Recommended candidates

01 · Why are you running for Kelowna City Council?

I am running for Kelowna City Council because we need a councillor who has a strong environmental background, extensive work experience related to the environment, and a passion on how we develop Kelowna to be a sustainable, prosperous city. I have a PhD in Resource Management and Environmental Studies, an MSc in Soil Science, and a BSc in Biology. I have 30 years experience as an environmental consultant. The environmental aspect of each project is critically important.

I also worked in the agricultural industry dealing with agricultural capability, watershed management, and land use issues. My background will be a unique and important addition to the range of talent at the council table.

Understanding how the city works is a plus, reducing the learning curve. As president of my neighbourhood association and of the Abbott heritage society, I have advocated for the community which included reviewing the OCP, the former and new zoning bylaws, and the new provincial housing mandates. I have presented at numerous public hearings. I know the city zoning, regulations, policies, council practices, and community issues well.

02 · Issue #1: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Issue: Protection of Greenspace, Trees, Water Resources, and Agricultural Land.
Our agricultural land, vital for present and future food security, is continually threatened by infill, rezoning, and other land uses. Our urban canopy and green spaces are being lost. Water resources are a major issue.

We need to preserve our agricultural land, discourage the granting of reductions in property line setbacks that strip away tree coverage, strengthen Kelowna’s tree protection bylaws, and create policies that encourage tree retention on commercial and residential properties. Rather than rezoning for industry, we need to use the existing industrial land. We need to adopt modern economic approaches such as Applied Environmental Economics to give real economic value to natural services, in city budgets. We also need to consider water availability and infrastructure in decision making.

03 · Issue #2: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Issue: Transit, Traffic Congestion, and Fiscal Transport Planning
Traffic congestion is a real issue in Kelowna. It is expensive to drive a car so it is important to arrive at your destination in a timely fashion.

Increasing public transportation can reduce congestion. Public transit with lane management will encourage people to get out of their cars. We need to return fares back to pre-September 2025 rates and the 90-minute time policy. Kelowna could institute free transit for youth and seniors to establish lifelong transit habits and support low-income residents. The city had an annual surplus of $229 million (Annual Report Dec. 2025) so it seems there are sufficient funds to support our community in this way.

The transit driver contracts are managed outside of the country, so we need to bring the administration closer to home and save operational funds and retain transit drivers.

04 · Issue #3: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Issue: Community Safety, Bylaw Enforcement, Support for Small Businesses

Public safety and street/property crime remain a major concern for residents and commercial business owners. Our current bylaw enforcement operates on a purely reactive model and businesses are not feeling the police are effective enough.
I will advocate for a dedicated police foot patrol in commercial areas to build real community relationships and deter street crime. It is time to transition Bylaw Services from a reactive model to proactive enforcement city-wide. “See something, do something.” Dedicated police units and community offices can result in responses to be quicker and better when the officers know the community.

Council sets the annual police budget, establishes policing priorities with the local RCMP detachment, directs Bylaw Services policy, and sets parking and commercial zone regulations.

05 · What experience, skills, and community involvement do you bring to the role?

My unique experience as an environmental specialist in the terrestrial environment tied to geomorphology, water management, and climate change will allow me to support the other council members in providing an important insight into technical and environmental issues as various projects come before council. My work has required me to develop innovative solutions to difficult problems which is an important skill as we move forward into the future. My technical and science-based background and involvement with environmental impact assessment will ensure that our decisions support sustainability.

My community involvement as a long-time board member of my neighbourhood association culminating in four years as President has taught me the importance of listening and understanding community concerns which will help when I hear from the public. I have also been active on the Abbott area heritage society board culminating as the president for two years. While working with these associations, I reviewed the zoning regulations, the OCP, the provincial housing mandates and various projects giving me a solid understanding of the city policies and how they affect the community.

06 · How will you approach council decisions when priorities compete for limited resources?

1. Evaluate Long-Term Costs vs. Short-Term Gains:
For example, I will ask the question: do we need to spend millions on road expansion projects that encourage car dependency? Perhaps we can redirect capital into smaller, frequent transit options and reduce long-term road maintenance costs while serving residents and the environment better.
2. Apply Applied Environmental Economics:
Natural assets—like wetlands, green spaces, and urban tree canopies—provide economical essential ecosystem services (such as natural stormwater and flood management, cooling of the environment). Placing an economic value on these assets in the city budget prevents multi-million-dollar engineered infrastructure costs down the road.
3. Disciplined Fiscal Management:
I would prioritize core municipal services—safety, public transit, and natural infrastructure. In terms of projets: I would ask the questions: do we really need this at this time? Can we do the project a little differently to reduce the costs? Are our third-party contracting costs necessary and are they fiscally reasonable or should we look at other options?

07 · How do you work with people who see an issue differently than you?

Throughout my career as a scientist, parent, and community advocate, I have operated on the principle that knowledge, collaboration, and inclusiveness build a better community for everyone. We need to listen to each other as we come from different backgrounds and experiences.

