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 Martin Stegman, a Candidate for the office of Councillor.

1. Civic Experience

What experience do you have working in politics?

I worked for the BC Ministry of Jobs & Economic Growth (JEG) for nearly 9 years researching,  analyzing and proposing programs and policy to Ministers and senior government officials. This also included participating in four, multi-day Ministerial tours meeting directly with businesses and community members to hear their concerns and perspectives. My time working within government gave me an intimate knowledge of the politics and processes involved in an effective staff-to-elected offical relationships and the tours strongly  reinforced the importance of getting input and feedback directly from the people being affected by government decision-making.  

During my time with JEG I also helped run two major councils: the Workforce Development  Advisory Group, including more than 100 representatives from government, industry, Indigenous communities and organized labour; and the StrongerBC Young Leaders Council,  which included young people from across the province seeking to provide youth input to government decision makers.  

At a grassroots level, I am or have been a board member for Kootenay Coop Radio (early 2000’s), Repair Café Nelson (current), and the West Kootenay Landlord Association (current). 

What is your knowledge in regards to municipal politics and responsibilities?

I have a strong understanding of municipal politics and responsibilities through my work for the provincial government, not only as provincial political processes and responsibilities mirror those at the municipal level, but also in working on topics specifically of interest to municipalities through briefing note preparation for UBCM and other local issues that have been raised to the provincial government.  

To ensure my understanding of municipal politics and responsibilities aligns with reality, I  have been attending Nelson City Council meetings in-person since July to see first-hand the dynamics of our existing Council/staff and the current issues under discussion.  

Where possible, I have also been participating in public feedback requests from the City of Nelson, including providing feedback on the draft OCP in 2025 and on the upcoming sewage treatment plant, among others. 

What vision of community would you bring to city council?

I was born and raised in Nelson, and this community has had deep influence on who I have become as a person and how I engage with this world.  

My vision is a little tricky to articulate, but I will try and use a bit of a simile… 

Nelson is like a beautiful garden that has been cultivated in the wilderness.  

It requires constant tending to maintain it’s beauty and balance, and doing the tending is not always easy but is a requirement to thrive.  

All types of gardeners are needed  

Those that grow flowers to bring beauty and soul to the garden;  

Those that grow vegetables to feed the gardeners and earn money for the gardeners for tools and supplies;  

Those that embrace the wilderness, to understand how the garden can grow in harmony;  

Those who have gained wisdom from gardening in the wilderness since time immemorial;  

Those that focus on the infrastructure of the garden;  

Those whose role it is to support other gardeners who perhaps need assistance;  

Gardeners with new ideas, whether that be from their experience working on other gardens far or near, or whether from their own unique personal experiences.  

And there are threats to the garden – outsiders who do not understand or respect the garden, changes to the wilderness that cause new encroachments, or new technologies that have the potential to damage certain sections of the garden.  

It is the role of city council to help oversee the garden:  

To talk with the gardeners in the various sections to understand their needs and goals;  

To support each set of gardeners individually and help them recognize their mutually beneficial roles;  

To help mitigate threats to the garden by working with partners near and far;  

To safeguard and share the vision of the garden and help newcomers find  their place in it.  

To help the garden thrive and evolve, adapting as needed in our ever changing and dynamic climate; culturally, politically, 

2. Community Engagement & Transparency

How would you encourage residents, community organizations, and local non-profits to participate meaningfully in City visioning and decision-making?

I strongly believe in the value of lived experience when it comes to decision-making. Where possible, I aim to get my own direct experience (e.g., if I’m making decisions about transit service, I should go ride the bus). Direct experience is not sufficient though, as it doesn’t reflect all people’s experience, so it is critically important to speak to the “experts” on a specific topic, that have the history of lived experience. I have seen the value of seeking this input out and then, perhaps most importantly, referencing it directly to demonstrate that it has an impact and following up with the people that took the time to contribute to the vision  or decision-making (even if the decisions made were not necessarily in their favour). 

How would you ensure transparency and accountability in your own decision-making?

As above, I seek to get the best information I can, then explain why I made a given decision, ensure I make decisions I can stand by (even if unpopular), avoid being defensive while staying committed, but also remain open to revision of positions and decisions if critical new information or understanding is brought to light. 

3. Understanding Nelson’s Arts, Culture & Heritage Sector

What is your impression of Nelson’s arts, culture, and heritage sector?

Nelson is blessed with an unparalleled wealth of artists and arts, culture and heritage organizations – particularly for a community of its size.

What role do you believe it plays in our community?

The sector is the soul of our community, keeping it interesting, weird and vibrant, while also having excellent complementary alignment with other segments of our community –  supporting tourism, providing economic benefit in its own right, attracting new residents, etc. 

