Reporting on Nanaimo’s economic recovery or rental affordability — you decide

Now that The Discourse Nanaimo is official, reporter Julie Chadwick is ready to investigate a new investigative series for early 2021. We’ve gathered more than 100 responses to our local news survey, and narrowed the list down to two top stories. Which of these two topics do you want stories about? Nanaimo economic recovery or rental affordability? Click here to vote now on our Mentimeter poll by Dec. 20.

Nanaimo Economic Recovery

Nanaimo has grown faster than the provincial capital. Every year, about 3,000 new residents make their home here. What are the homegrown opportunities and barriers to economic success in the region? How are small businesses in the city faring as we recover from COVID-19?  Who is doing well and who is losing out? What can we do to make Nanaimo’s recovery more equitable?

Rental Affordability

Since our series on homelessness, we’ve been hearing from renters that are struggling to make ends meet. In 2019, average rent increased by eight per cent in Nanaimo, compared to just three per cent in Victoria. How is this affecting people? What happened to pandemic supports to cover rent? What’s it like for those living on disability and income supports? How are people finding creative ways to remain housed, like RVs and tiny homes, and what else can be done to help the situation?

Now, it’s back over to you. Nanaimo economic recovery of rental affordability? Vote for the story you’d like us to dig into using this Mentimeter poll. [end]

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