Council approves 2016-2019 Strategic Plan Update

Summary

Nanaimo City Council has approved an update to its Strategic Plan. Work began in early 2016 by identifying proposed capital projects followed by a review of Council's vision, values and priorities. The process of reviewing the plan concluded in July when members of the public were invited to share comments and ask questions during an eTown Hall event.

The updated plan builds on the foundation established in the previous 2012-2015 document. The original vision and four community values (Economic Health, Environmental Responsibility, Social Equity and Cultural Vitality) were retained while a fifth value, Active Lifestyle, was added. Also added were five defined Council priority areas: Phased Development of the South Downtown Waterfront; Recreation, Culture, Sports and Tourism; Public Safety; Governance Renewal; and Community Wellness. Finally, the updated plan includes five capital projects and two initiatives selected from a list containing 46 possibilities.

  • 1 Port Drive/South Downtown Waterfront
  • Beban Park Facilities Redevelopment /Master Plan
  • Sports and Entertainment Centre
  • Waterfront Walkway
  • Georgia Avenue pedestrian/cycling bridge over the Chase River
  • An affordable housing initiative
  • A property acquisition initiative

Link to Strategic Plan: Taking responsibility to be an excellent municipal government.

Key Points

  • The previous Strategic Plan expired at the end of 2015. By building on the foundation and public input contained in the 2012-2015 document, the updated plan (originally presented to Council as a draft on June 27) will guide Council's strategic decision-making through the remainder of their term.
  • The chosen five priority projects and two initiatives represent areas of interest where there is agreement amongst Council. These projects and initiatives do not preclude Council's consideration of other interests which align with the priorities and values identified in the Strategic Plan Update.
  • The five capital projects chosen by Council are supported by existing reports, neighbourhood plans and - in some cases - completed community engagement.
  • As a next step, staff will now develop budget alignment strategies and accountability mechanisms as part of the 2017 budget cycle to ensure adequate resourcing and follow-through on the priorities, projects and initiatives identified in the plan.

Quotes

"I look forward to further development of plans, specifically with the identified capital projects and initiatives within the updated Strategic Plan. Staff's forthcoming review of the financial impacts of the identified projects will provide Council with the specifics to fully engage our citizens in the months ahead. I am eager to have a fulsome conversation on Council's Strategic Plan and priorities by whatever means possible in an effort to engage as many people as possible."

Mayor
City of Nanaimo

"It has been a lengthy process, but I am very pleased that Council has now approved our Strategic Plan Update. This document, which incorporates feedback from Nanaimo citizens, confirms our community values of economic health, environmental responsibility, social equity, cultural vitality, and active lifestyle. The plan is also an important vision statement that identifies key capital projects and initiatives that Council sees as priorities during the years ahead."

Councillor
City of Nanaimo

Quick Facts

  • The City of Nanaimo's July 25 eTown Hall provided Council with nearly 150 questions and comments concerning the Strategic Plan Update. Based on this feedback, revisons were made which included references to food security, parks accessibility and space for recreation, sport and culture.
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Contact:

Philip Cooper
Communication Manager
City of Nanaimo
250-755-4532

Print News Release

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