4. Understanding the Non-Profit Sector

Are you familiar with the operational realities and funding models of non-profit arts, culture, and heritage organizations?

Yes – During my work with the provincial government I partnered with many non-profits, I have personally worked directly with many non-profits, and my parents have been heavily involved in the non-profit segment through most of my life. 

What do you see as the primary challenges facing these organizations today?

For as long as I can remember, funding has always been the primary challenge for non-profit organizations – particularly reliable consistent funding. In the current fiscal context, there is less funding available to arts, culture and heritage organizations as focus increasingly turns to the economy (inflation, trade war, etc.). And what funds are available are typically in the form of project funding, which means it is very difficult for non-profits and their staff to make long-term (or even medium-term) goals, strategies, etc. 

5. 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?

I have a preliminary understanding of the histories and activity of the Sinixt and Ktunaxa peoples in our territory through reading materials and attending relevant cultural activities.  

I was particularly interested in the 2010-2021 Supreme Court case regarding the Sinixt  American deliberately breaking Canadian hunting regulations and the subsequent recognition of cross-border Indigenous territorial rights.  

Generally speaking, I would say I have a strong understanding of the varied history and interests of Indigenous Peoples in British Columbia, having worked directly or indirectly with many First Nations and their interests.  

I have also regularly participated in the Moosehide Campaign in Victoria and had the honor  of being invited to and attending a session of the Duncan First Nations Court while living in Duncan. 

Have you built relationships with the Indigenous community?

Locally not yet, no. 

How do you see City Council leadership contributing meaningfully to this work?

As the prevailing colonial power structure closest to the territory, Council has a responsibility to work directly with the traditional caretakers of this land to help correct historical wrongs and collaboratively chart a path forward for all inhabitants. 

6. Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility

What learning or experience have you had related to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility?

As an able-bodied, cis-gender, heterosexual, white male, I am intimately aware of the imbalances of our existing social structure. Recognizing the unearned advantages that my  position has given me, I firmly believe it is my duty to use these advantages to help balance  the playing field.  

I may not be the most vocal ally, as I often find this comes off as performative, self-focused  and inauthentic, but instead prefer to challenge institutional structures and processes that ingrain and/or exacerbate systemic inequality. Examples include:  

o Challenging the provincial government’s “meritocratic” hiring processes, as the  people that perform best on the government’s existing points-based system are those that know the system already (i.e. people that know someone who is in  government that can give them tips) and this creates self-perpetuating system that reinforces the status quo (white, middle-class, urban) while simultaneously  purporting to have a fair system that can support all applicants.  

o Challenging the provincial government’s form-based art grant application processes that are used in their efforts to support better representation in the arts. By using this colonial, bureaucratic process, it excludes suitable recipients that may be uncomfortable (or traumatized) with bureaucratic forms, budgets, etc. Worse still,  many of the underrepresented recipients who are able to navigate these processes, although checking all the necessary boxes, will likely be those that have been more assimilated into the dominate Western culture. This provides the government with the examples they can point to that are improving representation while actually further isolating truly diverse and underrepresented voices. 

If elected, how would these principles influence your work as a City Councillor?

In all my government decision-making, I aim to apply a deliberate equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility lens – who does this decision benefit? Who does it ignore or worse, disadvantage?  

A concrete example of this is active transportation planning and investment. I personally am a committed cyclist, commuting hundreds of km each month, regardless of the season,  and would love to see all cities with the most convenient, safest cycling infrastructure. But  cycling investments benefit only a small sub-segment of the population… cyclists… who tend to come from a particular segment of our population – mostly middle-to-upper-middle class income (particularly in Nelson, where higher-end bikes or eBikes are almost a  necessity); probably white, where biking is a more cultural relevant activity; probably young to middle-aged; and almost certainly able-bodied. An investment in cycling infrastructure is not an equitable investment; not everyone in the community can benefit. Furthermore, it has the risk of further disadvantaging already disadvantaged members, increasing congestion and reducing parking for community members that have no other choice. To be clear, this is not to say I am against active transportation infrastructure, but merely as a  concrete demonstration of how I will use lens of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility in weighing whether or not to support a proposal, or suggest ways in which it might be improved. 

7. Participation in Arts, Culture & Heritage

How often do you attend an arts and culture event in the community?

Typically at least once a month. 

Do you or have you ever volunteered for an arts, culture, or heritage non-profit?

I have sat on the board of KCR and had two radio shows. I’m sure I have volunteered with  other arts, cultural and heritage non-profits for individual events as well. 

Do you purchase local artworks or support the sector in other ways?

