VOTE October 17
Nick Johnson
for Ucluelet Council
Preserving what we love.
Expanding what’s possible.
Ucluelet is growing and evolving. How will we keep up?
We all live here because there’s a magnetic pull—to the water, to community, to nature—but at the rate our community is growing, our resources and approach need to keep up.
What happens when fallen trees cut off our power for days?
What happens when more young families move here, but can’t get access to childcare?
What happens when our future teens graduate? Can they see a clear future for themselves here?
These are the questions I want to answer in our council—with a sustainable, realistic and locals-first approach.
Here’s where I believe we need to focus our energy to build towards an optimistic future in Ucluelet, together:
Housing
Increasing access to sustainable and attainable housing
Housing is one of the biggest challenges facing Ucluelet
My priorities: Increase access. Support local businesses. Strike the right balance.
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As a builder with a background in sustainable development and net-zero design, I know firsthand that affordability is shaped by everything from land and permitting to construction, energy and infrastructure.
We need practical ways to build more attainable housing. That includes long-term rentals, secondary suites, carriage houses and small-scale multi-unit homes—while reducing unnecessary barriers and keeping high standards for safety, sustainability and design. We should also explore partnerships and incentives that make long-term housing more viable for local families, workers and seniors.
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Tourism is an essential part of our economy, but we shouldn’t have to make it a choice between serving visitors and having a roof over our heads. Instead, a balanced approach to short-term rentals that protects long-term housing will also support the local businesses and families integral to tourism.
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Our future means keeping pace with the water, wastewater, roads and emergency infrastructure it depends on.
Community
Equipping the community with vital resources and opportunities
Prioritizing the recreation, services, and healthcare you deserve
My priorities: Listen first. Build relationships. Create opportunities to participate.
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Families deserve childcare. Youth deserve diverse activities. Neighbours and friends deserve reliable spaces to gather and build relationships. And so far, many of us have tried—we’ve tried running youth gymnastics programs out of pocket. We’ve pitched in our own resources for community classes. We’ve tried raising these issues with the council. But to support our growth, it’s time for a bigger shift that sets future generations up for success.
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With access to more childcare, healthcare, recreation, arts and community programs, our community becomes a place we’ll all be proud to live, raise our families and work in forever. We need greater support for families, youth and seniors that gives them access to great active and cultural opportunities beyond peak seasons.
In the process, we need to continue building stronger relationships by consistently collaborating with Ucluelet First Nation, Toquaht Nation, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, Ahousaht First Nation and neighbouring Nuu-chah-nulth communities. Meaningful engagement early on, where decisions that affect lands, waters, culture and development are concerned, is crucial.
Resilience & Sustainability
Building an adaptable Ucluelet
Futureproofing our spaces and systems
My priorities: Make resilient choices. Look out for locals first. Build a year-round economy.
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Living on the West Coast means we’re in constant conversation with the natural environment. To protect natural ecosystems, we need more efficient municipal infrastructure around reliable water and wastewater systems. To be prepared in an emergency when a storm, tsunami or wildfire strikes, we need strong evacuation planning, backup power and clear communication with locals.
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We need to prioritize decisions like these that make us ready and resilient—decisions that have a positive ripple effect on the economy, infrastructure and community, making it as adaptable as possible. Tourism will always be part of our economy, but explore year-round opportunities that serve locals’ needs are available to us too. We can make this happen together—creating opportunities for trades, construction, marine industries, technology and more—to protect us in the long run and create consistent economic activity.
Meet Nick
Ready to roll up my sleeves for Ukee.
I’m a local contractor, sustainable design professional, musician, martial artist and, most importantly, a dad. I’ve spent my career understanding how things come together—from water and infrastructure to off-grid building and the practical realities of creating a home. I bring that same hands-on, solutions-oriented mindset to how I think about our community.
Outside of work, I’m usually in or around the water, on a board, making music or spending time with my four-year-old daughter. I’ve lived around the world, from Australia and Indonesia to Tofino and Nelson, but I’ve spent years coming back to Ucluelet to visit family who have lived here for decades. So it’s no surprise that returning to the West Coast always felt like coming home.
Now that I’m raising my own family here, I’m seeing Ucluelet through a different lens. I’m thinking about whether folks like us can afford to stay, what kind of community we’re building for the next generation, and how we can keep working together for a more optimistic future here.
What I’ll do for you
I’m running for council because I deeply care about Ukee and all the people who call it home. I’m naturally curious—meaning I’m willing to listen and take you seriously. And when I know something is important? I’ve always rolled up my sleeves and seen it through with a healthy dose of patience, care and backbone. I bring a fresh perspective, practical experience and a willingness to do better by locals—and I’m ready to put it all to work for Ucluelet.