Focus on Data and Technical Information: In my 30 years as an environmental consultant, resolving complex land reclamation and resource issues required bringing stakeholders together through objective science, detailed planning, and transparent data. This science and technical lean helps to provide a good basis for decision making at council.
Active Listening: Having spent years on the public side of Council chambers presenting on behalf of neighbourhood associations and on the city projects such as the 2040 OCP, the 43 storey UBCO tower, and Kelowna Springs Golf Course, I deeply respect public input, diverse neighbourhoods, and public voices.

Finding Common Ground: No matter the issues, I focus on shared outcomes—such as long-term livability, safety, and economic stability. As a councillor, I want to reach solutions that respect both the community and sustainable growth.

08 · What else should voters know about you?

Local Roots & Active Lifestyle:
Outside of my community advocacy, I enjoy staying active in our beautiful region by golfing, skiing, the gym, reading, and spending quality time with family and friends. Our local hills, the lake, and our orchards are unique jewels that provide the grand setting for Kelowna which is unique and worth protecting now and in the future.

Independent Voice:
I am driven by a passion for community livability rather than special interest groups or rapid development at all costs. My focus on livability and sustainability will likely ring true for the other councillors as that is what makes our city better to live in for all.

Practical Environmentalism:
My focus is on realistic, common-sense solutions-like preservation of the existing missing-middle, basing Development Cost Charges on a square footage basis to encourage housing affordability and less lot coverage, proactive bylaw enforcement, and protecting the agricultural baseline that feeds our region.

01 · Why are you running for Kelowna City Council?

I moved to Kelowna when I was 19, and this community gave me opportunities I could never have imagined. I built my business here, met my wife here, and we've now been married for 28 years. Kelowna isn't just where I live. It's where I've built my life.

I'm now at a point in my career where I can step back a little from business and step up for the community. For much of my career I've made decisions involving millions of dollars, and getting those decisions wrong could literally cost me my business or even my home. That level of personal risk taught me to ask better questions, understand what can go wrong, and think carefully before making a decision.

Kelowna is growing quickly. Decisions about housing, infrastructure, public safety and taxpayers' money will shape the city we become.

I don't believe one councillor can come in with a list of promises and simply make them happen. There are nine people around that table. What I can promise is how I'll approach the job. I will ask questions, listen, challenge assumptions, work with people who disagree with me, and make decisions based on the best information available. At the end of the day, I am accountable for those decisions.

02 · Issue #1: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

In speaking with over 750 residents so far, public safety and disorder has overwhelmingly been the issue raised most often. People are frustrated, and I share that frustration. What we're doing today is clearly not working well enough.

Council doesn't control health care, the courts or provincial drug policy, but that can't become an excuse for accepting the consequences. Kelowna needs to push senior governments for changes when their policies aren't working on our streets.

Locally, I believe laws and bylaws should be applied equally. We should offer support, but compassion cannot mean accepting open drug use or persistent public disorder that prevents residents from safely using our community.

I support stronger enforcement where necessary, better coordination with support services and more assertive advocacy to the Province for change.

03 · Issue #2: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Housing

Kelowna has added a lot of housing, but it's still unaffordable. We need more supply, but I also think we need to spend more time asking why housing costs so much to build in the first place.

Land, labour, materials and financing are a big part of the cost, but so are development charges, building requirements and approval timelines. Council can't control all of those things, but it can take a hard look at the ones it does.

I support a variety of housing, but I also want us looking for reasonable ways to reduce the cost of creating it. Growth should contribute to the infrastructure it requires, but I'd like to explore whether all of those costs need to be collected upfront.

However, affordability isn't just about housing costs. It's also about what people earn. If we can attract more high-paying jobs to Kelowna, that has to be part of the affordability conversation too.

04 · Issue #3: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Responsible Growth and Infrastructure

Kelowna is going to keep growing, and our infrastructure and services need to keep up.

Traffic is already a major frustration, but it's only part of the issue. Roads, water, sewer, parks, recreation facilities and emergency services all need to support a growing city.

I support well-planned density and a diverse housing mix, but we shouldn't simply add more people to an area and figure out the infrastructure later. Land-use decisions, infrastructure planning and capital spending need to work together.

We also can't build everything at once. That means making difficult choices about what comes first and being honest about what gets delayed as a result.

If we fail to plan, we are planning to fail. The decisions we make today need to consider whether what we create today will still work 20 or 30 years from now.

05 · What experience, skills, and community involvement do you bring to the role?

My working life in Kelowna started in the restaurant industry. I later became involved in music and spent about 20 years playing in a band, while also building my career in construction. I've worked in construction since 1992 and have been self-employed since 1997.

For roughly the first 15 years, I wore a tool belt. I packed lumber, banged nails and poured concrete. Over the years I moved from working on the tools to running projects and managing a business, eventually becoming one of the most highly awarded builders in B.C.

My career has taught me to manage budgets, negotiate, solve problems and make difficult decisions. I've also made plenty of mistakes. I own them, learn from them, ask for advice when I need it and pivot when something isn't working.

