Nanaimo & Parksville Mayors encouraged by incoming central Island MLAs

“Candidly, this mayor will be holding them to account on the issue of the hospital tower and the need for a cath lab. There is no question that the hospital tower remains a huge priority.”

Needs for improved primary healthcare services at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, amplified by the organization Faircare Alliance, became a focal point of the two main party leaders during the month-long campaign.

Both NDP Leader David Eby and the BC Conservatives’ John Rustad both promised a new patient tower and cardiac catherization services at NRGH if elected.

With Ladysmith Oceanside and Nanaimo Lantzville widely viewed as battleground ridings, Krog was pleased to see the importance of the Harbour City politically resonating on the provincial stage.

“I thought it bodes well for us getting what we need and deserve from the provincial government,” Krog told NanaimoNewsNOW.

He believes Anderson, a lawyer born and raised in Nanaimo who previously served locally on City Council, is well equipped to be responsive to the community’s needs.

“I think the fact that George is a true native son of Nanaimo and passionate about the city is good news for us in terms of the level of advocacy that I expect he will bring. And I believe, fair to say, people expect him to bring a strong level of advocacy on behalf of his city.”

Stephanie Higginson, who resides in Cedar, is also a first-time MLA who’ll represent Ladysmith Oceanside on behalf of the NDP.

Higginson is familiar with the area, having been a former two-time Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools trustee and past president of the BC School Trustees’ Association.

Parksville Mayor Doug O’Brien said he’s pointed out areas of priority to Higginson in previous meetings.

“My initial read on Stephanie is she has a lot going for her as far as communication and collaboration,” O’Brien said. “I’m looking forward to the next while, we’ve got two more years on our term so we’ve got to get busy real quick.”

A recent severe water shortage impacting the City of Parksville is the latest example the community needs improved potable water sustainability, O’Brien said.

He said results of a pending comprehensive water study will help Parksville lobby for senior government funding to secure additional water reservoir and storage capacity.

“That study will be coming up well within our term here. That’s going to be one of our big advocacy pushes that we’re going to be working on to get something in place to increase our water.”

Mayor O’Brien reiterated Krog’s position that a patient tower and cardiac catherization lab at NRGH are top primary health priorities for Parksville citizens.

With the likelihood of an NDP-led government back in power, O’Brien sees the familiarity benefiting the people of Parksville and the Oceanside region.

“I think it’s going to be a really good fit,” O’Brien said.

Join the conversation. Submit your letter to NanaimoNewsNOW and be included on The Water Cooler, our letters to the editor feature.

Ian.holmes@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes

by Ian Holmes

Nanaimo & Parksville Mayors encouraged by incoming central Island MLAs

More Local News