Ryan Djakovic for Nanaimo City Council

Building a Safer, Smarter, Stronger Nanaimo

Candidate for Nanaimo City Council – Election Day: October 17, 2026

Explore My Platform

Vision for a Brighter Future

Campaign Blog Updates

Stay Tuned for the In-depth Election Insights Report

I took some time to develop an open source AI analysis of all the candidates in this years election and the results were surprisingly accurate. I did not post these before hand as I didn't want the data to influence voters.

Candidates were evaluated by multiple policy points and scored on each. Their scores were then evaluated by the AI to estimate their likely portion votes as well as an estimated voter turn out rate. The AI was even encouraged to vote just for fun. The results showed some very interesting accuracies, alonog with some insightful discrepencies.

So with all that information already available, I am compiling the In-depth Election Insight Repot which will be available on my website by Thursday as the final numbers will be released on Wednesday.

Congratulations Are in Order

I want to extend heartfelt congratulations to our two newest councillors, Marnie Boers and Andréa Coutu. You both ran thoughtful, community‑focused campaigns, and it was a pleasure working alongside you and getting to know you throughout this election. I’m confident you will serve Nanaimo with dedication and integrity.

I also want to offer a huge congratulations to Ben Geselbracht on a decisive win. There were several councillors I strongly supported for their strengths and their ability to help build a functional, collaborative council that puts citizens first. Ben, Hilary, and Paul — it’s great to have you back.

Congratulations as well to Leonard Krog on earning another term as mayor. I’m confident this new council will accomplish great things under your leadership and guidance.

And to all my fellow candidates — it was truly a pleasure getting to know each of you over the course of this election. You brought experience, insight, and passion from so many different fields. Your commitment to positive change in Nanaimo is deeply appreciated. I hope we continue working together behind the scenes to help guide the progress we all want to see in our city.

Nanaimo 2026 Civic Election – Preliminary Results Released

The City of Nanaimo has published the preliminary results for the 2026 General Local Election. Voter turnout reached 31.63%, with 25,450 ballots cast across the city.

Full results, including all candidates, are available on the City’s official election page: Nanaimo 2026 Preliminary Election Results

Mayor Results:
Leonard Eugene Krog – 10,368 votes
Sarah Lovegrove – 8,461 votes
Anne Marie Dryden – 6,084 votes
Brunie Brunie – 327 votes

Councillor Results (Top 8 Elected):
Ben Geselbracht – 12,399
Paul Manly – 12,052
Hilary Eastmure – 10,660
Sheryl Armstrong – 9,368
Andréa Coutu – 8,160
Erin Colleen Hemmens – 8,090
Marnie Boers – 7,873
Ian Thorpe – 7,654

Thank you to all those who voted for me in this sign free election. I have developed a strong relationship with most of the councill and I look forward to working with them to bring forth the vision you all voted for. I look forward to running again in the next election, and in the mean time I will be getting involved in committees and working directly with members of council to make progress on many of these big goals for our beloved city.

A special thanks to the students and staff at Fairview Community School

The forum at Fairview Elementary on Wednesday was an experience I’ll remember for a long time. The staff and students created such a welcoming and thoughtful environment, and it was clear how much care went into preparing the event. The questions the students asked showed curiosity, awareness, and a genuine interest in the world around them. It was a privilege to spend time with so many bright young minds.

What impressed me most was how deeply the students think about their community. They spoke about the places they love, the activities that matter to them, and the challenges they see in Nanaimo. Their perspectives were honest, hopeful, and full of heart. From protecting natural spaces like the Cable Bay trail, to finding ways for youth to safely enjoy scooters and e-bikes, their ideas reflected both creativity and responsibility.

Many students also shared thoughtful concerns about safety, homelessness, mental health, and how we support people who are struggling. Their compassion for others was evident in every conversation. They even explored big-picture topics like sustainable data centers and the importance of building facilities that benefit both residents and the environment. And of course, their enthusiasm for sports, recreation, and having more places to play and grow was inspiring to hear.

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the entire Fairview Elementary community. Your students showed maturity, kindness, and a strong sense of civic awareness. It was an honour to learn from them, and I’m grateful for the chance to be part of such a meaningful discussion. Their voices and ideas are a reminder of how bright Nanaimo’s future truly is.

You are all very talented and brilliant individuals. Each and every one of you will do amazing things in this world!!

Last but not lesast I want to extend an extra thanks for the inspiring words of encouragement from a number of you. I trust you know who you are. S and friends.

More details on this event are available on my Events Page as well.

Another amazing annual fall conference by VIREB

The Vancouver Island Real Estate Board hosted their annual fall trade show and conference on Wednesday, Oct 14th 2026 at the Vancouver Island Convention Center. The team over at VIREB put together a tremendous line up of speakers and vendors for this event. It also provided an excellent opportunity to network Realtors® and numerous industry professionals.

Speakers included:

Key Sponsors:

So if you like what I stand for, please feel free to share with friends and family and let’s build a brighter, more affordable future for Nanaimo together.

Thank you to the staff and students at NDSS for an amazing forum on Tuesday

The forum at NDSS on Tuesday was one of those moments that reminds me how bright the future of our community really is. The staff and students put together an outstanding event — thoughtful, organized, welcoming, and genuinely engaging. I’m grateful for the work that went into creating a space where meaningful conversations could happen.

