Where Nanaimo candidates stand on development near Cable Bay Trail

Leading up to the 2026 municipal election in Nanaimo, The Discourse surveyed readers to learn what they wanted to know from candidates running for council and mayor.

The top issues that readers said are on their mind this election season are: homelessness and social supports, environment, healthcare and local infrastructure.

Based on your feedback, we sent five reader questions to Nanaimo city council and mayoral candidates about the top issues you identified. Many readers also wanted to know more about candidate track records and values, not just talking points, with some folks submitting questions to help indicate how much candidates actually know about their municipal roles and responsibilities.

Responses are listed with mayoral candidates first, followed by council candidates, each in alphabetical order by last name, and have been lightly edited for length, clarity and fact-checking.

Editor’s note: Incumbent candidates pointed out this question is difficult to answer. Under B.C. law, council members are required to approach rezoning applications with an open mind, so stating what they actually think before a decision has serious legal implications. 

Q. What is your stance on the development around Cable Bay Trail? 

Brunie Brunie (Mayor)

Over half of the trees on Vancouver Island have already been cut.  There are over seven thousand trees slated to be destroyed. The TREES are the most POWERFUL WEAPON AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE and we must not continue to destroy them.

Editor’s Note: A previously proposed rezoning of about 75 hectares of forest next to the Cable Bay Trail for industrial use could have meant the loss of thousands of trees if approved. The potential loss of 7,000 trees is an estimated figure.

Anne Marie Dryden (Mayor)

I oppose this rezoning on the basis it is too close to recreational land and ocean and residential area. Also because the project is expected to be manned by temporary foreign workers instead of local workers.  We could find a better location.

Leonard Krog (Mayor), incumbent

As the matter has been the subject of a Public Hearing. In an ongoing process, it is inappropriate for me to comment on any decision that might be made by Council.

Sarah Lovegrove (Mayor)

I am an advocate for the protection and preservation of sensitive environments and ecosystems, which includes the protection of the Cable Bay Trail. I see and hear how cherished this area is by community members – both in regular use of the trail that I share in, and throughout the ongoing public hearing process. I also hear the call to slow down this process to properly listen to and consult with Snuneymuxw First Nation in a meaningful way: allowing their voice to lead, I would then utilize my vote and my voice to preserve as much of the natural land as possible as undeveloped, while also leveraging any opportunity to protect it for future generations.

Jeff Annesley

Jeff Annesley did not respond by the deadline.

“These need to be Canadian jobs,” he said. “That’s 15 minutes from downtown. You need to provide Canadian jobs, not temporary foreign worker jobs.” (The Discourse, Sept. 29)

Read their slate’s platform on its website.

Sheryl Armstrong, incumbent

This is still at public hearing stage.  More information has been requested.

Sandy Bartlett

Sandy Bartlett did not respond by the deadline.

Read his slate’s platform on its website.

Ken Bennett

Environmental concerns in a sensitive area like Cable Bay are critical. Serious considerations towards having a significant protection buffer area should/must be maintained  — not the bare minimum. If industrial /or residential growth is needed in this area it must be done with as little risk as possible to the area.

Marnie Boers

Currently, I support waiting for the Snuneymuxw First Nation’s consultation and input before moving forward with development around Cable Bay. I love watching the orcas from here, and this is one of those magical spaces that we cannot get back once it is gone. We need to be intentional about what we choose to protect and make sure we fully understand what we could be losing before making decisions that could permanently change this area.

Jackie Bolen

I oppose rezoning Cable Bay for industrial use, and I will always oppose rezoning agricultural land for industrial use. Attending the Cable Bay hearings is what motivated me to run for council. There was so much opposition to the development, and yet somehow, the proposal is still on the table.

Mark Chandler

I’m not in favour of some aspects of this plan. I’ve been asking a lot of questions on this.  As with every subject from my past council days, it requires lots of research and getting a boots on the ground view of the project

Paul Chapman

The 100 metre average buffer is inadequate to protect the natural area surrounding the trail from edge effects and the effects generally of industrial development. We can optimize our existing industrial lands by reducing barriers to building up, incentivize the infill of industrial activities on existing zoned land that has been cleared but sits empty, and we can remove non-industrial uses on existing industrial land (such as commercial and office uses), to reduce our reliance on industrial sprawl to meet our needs. I also support the removal of heavy polluting industries from pre-approved uses allowed under industrial zoning so that these proposals are subject to full review by council and include the community’s voice in those considerations.

Malcolm Cooke

Malcolm Cooke did not respond by the deadline.

Read his slate’s platform on its website.

Andréa Coutu

As this matter is out to Snuneymuxw First Nation, I will not prejudge, because meaningful consultation means that they have the opportunity to complete their process before Council receives information and makes a decision. Overall, I support meaningful consultation, sustainability and strong environmental stewardship on this property owned by Harmac and its partners that has existing AR1 zoning that already establishes a baseline of permitted uses and development — it’s important for the public to know that the decision is not about development vs. leaving the entire property untouched, so I will work hard to stand up. I will review the completed consultation, public hearing from Nanaimo residents, environmental impacts, economic case, infrastructure implications, public benefit and evidence before reaching a decision or final position.

