Matthew Miller

“We need a Council that is committed to building affordable housing on city-owned land, in areas that have already been designated for high density. This will allow residents to access the amenities, public transportation, and employment opportunities that they rely on. That access is the standard of living we aspire to provide to everyone who calls Nanaimo home.”

“Responsible development with reduced permitting delays will require an investment in the city staff who ultimately perform the administrative work to move housing projects forward.”

“Council should take an active approach to the budget process, working toward a general property tax levy that increases at the level of Statistics Canada national CPI rather than above it.”

“Council should also hold the distinction between critical infrastructure and beautification firmly. Repairing a water main is an obligation to the safety and wellbeing of our residents. A decorative streetscape is an aspiration that can wait until the fiscal position is sufficient to proceed without over-burdening our tax base.”

“Study and implement a municipally run primary care clinic based on the Colwood Clinic model.”

“Advocate for the construction of a cardiac catheterization lab at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital within three years, and a new patient tower to follow.”

“The Port of Nanaimo and the industrial economy are the region's other structural assets. The Duke Point terminal expansion, the deep-water access, the freight capacity, and the industrial land at the Wellcox rail yard together form the base of the regional economy. Restoration of the E&N corridor, with the potential for a Wellcox to Duke Point freight spur, is the infrastructure project that will anchor the next decade of industrial activity to our city.”

“A public transit system that works for youth, seniors, and families.”

“I support the removal of pay parking from city streets in the downtown core and around the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. Much of the revenue is consumed by the outsourced contract that enforces the bylaw and through the cost of maintaining the meters and signage. It not only discourages downtown patronage to our local businesses, but it adds an ongoing cost to patients and their families arriving for their appointments.”

“Flexible childcare hours, seven days a week, open to everyone.”