Yes, I regularly purchase local artworks, both for myself and as gifts. I also seek to attend arts-related events such as Artwalk and make an effort to consciously pay attention to and discuss the artwork hung in many of our local businesses. 

List 8 cultural organizations and businesses that deliver community-based arts.

• Craft Connection  
• Nelson Visitor Centre  
• Nelson Museum  
• Kolmel Jewellry  
• Oso Negro (Pottery, wall art, etc.)  
• Kootenay Coop Radio 
• Nelson & District Arts Council  
• West Kootenay Regional Arts Council (my first job at 16 years old, preparing them for Y2K!)  
• Circus Nelson  
• Capital Theatre  
• Civic Theatre  
• Oxygen  
• Kootenay Bakery (wall art)

8. The Future of Arts, Culture & Heritage in Nelson

What do you believe are the most important contributions arts, culture, and heritage make to Nelson?

As in Question 3, I think arts, culture and heritage plan a critical role in making Nelson what  is – bringing us together, forming a sense of community, bringing joy and wonder, and opening our eyes to new possibilities. 

What would you as a councillor do to support the sector’s growth?

I am not an expert in the arts, culture and heritage sector but recognize that the city is blessed with many vibrant and experienced organizations and individuals. As per my response to Question 1, I think my first responsibility is to meet with sector leaders, ensure I  understand their perspectives/needs directly from them, and then use my role as councillor to support those alignments between the arts sector and those other sectors of the community (economy, government, etc.) and support linkages with outside partners. I would also continue to be a participate and advocate for the sector. 

How do you think the sector could be strengthened over the next four years?

From the outside, the city seems to have been doing a good job at supporting the arts sector  (collaborating with the KSA building, supporting the Civic Theatre during renovations,  facilitating community events such as MuralFest). I was particularly impressed that they allowed a loud concert at Lakeside Park, which likely got some criticism from noise complaints, music type, etc. but was important for bringing together a younger, more vibrant segment of the community (and it was only night). I would support continuing these types of collaborations.  

I would also happily advocate on behalf of the arts sector to provincial and federal counterparts. Nelson is about as good as an arts community as there can be, and if our artists and organizations are struggling, clearly there is an issue with the system (and those  communities that do not have the same capacity as we do must be struggling even more).  

Improving access to arts spaces (and other suitable commercial/industrial spaces) in the city is also an area where I see need for improvement. 

9. Municipal Investment

Do you believe municipal investment in Nelson’s arts, culture, and heritage sector should be maintained or increased?

I don’t really have enough information yet to answer this question. I can see positive,  significant municipal investments in the arts, culture and heritage sector as mentioned  above (along with property tax forgiveness), but I don’t have an accurate picture of the full  contribution (or the full need). 

How would you balance investment in the sector with the other demands on the City’s budget?

As above. I also don’t yet have a full picture of the other demands and needs in the City.  That said, I definitely recognize the arts, culture and heritage sector as a critical sector in  the fabric of our city and one that needs investment and support. 

10. 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?

As the owner of many properties in the Nelson area and the controller of zoning, the City  has an important role in protecting and supporting affordable spaces. This could mean  providing low-cost leases to arts organizations on City properties, supporting development of dedicate arts facilities on City land, or exploring zoning options that could support  development of new and retention of old arts spaces – for example, by providing property tax discounts to property owners with activate arts spaces on their properties. 

What role do you believe the City should play in developing affordable cultural spaces?

As above. 

11. 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 and economic development and tourism have a strong intersection.  At a foundational level, arts, culture and heritage underpin the economy – they are one of the  core factors that make Nelson a desirable place to live, providing businesses with the customers and workers. Arts, culture and heritage drive tourism, attracting visitors through our reputation and also for specific events. Finally, artists are members of the economy as well, selling their products and services, and spending their money on other businesses in the community. 

• City and specifically downtown planning and the development of public space?

As above, the city has a unique role in ensuring this segment of the community can sustain itself (at a minimum) and thrive (as a goal). Artists need space to make art, and performers need space to perform.

• Affordable housing for cultural workers? 

As a major land owner in the city and the exclusive controller of zoning, the city should support  projects that offer affording house for cultural workers. These workers are critical for community well-being, both as artists but also as economic contributors. Because the output of their work is not entirely for market purposes (i.e. perhaps prioritizing beauty, joy, etc.),  cultural workers are at a greater risk of being displaced by market rents without having support. 

What role do arts, culture and heritage play in community wellbeing?

 See question 3 

12. 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?

I will ask City Council and staff to explore the possibility of an art-space specific property  tax incentive that supports artists with studios in their own homes or other property owners that opt to make space available and suitable for artists to rent.