Green, sustainable future the focus for Nanaimo Mayoral candidate

“I believe that I can steer Nanaimo into a green era of sustainability. Nanaimo is very far behind in green ecology. For instance, look at all these buildings [in the downtown], all flat roofs-and there’s not a single garden. We’re an island, we need to work towards having food sustainability.”

Brunie said she’s extremely passionate about environmental protection and preservation.

She said she would look to ensure every housing development contained a rooftop garden, an initiative she said could contribute to increased food security for the city and surrounding areas.

A Nanaimo resident for the past 30 years, Brunie ran for Mayor in 2022, finishing 4th with 3.87 per cent of the vote, and in 2014, where she placed 7th with 3.2 per cent.

She also ran for Council in 2008, 2011 and 2018, but was never elected.

Her focus this election cycle is to create community connections, opting to forego a large number of signs in favour of buttons, to try and strike up more conversations with people.

“I give a button to an individual person, I say hello, I get their name, and we have a communication instead of just a blank sign on the street. I really like that because I can consult with people and they talk to me, and it’s really interesting.”

If elected, she would look to continue the theme of increased community discussion.

“I’d like to see more big meetings where people could come, maybe we could have a potluck, and we can talk…and to be able to express our opinions and ideas. I’d like to see more of that.”

She’d also look to push for more action toward housing affordability, as well as increased supports for those living on the street, including the establishment of dedicated campsite spaces to provide an element of stability.

The 84-year-old said age is not a factor for her, stating she “can do everything now that I did when I was 35.”

Brunie said she spent her career in real estate, a self-described “first home specialist,” but has also worked as a dance instructor and clothing designer throughout her life.

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by Alex Rawnsley

Green, sustainable future the focus for Nanaimo Mayoral candidate

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