One-term Parksville councillor believes he can make greater impact as mayor

“I did not have the level of experience that I now have prior to 2022 when I ran for local government, and I’ve learned a lot and I’ve gone out of my way to do a lot of that learning,” Grenz told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Grenz said he’s gained a clear idea of what issues Parksville is facing.

He called finding and funding an additional water source Parksville’s undisputed top priority.

Calling relationship-building a key strength of his, Grenz said his leadership abilities align well with securing senior government grants to advance Parksville’s interests.

Grenz served with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, an advocacy body which promotes local government issues and priorities in Ottawa.

Meeting with federal ministers, and in one case a senator, illuminated to Grenz the power of building and leveraging relationships.

“That’s been an additional learning experience over the last four years that’s really shaped my understanding of what local government can do and how local government can work in a collaborative way with provincial and federal counterparts.”

Standing up for Parksville’s interests will go a long way in creating a brighter future for the city, Grenz emphasized.

As for local priorities beyond securing additional water supply, Grenz said expanded recreational amenities, improved connectivity between the Community Park and downtown, as well as continued efforts to strengthen downtown Parksville are on his list.

Helping to foster an environment to allow for additional family physicians was also mentioned by Grenz as a priority.

Additionally, Grenz wants to tap into the wealth of available local intellectual capital, including a population of retirees who can provide their expertise on a range of issues.

“I’d love to see us make better use of that knowledge and that capability. I’d love to see a more connective city hall. I’ll look to be more proactive in reaching out to the community as mayor.”

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by Ian Holmes

One-term Parksville councillor believes he can make greater impact as mayor

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