Leonard Krog Wins Re-election as Mayor of Nanaimo

Mayor Leonard Krog won re-election as mayor of the City of Nanaimo in the municipal election held on October 17, 2026. Krog secured 10,368 votes, defeating Sarah Lovegrove, who received 8,461 votes, along with candidates Anne Marie Dryden and Brunie Brunie. Following the preliminary results, Krog identified rising taxation, industrial land shortages, and street disorder as the primary challenges for his next term.

The election resulted in the first Nanaimo council with a majority of women. Six incumbent councillors retained their seats, while newcomers Andréa Coutu and Marnie Boers joined the council. Incumbent councillor Janice Perrino lost her seat. In the Regional District of Nanaimo, preliminary results showed Lauren Melanson winning Area C, Joe Ringwald winning Area E, and Chris Burger winning Area F.

Sarah Lovegrove criticized Krog's leadership, arguing that the community faces intersecting crises and requires more compassionate, evidence-based interventions. Meanwhile, newly elected councillor Marnie Boers indicated she would advocate for a cardiac catheterization lab at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.

Chief Election Officer Sheila Gurrie reported a record increase in advance voting, with over 7,000 participants. This represents a 60 percent increase compared to the 4,000 voters who participated in 2022. Final results are expected on October 21.