Jeff Annesley—Candidate for Nanaimo City Council · REAL Nanaimo Team
Jeff Annesley was born and raised in Nanaimo and has lived in the community his entire life. He attended Mount Benson Elementary, Wellington Secondary School, and Vancouver Island University, giving him deep roots and firsthand understanding of Nanaimo’s neighbourhoods, challenges, and strengths.
Jeff’s professional background is grounded in blue-collar work, including nearly a decade as a warehouse manager. This experience shaped his practical approach to leadership, accountability, and problem-solving. In addition, Jeff holds a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from Vancouver Island University, is a published author, and operates a small online business, Guerrilla Cat Publishing.
Community involvement has always been important to Jeff. For more than five years, he has volunteered as a youth soccer coach, coaching both of his children’s teams and supporting young people through mentorship, teamwork, and discipline.
Why Jeff's Running
Jeff is running for Nanaimo City Council because he believes the city is at a critical turning point and needs leadership that prioritizes safety, affordability, and accountability. Living in a high-crime area has given him firsthand experience with the real-world consequences of decisions made at City Hall.
He believes municipal government must focus on core responsibilities: keeping residents safe, ensuring Nanaimo remains affordable for families and seniors, and respecting the voices of citizens. Jeff is particularly concerned with what he sees as rising crime, unchecked spending, and growing restrictions on transparency and free expression.
Jeff believes deeply that government should keep taxes low and spend responsibly—focusing on necessities, not wants—and that citizens must always have the right to speak openly and be heard in their own city.
Key Priorities
Public Safety & Crime Prevention—Strengthening crime prevention through enforcing existing bylaws and introducing new measures where necessary to restore safety and public confidence.
Affordability & Tax Responsibility—Keeping tax increases low, if any at all, to ensure Nanaimo remains an affordable place to live for families, young adults, and seniors.
Economic Growth & Job Creation—Working with the business and industrial community to promote job growth, support economic development, and improve quality of life through cleaner, safer work environments.
Balanced Development—Supporting new development and industrial projects with an open mind while ensuring a better balance between private sector needs and environmental responsibility.
Transparency & Free Expression—Championing open dialogue, transparency, and free expression at council meetings and throughout the city.
What Jeff Brings to the REAL Slate
Jeff brings a level of experience and civic engagement that is rare among municipal candidates. For the past four years, he has regularly attended city council and committee meetings, developing deep knowledge of Nanaimo’s issues and governance processes.
By consistently showing up, listening, and learning, Jeff has gained insights into policies and decisions that many residents never see firsthand. This experience allows him to contribute informed perspectives and help guide thoughtful, responsible decision-making within the REAL Nanaimo team.
Commitment to REAL Nanaimo
Jeff aligns with the REAL Nanaimo team because of its shared focus on positive change, public safety, affordability, and responsible governance. He believes strongly in lowering taxes by reducing unnecessary spending and addressing crime and social disorder with practical, enforceable solutions.
For Jeff, responsible leadership means remembering that council works for the citizens of Nanaimo. Ethical leadership means considering how every decision affects residents’ daily lives. Accountability means transparency in all actions and ensuring citizens always have the right to express their views in public spaces and civic buildings.
What REAL Stands For
- Responsible decision-making
- Ethical leadership
- Accountability to residents
- Team-based governance
REAL focuses on practical solutions rather than ideology, outside agendas, or special interests. The team supports responsible growth that respects neighbourhoods, prioritizes infrastructure, and avoids legacy projects that burden future generations with unnecessary debt.
Closing Statement
Jeff Annesley is committed to making Nanaimo safer, more affordable, and more transparent for current and future generations. With lifelong community ties, hands-on work experience, and a strong commitment to civic engagement, he is ready to serve residents with integrity, accountability, and common sense.
On election day, Jeff asks for your support and your vote for Nanaimo City Council, so together we can restore safety, affordability, and trust in local government.