Back to basics
To serve our community through governance rooted in experience, a proven track record, accessible leadership, and an enduring commitment to supporting the heritage and traditions that makes Lantzville a community.
Election Day October 17th 2026
Candidate Mayor of Lantzville
Mark’s Top Priorities as Mayor
Role Alignment
When it comes to oversight and execution, who does what?
My administration will establish absolute clarity of the roles of Council and Staff. This ensures that strategic oversight remains the focus of council while empowering professional experts to execute operations efficiently. To restore financial discipline at the District, council must allow staff to develop a realistic preliminary budget for councils consideration and approval. Respecting the roles each plays in the financial planning process whilst adhering to strict budgetary timelines will save taxpayer dollars and prevent costly delays to our infrastructure projects. Just like a car, all the wheels need to be aligned to prevent wobble, as do the roles of Council and Staff.
Further discussion coming soon…
Governance
Leading With Process
My administration will prioritize process-driven governance and strict adherence to provincial legislation to ensure our municipality operates with maximum efficiency and transparency. I believe that transparent and consistent processes provide fairness and equity to all parties. We will restore fiscal discipline by committing to the on-time adoption of our 5-year financial plans, preventing costly project delays and protecting taxpayer dollars from avoidable construction inflation. By returning to this disciplined planning approach, we will secure the funds necessary to maintain our essential infrastructure and guarantee the long-term financial health of our community.
Further discussion coming soon…
Smart Growth
Balancing Our Tax Base for a Sustainable Future
To build a more resilient Lantzville, we must strategically diversify our tax base to reduce the financial burden currently placed on residential homeowners. By prioritizing a comprehensive review of our Official Community Plan, we will explore opportunities to welcome clean, light industrial and commercial businesses that create high-quality local jobs and sustainable revenue. This balanced approach will stabilize our property taxes while ensuring we have the funds necessary to upgrade essential infrastructure and maintain our community's high quality of life. In conclusion, we will pursue smart, thoughtful and sustainable growth through a comprehensive review of our Official Community Plan to diversify our tax base and build a resilient future for every resident.
Further discussion coming soon…
Meet
Mark Swain
Originally from New Zealand, my family immigrated to Canada when I was seven years old. I grew up in Campbell River, then lived in Victoria and Vancouver, before returning to the Island in 2002. Lantzville quickly caught my attention and after a 2 year search, my family and I moved to Lantzville in 2011. I have a background in Science-Kinesiology and practice in the functional assessment of injured persons, return to work, and workplace ergonomics.
I have been actively involved in my community through coaching, volunteering with youth, serving on both the Regional District of Nanaimo Board and Nanaimo Regional Hospital District Board, and chairing the Central South Island Regional Advisory Committee and acting as an Ex-officio Board Director for the Island Coastal Economic Trust. I was first elected to the District of Lantzville council in 2015 followed by being elected to Mayor in 2018 where I continue to serve.
In my roles with the Island Coastal Economic Trust, I have been a strong advocate and supporter of agricultural land use. Also, I remain deeply committed to helping Lantzville enhance its economic resiliency by developing the village core area for the local community.
My work on the Nanaimo Hospital District Board has included consistent advocacy for equitable and affordable residential taxation in the face of significant cost escalation for future regional hospital capital projects. In December 2025 I received unanimous Board support of my motion to push the timeline of the much-needed Catheterization Lab by unlocking $50M of our region’s money. Advancing the Catheterization Lab funds to the provincial government will ultimately speed up local access to life saving emergency procedures following heart attacks.
Most importantly, I am an adaptable, diplomatic and dynamic leader who puts my community first and delivers results.
Why Am I Seeking Re-Election as Mayor?
I am seeking re-election for Mayor because I want to ensure future generations have the same opportunities to experience how special Lantzville is. This town provided my children a safe place to grow up, an excellent neighborhood school, and a strong sense of belonging. I want to provide our seniors and retirees a chance of remaining in an evolving community that allows them to age in place with comfort, dignity, safety, and independence.
Strong towns are built on connection and bringing residents together and I will continue to proudly support the pillars of our community: Legion 257, Rotary Club of Lantzville, Lantzville Volunteer Firefighters Association, Seaside Community Society and other volunteer groups that form our community's backbone. True leadership means engaging those groups and working hard to ensure these vital organizations are supported so they can continue to focus on uniting our residents and keeping our community spirit alive.
I am not running to fulfill a political ambition or for personal gain. I am running because I love our town, I am deeply grateful for what it provides to my family, and I want to show my gratitude by working for residents while creating a sustainable and vibrant future.
Big Ideas, Real Impact
turning vision into value
Opportunity: Pierce Woods Marine Park
Vision Accomplishment: Village Core Improvement Plan
Collaboration: Seaview Daycare
Support Mark's Campaign
Your support drives progress and builds a community we can be proud of.