I've served on industry boards and committees, volunteered with non-profits and charities, supported community organizations and mentored others. My civic advocacy includes working with the Kelowna Legacy Group to protect publicly owned land in the Cultural District, and petitioning the City to protect parkland while still advocating for a new Performing Arts Centre.

06 · How will you approach council decisions when priorities compete for limited resources?

I've dealt with competing priorities and limited resources throughout my career. There is rarely enough time, money or people to do everything you would like to do, so I've learned that saying yes to one thing often means saying no, or not yet, to something else.

I start by trying to understand what problem we're actually trying to solve. Then I look at the cost, both now and in the future, what we're trying to achieve, how we'll know if it worked, and what we may have to give up or delay by choosing it.

I've also learned that the cheapest option isn't necessarily the best option, and not everything of value can be measured in dollars. Sometimes spending more today prevents a much larger cost later. Other times the better decision may improve quality, reduce risk or solve a problem more permanently.

When there isn't an obvious answer, I gather as much information as I reasonably can, ask questions and seek advice from people who know more about the issue than I do. Eventually I must make a decision. I've spent much of my career doing exactly that, knowing I won't always get it right and being prepared to adjust when I don't.

07 · How do you work with people who see an issue differently than you?

I've never had a problem being around people who disagree with me. Some of my closest friends and professional relationships are with people I disagree with regularly. I actually enjoy a good debate, as long as we can disagree with the idea without making it personal.

When someone sees an issue differently than I do, my first instinct is usually to ask them to walk me through it. I want to understand how they got to their position and what information or experience they're basing it on. Sometimes that strengthens my position, sometimes it changes it, and sometimes we simply continue to disagree.

I've served on boards with strong personalities and very different opinions. I've learned that leadership isn't about winning every argument. You make your case, listen to everyone else's, look for common ground, and then the group makes a decision. If the decision doesn't go my way, I can accept that and continue working with the same people the next day.

I also separate the person from the issue. Someone can disagree strongly with me or criticize an idea I've put forward, and that doesn't mean we can't have a productive relationship.

08 · What else should voters know about you?

I haven't made a lot of campaign promises, and that's intentional. One councillor is one vote out of nine, and I don't think it's honest to promise outcomes I can't deliver on my own.

What I can tell voters is what they can expect from me. I'll do my homework. I'll ask questions. I'll listen to people who know more about an issue than I do, and I'll be willing to change my mind when the facts support it. I won't agree with everyone, and I don't expect everyone to agree with me.

I'm not running because I believe I have all the answers. I'm running because I care deeply about this community and believe I have experience that can contribute to the decisions we're going to face over the next four years.

If I'm elected, I'll get some decisions right and I'll probably get some wrong. When I'm wrong, I'll own it. What voters should always be able to expect from me is that I'll explain why I made a decision, take responsibility for my vote and never forget whose money I am spending.

01 · Why are you running for Kelowna City Council?

I am running because I firmly believe that bringing a lived perspective to council provides a much-needed balance. This fresh viewpoint will help spark the real, practical changes necessary to lead Kelowna into the future.

02 · Issue #1: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Implement a Strategic Triage System: Treat homelessness with mass-casualty emergency urgency by tiering limited resources.
Rapid Re-entry ("Walking Wounded"): Assign dedicated case managers to quickly return economically displaced individuals to work and stable housing.
Compassionate Complex Care: Push for intensive, specialized medical and psychiatric support in dedicated facilities for severe mental health and addiction challenges.
Realism & Hard Decisions: Make tough, necessary choices to protect public safety regarding individuals who consistently refuse assistance or cannot safely integrate without intervention.
Council’s Influence: Council can allocate municipal land, streamline zoning for complex care, partner with BC Housing and Interior Health, and fund high-accountability triage models.

03 · Issue #2: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

The Issue: Severe gridlock along main arteries, particularly Highway 97 and the William R. Bennett Bridge bottlenecks.Specific Actions: Direct City Council to launch an immediate operational review of high-traffic corridors:Signal Optimization: Consolidate or remove poorly timed traffic signals impeding flow, especially near the bridgehead (e.g., Abbott Street).Dynamic Lane Management: Feasibility-test an alternating counter-flow middle lane on Highway 97 from the bridge to Gordon Drive for rush-hour capacity.Expanded Staff Mandate: Task engineering staff with real-time optimization of unsynchronized traffic lights.Balanced Transit Investment: Support traffic-flow fixes with robust public transit funding to encourage long-term transit use. Council directs municipal engineering priorities, controls traffic light timing schedules, funds local transit via BC Transit, and MODI

04 · Issue #3: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Escalating property crime, street-level disruption, and a diminishing sense of safety for families and small business owners.

Expanded Bylaw Equip local bylaw officers with increased authority, training, and specialized duties to address street-level safety issues directly.

Increased RCMP Visibility: Advocate for more foot and mobile patrols in commercial zones and residential neighborhoods to deter crime and improve emergency response times.

Bolstered Auxiliary Police: Expand the auxiliary police program to restore trusted, community-minded security to our streets.

