Nelson voters have delivered a resounding mandate for continuity, opting to keep Mayor Janice Morrison at the helm for a second term while returning a majority of the incumbent council in Saturday’s General Local Elections.
Morrison secured her victory with 1,918 votes, comfortably outpacing challengers Ramona Faust (1,615) and Steve Bergevin (112). The result signals a period of stability for the city, with voters favoring the current leadership’s track record over a shift in direction.
“I’m really excited and I’m really looking forward to building a team with the incumbents and the new people who are joining us for the next four years,” Morrison said following the win. “Like I always say, better together. Let’s keep Nelson moving forward.”
The composition of the new council reflects a mix of veteran experience and fresh perspectives. Incumbents Kate Tait, Keith Page, Jesse Pineiro, and Leslie Payne were all re-elected, and they will be joined by newcomers Martin Stegman and Ainsleah Hastings. The election marks the departure of long-serving councillor Rik Logtenberg, who chose not to seek re-election, and incumbent Jesse Woodward, who was unseated.
Morrison, only the second woman to serve as Nelson’s mayor, framed the results as a clear public endorsement of her administration’s commitment to transparency and governance. “I’m a steady person,” she noted. “I walk my talk and I really enjoy governance, and I think that’s been my job—to try to really build a strong team to make good decisions.”
The returning council faces a rigorous agenda. High-priority infrastructure projects loom large, including a $13.5-million replacement of the critical wastewater forcemain and the pressing need for a new firehall. Additionally, the city must determine the fate of the former curling rink and decide on the long-term viability of the FoodCycler pilot program. These challenges persist alongside broader regional crises, such as housing affordability, homelessness, and the ongoing impacts of climate change.
Despite the vocal nature of online criticism, the ballot box told a different story. Morrison dismissed the noise of social media, asserting that the majority of residents are satisfied with the current trajectory.
“We’re a good team. We’re working well together,” she said. “So let’s keep doing as much as we can going forward.”
The election also brought changes to the Regional District of Central Kootenay. Voters in Area E elected Landon Veregin in a narrow contest, while Anna Bundschuh secured the seat for Area G and Will Parker won comfortably in Area H. Meanwhile, the school district saw several trustees re-elected by acclamation, though voters in the Salmo/Taghum/Blewett and Kaslo/North Rural zones still await final results.
In total, 3,719 ballots were cast in Nelson, effectively confirming that for the next four years, the city will stay the course.
Disclaimer: This content is auto-generated for informational purposes only.
Source: Read Original News
