Civic Engagement Forum 2026

Your City. Your Voice. Your Vote.

Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Vancouver Island Conference Centre – Mt. Benson Ballroom
Admission is free | Advance registration is required

On Saturday, October 17, 2026, Nanaimo residents will elect one Mayor and eight City Councillors. Before casting your ballot, join the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce for the Civic Engagement Forum 2026, a free, non-partisan opportunity to hear from candidates and learn where they stand on the issues affecting our community. 

The forum will be moderated by Kendall Hanson from CHEK news. 

This event will bring mayoral and councillor candidates together for a structured, professionally moderated conversation informed by questions submitted by Nanaimo residents.

Chamber Member Priority Access

Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce members will receive an exclusive early-registration period and access to a designated Member Priority Seating section. Priority seating will be held until a specified time before the formal program begins and may then be released to other registered attendees.

Help Shape the Conversation

What issues do you want Nanaimo’s municipal candidates to address? Residents are invited to submit questions in advance. Questions should relate to matters within the responsibility of the City of Nanaimo.

Once you register for the Civic Engagement Forum, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to submit your question.

Questions may be combined with similar submissions, and while we cannot guarantee that every question will be included, all submissions will be considered as we develop the moderated forum.

There will be no open microphone or live audience question submission during the event.

A Free and Non-Partisan Community Event

The Civic Engagement Forum 2026 is hosted by the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce as a neutral community convener. The Chamber does not endorse or oppose any candidate. All participating candidates will receive consistent opportunities, requirements and treatment.

Community sponsorship helps keep admission free and supports the professional delivery of the event, but it does not provide influence over candidate invitations, speaking order, moderation, candidate treatment or final question selection.

Accessibility

Designated accessible seating and event assistance will be available. Please identify any accessibility requirements during registration so the event team can support your participation.

Public Registration

Admission is free, but advance registration is required for every attendee. Space is limited, and walk-in admission cannot be guaranteed.

One Mayor. Eight Councillors. One important community decision.

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