Integrated Safety Teams: Pair proactive policing with specialized, mobile response units made up of mental health and social work professionals to resolve crises early before they escalate.

How Council Can Influence the Outcome: Council sets the municipal police budget, determines RCMP staffing, enforcement.

05 · What experience, skills, and community involvement do you bring to the role?

Having personally navigated poverty, homelessness, addiction, and a brain injury, my lived experience brings an authentic, practical perspective to the council table that cannot be taught in a textbook.
A 25-year background as a professional painter and small business owner, translating to strict oversight of budgets, timelines, resource allocation and staffing.
Community Service Leadership & Governance
Civic Leadership: Proven capability to liaise between citizens and municipal structures, championing underrepresented neighborhoods to address civic inequality.
Campaign Success: Led a high-profile, successful grassroots campaign against a wet house facility near local schools to protect community safety.
Board Governance: Served as Director of the Rutland Residents Association and Committee Member on the McCurdy Place Community Advisory Committee.
Stakeholder Operations & Project ManagementEngagement: Built strategic collaborations with municipal staff, neighborhood groups, and non-profits to resolve hyper-local issues. Volunteer Coordination: Managed diverse community programs, including youth sports administration, Salvation Army operations, and Mill Creek.

06 · How will you approach council decisions when priorities compete for limited resources?

As your city councillor, I see resource management as an active, ongoing responsibility. I will advocate strategically to secure regional funding and government grants for our vital city projects.

07 · How do you work with people who see an issue differently than you?

I view differing perspectives not as conflict, but as essential assets for balanced decision-making. When a colleague disagrees, I assume we are working with different information. My approach centers on establishing mutual clarity by actively listening to their rationale and sharing my own insights. By aligning our context and data, we can resolve understanding gaps and collaborate on robust, well-rounded solutions for Kelowna.

08 · What else should voters know about you?

I’m a recently retired resident, trade professional, and community volunteer—not a career politician.
Having rebuilt my life from the ground up, I offer a realistic, no-nonsense approach to civic governance. Our neighborhoods deserve visible results, not endless committees and polished talking points. From fixing traffic bottlenecks and improving neighborhood safety to creating real solutions for homelessness, I will bring accountability, common sense, and compassion to City Hall every single day.

01 · Why are you running for Kelowna City Council?

I am running for Kelowna City Council because I love Kelowna. I have loved raising my family here. I have loved working here. Unfortunately, the challenges we continue to face in Kelowna are great. They are the same challenges seen around North America. I see these challenges as opportunities in work clothes and I'm ready to dig in. My plan to run for council was delayed this year when my husband died suddenly in May. On the eve of the deadline to submit nomination papers to the City Clerk, I had to choose: do I stay in grief and wait another four years to run for office or do I stay resilient and carry my grief on the path I intended to take? I have chosen to stay resilient. If elected, I will be the voice my community hears to remind them to stay resilient too.

02 · Issue #1: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Safety: it is a human right to feel safe. It is a privilege to live in a country that has high safety standards but it is not enough to simply reflect on how bad others may have it in comparison. We need to better protect our community by increasing law enforcement for a time. Illicit drug use, theft and trespass are crimes that can be punishable by law. Until the courts and corrections facilities are properly administered and used to their fullness, we should be organizing efforts to pressure the Provincial Government, Attorney General and Health Minister to do their jobs. Mental health and addiction counselling must be mandatory before offenders are released from their criminal sentences.
Roadside bike path expansion must be curtailed until proper safety studies are complete. Drivers and cyclist are at risk and the money spent on so-called green initiatives is having a negative effect.

03 · Issue #2: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Water resources must be expanded. As we continually face drought in the face of climate change, we must explore further resources to provide confidence for our agriculture community, residents and businesses. Agriculture must be a priority for water. Water use must be better managed by the whole community.

04 · Issue #3: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Economic stimulation must be expanded. The community has the highest unemployment rate in the country! Further to council's plan to explore their own economic development office, the Mayor and Council should be actively soliciting business interests to move their operations to Kelowna. Expansion sites for these potential businesses must be explored and directly marketed across the world. Kelowna needs more well-paying jobs to give families more hope of being able to stay in the community they also love.

05 · What experience, skills, and community involvement do you bring to the role?

I'm an active community member who is always looking to make Kelowna a better place. My efforts took on a larger scale when I was a journalist – with CKIQ Radio, The Kelowna Daily Kelowna and Global Okanagan (CHBC News). In recent years, after retiring from journalism, I took up real estate and volunteering. As a REALTOR, I make an impact on the community in great ways with my advice, professionalism and direction for families, seniors, individuals and business owners. As a volunteer, I have had impact in direct circles in our community: I was a selected community ambassador for the United Way and the Heart & Stroke Foundation, I sat on the Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers board of directors, I organized cultural events for my heritage community, I am Liturgy Chairperson, at my church, VP of the Catholic Women's League and teacher for youth ages 8-12. I often voluntarily cook for large parish events, including making chilli for a group of 60 who will be building beds for the cold-weather shelters in Kelowna on September 19th. Food is my love language and I volunteer my talents to ensure my community feels loved.

