Corey Viala’s Election Platform

I am running for Nelson City Council to help keep our community affordable, safe and
prepared for the future. My experience as a firefighter and paramedic would inform my
approach: listen carefully, ask practical questions and work with others to make
responsible decisions.

Affordability, Taxation and Fiscal Responsibility
Residents experience rising costs every day. As a councillor, I would carefully evaluate
proposed tax increases and ask for clear explanations of the services being funded, what
alternatives were considered and the value residents receive.
Fiscal responsibility requires disciplined spending and clear priorities. Before committing
taxpayer dollars, I would consider both the immediate expense and the ongoing cost of
operating, maintaining and eventually replacing what we build or purchase.

Infrastructure and Asset Management
Maintaining essential infrastructure is a core responsibility of Council. Good asset
management means knowing the condition of our roads, water and sewer systems,
buildings and other public assets, and having a realistic plan to maintain, renew and pay
for them.
I would support clear reporting on urgent needs, available funding and the consequences
of postponing work. Proposed investments should be assessed alongside existing
obligations, considering community benefits, service reliability and full lifetime costs.
Timely maintenance can prevent service disruptions and more expensive repairs. Losing
any of Nelson’s public facilities be it for arts or sports should be the last resort.

Climate Adaptation, Wildfire Preparedness and Water Security
Preparing for a changing climate should be part of our everyday planning. I would
support practical measures under Nelson’s climate plan to address wildfire, extreme
heat, drought and heavy rainfall, with clear priorities and reporting on progress.
A reliable water supply is essential for daily use and firefighting. I would support keeping
the City’s water planning up to date, including assessing whether backup sources could
meet essential needs if the primary supply were disrupted. Decisions about additional
supply and infrastructure improvements should consider future demand, environmental
impacts, costs and emergency readiness. Nelson has an emergency intake on Kootenay
Lake. I would support expanding its role in our future water supply.

Local Businesses and Economic Development
Supporting existing businesses should be an explicit part of Nelson’s economic
development efforts, alongside welcoming new investment. I would work with local

businesses and economic development partners to understand what helps employers
remain, expand and create opportunities in our community.
This includes identifying unnecessary barriers in City processes, supporting clear and
timely decisions, and considering how housing, transportation and municipal services
affect businesses and their employees. I would listen to employers and ask where
practical municipal action could make a difference.

Housing, Development and Planning
I would support thoughtful development that expands housing choices and considers
infrastructure capacity, neighbourhood needs and long-term costs. Nelson’s Official
Community Plan should guide decisions, with attention to how its priorities translate into
projects and services.
Residents and applicants deserve clear requirements, timely communication and
understandable decisions. As a councillor, I would work to ensure that development
processes are fair and efficient, that community input is considered, and that growth is
supported by the infrastructure it requires. I would encourage developers and City staff
to clarify requirements early and support timely approvals for projects that meet
community needs.

Sports, Recreation, Arts, Culture and the Library
Sports, recreation, arts, culture and the library contribute to a healthy, connected
community. They provide opportunities to learn, participate and spend time together,
and deserve thoughtful consideration in municipal planning and budgeting. All these
community organizations contribute to making Nelson the wonderful community it is.
I would work with community organizations and service partners to support accessible
programs and well-maintained facilities. When considering improvements, I would look
at community needs, affordability for participants, opportunities to share resources, and
the ongoing costs of operating and maintaining facilities.

Public Safety, Addiction and Homelessness
Everyone should be able to feel safe in Nelson, and people experiencing homelessness or
addiction need access to appropriate care and support. These challenges require
cooperation between the City, provincial agencies, health authorities and community
organizations.
As a councilor, I would listen to residents, businesses, frontline workers and people
affected by these issues. My experience as a firefighter and paramedic would inform my
approach. I would advocate for coordinated responses and ask whether the programs we
support are improving public safety and helping people access the services they need.