A strong business sector will expand and foster the economic growth needed to keep taxes down and will assist with instilling a strong sense of community.

Homelessness in Nanaimo is a very important issue and these are the 5 points I will follow if elected to address homelessness in Nanaimo.

1. INCREASING THE SUPPLY OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING
2. ESTABLISHING A SINGLE POINT OF ENTRY FOR ACCESS TO HOUSING
3. IMMEDIATE HOUSING STABILITY
4. COLLABORATION WITH OTHER GOVERNMENT LEVELS AND COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS
5. COMPASSIONATE MANAGEMENT OF THE ISSUE

I will work towards INCREASING THE SUPPLY of housing by: Streamlining approvals and updating policies to prioritize the construction of permanent supportive housing, emergency shelters and affordable multi-family units.

Incentivizing Affordable Housing through a reduction in development fees and fast-tracking permits for non-profit and public housing projects. I will work towards structuring a SINGLE POINT OF ENTRY for all local services. This will assist with ensuring that individuals are matched to the appropriate housing for them. Priority of services should be based on vulnerability.

I will promote the implementation of person-specific databases to track exactly who is experiencing homelessness, their specific needs, and their movement through the system towards being housed.

I will support IMMEDIATE HOUSING STABILITY that doesn’t require sobriety or employment prerequisites. Nanaimo should partner with agencies to place individuals directly into permanent housing first, with access to medical, mental health, and other social supports.

I will use Nanaimo’s political influence to bring together local groups to COLLABORATE SERVICES & MAXIMIZE FUNDING from the Federal and Provincial governments to fund capital projects.

And finally, as these items are being addressed, I support COMPASSIONATE MANAGEMENT of the issue which includes providing basic dignified infrastructure, such as public restrooms, waste management, and clean water stations, to secure public health for unsheltered residents and their adjacent neighborhoods while long-term housing is built.

Nanaimo needs increased safety for transportation users, including designated lanes for different modes of transportation, advocacy for the implementation of Province wide regulations and increased enforcement by Police.