06 · How will you approach council decisions when priorities compete for limited resources?

I approach decisions through research, consultation and making direct choices. Foremost, we must learn to better use the hundreds of millions of dollars at our discretion. Fail to plan? Plan to fail. Kelowna City Council has tried many approaches for solving local problems – sometimes we must stay the course, and other times we must preserve resources and change directions. Kelowna has a community full of knowledgeable, educated and worldly individuals and their ideas for change need to be considered as well.

07 · How do you work with people who see an issue differently than you?

I communicate from a place of curiosity. I inquire about people's beliefs and try and understand their points of view. I offer my views and also offer how they took shape for me. Each person has a different lived experience that has given them unique knowledge of the world around us. If it is my job to vote based on my knowledge and understanding of an issue, I will do my job. I understand that my decisions, and the decisions of council as a whole, will not make everyone happy. The community votes for council memebers to take on this job.

08 · What else should voters know about you?

My parents were refugees from war and political persecution. They taught me from an early age that there is tremendous privilege to be able to live in a democracy. When I told my 90-year-old father I was running for City Council, he said, "This is the most important thing you have done in your life." I won't take this opportunity to run for council for granted.

01 · Why are you running for Kelowna City Council?

I am running because people deserve a safer community and better results from City Hall and I know I can help deliver them. I have spent decades building businesses and serving this community. I watched, expected the job to get done, and became frustrated when it wasn’t.

Kelowna has given my family a great deal. It is time for me to give back by making the hard decisions that serve the whole city, not special interests, and by turning existing knowledge into action instead of commissioning another study.

02 · Issue #1: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Crime and safety: Too many people no longer feel safe walking in their own neighbourhoods. Feeling safe at home, on our streets, and in public spaces is a basic expectation.

I would stop accepting paralysis. I would strengthen bylaws and public space rules so officers have clear, enforceable tools. I would support a visible presence where it is needed, connect people who are ready for help with appropriate services, and respond firmly to repeat criminal behaviour. I would also press senior governments to address the justice, health, and repeat offender issues the city cannot solve alone.

Council controls bylaws, budgets, public spaces, and the direction given to enforcement services. We can set clear expectations, measure results, and change what is not working. Residents deserve action, accountability, and measurable improvement.

03 · Issue #2: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Wildfire resilience: A 2026 analysis by MyChoice ranked Kelowna as Canada’s highest overall wildfire risk city, scoring 6.8 out of 10. Our homes, health, economy, and insurance costs are increasingly exposed. A wildfire in the Okanagan claimed a life this year. Talking about climate is not a plan. Prevention is.

I would accelerate fuel reduction where neighbourhoods meet wildland, expand treatments proven to reduce fire intensity, strengthen FireSmart work on public and private land, and press the Province to invest more in prevention rather than concentrating resources on suppression after a fire starts.

Council controls parks, land use, local FireSmart programs, fuel reduction projects, and emergency planning. It can fund measurable prevention work, set priorities, and hold itself accountable for completing them.

04 · Issue #3: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Affordability: Affordability begins at the kitchen table. Households cannot keep giving more. What City Hall spends eventually appears in property taxes, fees, rents, and housing costs.

I would require every major spending decision to answer four questions: What is the need? What will it cost? What measurable benefit will it produce? What result did taxpayers receive? I would cut waste and distractions, focus the budget on residents’ priorities, and review development cost charges, permit fees, and approval delays that increase housing costs. Growth should pay its fair share, but every charge must be necessary, transparent, and justified.

Council controls the budget, fees, service priorities, and what receives funding. Taking less where possible, spending smarter and reporting results are municipal choices.

05 · What experience, skills, and community involvement do you bring to the role?

For thirty years, I have helped businesses and community organizations solve problems, manage budgets, and make difficult decisions. I run Csek Creative and our local news sites. I currently serve on the strata councils at Aqua and Caban. I previously served with the Downtown Kelowna Association, the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission Advisory Council, the Kelowna Airport Advisory Committee, and Mamas for Mamas.

I know how to bring people together and turn ambitious ideas into results. I grew a ringette tournament into one of the largest in British Columbia when people said the available ice made it impossible. I created Level Up Business Leadership, the first event of its kind in Kelowna and the largest business conference the city had hosted. Managing more than $500,000 in speaker commitments required vision, calculated risk, and disciplined execution. It became both a community and financial success.

I communicate plainly, listen carefully, and build consensus. I ask difficult questions, weigh need, cost, benefit, and result, make decisions, and accept responsibility for the outcome.

06 · How will you approach council decisions when priorities compete for limited resources?

I begin with a clear mission: protect citizens, make Kelowna more affordable, and reduce wildfire harm. Essential services and legal obligations come first. After that, every spending request must compete on its ability to advance those priorities and deliver value to residents. If it is a distraction or primarily serves a narrow interest, it waits.

Every proposal must answer four questions. What is the need? What will it cost? What benefit will it produce? What result will residents receive?

