As the candidate who received the highest number of valid votes for the Office of the Mayor, Krog, Leonard Eugene has been officially elected.

The following candidates, who received the highest number of valid votes for the Office of Councillor, are also officially elected:

• Geselbracht, Ben
• Manly, Paul
• Eastmure, Hilary
• Armstrong, Sheryl
• Coutu, Andréa
• Hemmens, Erin Colleen
• Boers, Marnie
• Thorpe, Ian

A summary of votes cast in the 2026 General Local Election is available at www.nanaimo.ca/elections.

The City will welcome its newly elected Mayor and Council during the Inaugural Council Meeting on Monday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m., held in the Vancouver Island Conference Centre, 80 Commercial Street, and available via livestream. For more information on upcoming Council meetings and the view the inaugural meeting online, visit the Council Meetings Calendar, Documents and Videos page on the City website.

City staff will now begin developing a comprehensive operating agreement that will be cost-neutral to the City while supporting continued public access to indoor tennis in Nanaimo.

The Westwood Tennis Club will cease operations on Nov. 1, 2026 and the City is scheduled to take ownership of the property on Dec.18, 2026. During the period between the Club's closure and the City's acquisition of the property, the tennis bubble and outdoor courts will not be available for public, member or any use. This transition period will allow the current owners to complete their move from the property before ownership transfers to the City.

Public access to the tennis bubble would resume once the City and a non-profit operator have an approved agreement in place, and the facility is ready for operation. City staff hope to have an agreement in place as soon as possible following the City taking over the property.

Council's direction is for the non-profit operator to be responsible for the facility's ongoing operating, maintenance and capital costs, and for provisions requiring a portion of court time to be available for public booking to ensure the facility provides broader community access.

The City announced the purchase of the 2.85-acre (1.15-hectare) parcel at 2367 Arbot Road on Sept. 16, 2026, with the intention of expanding access to Westwood Lake Park and creating new opportunities for recreation, public access and future community amenities. The City plans to engage the community on potential future uses of the property and how it may best be integrated into Westwood Lake Park.

• Ben Geselbracht (12,399 votes)
• Paul Manly (12,052 votes)
• Hilary Eastmure (10,660 votes)
• Sheryl Armstrong (9,368 votes)
• Andréa Coutu (8,160 votes)
• Erin Colleen Hemmens (8,090 votes)
• Marnie Boers (7,873 votes)
• Ian Thorpe (7,654 votes)

The official results will be declared by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 21 when the count is finalized. To see complete preliminary results, please visit www.nanaimo.ca/elections.

Registered Voyent Alert! users will receive a test notification by text message, phone call, email or app notification, depending on their selected preferences. The alert will state: "This is a TEST of the City of Nanaimo's emergency alert system. This is ONLY a TEST. If this had been an actual emergency or threat, you would now see or hear instructions that would assist you to protect you and your family. This is ONLY a TEST, NO ACTION IS REQUIRED."

Voyent Alert! allows the City to send notifications ranging from a single city block to the entire community. Residents can register multiple locations and, if they enable GPS-based notifications, receive alerts based on their current location. GPS information is only used to deliver alerts and is not stored by the system.

In the event of an emergency, notifications will provide essential information about the incident and any actions required, such as evacuating, sheltering in place, locking down or avoiding the area.

Residents who have already downloaded the Voyent Alert! app are encouraged to ensure notifications are enabled and that the app has not been offloaded or placed in sleep mode by their device. An instructional video is available in the online version of this release. For more information on using the app, visit Voyent Alert's community support page.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to sign up for Voyent Alert! free of charge. Visit www.nanaimo.ca/goto/alerts for more details and to download the Voyent Alert! app from GooglePlay or the Apple App Store.

On General Election Day, eligible electors can vote at any of these voting locations, open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.:

• Beban Park Social Centre, 2300 Bowen Road
• Brechin Elementary School, 510 Millstone Avenue
• Chase River Elementary School, 1503 Cranberry Avenue
• City of Nanaimo Service and Resource Centre, 411 Dunsmuir Street
• Dover Bay Secondary School, 6135 McGirr Road
• John Barsby Secondary School, 550 Seventh Street
• Nanaimo District Secondary School, 355 Wakesiah Avenue
• Protection Island Fire Hall, 26 Pirates Lane (10 a.m. to 6 p.m. only)
• Randerson Ridge Elementary School, 6021 Nelson Road
• Uplands Park Elementary School, 3821 Stronach Drive
• Wellington Secondary School, 3135 Mexicana Road

Preliminary results of the election will be announced after 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17 and posted on the City's website. Official results will be announced on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

For more information on the election, please visit www.nanaimo.ca/elections.