Shane Crawley

Shane Crawley did not respond by the deadline.

See their candidate listing on CivicInfo BC.

Ryan Djakovic

I support protecting the natural character of Cable Bay Trail while ensuring any nearby development follows strict environmental and community‑impact standards. Growth can occur, but it must respect the trail’s ecological value and public use. My priority is balancing responsible development with long‑term preservation of natural spaces.

Hilary Eastmure, incumbent

Council is very limited as far as what we’re legally permitted to say because there is still an open public hearing process. I can say that I supported the motion to refer the application back to staff for further discussions with the applicant to improve compatibility with surrounding lands and address environmental, recreational, and community interests, including narrowing emission-intensive permitted uses, improving the Cable Bay Trail buffer (to a minimum of 100 metres) and conserving mature forested areas and environmentally sensitive areas within the buffer, increasing the width of the lighter industrial transition areas adjacent the trail, and ensure adjacent servicing and drainage to protect surrounding parkland, wetlands and the adjacent marine environment from spills, contamination, stormwater impacts and toxic substances. During the discussion on the referral, I said that the fact that the Snuneymuxw First Nation wrote to Council requesting more time to consult with the proponent was really all I needed to hear to feel that it is critically important for us to take more time and not rush this rezoning application, I was extremely impressed by the depth of research and breadth of knowledge shared over the course of the 3 public hearings and in the 900+ written submissions, and I think the motion reflects a genuine interest in addressing some of the most pressing issues highlighted throughout the public hearing process.

Joe Figel

Joe Figel did not respond by the deadline.

Read his slate’s platform on its website.

Ben Geselbracht, incumbent

The East Cable Bay lands, with over a kilometre of oceanfront, should become parkland, and the West Cable Bay lands proposed for heavy industry need much wider trail buffers than the 100-metre average proposed, plus protection for the mature forest currently outside the buffer. I voted in the minority against the rezoning at second reading, and later at the public hearing after more than 900 written submissions and over 10 hours of public hearings, mostly opposed, I moved successfully to send it back to staff for stronger environmental protections. Unless it returns with wider buffers, protected mature forest, no heavy-emitting industry and proper runoff controls, I will vote against it again.

Bryan Gordon

Bryan Gordon did not respond by the deadline.

Read his slate’s platform on its website.

Anita Greer

Anita Greer did not respond by the deadline.

See her Facebook page.

Patrick Gunville

Cable Bay Trail itself will be protected. The current proposal concerns industrial development on adjacent lands and includes a substantial proposed park buffer beside the trail. I believe our Official Community Plan and long-term land-use decisions have to mean something: if we identify areas for employment and industrial growth, investors and property owners need reasonable confidence that Council will make decisions consistent with those plans, while protecting important recreational and environmental assets and creating the industrial land, investment and jobs Nanaimo needs.

Derek Hanna

Derek Hanna did not respond by the deadline.

Read his slate’s platform on its website.

Richard Harlow

I spoke against this rezoning at the Earth Day hearing and I would vote against it in its current form: 74 hectares of forest beside the Dodd Narrows rezoned for heavy industry, with Elder Lolly Good telling that room the Nation had not given its consent, which the Nation’s own statement that night confirmed, and I told the hearing what I know from my own life, that just like I move through spaces with sound, so do the orcas, which hunt by echolocation, and more industrial boat traffic in Dodd Narrows does not just disturb them, it blinds them, and a whale that cannot hunt starves. Council itself voted 8 to 1 to suspend the hearing and narrow the emission-intensive uses, then deferred the site-specific bylaw options staff brought in July because a councillor said she did not have enough information, which is what residents have been saying for months, and I’d treat that as agreement. I come from a forestry family, my father ran tugboats for the log booms and Harlow Towing and Salvage out of Ladysmith was our family’s business, and I want work that lasts here as much as anyone, so I would finish the reports council asked for, complete consultation with Snuneymuxw government to government with free, prior and informed consent as the standard, narrow the permitted uses by bylaw so what gets approved is what gets built, and publish an employment analysis, because an industrial park with no transit and high physical labour does not deliver its jobs to the thousands of Indigenous people in Nanaimo or to disabled workers, which is why my last words to that hearing are my answer here: do this right, and wait.

Erin Hemmens, incumbent

There is not currently a Cable Bay proposal before Council for a decision. Council sent the application back for further work, including additional information and engagement with Snuneymuxw First Nation, and I do not think it is appropriate for me to prejudge what comes back.

Steven Johns

There are so many more conversations to be had around this and especially with First Nations groups. I do believe we need industrial jobs in Nanaimo but got at the expense of the environment.

Cameron Leckenby

As someone who grew up in Cinnabar Valley and attended Cedar Community Secondary School, I value the Cable Bay Trail, and I will work to keep the Cable Bay Trail intact. I will work to find a solution, such as transition zones between industry and nature, to protect the good living wage jobs at HARMAC and protect our community’s natural habitats. As your Nanaimo City Councillor, I will improve communications between the City of Nanaimo and our community to make sure that we reach a sustainable solution.

