Nelson’s arts, culture and heritage sector plays a significant role in the social, cultural and economic life of our community. In advance of the 2026 municipal election, we are inviting candidates to share their perspectives on the sector and their priorities should they be elected. The Arts, Culture & Heritage Candidate Survey is conducted by the Nelson & District Arts Council, Nelson Museum, Archives, and Gallery, Oxygen Art Centre, Kootenay Regional Arts Council, Tapatía Collective, and The Capitol Theatre.
The 2026 local election will be held Saturday, October 17, 2026. Eligible voters will elect one mayor and six councillors, as well as two School District 8 trustees.
Two advance voting opportunities will be held at City Hall, 2nd Floor, Council Chambers, on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 and Wednesday, October 14, 2026 from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the City of Nelson website.
In this survey, we hear from Corey Viala, a Candidate for the office of Councillor.
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Civic Experience
What experience do you have working in politics?
I have served on regional and provincial boards for many years. Governance has been an important part of that work. I have attended political meetings and taken part in presentations to political leaders. This includes attending the Union of British Columbia Municipalities convention and meeting with MLAs at the BC Parliament Buildings.
What is your knowledge in regards to municipal politics and responsibilities?
My experience on boards has taught me to follow established rules and policies and to give people a fair opportunity to express their views.
What vision of community would you bring to city council?
I see my role on City Council as working with the public and City staff to find practical solutions that fit within the City’s budget.
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Community Engagement & Transparency
How would you encourage residents, community organizations, and local non-profits to participate meaningfully in City visioning and decision-making?
Non profit societies can use the Committee of the Whole process to speak directly to Nelson City Council. City boards, including the Nelson Police Board and Nelson Public Library Board, hold public meetings. Council decisions can have a major impact on community organizations and local non profits. I would encourage residents and organizations to attend meetings, make presentations and contact councillors before decisions are made.
How would you ensure transparency and accountability in your own decision-making?
I would listen, ask questions and explain the reasons for my decisions in public. People may not always agree with my vote, but they should know why I made it.
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Understanding Nelson’s Arts, Culture & Heritage Sector
What is your impression of Nelson’s arts, culture, and heritage sector?
When I first moved to Nelson, our downtown core was transformed by Bob Inwood’s vision. I remember seeing his drawings, and now I can see the result every day. Once the transformation began, people took notice. The movie Roxanne made a major contribution to Nelson by bringing in tourism and showing the world the city’s historic character. Nelson continues to have a strong arts, culture and heritage sector.
What role do you believe it plays in our community?
Developments like these have a major impact on Nelson’s economy. The sector brings people together, supports local businesses and is part of what makes Nelson a place people want to live in and visit.
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Understanding the Non-Profit Sector
Are you familiar with the operational realities and funding models of non-profit arts, culture, and heritage organizations?
As the current president of the Nelson Leafs Hockey Society, I have seen directly the financial constraints non profits face and the need to be fiscally responsible. The Capitol Theatre, Nelson Public Library, Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery and Nelson Civic Theatre Society are examples of organizations that receive financial support from the City of Nelson.
What do you see as the primary challenges facing these organizations today?
From my experience, the main challenges are rising costs, dependable funding and having enough people to do the work.
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Truth, Reconciliation & Indigenous Relationships
Arts, culture and heritage organizations have an important role to play in truth, reconciliation and decolonization.
What learning have you undertaken with Indigenous peoples, histories, and communities connected to this territory?
Over the years, I have come to better understand the importance of truth, reconciliation and decolonization. My professional career recently took me to the Kamloops area, where I worked with First Nations employees. We talked about the impact of residential schools, celebrations such as powwows, and what truth and reconciliation means to them.
Have you built relationships with the Indigenous community?
Through the Nelson Leafs, we demonstrated our support for truth and reconciliation with a special jersey worn by the players during the season. We also sold truth and reconciliation T shirts and directed the proceeds to local Indigenous programs.
How do you see City Council leadership contributing meaningfully to this work?
I would not claim that this makes me an expert or that my learning is finished. As a councillor, I would listen to Indigenous people connected to this area and ask what role the City can properly play.
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Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility
What learning or experience have you had related to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility?