The community building has been designed to provide a balance of community amenities and spaces that support flatwater training, while ensuring the broader project delivers meaningful improvements for all park users. The building is designed to meet the Rick Hansen Foundation Gold Accessibility Certification standard.

The broader park improvements will be delivered through a phased approach, with construction of the new facility occurring first, followed by the landscape and recreational improvements. Opportunities for community engagement on Landscape components will continue. Current plans for the lanscape improvements include:

• Accessible pathways and trails
• An expanded beach area
• A new playground
• Picnic shelter and gathering spaces
• Additional seating areas
• Outdoor shower facilities
• Bicycle parking and storage
• Park signage and wayfinding
• Site lighting and safety improvements

In response to community feedback received throughout the planning process, the City has incorporated several key priorities identified by community members and key interest groups into the final design. To address requests for greater accessibility and ease of movement throughout the park, the design includes an accessible connection from the parking area to park amenities and the future building, helping ensure people of all ages and abilities can comfortably access and enjoy the site.

Feedback also highlighted the importance of protecting Loudon Park’s natural character, and the design reflects this by preserving and enhancing the natural features that residents value most while introducing improvements that fit within the existing landscape. Public art will be integrated throughout the site and future building.

Reaching this stage represents an important step forward for the Loudon Park improvement project and builds on the planning and engagement completed to date. As implementation moves ahead, the City will continue to share information with the community about upcoming work and what park users can expect during construction. More information about the Loudon Park Improvements project, including project updates and construction timelines, will be available as the project progresses.

The project is budgeted at $11.9 million with $4.3 million of that coming from the Community Works Fund, a stream of the Build Community Strong Fund.

For more information on the project, visit the Loudon Park Project Page.

Key Points

• Design work for the new community building is complete and the project is moving toward construction.
• Community feedback helped shape the final design key improvements, including accessibility upgrades, better lake access, new amenities and protection of the park’s natural character.
• Planned park additions include new accessible washrooms, a new dock, beach restoration and expansion, new playground, picnic shelter, bookable community space, boat storage and public art throughout the site.
• $11.9 million has been allocated for the Loudon Park Improvements project with $4.3 million of that coming from the Community Works Fund. The total amount does not include the land acquisition cost of $2.2 million.

Quick Facts

• The existing dwellings within the park will be removed in 2026.
• Construction of the new facility is expected to begin in spring 2027 and be completed in early 2028. Remaining park improvements are anticipated to be completed by late 2028.

On General Voting Day, Oct. 17, eligible electors can vote at any of these voting locations, open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.:

• Beban Park Social Centre, 2300 Bowen Road
• Brechin Elementary School, 510 Millstone Avenue
• Chase River Elementary School, 1503 Cranberry Avenue
• City of Nanaimo Service and Resource Centre, 411 Dunsmuir Street
• Dover Bay Secondary School, 6135 McGirr Road
• John Barsby Secondary School, 550 Seventh Street
• Nanaimo District Secondary School, 355 Wakesiah Avenue
• Protection Island Fire Hall, 26 Pirates Lane (10:00 am to 6:00 pm only)
• Randerson Ridge Elementary School, 6021 Nelson Road
• Uplands Park Elementary School, 3821 Stronach Drive
• Wellington Secondary School, 3135 Mexicana Road

To help voters find the most convenient polling place, the City has launched an interactive voting map available here.

For election information, voting requirements, candidate information and the interactive voting map, visit City of Nanaimo's elections webpage.

During the summer, the City of Nanaimo completed significant work throughout the facility, including the installation of a new interactive and accessible water feature, replacement of essential heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, renovations to the Guest Services area and new public art additions.

A major focus on the improvements were for a new interactive water feature replacing the former fishing troller which was removed due to its age and condition. Designed with accessibility and fun in mind, the new feature includes spray hoses, a large tipping water bucket, a small slide and interactive water-play components for a range of abilities.

Visitors returning to NAC will also see a refreshed Guest Services area. The renovated space features an accessible, modern, efficient design that will help staff serve visitors while creating a welcoming new look for the facility lobby.

There are two new art features in the NAC: Noel Brown, a local Snuneymuxw artist, added salmon themed public art to glass in the lobby area and Nanaimo artist, Laura Timmermans, has created a new large-scale artwork mural located in the pool area inspired by Vancouver Island’s coastal waters, marine life and natural environment. Using colour, movement, pattern and layers of detail, the artwork celebrates the connection between the community and the surrounding coastal environment. Designed to be welcoming and engaging for visitors of all ages, the artwork also includes an interactive element where visitors can look for ten hidden creatures.

