Statement from Mayor Krog Regarding BC's Restart Plan

STATEMENT - Distributed May 6, 2020 4:03 PM

This afternoon, Nanaimo citizens, Nanaimo City Council, and City staff, joined British Columbians as we tuned in to listen to Premier John Horgan discuss the Province's plan to open up BC again. City staff will be reviewing BC's Restart Plan and taking any actions that are necessary.

As a Council, we have taken steps to ensure Nanaimo is set for rapid economic recovery.

On May 5, 2020, at a press conference, I announced the formation of the Mayor's Task Force on Recovery and Resilience. This Task Force is being co-led by myself and Councillor Tyler Brown and will address upcoming economic impacts, community resiliency and will provide a path forward for recovery so the City and other organizations within the community can focus on urgent current issues.

Joining us are five community leaders with backgrounds representing various sectors:

• James Byrne, Regional Managing Partner, Vancouver Island, MNP
• Donna Hais, Board Chair, Nanaimo Port Authority
• Signy Madden, Executive Director, United Way
• Deb Saucier, President and Vice-Chancellor, Vancouver Island University
• Ian Simpson, Chief Executive Officer, Petroglyph Development Group, Snuneymuxw First Nation

Through collaboration with other public bodies, organizations and the business community, the task force will identify ways to build local resilience and immediate economic recovery strategies. The task force will support community-driven ideas and solutions to assist in the recovery process.

Council is also taking a measured financial approach during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure business continuity, while positioning the City to support rapid economic recovery.

Governments of all levels have often strategically used major infrastructure initiatives to stimulate the economy, especially during recessions or hard times. Such investments have a rippling affect, allowing local companies to remain open, members of the community to continue to be employed, and stimulating the purchase of products or services which in turn have a positive impact on other industries.

The City’s 2020 Capital Plan and upcoming budget drive projects of multiple sizes in all areas of the city. Approximately 90 per cent is funded from dedicated reserves, and 10 per cent is funded from general taxation.

We will continue to evaluate BC's Restart Plan, and with the support and expertise of City staff as well the Mayor’s Task Force on Recovery and Resilience, Nanaimo will be setup for rapid economic recovery.

Leonard Krog, Mayor, City of Nanaimo

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