Bill Manners

I moved to Nanaimo on March 1, 1970.  Raised in Vancouver up until the middle of Grade 8, I came here and went to Grades 8-12 in Nanaimo.  I became an office machine mechanic after school, fixing typewriters, cash registers, photocopiers and adding machines.  I then got involved in the photography field for quite a few years.  I also have quite an extensive involvement with the transportation industry working for airlines, bus, taxi and limousine companies. 

I have had an interest in the political arena since 1966, initially in the provincial government.  My dad was quite involved in politics in Vancouver where I had opportunities to met many different people involved in City, Parks and Provincial governments.  After moving to Nanaimo I was inspired by Tommy Douglas, Frank Ney, and Larry McNabb’s political teachings in many discussions with them all plus many others, I learned how municipal governance differed from provincial governance.  City governance is the closest way to engage with the public, out of all other levels of government.  I have regularly followed Nanaimo’s elected officials and gave my first presention to them in 1984. My attendance and participation has increased since 2011 by actively giving presentations, being a delegate,  and serving on the community engagement task force which is proof of my dedication.  I believe a successful city is one where Nanaimo council members engage successfully with the public, staff and other council members positively.  I unsuccessfully ran as a candidate for the 2018 City of Nanaimo council race.

I try to keep active:

• Currently I am an appointee to the, Regional District of Nanaimo, Solid Waste Management Plan Monitoring Advisory Committee (environment)  
   
• Recently joined the Board of Directors for the Coast Emergency Communication Association, where we keep active with Emergency Communications for the City of Nanaimo & Regional District (safety)
   
• Formerly a member of the Safety & Communications team in conjunction with the Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society, aboard a barge serving as a checkpoint (communications)
   
• Supporting member of the Uplands Walk Community Advisory Committee (supportive housing)
   
• Community Activist, reguarly attending City of Nanaimo Council meetings or a Regional District of Nanaimo meeting either in person or streaming at home. (civil affairs)  
   
• The Dover Community Association, of which I am currently President, is seeing a revitalization with the new developments on McRobb and the proposals put forth regarding the Woodgrove Plan (neighbourhood issues)