or not fully funded.
Core services versus political priorities, including whether City Hall is focused enough on roads, water, sewer, policing, fire protection, parks, infrastructure, and public safety.
The need for a serious Core Services Review, asking what City Hall should be doing, what it should stop doing, and what taxpayers can realistically afford.
City staffing costs, wages, benefits, and pensions, including whether public-sector compensation growth is sustainable for private-sector taxpayers.
Fire department expansion, including whether large staffing increases are clearly supported by call-volume data and demonstrated public need.
Public safety spending versus public safety results, especially where taxpayers are paying more while disorder, addiction, crime concerns, and emergency calls continue.
Homelessness, addiction, and social disorder, including the real cost to taxpayers and whether current policies are producing measurable results.
Municipal housing programs and subsidies, asking whether local taxpayers should be funding responsibilities that properly belong to senior governments.
Major capital projects and cost overruns, including whether taxpayers are getting full transparency on project costs, risks, and long-term liabilities.
Borrowing and debt, including whether the public is being properly informed before major financial commitments are made.
Alternative Approval Processes, asking whether they are being used in a way that is legal but not truly democratic.
Parkland, land sales, and public assets, including whether public property is being protected, properly valued, and handled transparently.
Consultant-driven government, including how much is spent on outside reports and whether those reports produce real results.
Doughnut Economics and abstract planning frameworks, asking whether ideology has replaced practical, financially disciplined governance.
Council transparency and public input, including limits on delegations, speaking time, public recording, and citizen participation.
The relationship between council, staff, and unions, asking whether elected officials are truly directing City Hall or simply approving what the system places in front of them.
Councillor compensation and accountability, including what taxpayers are paying for and what level of work, attendance, and public responsiveness should be expected.
Candidate promises versus voting records, comparing what politicians say during campaigns with how they actually vote once in office.
Low voter turnout and civic apathy, because Nanaimo cannot afford another election where major decisions are shaped by a small, engaged minority while most citizens stay home.

This Is Not About Personal Attacks

VON’s focus is not on attacking individuals.

It is about examining decisions, policies, spending, priorities, and accountability.

Public officials make public decisions using public money. Those decisions deserve public scrutiny.

That is not hostility. That is democracy.

The Central Question

This election year, VON will keep coming back to one basic question:

Is Nanaimo being governed for the citizens who pay the bills — or for the system that spends the money?

That question deserves to be asked clearly, repeatedly, and publicly.

Because this election is too important to leave to politicians alone.

It belongs to the citizens.

And it is time for Nanaimo to wake up.

VOICE of NANAIMO