St. Boniface is where Nicholas has lived, worked, volunteered and built relationships. It is where he spent years supporting local organizations, helping small businesses, attending community events and working alongside people who care deeply about the future of our neighbourhoods. In 2024, Nick was a recipient of a Winnipeg 150 medal from the mayor and city council in acknowledging their appreciation of his exceptional efforts to improve the life and wellbeing of St. Boniface and the City at large.
He is the son of a Greek immigrant father and Franco-Manitoban mother. His father came to Canada with very little and built a life through hard work, sacrifice and perseverance. His father arrived with twenty dollars in his pocket and one change of clothes. His parents taught him that opportunity should never be taken for granted and that success comes with a responsibility to help others move forward.
Those values have guided Nick throughout his life.
Nick has always been an entrepreneur. Today, he is co-owner of Helios Restaurant and Catering, a family business that has served Winnipeg for more than a decade. Running a business teaches you quickly that people expect answers, problems need solutions and budgets must balance. You cannot pass responsibility to someone else when something goes wrong. You listen, adapt and get the job done.
Like many local businesses, Helios faced enormous challenges during the pandemic. They transformed from a traditional restaurant into a successful catering operation serving schools, families, community organizations and major events. That experience strengthened his belief that leadership is not about protecting the way things have always been done. It is about recognizing when change is necessary and having the courage to make it happen.
His commitment to St. Boniface extends well beyond business.
Over the years, he has served in leadership and governance roles with organizations working in health care, culture, economic development, community media and the francophone community. His involvement has included chairing the St. Boniface Museum Foundation where he was instrumental in raising millions for the renovations of Winnipeg’s oldest building; the Centre de Santé St. Boniface; Entreprises Riel; Envol 91 FM; the Norwood Grove BIZ; and the Société de la francophonie manitobaine.
Through his work, he gained practical experience in governance, financial oversight, fundraising, strategic planning and organizational renewal. More importantly, he learned how much can be accomplished when capable people put personalities and politics aside and focus on the work in front of them.
Nick is bilingual and proud to be part of a community whose francophone history and institutions have shaped Manitoba. At the same time, St. Boniface continues to grow and change. It is home to long-time residents, newcomers, Indigenous and Métis families, seniors, young families, renters, homeowners, entrepreneurs and people from cultures around the world.
Our strength comes from respecting the history that built St. Boniface while making room for the people who are helping shape its future.
In 2022, Nick registered as a candidate in St.Boniface ward to become their next representative on City Council. Nick learned many valuable lessons during his first attempt that he has not forgotten; St. Boniface needs a representative that will be there for them to listen, make their presence known in the ward and advocate for positive growth. Although the outcome of the 2022 municipal election did not see him elected, the experience of running and receiving a 26% share of the vote cemented his commitment to St. Boniface.
However, his involvement in the community did not end when the election was over.
After the election, and having gained confidence that Nick had more to offer his community, he continued serving on boards, supporting local organizations, meeting residents, attending events and learning more about the challenges facing our neighbourhoods. The years since that election have given him more community experience, developed stronger relationships, and given him a much clearer understanding of the kind of representation St. Boniface needs.
He is running again because residents deserve a councillor who is visible, accessible and responsive.
People should not have to struggle to get a phone call returned or wonder whether their concerns have disappeared into the machinery of City Hall. They deserve clear communication, honest answers and someone who follows through.
St. Boniface needs practical action on the issues residents deal with every day.
These challenges will not be solved through slogans or political theatre. They require collaboration, persistence and a councillor who is prepared to work with residents, businesses, community organizations, municipal departments and every level of government.
Nick believes compassion and accountability must work together. We must help people in crisis while also protecting the safety, dignity and quality of life of residents, workers and businesses. We must support new housing and responsible growth without ignoring infrastructure, neighbourhood identity or the people who already live here.
As councillor he will be present throughout the ward, not only during election campaigns. He will communicate openly, explain decisions clearly and advocate firmly for St. Boniface at City Hall. He will be prepared, accessible and relentless about getting answers and moving issues forward.
He is as excited for change as the community is to see what St. Boniface can become.
It is time for visible leadership, stronger communication and a new voice at City Hall.
St. Boniface deserves better.