Civic Engagement Forum 2026

Candidate Registration

Your City. Your Voice. Your Vote.

Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Vancouver Island Conference Centre – Mt. Benson Ballroom

On Saturday, October 17, 2026, Nanaimo residents will elect one Mayor and eight City Councillors.

The Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce invites all eligible mayoral and councillor candidates to participate in the Nanaimo Civic Forum 2026, a non-partisan community event designed to connect candidates with Nanaimo residents and create an opportunity for meaningful civic dialogue.

Candidate Participation

Candidate registration is $50 per candidate.

Your registration includes:

• A designated candidate table during the Candidate Meet & Greet from 5:00–6:00 PM
• The opportunity to meet and speak directly with Nanaimo residents
• Participation in the Civic Forum program, as applicable to the office you are seeking
• Event coordination and support from the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce

Candidates may bring campaign information and materials for their designated table.

What to Expect

Candidate Schedule

Please plan to arrive at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre by 4:00 PM to allow sufficient time for check-in and set-up.

4:00 PM – Candidate Arrival & Set-Up
Candidates check in and set up their designated Candidate Table. Please have your table completely set up and be ready to welcome attendees by 4:30 PM.

4:30 PM – Chamber Member Priority Access
Greater Nanaimo Chamber members will be welcomed first, providing an early opportunity to meet participating candidates.

5:00–5:45 PM – Candidate Meet & Greet
The Candidate Meet & Greet opens to all registered attendees. Candidates will have the opportunity to meet Nanaimo residents, answer questions and share information at their designated tables.

5:45 PM – Transition to the Stage
Candidates will make their way to the stage in preparation for the formal program. Please arrange for a campaign team member or other representative to pack up your Candidate Table while you proceed to the stage.

6:00–6:30 PM – Mayoral Debate
Mayoral candidates will participate in a professionally moderated 30-minute debate.

6:30–7:30 PM – Councillor Rapid-Fire Forum
Councillor candidates will participate in a fast-paced, professionally moderated round of questions. Candidates will have a maximum of 30 seconds to respond to each question. Questions will be provided to candidates in advance.

The final rapid-fire format and number of questions will be confirmed once candidate registration has closed.

7:30 PM – Forum Concludes

Candidate Code of Conduct

The Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce is committed to providing a fair, respectful and non-partisan Civic Engagement Forum where Nanaimo residents can engage with candidates and hear different perspectives.

By registering for and participating in the Forum, I agree to:

• Engage respectfully. I will maintain civil and professional discourse with fellow candidates, attendees, moderators, volunteers and event staff. I will refrain from personal attacks, harassment, discriminatory language, intimidation or disruptive behaviour.
• Respect fair participation. I will follow the event format, respect speaking-time limits, refrain from interrupting other candidates and follow the direction of the moderator and event organizers.
• Interact respectfully with the public. I will respect differing opinions and ensure that I and any campaign representatives participating in the event contribute to a welcoming and constructive environment.
• Respect the event and other candidates. I will keep campaign activities and materials within my designated area and will not interfere with another candidate's space or participation.
• Respect the non-partisan nature of the Forum. I understand that all participating candidates are subject to the same event rules and that participation does not constitute endorsement by the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce.

I understand that the Nanaimo Civic Forum is a public event and may be photographed, recorded or livestreamed.

The Chamber reserves the right to address behaviour that does not comply with these expectations and, in cases of serious or repeated misconduct, may limit or end an individual's participation in the event.

By completing my registration, I confirm that I have read, understood and agree to abide by the Nanaimo Civic Forum 2026 Candidate Code of Conduct.

Register to Participate

Candidate Registration: $50

Registration is required for all candidates wishing to participate in the Nanaimo Civic Forum.

Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Vancouver Island Conference Centre – Mt. Benson Ballroom

One Mayor. Eight Councillors. One important community decision.

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