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Protection Island resident and Nanaimo Mayoral candidate Agnes Provost is entering the race with fresh ideas and both ears open. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)
By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff
mayoral candidate

First-time Nanaimo Mayoral candidate looking to ‘give hope to the city’

Sep 9, 2022 | 1:26 PM

NANAIMO — A newer resident of the region, who makes her home on Protection Island, is running to be Nanaimo’s next Mayor.

Agnes Provost moved to the West Coast from Ontario three years ago and has been passionate about local issues and prosperity of the city ever since.

She told NanaimoNewsNOW her main concern is community safety as she sees first hand the struggles of local residents and businesses. She believes it starts with proper mental health for those marginalized in the community.

“Part of this is empowering to know their gifts and to be able to want to do what they love to do. That’s going to coincide with the safety aspect because if there’s people who are getting better and they’re empowering themselves, they’re not going to be on the streets.”

Mental health and empowerment are central figures of Provost’s candidacy.

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She was inspired to run after completing a course with Nanaimo Foodshare called Cultivating Abilities. It led to the creation of an art business, Dabbling with Denny, but instructors told her to think bigger.

Now the 35-year-old is one of five candidates running for the City’s top elected office.

Since announcing her run, Provost has been learning whenever she can.

“I’m attending rallies by the people, I’m calling people, I’m emailing people, I’m asking them ‘tell me your story, tell me what you think, how would this work?’ I’m trying to problem solve before I become Mayor.”

She’s heard loud and clear the feeling of safety is missing.

“Safety goes with wellness. We have to take care of the people that are here, it’s really important. I want to be positive about it, I want to give people hope and that’s the beginning is trying to give hope to the City and bring the spirit up.”

Provost said she wants to take a good look at City financial documents to determine why tax rates continue to increase year over year.

She’s also investing considerable time looking over the new City Plan, which amalgamates directions from different departments at City Hall for what Nanaimo will look like over the next 25 years.

As of publishing time, five candidates have announced their intention to seek election for Mayor of Nanaimo in October.

Leonard Krog held a public event in late August, while NanaimoNewsNOW has published a feature on Brunie Brunie, and Tasha Brown on Thursday, Sep. 8. We have contacted Tim Dorman and will profile him and other candidates at the earliest possible opportunity.

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by NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

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