Three commitments candidates can make

The province sets Parksville’s housing rules and orders the river flows that trigger our restrictions. We are asking candidates to put a fair provincial contribution on the agenda. All three confirmed candidates were emailed the same letter on October 5, 2026, with a shared response deadline of October 13, 2026, at 5 p.m. Pacific. Here is what it asks.

1. Build it: champion new water storage

   Will you make provincial support for Parksville’s dam a campaign issue and, if elected, advocate for fair cost-sharing?

2. Run it: seek a fair share of operating costs

   In a dry summer more than 80 per cent of the water released from Arrowsmith Dam is for fish, under a provincial order. That is a good thing for the Englishman River. Will you raise the cost borne by local ratepayers in your campaign and, if elected, pursue an annual provincial contribution toward the environmental flow needs’ share?

3. Manage it: more local flexibility on flows and restrictions

   Water managers on the ground see the reservoir, the river, and the forecast every day. Will you advocate for more local flexibility to adjust dam releases and restriction stages to real conditions, within fish-protection limits?

Where candidates stand

The final candidates for Ladysmith–Oceanside are listed below, verified against Elections BC’s candidate list on October 5, 2026. All three were emailed the same three requests on October 5, 2026, with replies requested by October 13, 2026, at 5 p.m. Pacific. Full responses, including qualifications, will be published as received. Later responses will also be added. An unanswered request does not indicate opposition.

Once responses arrive, Will advocate means a written promise to raise the issue in the campaign and pursue it if elected. Qualified response means the candidate provided conditions, qualifications, or an alternative approach rather than an unqualified commitment to the request. Read the full response for their position. Declined to commit means the candidate explicitly declined to make the requested commitment. Every full response will be linked in the last column so you can read the candidate’s own words.

Stephanie Higginson’s full response

BC NDP · Received October 13, 2026, at 5 p.m. Pacific

Responses are reproduced as submitted. Statements and opinions belong to the responding candidate; publication does not imply endorsement by Joel Grenz.

Hi Joel,
Please find Stephanie’s responses below. Thank you for this opportunity!

Stephanie Higginson, BC NDP MLA Candidate for Ladysmith-Oceanside

Responses to: Parksville water pledge: three commitments for Ladysmith–Oceanside

1. Build it: champion new water storage

Will you make provincial support for Parksville’s dam a campaign issue and, if elected, advocate for fair cost-sharing? This includes support for the feasibility, design and approval work needed to advance viable new storage, working with local governments and First Nations.

As the MLA for Ladysmith Oceanside many people have shared with me their concerns about water in Parksville.

I have a proven track record advocating for water related issues for the riding, most recently supporting the RDN in a meeting with Minister Neill with a request for support creating coordination among the many water boards that exist in the RDN.

I have always worked collaboratively with local governments and First Nations.  I look forward to the new Parksville council setting a direction for what they want their provincial representative to advocate for with the provincial government. I will work together with all levels of government to find the best solution for the dam, if that is the direction set by council.

2. Run it: seek a fair share of operating costs

Will you raise the cost borne by local ratepayers in your campaign and, if elected, pursue an annual provincial contribution toward the environmental flow needs’ share of Arrowsmith Dam operating costs, based on a transparent assessment of benefits and costs?

Once the city has determined the best next steps for water storage, I would be glad to advocate on their behalf for provincial grants.

The Town of Ladysmith secured $10.85 million in federal and provincial funding to increase the water supply at Holland Lake Reservoir and upgrade dam infrastructure. By increasing the height of the dam and dredging the lake bottom, they were able to nearly double the water storage capacity.

The City of Parksville currently has access to the Growing Communities Fund and received $4,789,000 in March 2023. December 2025 Audited Financial Statements show that there is $3.29 million remaining. I can see that this fund is being used to pay for the water study.

We have also added $180 million to the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund.

We have made our critical – and often threatened – watersheds a particular priority. We’ve established the $100 million Watershed Security Fund. And David Eby recently announced a re-elected BC NDP government would make an additional $30 million commitment to the fund.

The BCNDP government has recently created the $3.2 billion Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF) with the Federal Government. The entire purpose of this fund is to support infrastructure growth in communities. I am confident that once the City determines their next steps on this issue, with these funds available we can find the best way to support this project.