Max MacKay

Max MacKay did not respond by the deadline.

Read their platform on their campaign website.

Paul Manly, incumbent

As a current City Councillor, I am legally required to approach any rezoning applications with an open mind but I know that the community must find a balance. Cable Bay and Joan Point Park are world class tourist attractions and beautiful wilderness areas within Nanaimo City limits and as much of this area as possible should be protected, especially on the east side of the trail with a wide buffer for the trail on the west side. At the same time, we need more industrial land in Nanaimo, especially for Port of Nanaimo logistics, for high tech, value added wood manufacturing and other non-polluting manufacturing processes, so we can expand our tax base and have less reliance on residential property taxes.

Bryant Marshall

I support responsible development around Cable Bay Trail that can strengthen Nanaimo’s commercial and industrial tax base and create local economic opportunities, while protecting the trail’s natural character and community value. I would require strong environmental protections, meaningful engagement with Snuneymuxw Nation and the community, appropriate buffers, and infrastructure that can support the development without shifting costs onto existing residents. My Arts, Culture and Community platform is about finding the right balance and growing Nanaimo’s economy while protecting the natural and recreational spaces that bring people together and make our community special.

Bill McKay

I support the development plans, provided access to Cable Bay Trail is maintained. I understand both landowners are working closely with the community to protect that access. Nanaimo needs more industrial land to attract businesses, create jobs, and expand the tax base, helping limit tax increases for current residents.

Andrew Merilees

My desire is for the development around the Cable Bay Trail to have as minimal impact on the people who use and value the area today as possible. I support the protection of the most sensitive areas while respecting the rights of the property owners and the desires of the Snuneymuxw I will evaluate future proposals with an open mind and knowledge of the community’s wishes.

Matthew Miller

Matthew Miller did not respond by the deadline.

Read their platform on their campaign website.

Zaki Mohammed

Zaki Mohammed did not respond by the deadline.

Read their platform on their campaign website.

Rod Moreno

7,300 trees are not worth the expansion of Harmac. There are large tracts of land nearby that do not neighbour Cable Bay or other ecologically sensitive areas. We need to create industrial corridors along the E&N corridor by pushing the province to Restore Island Rail. Cable Bay Dodd Narrows should be a provincial park not an industrial site.

Editor’s Note: A previously proposed rezoning of about 75 hectares of forest next to the Cable Bay Trail for industrial use could have meant the loss of thousands of trees if approved. The potential loss of 7,000 trees is an estimated figure.

Janice Perrino, incumbent

I’m not allowed to comment because we are currently in the middle of a public hearing.

Rob Phelan

Rob Phelan did not respond by the deadline.

See their candidate listing on CivicInfo BC.

Frank Pluta

Frank Pluta did not respond by the deadline.

Read his slate’s platform on its website.

Austin Seng

I am opposed to any development around Cable Bay Trail, as we live in an incredibly environmentally diverse region, and our relationship with the land and its cultural significance should never be overlooked when development is being considered.

We need to examine our priorities, listen to the original caretakers of these lands, the Snuneymuxw First Nation, and prioritize the protection of our fragile ecosystems.

We have a responsibility to ensure that future generations can experience, learn from, and thrive within a community that values sustainability and respects the land we call home.

Holden Southward

I think Cable Bay should be preserved and there are many spots in Nanaimo still that could be used for industry and hopefully not AI centers.

Ian Thorpe, incumbent

Ian Thorpe did not respond by the deadline.

“I’m not going to support this, we are in the midst of the public hearing, we are hearing from the public on a specific application the proponent they have put forward.” (Nanaimo News Bulletin, May 1)

“Thorpe added Council’s job was to weigh feedback from the public, then “to have the leadership and the courage to then make a decision.” (NanaimoNewsNOW, May 1)

Read their platform on their campaign website.

Paul Van Ryssel

Paul Van Ryssel declined to answer the questionnaire, stating that he was not comfortable reducing these issues to short answers without the information council and staff would have and citing the number of questionnaires he had received. 

Read more on his campaign website.

Angela Hope Waldick

I have concerns about potential environmental, recreational, infrastructure and community impacts around Cable Bay, but I also think Council needs to examine the evidence before reaching a final conclusion. I would want environmental assessments, infrastructure requirements, traffic impacts, public input and applicable planning requirements clearly understood before making a decision. I am comfortable asking difficult questions while keeping an open mind until Council has all the information in front of it.

Meg Fyfe Watkins

One of the biggest issues that the public had with the proposed Cable Bay development was the lack of due diligence, and the lack of consultation with the Snuneymuxw First Nation. We should be ensuring that the people whose heritage gives them ancestral knowledge of how to live in harmony with the land are taking the lead on these issues, and that the appropriate environmental surveys are done to ensure that economic growth doesn’t come at the expense of an important natural area. When looking at future industrial development, it’s essential to find ways to innovate so that we can mitigate potential environmental consequences and ensure that we are creating a liveable, sustainable future for our city and the surrounding areas.