Coffee with Ramona
An informal chance to share what you want Nelson's next mayor to understand.
Ramona Faust · Candidate for Mayor
Nelson deserves a mayor who listens. And gets to work.
Experienced, collaborative leadership for Nelson. Four terms in regional government, deep roots in this community, and a practical approach to the decisions ahead.
A local campaign built around real conversations.
Ramona Faust · Candidate for Mayor of Nelson14 yearsdirect local governance experience
4 termsRDCK director for Area E
Deep rootsin Nelson and the Kootenays
About Ramona
A career spent at the table — and in the community.
For Ramona, local government begins with an honest conversation about what matters, what is possible, and how we move forward together.
Ramona served four terms as the RDCK Regional Director for Area E. Across 14 years of direct local governance, she worked on the everyday services and long-range decisions that shape life in this region.
Her experience extends beyond Area E. She has served as chair of the Real Estate Foundation of BC and sits on the board of Climate Caucus, connecting local concerns with wider conversations about land use, affordability, and climate resilience. She is running to work with Nelson residents, Council, local organizations, and regional partners on practical progress.
Former chair, Real Estate Foundation of BC
Board member, Climate Caucus
Community non-profit experience
Regional collaboration
Leadership beyond Area E
Experience that crosses boundaries.
Working with local leaders across Canada
Ramona is a board member of Climate Caucus, a national organization supporting mayors, regional directors, councillors, and other local leaders on practical climate action.
View Climate Caucus board ↗Leading on land use and livable communities
Appointed to the Real Estate Foundation of BC board by the Union of BC Municipalities in 2015, Ramona later served as board chair. The foundation advances sustainable and equitable land use across BC.
View foundation board record ↗01 / The work ahead
Four priorities. One more connected Nelson.
01
Housing that fits real lives
More housing choices, stronger partnerships, and options to age in place.
- Bring non-profits, builders, and the City together around viable local projects.
- Review approval delays and costs that do not improve outcomes.
- Support housing choices that help older residents remain in Nelson.
02
Infrastructure you can count on
Protect water security and renew core assets with a clear eye on cost.
- Set out asset renewal priorities with estimated costs and timelines.
- Plan for reliable water systems and long-term maintenance.
- Compare lifetime costs before major capital commitments.
03
Decisions made in the open
Meaningful consultation before major choices and honest explanations after.
- Invite public input while options are still open.
- Explain trade-offs, costs, and final decisions in plain language.
- Strengthen coordination with neighbouring governments.
04
A resilient local future
Wildfire preparedness, a stronger local economy, and responsible growth.
- Coordinate practical FireSmart work with regional partners.
- Ask local businesses where City processes create unnecessary friction.
- Support a sustainable environment through responsible land use and care for local ecosystems.
- Build climate resilience into infrastructure and land-use decisions.
02 / Get involved
A stronger city starts with its people.
If you would like to volunteer for my campaign, let’s chat. Put up a lawn sign, lend a few hours, or bring your neighbours together for a conversation.
Email Ramona about volunteering ↗
Connect with Elect Ramona - Mayor of Nelson on Facebook ↗
01 Put a sign in your window or yard
02 Volunteer your time
03 Host a community conversation
Join the campaign
Tell us how you'd like to take part.
03 / Meet Ramona
Good leadership starts with a conversation.
A conversation about housing
Bring your questions and ideas about housing choices and affordability in Nelson.
04 / Support the campaign
Help put local experience to work.
Contributions support the work of reaching residents across Nelson. To contribute by Interac e-Transfer, send to the campaign address below. Use the calculator to check the remaining room under the 2026 contribution limit.
e-Transfer recipientramona4mayor@gmail.com
For donor information or a receipt, contact financial agent Marie Chanton. Please confirm your eligibility and remaining contribution room before sending.
2026 local election limit: $1,429.70 per eligible individual to a candidate, including contributions already made to that campaign this year.
Only eligible individuals may contribute; organizations cannot. Check residency, citizenship or permanent residency, and own-funds requirements with Elections BC. This tool does not verify eligibility or collect payment.
Contribution calculator
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05 / Questions
A few answers to start the conversation.
What experience does Ramona bring?
Ramona served four terms and 14 years as RDCK Regional Director for Area E. She is a board member of Climate Caucus and a former chair of the Real Estate Foundation of BC. Her background also includes community non-profits, forestry, and education.
What would she focus on as mayor?
Housing and affordability, core infrastructure and water security, open decision-making, and climate resilience alongside local economic strength. The priorities above outline proposed starting points.
Why does regional collaboration matter?
Housing, water, transportation, and emergency preparedness cross municipal boundaries. Working with regional neighbours can help make those efforts more coherent.
Where can I find voting information?
The 2026 general local election voting day is October 17. For official eligibility, advance voting, and voting places, visit the City of Nelson election page.