Work also included the replacement of two large mechanical units responsible for heating, cooling and controlling humidity in the pool area. The new equipment will improve the City's ability to control air temperature and humidity creating a more comfortable environment for swimmers, spectators and staff. The HVAC improvements will also help reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions at the facility. NAC is currently the City's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and accounts for approximately 32 percent of the natural gas used across City facilities. The new equipment is expected to reduce energy consumption and help lower long-term operating costs.

The overall Nanaimo Aquatic Centre upgrade project has a budget of $13.7 million. The project is being funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program Clean BC Communites Fund for $3.9 million.

For more information on the project, visit the NAC Upgrades Project page on the City website.

Commissioned through the City’s Urban Design Roster program, the artwork aligns with the City’s commitment to working with Snuneymuxw artists within Snuneymuxw territory, and encouraging public art that supports reconciliation. The project contributes to ongoing efforts to foster a deeper understanding of Snuneymuxw culture.

Noel Brown is a master carver and member of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. His work has contributed significantly to the visibility of Snuneymuxw culture in public spaces throughout Nanaimo, including the Welcome Poles at Maffeo Sutton Park and Fire Station 1. Each year, he also designs the artwork featured on the City’s orange shirts honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The artwork was recognized at a community gathering held as part of the City’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation observances. The event highlighted the important role public art can play in fostering reflection and dialogue, while recognizing the lasting contributions of Snuneymuxw artists in the community.

More information on the city’s Public Art programs can be found on the City’s website.

On General Voting Day, Oct. 17, eligible electors can vote at any of these voting locations, open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.:

• Beban Park Social Centre, 2300 Bowen Road
• Brechin Elementary School, 510 Millstone Avenue
• Chase River Elementary School, 1503 Cranberry Avenue
• City of Nanaimo Service and Resource Centre, 411 Dunsmuir Street
• Dover Bay Secondary School, 6135 McGirr Road
• John Barsby Secondary School, 550 Seventh Street
• Nanaimo District Secondary School, 355 Wakesiah Avenue
• Protection Island Fire Hall, 26 Pirates Lane (10:00 am to 6:00 pm only)
• Randerson Ridge Elementary School, 6021 Nelson Road
• Uplands Park Elementary School, 3821 Stronach Drive
• Wellington Secondary School, 3135 Mexicana Road

For more information on the election, please visit www.nanaimo.ca/elections

During the convention, Nanaimo City Council and senior staff met with provincial leaders to advance the City's priorities, advocate for increased support and investment, and discuss solutions to some of Nanaimo's most pressing challenges.

At this year's convention Council met with Premier Eby, the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, the Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, the Minister of Infrastructure, the Minister of Health, the Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Mental Health and Addictions.

Key priorities discussed during the meetings included:

• Continued provincial partnership and support to address Nanaimo's interconnected housing, health and social challenges.
• Sustained provincial grant programs that help local governments fund critical infrastructure and capital projects.
• Stronger measures to address repeat offending and reduce pressures on local resources and frontline services.
• Clear timelines and funding commitments for a new patient tower and cardiac catheterization lab at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, as well as a replacement building for Nanaimo District Secondary School.
• Provincial support to address the ongoing impacts of historic mine voids through risk mitigation and remediation programs.
• Expanded treatment and recovery options, improved access to care, and practical solutions to address mental health and substance use challenges while reducing impacts on neighbourhoods and businesses.

During the convention, local governments come together to debate and vote on resolutions which were previously endorsed by Councils or Regional Boards. The resolutions sessions provide an opportunity for local governments from across the province to express concerns, share their experiences and take a united position.

A resolution put forward by Nanaimo calling on the provincial and federal governments to ban raw log and lumber cant exports from British Columbia, ensuring locally harvested timber is processed within the province to support forestry jobs, value-added manufacturing and a stable fibre supply for BC mills, was endorsed. Also endorsed was a resolution calling on the Province to update the BC Motor Vehicle Act and associated regulations and design standards to align with modern active transportation best practices, while consulting municipalities to ensure local transportation needs and challenges are reflected in the changes.

"The challenges facing Nanaimo are complex and require strong partnerships across all levels of government," said Mayor Leonard Krog, "UBCM provides an important opportunity to bring Nanaimo's priorities directly to provincial decision-makers. From public safety and health care to housing, infrastructure and economic development, Council was united in advocating for the investments and policy changes our community needs to succeed."

