PRIORITIES
1. Homes People Can Afford
Nelson needs affordable, non-market and supportive housing, & stronger protections for renters. I will advocate for stronger provincial rent controls, while exploring municipal tax incentives for property owners who commit to providing verified, long-term affordable rental units.
I will also support using suitable City-owned land for housing, reducing barriers for nonprofit housing providers and pursuing practical, compassionate, & preventative solutions to homelessness.
Nelson 2050 sets important goals for 2040, including a 3% rental vacancy rate, a substantial reduction in the affordable-housing waitlist and no more than 5% of households experiencing core housing need. Reaching those goals will require focused action, meaningful partnerships and the political will to treat housing as a human right.
2. Food-Secure, Resilient Neighbourhoods
Access to healthy food is essential to a strong, resilient community. I will support local food production, community gardens on suitable underused land, edible landscaping, local procurement and practical support for people who want to grow food.
Food security must also be part of Nelson’s emergency planning. Wildfires, extreme weather, supply disruptions and rising food costs have shown how important strong local food systems are to community resilience.
3. Climate Preparedness That Protects People
Climate action should improve people’s lives and help keep our community safe. I will prioritize practical preparedness for wildfires, extreme heat and smoke, alongside emergency food systems, a healthy urban forest and resilient municipal infrastructure.
Climate policy should help residents, neighbourhoods, and organizations prepare for the changing conditions we are already experiencing.
4. Reliable Services, Less Waste, & wildlife protection
Reducing waste, protecting wildlife and providing reliable garbage collection are not competing goals. We can improve all three through thoughtful service delivery, public education and clear communication.
Residents deserve municipal services that are dependable, responsive and suited to the realities of life in Nelson. I support weekly garbage collection during the peak summer months, when heat intensifies odours and makes longer collection intervals particularly difficult, alongside better organics participation and stronger waste-diversion education and outreach.
Reducing wildlife attractants and increasing waste collection during the summer will also help protect Nelson’s wildlife – particularly our local bear population – by reducing opportunities for animals to access residential garbage. Responsible waste management is an important part of keeping both residents and wildlife safe.
5. A Nelson Everyone Can Participate In
A vibrant community is one where everyone has somewhere to go, a way to get there, an opportunity to belong and a strong local economy in which businesses and residents can thrive together.
Nelson should be a city where people of all ages, incomes and abilities can participate fully in community life.
I support reliable public transit, walkable neighbourhoods, thriving local businesses, more physically accessible and welcoming public spaces, affordable arts and cultural opportunities, dedicated spaces for youth and seniors, and accessible, free public “third spaces” where people can gather, connect and build community.
Reconciliation in Every Area of City Work
Nelson 2050 calls for formal consultation and partnership agreements with the Sinixt, Syilx and Ktunaxa by 2030. I will support the City in approaching this work with accountability and a commitment to lasting relationships.
Reconciliation must be woven through every priority, not treated as a separate or symbolic promise.
I am committed to respectful, ongoing relationships with the Sinixt, Syilx and Ktunaxa peoples, as well as Métis and other Indigenous communities, and to supporting meaningful Indigenous participation in decisions affecting land, housing, food systems, climate resilience and public life.