Submitted questionnaire
JC Rathwell
Business owner and operations leader
This is the candidate’s public questionnaire. It is not a ForChange recommendation. Committee recommendations will be published after the review is complete.
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01 · Why are you running for Kelowna City Council?
I’m running because Kelowna needs practical leadership that reflects real-world experience and common sense. I’ve spent decades building businesses, managing operations, serving customers, and solving problems in the real world. I want to help council make better decisions on safety, housing, development, and business conditions so Kelowna works better for the people who live and work here.
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02 · Issue #1: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.
People need to feel safe in every part of Kelowna. I would push for stronger enforcement, better coordination with police and support services, and a more focused response to repeat offending, open drug use, and street disorder. Council can’t solve everything alone, but it can set priorities, fund enforcement and prevention, and advocate for provincial and federal action.
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03 · Issue #2: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.
Kelowna needs more housing, but the cost of building is too high. I would review development cost charges, streamline approvals, and look for ways to reduce unnecessary barriers to new housing and small-scale development. Council has direct influence over zoning, approvals, and fees, so it can help make housing more attainable without sacrificing good planning.
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04 · Issue #3: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.
Small businesses are the backbone of Kelowna, but too often they face too much red tape and too many costs. I would support simpler bylaws, clearer rules, and a more business-friendly approach to permits, enforcement, and development. Council can create a better environment for investment, local jobs, and entrepreneurship by making it easier to start, operate, and grow a business here.
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05 · What experience, skills, and community involvement do you bring to the role?
I bring more than 20 years of business ownership, operations, sales, and customer service experience across hospitality, real estate, tourism, and technology to Kelowna. I’ve owned and operated businesses, managed teams, worked with customers and partners, and built practical AI tools to improve efficiency and communication. I’ve lived in Kelowna for over 30 years and have spent a lot of time talking with local business owners and residents about the issues that matter most.
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06 · How will you approach council decisions when priorities compete for limited resources?
I would focus on priorities, outcomes, and value for taxpayers. Council has to make tough choices, so I would look at what produces the greatest benefit for the community, what is financially responsible, and what can actually be delivered. I believe in asking practical questions, weighing trade-offs honestly, and supporting decisions that solve real problems instead of just sounding good.
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07 · How do you work with people who see an issue differently than you?
I listen first and try to understand what matters to them. I don’t expect everyone to agree with me, but I do believe in respectful discussion, direct communication, and finding common ground where it exists. Good decisions come from hearing different perspectives, asking honest questions, and staying focused on results instead of ego.
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08 · What else should voters know about you?
I’m not interested in polished politics. I’m interested in results, accountability, and common sense. I’ve made mistakes, learned from them, and kept building, and I think that real-world experience matters. I care about Kelowna, I’ve been here for decades, and I want to help make the city safer, more livable, and better for local families and businesses.