A study can inform a decision, but it is not itself a result. Limited resources require clear priorities, evidence, and the discipline to say no. I will make decisions in the interest of the whole city, not choose the safest vote for reelection.

07 · How do you work with people who see an issue differently than you?

I listen, ask careful questions, and try to see the issue from the other person’s position.

Before settling on a view, I seek out the strongest opposing case. I want to understand not only what someone believes, but also what experience or evidence led them there.

To build consensus, I make the decision clear. What do citizens need? What is the impact across the whole city, today and in the future? What is the full cost, including what we give up by choosing one option over another?

I will change my position when better evidence warrants it. When disagreement remains, I explain my reasoning plainly, treat people with respect, and make the decision. Disagreement is normal. Paralysis is optional.

08 · What else should voters know about you?

I mean what I say, and I follow through. I am driven by the mission, not by popularity contests.

Jim and I have raised our family in the same Kelowna home for 28 years, with more than one generation under one roof. We have built businesses, employed people, and invested our lives in this community.

I grew up in and around hospitality, where I learned that service means listening, solving problems, and treating people with respect. Working in banking taught me the value of money, the discipline required to manage it, and the reality that every dollar is a finite resource.

One of the principles I live by is that where you invest your love, you invest your life. I love Kelowna. My family, businesses, and service are rooted here, and I am proud to see that commitment reflected in our adult children.

I do not accept “it is not my job,” “it cannot be done” or “this is how it has always been” as final answers. I ask what is possible, who needs to be involved, and what it will take to move forward.

I see the goal, build the team and finish the work. That is what voters can expect from me on Council.

01 · Why are you running for Kelowna City Council?

I am running for city council because I believe I can bring a common sense approach to help find solutions to long running issues facing our community.
For example:
Housing affordability and cost of living.
By making sure Kelowna is building the right kind of housing, in the right places, at prices that people who work here can actually afford!

Infrastructure, growth and transportation.
With a growing community comes an increased need for infrastructure and transportation but at what cost. We need to grow sustainably, at a pace that that is affordable, and in the best interest of our residents today and for future generations.

Community safety, livability and responsible public spending.
People experiencing homelessness need housing and support, while residents and local businesses have a legitimate right to safe, clean and orderly public spaces.
Addressing homelessness with measurable outcomes, while maintaining safe and welcoming neighborhoods and public spaces.

02 · Issue #1: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Housing affordability and cost of living.
The City's 2024 Interim Housing Needs Assessment estimates that 44,500 additional residential units are needed between 2021 and 2041, including roughly 6,000 units addressing existing unmet need. The question is how do we do this affordably? One option is calculating how much of the cost of a new Kelowna home is attributed to municipal fees, approval processes, infrastructure requirements and development regulations. Then we can identify things the city can reduce without compromising safety or infrastructure standards. Regarding cost of living, the city could look at areas of spending and locate ways for residents to pay less for costs and fees for parking, recreation and community activities. This would be a small contribution to helping the rising costs residents are experiencing.

03 · Issue #2: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Infrastructure, growth and transportation.
Kelowna has witnessed major growth over the past 10 years and our aging infrastructure is showing its cracks. From lack of electricity in the downtown core, flooding issues, and traffic congestion. The big question is how can Kelowna continue to grow without creating an infrastructure bill that future taxpayers can’t afford? Whenever Council considers expansion or major developments, residents should see who pays for the roads, water, sewage, parks, sidewalks, maintenance and even eventual infrastructure replacement. We should be asking what will this development cost the city in 10, 20 or even 50 years from now. “Growth should pay its fair share” We need to know what it will cost taxpayers long after the developer has gone home…

04 · Issue #3: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Community safety, and responsible public spending
This is my third campaign for City Council and the issue of Safety has been an ongoing problem for Kelowna . At present the city acknowledges that homelessness requires partnerships with BC Housing, Interior Health, the Provincial & Federal Government . What I propose is to demand measurable outcomes from homelessness spending, like how many entered, how many obtained housing, how many returned to homelessness, how many received mental-health addiction support and what is the cost per successful housing outcome? If we are spending money, we need to know whether it’s working. As a previous local business owner , I too was impacted by this community safety issue, from break-ins, fires, and camping in front of our doors. I would continue to work with local business owners to find cost effective options for safety, security and theft.

05 · What experience, skills, and community involvement do you bring to the role?

As a long- time resident of Kelowna, and the Okanagan valley, I Have been active in the community as a local business owner, operating a business whose purpose included raising money for the BCSPCA, creating recycling programs and building awareness for animal welfare.
My history of community involvement goes back over 40 years when I first volunteered for the Vancouver Parks and Recreation and Today I continue to support my community with over 600 hours of volunteering at the Mission Thrift Store. I have also helped to raise funds for the Humane Society, Salvation Army and Gospel Mission. I have a political background that goes back 25 years , when I first ran for public office as candidate for MLA in the 2001 Provincial Election and sitting on the board of a Provincial political party as fundraising chair.
I have spent years building businesses, working in the community, dealing with people directly, and watching Kelowna change. As a parent who raised two children in Kelowna I understand the importance of safety, a strong economic community, job creation, access to education as well as health care and spaces for parks and recreation.