When communities have identified key infrastructure priorities, our government has worked together with the federal government to support them.

3. Manage it: more local flexibility on flows and restrictions

Will you advocate for more local flexibility to adjust dam releases and restriction stages to real conditions, within fish-protection limits, using current science and monitoring and working with First Nations and the responsible agencies?

It makes sense to me that water flow rates must be based on real conditions, within fish-protection limits, using current science and monitoring and working with First Nations and the responsible agencies.

Flow rates are not only local issues, they are deeply connected across regions and the province. The unique thing about this riding shape is that it is nearly identical to the RDN Watershed.

I will advocate for proper provincial staffing levels so that local governments can rely on timely responses and strong collaborative support when asking for support or changes.

I would welcome the opportunity to work together to ensure local conditions, science and monitoring are the backbone of watershed management in the region.

The conservatives oppose our nature protection goals. In communities that know the effects of climate-fuelled drought, we can’t afford to let them win and roll back our conservation efforts. And we can’t afford their promises of deep cuts when communities like ours need support for our watersheds.

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Kris McNichol’s full response

Conservative Party · Received October 13, 2026, at 9:36 p.m. Pacific

Responses are reproduced as submitted. Statements and opinions belong to the responding candidate; publication does not imply endorsement by Joel Grenz.

Hi Joel,

Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the Parksville Water Pledge. Water security is an important issue for Parksville, the Regional District of Nanaimo, and our surrounding communities.

Please find my responses below.

Kris McNichol
Conservative Party of BC Candidate – Ladysmith–Oceanside

1. Build it: Champion new water storage

Question: Will you make provincial support for Parksville’s dam a campaign issue and, if elected, advocate for fair cost-sharing? This includes support for the feasibility, design and approval work needed to advance viable new storage, working with local governments and First Nations.

Response:

Reliable water storage is essential for our growing communities, and I recognize the need to plan responsibly for future demand.

I support reviewing the findings of Parksville’s water planning study and working with the City of Parksville, Regional District of Nanaimo, Town of Qualicum Beach, First Nations, and other stakeholders to determine the most practical and sustainable options.

If elected, I would advocate for appropriate provincial involvement, including consideration of potential cost-sharing opportunities. Any funding or infrastructure decisions must be based on demonstrated need, sound engineering, environmental considerations, and responsible use of taxpayers’ dollars.

2. Run it: Seek a fair share of operating costs

Question: Will you raise the cost borne by local ratepayers in your campaign and, if elected, pursue an annual provincial contribution toward the environmental flow needs’ share of Arrowsmith Dam operating costs, based on a transparent assessment of benefits and costs?

Response:

Protecting the Englishman River and its fish habitat is important, but we also need to recognize the financial pressures placed on local taxpayers.

When provincial environmental requirements create costs for local governments and ratepayers, those costs deserve a fair and transparent review.

If elected, I would raise this issue with the responsible provincial ministries and advocate for an examination of operating costs, existing responsibilities, and whether provincial participation is appropriate.

Any potential funding arrangement should be based on verified costs, clearly defined responsibilities, and consultation with the regional partners. My focus would be ensuring local ratepayers receive fair consideration while maintaining responsible environmental stewardship.

3. Manage it: More local flexibility on flows and restrictions

Question: Will you advocate for more local flexibility to adjust dam releases and restriction stages to real conditions, within fish-protection limits, using current science and monitoring and working with First Nations and the responsible agencies?

Response:

Local water managers understand the conditions on the ground. Their knowledge and experience should carry weight in decisions that directly affect our communities.

I support reviewing whether current water management rules provide sufficient flexibility to respond to actual reservoir levels, river conditions, and seasonal forecasts.

If elected, I would advocate for stronger local input, timely provincial decision-making, and practical, science-based approaches that recognize changing conditions.

Any adjustments must remain consistent with fish habitat protections, applicable legislation, and consultation with First Nations and responsible agencies.

Good water management requires both environmental responsibility and common sense. We need to protect the Englishman River while ensuring our communities have a reliable water supply.

Thank you again for the opportunity to address these important local issues.

Best regards,

Kris McNichol
Conservative Party of BC Candidate
Ladysmith–Oceanside
www.krismcnichol.ca

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