The day will offer opportunities for community members of all ages to gather, reflect and connect through recreation, wellness and community activities.

A central part of the day will take place at Deverill Square Park (located at 200 Irwin Street) beginning at 9:30 a.m. with a Traditional Blessing by Snuneymuxw Elder Lolly Good with words to honour those lost and those who survived the impacts of Residential Schools. It will also include the unveiling of commemorative artwork by Snuneymuxw artist, Noel Brown.

Following the unveiling, free community activities will continue at the park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with sport-themed inflatables, field games, kinder-friendly toys and activities, interactive community stations and food trucks.

All activities are free, including swimming and weight room access at Beban Pool and skating at Frank Crane Arena from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

T-shirts featuring artwork by Noel Brown will also be available for purchase for $14 while supplies last at recreation centres, including at Beban Park during the swims and skates occuring on Sept. 30.

The theme, "Wellness Unites: A Community Event for Health and Reconciliation", recognizes the role that connection, movement and community can play in supporting individual and collective well-being while creating space for learning, reflection and reconciliation.

Residents are encouraged to take part in the activities that are meaningful to them and come together as a community on this important day.

For more information: Visit the City of Nanaimo’s Special Events with Parks, Recreation and Culture webpage [https://www.nanaimo.ca/parks-recreation-culture/parks-events/special-events-with-parks--recreation-and-culture.]

The toolkit provides a centralized resource to help organizers navigate the event planning process, from initial concept through to event delivery. It includes information on permits and approvals, booking public spaces, safety requirements, accessibility considerations, operational planning, event timelines and key City contacts.

As Nanaimo continues to grow and evolve, community events play an important role in activating public spaces, supporting local businesses, celebrating culture and bringing people together. The new toolkit is intended to make the event planning process more accessible, transparent and efficient, helping organizers create safe, inclusive and memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike.

To view and download the tool kit, visit the City's website.

This mobile-friendly tour invites residents and visitors to experience Snuneymuxw art while learning about the artists, the stories behind each piece, and the land. An interactive map guides participants to public artworks, where photos, videos, and stories offer opportunities to engage more deeply with each piece. Sensory stops along suggested routes encourage participants to slow down, connect with the land, and develop a deeper understanding of the natural world and our relationship to it.

The tour’s name, SNUNEYMUXW ‘imush tu hulitum (Walk of Life), is an invitation to move through Snuneymuxw territory while experiencing Snuneymuxw art. Guided by the theme ‘alhut tu xe’xe’ tumuxw – Honouring the Land, the tour is an immersive experience that encourages learning, and introduces another way to connect with Snuneymuxw art, knowledge, and the land.

The tour can be experienced online or in-person, providing participants the opportunity to explore the artwork at their own pace. Visitors can use their mobile device to engage with artworks while travelling between locations or experience the collection virtually from anywhere. This flexible format makes the tour accessible to a wide range of audiences.

The project was developed in partnership between Snuneymuxw First Nation and the City of Nanaimo, bringing together public art, digital storytelling and place-based learning to create an ongoing resource for residents and visitors.

The SNUNEYMUXW ‘imush tu hulitum (Walk of Life) Public Art Tour is now available online and is free to access through the City's website.

The property directly adjoins Westwood Lake Park in Nanaimo's South Jingle Pot area. The site is fronted by the popular Westwood Lake Loop Trail providing easy access to the lake, swimming areas, local trail systems and the broader Mount Benson trail network. The acquisition represents a significant investment in one of Nanaimo's most well-loved park destinations and supports future opportunities to enhance recreational experiences for residents and visitors alike.

The property was the location of the Westwood Lake Tennis Club. The Club will cease operations on Nov. 1, 2026 after which the tennis bubble will be removed. The City will assume ownership of the property on Dec. 18 and anticipates opening the site to the public shortly thereafter. The City will not operate the space as a tennis club. Once opened, it is anticipated that the outdoor tennis courts will be open for public use.

The site currently features landscaped grounds, outdoor tennis courts, walkways and gravel parking areas. It also features buildings that have the potential to be re-purposed for community use. As part of the park expansion, the City sees opportunities to improve access to Westwood Lake park while providing additional active and passive recreation amenities, bookable community gathering space, recreation programming opportunities and expanded parking.

In the near term, the City plans to make several immediate improvements, including new signage, enhanced entrance features and access upgrades. Longer term, a comprehensive planning process will be undertaken to determine how the site can best be integrated into Westwood Lake Park and serve the needs of the community. Community engagement will be a key component of the planning process helping to shape future uses of the property and explore opportunities for community access to existing facilities.