Evaluation
Our evaluation process
A serious, consistent review to help voters compare candidates fairly. Not a popularity contest, and not a lobby group picking favourites.
01 / Why it matters
Why this process exists
The next four years will bring 1,000+ council decisions on housing, safety, infrastructure, taxes, and quality of life. Voters deserve a clear, consistent way to assess who is ready for that responsibility.
Kelowna elects councillors at-large, so every resident votes on the entire field. That is a lot of names, and very little time to research each one.
Every candidate who participates receives the same interview structure, the same evaluation criteria, and the same respect. Sitting councillors are welcome. Newcomers are welcome.
A consistent review gives strong candidates a fair hearing, whoever they are.
The committee publishes its recommendations with clear reasoning so voters can make their own choice at the ballot box.
Every participating candidate is measured against the same six criteria.
02 / The framework
Evaluation framework
What the committee assesses in every candidate interview.
- Experience and qualifications
- Leadership track record
- Community involvement
- Municipal governance understanding
- Collaborative decision-making
- Vision for Kelowna's future
03 / The interview
Interview topics
Every candidate receives the same consistent agenda during their committee interview.
Land use & housing
Growth, density, affordability, and how council balances development with neighbourhood character.
Social & safety
Community wellbeing, public safety, and social services that support Kelowna residents.
Sports & wellness
Recreation, parks, and investments that keep Kelowna active and healthy.
Entrepreneurship
Local business climate, economic development, and support for employers and workers.
Policy & advocacy
How candidates engage with provincial partners, regional issues, and long-range planning.
Municipal governance
Council process, accountability, fiscal stewardship, and readiness for the role.
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04 / Participation
Who can participate
Open to all candidates who wish to participate, including sitting councillors. Same process, same criteria, same respect.
Candidates do not need an invitation to take part. Incumbents who choose to participate are evaluated on the same framework as everyone else. Recommendations reflect qualifications, not tenure or party affiliation.
05 / Leadership
What we look for in leaders
Qualities the committee values when assessing municipal leadership potential.
Integrity & accountability
Leaders who take responsibility for decisions, communicate honestly, and earn public confidence over time.
Relationship skills
Councillors who listen, build consensus where possible, and work productively with colleagues and staff.
Votes for Kelowna
Decisions grounded in what serves the city, not personal popularity or outside pressure.
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06 / Timeline
Timeline
From pre-nomination outreach to published recommendations in fall 2026.
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01
Spring 2026
Outreach
Pre-nomination candidate contact
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02
Summer 2026
Interviews
Structured committee interviews
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03
Early fall 2026
Assessment
Committee deliberation
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04
Fall 2026
Publish
Recommendations released
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07 / Principles
Guiding principles
The values that govern every step of the evaluation process.
- Independence. ForChange does not operate on behalf of any political party or external organization.
- Fair evaluation. One framework, applied consistently to every participant.
- Respectful engagement. Candidates are treated professionally, regardless of outcome.
- Qualifications focus. Recommendations reflect readiness for council work, not popularity.
- Transparency. Process and funding are disclosed publicly.
Our roots
Connection to FourChange
An honest nod to where some of these ideas originated, and how this initiative is different.
Some ideas behind ForChange Kelowna trace back to the original Four Change movement over a decade ago, a community effort that helped voters compare council candidates on merit. This is a new, community-led initiative for the 2026 Kelowna municipal election, run by an independent committee with its own process and funding.
Questions
Still have questions?
Our FAQ addresses the most common concerns about independence, funding, and the review process.