Residents quizzed Nanaimo byelection candidates on issues from rezoning in Linley Valley to south-end amenities and facilitating a more respectful council during an all-candidates meeting Tuesday.
More than 300 people turned out to the meeting at Beban Park, hosted by the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce. It was the last forum for the public to meet candidates and hear their platforms before advance voting began Wednesday.
Voters could meet candidates, who had set up tables, before the political hopefuls took their seats for a more formal question-and-answer period. Eleven council hopefuls participated in the event. Candidates Kelly Whiteside and Neil Saunders were not in attendance.
Kim Smythe, president and chief executive officer of the chamber of commerce, said he thought the event went well.
“I hope what [people] got out of it was enough information where they could shortlist and not be in a quandary like ‘they all sound the same to me,’ or ‘I’m voting because I recognize that name,'” he said.
Candidates were asked questions collected by the community before and during the event.
Noah Routley, asked about how he would facilitate a more respectful, responsible council if elected, said as a school trustee he’s had three years of discord within the board and hasn’t been caught up in it.
“The reason why is I speak to the issue and I don’t speak to the other person’s intent and I stand up for Robert’s Rules of Order and I call other people on their disrespect,” he said.
Al Thompson said he gives respect to everybody and demands he gets respect back. When city councillors go to work, they are on the clock and do work; they don’t fight or argue, he said.
“If you want to fight and argue, plain and simple, go down to the Queen’s afterwards, get drunk and kick the [expletive] out of each other; it doesn’t matter. When you’re on the job, you do the damn job,” he said.
Candidates were also asked if they would support improvements to busing, a sidewalk on Maki Road, an outreach library and recreation centre, from a resident who lives in south Nanaimo.
Alexis Taylor Middleton said “yes, yes, absolutely.
“I believe in the neighbourhood plan and a big part of that is involving and making sure that the residents have what they need and if the need involves facilities for seniors then by golly, let’s make it happen,” she said.
On rezoning of a Linley Valley property, Brunie Brunie said she stood in front of a bulldozer in Linley Valley and she will do it again.
“There’s vegetation growing there that is unrecorded. It could be a place where scientists of the world could come. All the birds in Canada over-winter there. Please, please do not destroy this precious place,” she said, with cheers from the crowd.
Kevin Cantelon said the AR2 land – proposed for rezoning – has been put into the urban reserve.
“Under the official community plan, land that is put into that land reserve is not supposed to be taken out of the urban reserve until there is a neighbourhood or area plan in place. There is not a neighbourhood plan in place for Linley Valley,” he said.
Kevin Storrie pledged to vote against the rezoning if elected.
Voting day is July 8.
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