We live in one of the finest places in Canada and the world, surrounded by mountains, forests, the sea and in close proximity to the opportunities of a great city. In recent years, the fine balance that has sustained this quality of life began to shift, as traffic gridlock became the norm, and our freedom to move was compromised. I knew early on that we required a bold solution, given the nature of our geography and the regional dynamics of traffic. In 2018, while completing my PhD in geography and planning at SFU, I led independent research on land use conditions along a North Shore to Burnaby rapid transit corridor, and provided evidence that the North Shore was ready for rail transit, not buses. At that time, I called on our leaders to embrace rail (not buses), push for the prioritization of this corridor at TransLink and the Province, and ensure completion in a decade. Eight years later, there has been little action – only a couple studies, a few more buses, and a botched $200m highway investment, all the while traffic conditions continue to deteriorate seven days a week.

My name is Stephan Nieweler. I am a planning and transportation expert, born and raised in the District of North Vancouver, and long-committed to solving the transport challenges of the North Shore and the region. It would be my honour to earn your trust and serve as your next mayor, so that we can begin to implement a transformative vision for transportation and great neighbourhoods. I will relentlessly seek to convince all levels of government that this bold plan gives our residents and workers alternative options to move efficiently across the North Shore and to the region - by rail transit, by HOV, by express bus and by active modes.

I grew up in the Upper Delbrook neighbourhood in the home my parents built in 1967, and went to Monteray, Braemar, Balmoral and Handsworth schools. I later attended Capilano College and was a member of the varsity men’s basketball team, before moving on to Simon Fraser University to complete a BA (Hons) in Urban Geography. This led me to nearly a decade of additional studies and professional work outside of BC, where I completed a Master of Science in Planning at the University of Toronto, specializing in sustainable transport planning and transit-oriented development. My career also brought me to reside in London UK, where I was involved with the London 2012 Olympic Transport Plan and to Mumbai, India, where I advised on the creation of a master transport plan for the rapidly growing metropolis. Upon my return to BC, I worked on teams that planned and designed the Canada Line and Millennium Line extension, as well as numerous rail transit projects around the world. I was later part of the Strategic Planning and Policy department of TransLink, gaining an understanding of the political dynamics that facilitate or impede projects from moving forward.

While planning and transportation have been an enormous part of my life and career, I care about many issues in the community, and am very passionate about active living, sports and the arts. I still regularly hike the trails of Grouse and Fromme, run next to the Capilano and mountain bike in the Lower Seymour Conservation Area, and play basketball in a men’s league at Cap U. I also helped to raise a service dog who is now part of the team at Carson Graham school. As a former owner and operator of an iconic jazz club, I remain dedicated to supporting live music in this province, and in particular young musicians seeking an opportunity to get their chance. I believe that we are a better society when there are opportunities for all ages to find and engage in their passions beyond work and home, and I will consider this in every decision I make as Mayor.

I am a local boy who went out and gained experience and leadership qualities in business, the arts, academics and professional planning in the public and private sector. I will use this wisdom to bring a unique voice to Council, while leading through respectful dialogue and continually listening to the feelings of all my constituents. Let’s move forward together and restore our quality of life in North Vancouver!