Joe Figel—Candidate for Nanaimo City Council · REAL Nanaimo Team
Joe Figel is running for Nanaimo City Council because he believes deeply in the potential of the city and the people who call it home. Like many others, Joe fell in love with Nanaimo for its natural beauty, strong sense of community, and opportunity for growth. To Joe, loving a city also means being willing to step up when things can be done better.
Joe brings a strong background in management and finance, holding a Bachelor of Management from the University of Lethbridge and a Financial Management Diploma from SAIT, along with more than a decade of corporate management experience. He has led teams, managed tens of millions of dollars in inventory, and overseen large-scale operations. Today, Joe is involved in two family businesses—one in real estate and one in marketing—serving clients across British Columbia and Canada. This experience has shaped his practical, results-driven approach to leadership, accountability, and responsible decision-making.
Locally, Joe serves as a director with the Brechin Hill Community Association and has been involved in grassroots efforts that stood up for taxpayers by opposing the use of an undemocratic Alternative Approval Process to borrow money on residents’ behalf—reinforcing his commitment to transparency and accountability in local governance.
Why Joe's Running
Joe believes Nanaimo deserves responsible, ethical, and accountable leadership—leadership that focuses on core services, proper maintenance, and a clean, well-managed city, while maintaining respectful dialogue with residents.
He is not running to tear Nanaimo down; he is running to help build it up. Joe wants City Hall to represent the people who live here, work here, and raise their families here—not external advocacy groups disconnected from local realities. His goal is to help create a city that functions efficiently, listens to its citizens, and plans responsibly for long-term success.
Key Priorities
Fiscal Responsibility & Efficient City Operations—Bringing prudence, accountability, and efficiency to city operations and public projects so taxpayers receive real value for their money.
Reducing Red Tape & Streamlining Permitting—Improving development and building permit processes so Nanaimo can deliver the type of residential and commercial projects that residents, families, and local businesses actually want and need.
Housing & Economic Growth That Reflect Community Needs—Supporting attainable housing and functional commercial development for working families, blue-collar workers, and local employers, while reducing unnecessary barriers that delay projects and increase costs
Review of External Policy Frameworks—Re-evaluating initiatives such as the doughnut economic model to ensure city operations reflect the real priorities and values of the Nanaimo community.
What Joe Brings to the REAL Slate
Joe brings practical, real-world experience in finance, management, real estate, and business operations—experience that directly translates into effective municipal leadership. He understands how development decisions affect tradespeople, contractors, small business owners, and working families, because he works with them every day.
With firsthand knowledge of Nanaimo’s housing market and commercial landscape, Joe advocates for less red tape and smarter permitting—not for unchecked growth, but for building the kinds of homes and businesses people actually need. His experience strengthens the REAL Nanaimo slate by grounding policy decisions in economic reality, community needs, and common sense.
Commitment to REAL Nanaimo
Joe is committed to responsible decision-making, ethical leadership, and clear accountability to Nanaimo residents. He believes council must be transparent in how decisions are made, disciplined in how money is spent, and responsive to the people it serves.
He supports a team-based approach to leadership—working collaboratively, measuring outcomes, and holding council accountable for delivering real results. For Joe, leadership means listening first, managing resources carefully, and always keeping Nanaimo’s long-term health at the forefront.
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
Joe Figel believes Nanaimo’s future depends on strong leadership, financial responsibility, and policies that reflect the needs of working families and local businesses. With a proven background in management, finance, and real estate—and a genuine commitment to this community—Joe is ready to serve with integrity, accountability, and common sense. On election day, Joe asks for your support and your vote for Nanaimo City Council, so together we can reduce red tape, build the housing and businesses our community needs, and ensure Nanaimo remains a city people are proud to call home.