Know Your Vote: Wants vs needs as Nanaimo community amenities meet core infrastructure

Editor’s note: Candidate responses included in this article are taken directly from their Know Your Vote survey submissions. Not all candidates will appear in each story, however NanaimoNewsNOW will endeavour to provide fair and equal representation of candidates across this series.

“One of the main concerns I hear from young people is a lack of Third Spaces,” Malcolm Cooke said, the lone candidate to ‘strongly agree’ with the statement. “Places outside of home and work where people can gather for activities. I believe more effort should be put in to create Third Spaces.”

“Recreation centres and other free and accessible third spaces aren’t optional for a vibrant and healthy community – they’re essential parts of the social infrastructure that makes a city worth living in,” Meg Fyfe Watkins said.

“This conversation has come up a lot, and I think it’s important that we keep it going as we look at Nanaimo’s priorities,” Marnie Boers added.

Those against prioritizing community amenities said infrastructure and community safety, of all kinds, are what needs to be focused on.

“You have to do it all,” incumbent Janice Perrino said in disagreement. “However, making sure our infrastructure is safe, and working well has to come first but you also need to make sure the pools are safe for families, the recreation centres are doing what they need to do to keep the doors open and their customers are happy. You have to balance all amenities and infrastructure at the same time.”

“These facilities are VERY expensive and must be carefully planned,” Bill McKay added.

Most of those in the middle said both categories are equally as important and must be approached in similar fashions.

“The real test is not which category wins, it is applying the same scope-and-cost discipline to all of them given how much construction costs have already escalated, and recognizing that intangible benefits, community wellbeing, civic pride, quality of life, come from a well maintained road and a scenic waterfront just as much as from a new rec centre, not exclusively from one category over another,” Zaki Mohammed said.

“Each project needs to be looked at and then prioritized,” incumbent Sheryl Armstrong added. “We have to ensure our road services stay in good shape or it will cost a lot of money to improve at a later date.”

“I would not rank these categories against each other in the abstract,” incumbent Ben Geselbracht said. “My test is what delivers the greatest benefit to the most people within time and budget, shaped by real public input. Our City Plan lists the community’s priorities, staff maintain 5, 10 and 20-year capital plans, and council adjusts the order every year as needs change.”

“Everything in balance, taking into account funding sources, benefits, safety and needs,” Andrew Merilees responded.

In recent years, considerable ground has been gained in finally developing a south end community centre, with the purchase of land in Chase River in 2025.

Nearly three quarters of candidates believe development of the facility should meaningfully proceed with construction as soon as possible, with only eight per cent disagreeing and the remaining 19 percent neutral.

“I am told by long-time residents of Chase River and Cinnabar Valley, where I also grew up, that the South End Community Centre was promised by the City of Nanaimo in 1975 when the community of Chase River amalgamated with the City of Nanaimo,” Cameron Leckenby said in strong agreement.

“The south end has waited a long time for a community centre, and I believe it’s an important investment in youth, seniors, families, and community connection,” Angela Hope Waldick said. Recreation spaces give people places to be active, build relationships, and strengthen neighbourhoods. At the same time, I want the project to move forward responsibly.”

“The south end development should certainly proceed,” Ryan Djakovic said. “But we should consider turning the current dump into parkland and finding a more suitable area for the dump. This will improve property values in the development and increase revenue for the city as a result.”

“Moving quickly makes sense, but committing to construction before knowing the full price could conflict with fiscal responsibility,” Max MacKay said.

Those who remained neutral said funding is a big question mark.

“A review of the cost and the increase to taxpayers must be explored,” Sandy Bartlett said. “Alternative methods to fund the build could be reviewed I would look at selling some of the city owned assets including land holdings.”

“A south end community centre has real merit, but timing should reflect community need, a responsible funding plan and the City’s other critical infrastructure priorities,” Patrick Gunville said.

“As much as I love the idea of this, I consider it a want more than a need and would like to see some of the serious deficiencies cleared up before allocating $millions to this,” Mayoral candidate Anne Marie Dryden stated. “An important issue to south enders is having an alternate route out of Cinnabar in case of emergencies.”

Three candidates disagreed, again citing price as a major issue.

“Depending on size. If it is the size of Oliver Woods and comes at a similar price tag the yes,” Jeff Annesley said. If it is the proposed $150-200 million project it must have voter assent through referendum.”

“I still believe that all ideas and suggestions should be considered but thought out for the plan to be succesfull,” Shane Crawley said.

“Share the space with Chase river elementary school,” Holden Southward added, as the long candidate in strong disagreement.

Forty-two per cent of candidates disagreed a new ice surface, arena or pool facility should be a high priority project, with a further 44 per cent neutral in their views.

While community connection projects, such as the proposed Departure Bay walkway, drew even less support with almost half in disagreement on whether they should be considered with equal importance to critical infrastructure.

Twenty-eight per cent of candidates agreed, while a quarter were neutral.

Find your candidate match. Take our new Know Your Vote survey and find which candidates agree most with you on key issues in the City of Nanaimo.

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by Alex Rawnsley

Know Your Vote: Wants vs needs as Nanaimo community amenities meet core infrastructure

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