Bill McKay
Candidate for Councillor
Who they are
Bill McKay has lived in Nanaimo for more than 20 years. Before entering politics he worked as a tugboat captain, then as manager of operations and personnel for the Ministry of Transportation and for Nanaimo Harbour Link Corp., and later managed SignAge, a local display business. He was first elected to council in 2011 and served as mayor from 2014 to 2018. He is vice-president of the Nanaimo Disability Resource Centre board and has held leadership roles with Royal Canadian Legion Branch 256.[Bill McKay campaign] (opens in a new tab)
- None (independent)
- Mayor of Nanaimo, 2014–2018; Nanaimo City Councillor, 2011–2014[Bill McKay campaign] (opens in a new tab)
- mckayforcouncil.ca (opens in a new tab)
What they say they want to do
Housing
“Support low-cost, income-tested affordable housing options for seniors and veterans.”
Bill McKay campaign website: Bill's Priorities (opens in a new tab)“Work with provincial and federal governments to develop practical, creative responses to homelessness.”
Bill McKay campaign website: Bill's Priorities (opens in a new tab)
Taxes and spending
“Keep taxes fair and reasonable, based on the needs of the community and the priorities of residents.”
Bill McKay campaign website: Bill's Priorities (opens in a new tab)“Explore practical opportunities for the City of Nanaimo to generate new revenue, including options such as water-system power generation, sponsorships, and limited land development.”
Bill McKay campaign website: Bill's Priorities (opens in a new tab)
Health care
“Support a catheterization(cath) lab so patients with heart issues can receive timely treatment closer to home. Nanaimo is the only city of its size without this much-needed critical service.”
Bill McKay campaign website: Bill's Priorities (opens in a new tab)“Advocate for a Community Medical Clinic, similar to other models in communities on Vancouver Island, such as Colwood, Esquimalt, and most recently Qualicum Beach.”
Bill McKay campaign website: Bill's Priorities (opens in a new tab)
Economy and business
“Investment goes where it is welcome. We need to reduce barriers to investment in the City of Nanaimo.”
Bill McKay campaign website: Bill's Priorities (opens in a new tab)
Accountable government
“City Council works best when councillors listen carefully, ask important questions, collaborate respectfully, and avoid political party-style block voting.”
Bill McKay campaign website: Bill McKay for Nanaimo City Council (opens in a new tab)“Improve communication with the residents of Nanaimo on the achievable strategic objectives during this four-year term of City Council.”
Bill McKay campaign website: Bill's Priorities (opens in a new tab)
Downtown
“Work with provincial and federal partners to secure funding to expand Nanaimo’s waterfront walkway for residents, visitors, local businesses, and tourism.”
Bill McKay campaign website: Bill's Priorities (opens in a new tab)
Growth and infrastructure
“Continue with on-going infrastructure renewal.”
Bill McKay campaign website: Bill's Priorities (opens in a new tab)
Quotes are the candidate’s own words, copied exactly from the linked source. Issue headings do not necessarily reflect the weight a candidate applies to it within their overall platform.