Zeni Maartman
Website: zenimaartman.ca
Facebook: Zeni Maartman for Nanaimo City Council
Are you associated with or running as part of a slate? If so, which one?
Do you live in the municipality where you are running, and if so, for how long? If not, what is your connection to that community?
I have been a resident of Nanaimo for over thirty years.
What is your occupation, and for how long?
Now retired, the last twenty-three years of my career were spent as part of the management team at BCAA here in Nanaimo. I was a Chartered Insurance Professional and practiced in this industry since 1989.
Tell us about your previous elected and/or community experience.
I am currently a City Councillor finishing my first term. I have been a School Trustee, Past President of Tourism Nanaimo, and worked on various Committees and Boards prior to becoming a City Councillor.
Why are you running? What’s your motivation?
In the midst of the pandemic, we worked hard to rebuild and reimagine our city now and in the future. As one of the fastest growing municipalities in Canada, I am excited for the opportunity to focus on our five goals: A green, connected, healthy, empowered and prosperous Nanaimo.
What are your top three issues?
Public Safety and Security
Affordable Housing
Creating a vibrant, green, livable city with the healthiest forms of economic development
What’s your vision for your community in 25 years?
Creating the action items that support our new ReImagine OCP. The revitalization of our downtown with more density that will contribute to safety and security. Environmental and social responsibility go hand in hand with a healthy economy. I want to continue to work with Council to build on the positive relationships we now have with all our partners, and especially Snuneymuxw First Nations. A city that is inclusive, accessible and welcoming.
What’s one “big idea” you have for your community?
Completion and revitalization of our downtown core which is why I ram in 2018. I would like to see the implementation and completion of these plans for a vibrant and dynamic downtown we can all be proud of. ReImagine Nanaimo will guide us into the future. Together we can build a green, connected, healthy, empowered and prosperous Nanaimo.