06 · How will you approach council decisions when priorities compete for limited resources?

The most effective approach, in my view, is to stop treating competing priorities as a choice between good things and bad things. Council's job is to decide which things are most urgent, most effective, most affordable, and most within municipal control.
I might support the objective, but since resources are limited, I would rather fund a more urgent infrastructure requirement that protects taxpayers from larger future costs. My role isn't to make every good idea happen, it is to make sure we spend limited taxpayer dollars on the things that produce the greatest public benefit, address the greatest risks, and protect Kelowna's long-term financial health.
We can't afford everything, so Council owes residents an honest explanation of what we're choosing to do, and what to postpone.
That is, in my view, the difference between managing a municipal budget and actually governing a city.

07 · How do you work with people who see an issue differently than you?

First you will never please everyone, each of us have different needs and different viewpoints.
All issues are important to the person involved. We may not agree at first, however it is important to keep an open mind and listen carefully to their point of view. If you spot common viewpoints agree in a positive manner. If you have differing viewpoints let the other person know what they are so both parties have the opportunity to possibly investigate them further. We may still disagree about how to solve a problem, however often we tend to agree on what we want to achieve, safer neighborhoods, responsible spending, better services, and a stronger community, for example.
Today it is becoming more difficult to dissect the truth from the false news or made up posts on line. We need to revert back to some common sense and look for the true facts before making a decision or response. Listening, learning and keeping an open mind are powerful tools in working with others.

08 · What else should voters know about you?

As a resident born and raised in British Columbia I have always felt a drive to be a part of every city and community I have lived in. I pride myself on my political achievements over the past 25 years. Even though I have not YET won an election, my tenacity and love for helping my community is the reason I am running again. In every city I have lived in I have dedicated time volunteering in some capacity to help others. I have sat on various boards during the growth of my two children, Fundraising committee Linda Howorth Preschool, Playground Committee Hillcrest Elementary, PAC Hillcrest elementary. Soccer coach daughter’s soccer team. I have created awareness for animal safety as well as raising much needed funds for the BCSPCA and currently I am still actively volunteering at the Kelowna Mission Thrift Store.
I am a long time resident of Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley, local entrepreneur, community fundraiser, business owner, community volunteer, real estate professional and a political candidate.
I look forward to meeting as many residents as possible throughout the campaign, listening to their concerns and talking about how we can build a stronger Kelowna together!

01 · Why are you running for Kelowna City Council?

I’m running because I love Kelowna, but I believe we need to start thinking further ahead and asking better questions before we make decisions.

Too often we react to problems after they have become expensive and much harder to solve. I see it with public safety, infrastructure, traffic, affordability and the challenges facing local businesses.

I also worry about the generation coming behind us. It is great to build nice things and have ambitious plans, but somebody ultimately pays for the decisions we make today. Young people may be paying for them long after the current Council is gone. Can they afford the city we are creating for them?

I don’t pretend to have every answer. I do believe Council needs to ask: Who benefits? Who pays? What are the unintended consequences? And what will this decision look like in 10 or 20 years?

Most importantly, public office has to be about the public interest. Sometimes doing the right thing will cost you something. If protecting my own interests becomes more important than protecting the public interest, I shouldn’t be sitting on Council.

02 · Issue #1: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Public safety has to be a basic expectation of living and working in Kelowna. As a downtown business owner, I see the effects of crime, addiction, mental illness and street disorder every day, and I was pushing publicly for action before I ever decided to run for Council.

I believe in compassion and accountability. Council can properly resource policing, bylaw and community safety, use data to put resources where and when they are actually needed, and demand measurable results from programs receiving public money. We must also strongly advocate to senior governments on issues outside municipal jurisdiction.

Most importantly, we need to intervene earlier. Waiting until addiction, mental illness, homelessness or repeat offending reaches crisis is less humane and far more expensive. People who need help should get meaningful help. People who repeatedly victimize others need consequences.

03 · Issue #2: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Kelowna is going to grow. The question is whether we grow intelligently.

Housing and density cannot be separated from roads, water, sewer, transit, parking, emergency services and recreation. Council controls many of these decisions and needs to consider them together.

Development should not simply transfer its consequences onto existing residents. If a large building provides fewer parking spaces than its residents actually require, those vehicles don't disappear; they move onto surrounding streets. The same principle applies to infrastructure: we should build for the population we know is coming, not just today's needs.

We also need to consider who ultimately pays. Young people will live with our decisions far longer than most of the people making them. Growth without the infrastructure to support it isn't good planning. It's postponing the problem and handing somebody else the bill

04 · Issue #3: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Small businesses create jobs, contribute taxes and give our neighbourhoods life, but too often the impact of City decisions on them is an afterthought.

Infrastructure must be maintained, but major construction should be planned with the businesses it affects, not simply announced to them. That means meaningful advance consultation and considering timing, staging, parking, deliveries, pedestrian access, signage and peak business seasons. A necessary project can still be poorly executed.