My 32 years as a paramedic taught me to treat people with acceptance and respect, regardless of their background, beliefs or accessibility needs. Patients are often at their most vulnerable, and treating them with dignity was essential to my professional and personal growth. At the Nelson Leafs Eco Depot, we have also encouraged employment opportunities for people with diverse backgrounds and accessibility needs.
If elected, how would these principles influence your work as a City Councillor?
These experiences have shown me the value of including and respecting people from all parts of the community. As a City Councillor, I would bring that same approach to listening to people and making decisions.
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Participation in Arts, Culture & Heritage
How often do you attend an arts and culture event in the community?
I attend at least 10 arts and culture events a year, as well as farmers’ markets and events at the Capitol Theatre.
Do you or have you ever volunteered for an arts, culture, or heritage non-profit?
I am the current president of the Nelson Leafs Hockey Society and I am involved with the Nelson Italian Society.
Do you purchase local artworks or support the sector in other ways?
I have supported local artists through purchases at local markets and pottery shops.
List 8 cultural organizations and businesses that deliver community-based arts.
- Capitol Theatre
- Nelson Public Library
- Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery
- Nelson Civic Theatre Society
- The Shoebox Theatre
- Dance Umbrella
- Oxygen Art Centre
- Nelson Studio 88.
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The Future of Arts, Culture & Heritage in Nelson
What do you believe are the most important contributions arts, culture, and heritage make to Nelson?
Economic development and tourism are important contributions of arts, culture and heritage to Nelson. They are also part of Nelson’s identity and bring people together. The City’s Comprehensive Cultural Policy supports the sector and includes consideration of downtown planning and public spaces.
What would you as a councillor do to support the sector’s growth?
If elected, I would like to learn more about Nelson’s arts sector, ask whether we are doing enough and consider how we can maintain current financial support for the arts community.
How do you think the sector could be strengthened over the next four years?
We could strengthen the regional arts community by bringing artists and organizations in Nelson, Kaslo, Trail, Castlegar and other communities together to share information, promote events and look for funding opportunities.
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Municipal Investment
Do you believe municipal investment in Nelson’s arts, culture, and heritage sector should be maintained or increased?
I believe municipal investment in Nelson’s arts, culture and heritage sector should be maintained. Any increase would have to be considered along with the other demands on the City’s budget.
How would you balance investment in the sector with the other demands on the City’s budget?
The main challenge is maintaining financial stability for the arts community while being fiscally responsible within the City of Nelson’s budget. The estimated annual economic impact is over $20 million and includes both full time and part time employment in the community. This makes the sector a meaningful economic force for the City.
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Affordable & Accessible Cultural Space
The cost and availability of cultural spaces is an increasing challenge for artists, cultural workers and non-profit organizations.
What role do you believe the City should play in protecting and supporting affordable spaces for arts, culture, and heritage services in Nelson?
The City of Nelson should work regularly with the Nelson and District Arts Council to understand the challenges and needs of the local arts community and plan for its future growth. The first priority should be protecting and making good use of the cultural spaces we already have.
What role do you believe the City should play in developing affordable cultural spaces?
The City should also consider the needs of the arts community when making decisions about City owned buildings, leases and redevelopment. When new opportunities arise, the City should look at partnerships and shared spaces.
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Arts, Culture & Heritage in City Planning
How should arts, culture and heritage be considered within broader municipal decisions related to the following:
- Economic development and tourism?
Arts, culture and heritage should be considered when the City makes decisions about economic development and tourism because they are part of why people choose to visit and live in Nelson.
- City and specifically downtown planning and the development of public space?
Downtown planning should consider public art, performance space, heritage buildings and places where community events can happen.
- Affordable housing for cultural workers?
Cultural workers face the same housing pressures as other people who work in Nelson. Their needs should be considered as part of the City’s overall housing planning.
What role do arts, culture and heritage play in community wellbeing?
Arts, culture and heritage support community wellbeing by bringing people together and giving people of different ages and backgrounds ways to take part in the community.
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Your Commitment
If elected, what is one concrete action you would like to see City Council and the City of Nelson take during the next Council term to strengthen arts, culture, and heritage in our community?
If elected, I would like City Council to meet with local arts, culture and heritage organizations during the first year of the term. The purpose would be to hear their shared priorities and identify practical actions the City can take.