What stood out most were the students themselves. Their questions were insightful, sincere, and grounded in a real desire to understand the issues shaping Nanaimo’s future. It’s encouraging to see young people taking such an active interest in civic life, asking hard questions, and thinking deeply about how our city can grow in a way that supports everyone.

I walked away inspired by their perspectives — on homelessness, mental health, safety, transit, equality, and even the everyday things that matter to youth, like safe access to scooters and e-dirtbikes. These conversations matter, and the students approached them with maturity and curiosity that deserves recognition.

Thank you again to the NDSS team and every student who participated. Your voices, your ideas, and your willingness to engage make a real difference in our community. I appreciated the chance to learn from you, and I’m looking forward to seeing how your generation continues to shape Nanaimo with compassion, creativity, and courage.

More details on this event are available on my Events Page too.

Tennis Bubble Overlooked at Oct 5, 2026 City Council Meeting

Last night’s October 5, 2026 City Council meeting drew more than forty members of Nanaimo’s tennis community, all attending in good faith to advocate for the preservation of our city’s only indoor tennis training facility. With demolition scheduled for early November which happens to be just before the newly elected council has the opportunity has their first meeting would be scheduled.

Players, parents, coaches, and young athletes came hoping for acknowledgement and meaningful discussion. Despite the strong turnout and the clear urgency of the issue, the matter was not addressed. Instead, Council spent more than an hour debating a ban on lockable butane lighters—an item that could have been resolved quickly. For many in attendance, the lack of engagement on the tennis bubble highlighted a broader concern: residents want a council that listens, responds, and understands the importance of supporting local athletics and youth development.

Our young athletes rely on consistent, year‑round training. Losing the tennis bubble without a replacement in place would leave hundreds of players without a safe, accessible space to practice. This is not simply an inconvenience—it is a setback for a growing athletic community that has worked hard to build programs, coaching pathways, and opportunities for youth.

If elected, I am committed to calling an emergency meeting to pause demolition and preserve the tennis bubble until a new indoor facility is ready. It will be challenging, but it is absolutely possible—and it is the responsible thing to do. We cannot allow another group of residents, especially young athletes, to be pushed out into uncertainty.

If you support a future where community voices are heard and our athletic programs are protected, please share this message with friends and family. Together, we can build a stronger, more responsive Nanaimo that supports all who call it home.

I encourage everybody who supports our athletic community to click the donate link below and contribute even a few dollars so I can make a strong final push before election day. I will make every effort to save the bubble once elected and will be open to concerns like this during my term. In addition to that, I will assist citizens with ensuring their views are heard even if they don't know how to formaly propose a request. It's your city and you deserve to be heard.

For those who can't donate, please share my profile with voters so we can save this critical facility before its to late!!

Nanimo should introduce a Locals Discount Card

With affordability being on the minds of all our citizens, it’s clear that we need new ideas that support the people who live and work here year‑round. An Island Card would give residents access to discounts on groceries, clothing, tools, hardware, fuel, and other essentials, helping families manage rising costs without limiting the ability of local businesses to benefit from tourism.

Creating a sustainable future for the city means finding ways to keep everyday living affordable while still supporting a strong local economy. A locals discount card allows businesses to maintain full‑price tourism revenue, while ensuring residents receive meaningful savings on the necessities they rely on most. It’s a simple, practical step toward making life more affordable for everyone who calls Nanaimo home.

So if you like what I stand for, please feel free to share with friends and family and let’s build a brighter, more affordable future for Nanaimo together.

Nanaimo and Vancouver Island Need a Modern Light Rail Corridor

Vancouver Island is growing rapidly, and our transportation network needs to grow with it. Restoring Island Rail as a modern high‑speed light rail system would connect communities from Victoria to Comox, reduce highway congestion, and provide a safe, reliable, and sustainable alternative for residents and visitors. With the land corridor already in place, this is one of the most valuable infrastructure opportunities our region has.

Making Island Rail a designated federal major project would unlock the funding, engineering support, and long‑term planning needed to build a world‑class transit system. High‑speed light rail would reduce emissions, improve regional mobility, and support economic growth across Vancouver Island. This is a forward‑looking investment that strengthens our communities while preparing the Island for the future.

If you believe in a connected, sustainable Vancouver Island, feel free to share this vision with friends and family. Together, we can support a transportation system that keeps our communities moving and builds a stronger future for everyone.

So Many Signs

It is overwhelming just how many signs are out there now. I made a pledge at the start of this election to avoid using signs that will only end up being thrown out after the election.

Creating a sustainable future for the city is a priority for me. Printing signs just to throw them out in three weeks just seems contradictory. I know they are useful but with so manyout and about, it is just distracting and overwhelming.

So if you like what I stand for please feel free to share with friends and family and let's build a brighter more affordable future for Nanaimo.

Committed to Growing a Smart and Sustainable City for All Our Citizens

If you feel my platform and vision align with your goals for a qualified, driven, and community‑focused City Councillor, I invite you to support this campaign by making a donation using the form below. Every contribution — big or small — helps us reach more residents, share our message, and build the momentum needed for real change.

You can also make a huge impact by sharing this page with friends, family, neighbours, and colleagues. Encourage others to learn about my platform, get involved, and make their voices heard in the upcoming election. Together, we can shape a smarter, safer, and more sustainable future for Nanaimo.


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