I also want Council looking at the cumulative impact of its decisions. Taxes, fees, permitting, parking, construction and public safety may be separate files at City Hall, but to a small business they all hit the same bottom line.

Council can't control the entire economy, but it can make sure municipal decisions don't unnecessarily make it harder to operate, invest and create jobs in Kelowna.

05 · What experience, skills, and community involvement do you bring to the role?

My experience is unconventional, and I think that is an asset. I grew up in Kelowna, but I have also lived, worked and travelled extensively around the world. I have spent significant time in very different cultures and communities.

That taught me that the way we do something here isn't necessarily the only way. I have seen places where problems we face are worse, places that approach them differently, and places where some barely exist. We should study what other communities get right and wrong and learn from both.

I have been a professional athlete, salesperson, labourer, manager, entrepreneur and small-business owner. I also spent 13 seasons working remotely as a fire lookout, where independence, judgment and responsibility mattered every day.

Today I own Gallery Streetwear downtown and have become directly involved in issues affecting public safety, local business and our community.

I bring a different perspective, curiosity, real-world experience and a willingness to question assumptions. I don't think Council needs nine people with the same résumé or worldview.

06 · How will you approach council decisions when priorities compete for limited resources?

We cannot afford everything we want, so Council has to distinguish between what would be nice to have and what we genuinely need.

I would start with core responsibilities such as public safety, essential services and infrastructure, then look at urgency, evidence, measurable public benefit and long-term cost.

But the cheapest decision isn't always the most fiscally responsible. Spending money preventing a predictable problem today can save taxpayers many times that amount later.

For major decisions I would keep asking: Who benefits? Who pays? What are we giving up by choosing this? What will it cost to operate and maintain? What are the unintended consequences? Will it still make sense in 10 or 20 years?

We also have an obligation to the generations following us. Young people may spend decades paying for decisions they had little voice in making.

Council must also be willing to say no. Not every good idea can be funded. Residents deserve an honest explanation of why priorities were chosen rather than another promise we can't afford.

07 · How do you work with people who see an issue differently than you?

I think disagreement is healthy. I don't want the Mayor and Council to become an echo chamber where everyone agrees with one another. That might make meetings easier, but I don't think it necessarily produces better decisions.

Good ideas should survive questions, logic, evidence and respectful debate.

When someone disagrees with me, I want to understand why. They may have information I haven't seen or life experience that gives them a completely different perspective. Maybe they're wrong. Sometimes I will be wrong.

I'm willing to change my mind when better evidence changes the argument. I don't see that as weakness.

Living and working with people from different cultures and backgrounds taught me that disagreeing with someone's idea doesn't require disliking the person.

Council has nine elected members for a reason. I don't want people around the table who simply agree with me. I want people who can make me think. We should debate when needed, make a decision and then continue working together.

08 · What else should voters know about you?

I'm not running because I want to become a politician. I'm running because this is my home and I believe I can contribute.

I'm 53 and have lived a pretty unconventional life. I've succeeded at things, failed at things, travelled, competed, managed people, owned businesses and made plenty of mistakes. Those experiences have made me curious, independent and comfortable admitting when I don't know something.

I won't promise voters I can fix everything. One councillor is one vote, and many of Kelowna's biggest challenges involve other levels of government.

What I can promise is that I will do the homework, ask difficult questions, listen and explain why I voted the way I did. I'll challenge ideas when I think they need challenging, support good ideas regardless of who proposed them, and admit when better evidence proves me wrong.

I believe everything in a city is interconnected. Housing affects transportation. Development affects infrastructure. Public safety affects business and tourism. One decision can create three new problems if we don't think ahead.

I want us to get much better at preventing tomorrow's problems instead of continually paying to manage yesterday's.

01 · Why are you running for Kelowna City Council?

I believe that elections should be about looking forward, not just looking for change for the sake of change. New voices are important, but so is long-time experience and knowledge. Both can be accomplished in any election. I have spoken to thousands of residents, business owners, community leaders, and stakeholders, listening to their ideas, concerns, and future hopes for our city. I have a proven track record of showing up, being accessible, listening to residents and working hard on their behalf. I bring experience, past perspective, and knowledge. One important aspect is bringing to the table strong relationships with other levels of government, that have been built over the years. Most importantly, I bring energy and determination to keep Kelowna moving forward. Bringing new ideas to the table is welcoming, but “continuity” matters. I believe we are best served with building on the progress that we have made while continuing to address the challenges of a major fast-growing city. I'm not running to hold onto what we accomplished in the past four years, I believe that my experience, record and my great commitment to this city has made a difference, with more work to be done

02 · Issue #1: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Press senior levels of government for stronger action to keep chronic offenders off our streets, increase prosecutorial resources and establish mandatory care facilities. Work with the RCMP and bylaws for safer streets, reduce business break-ins, theft and property crime. Support the CRCL model that pairs mental health professional with people in crisis where appropriate instead of a uniformed officer. During the last term, council added 33 new RCMP Officers, 17 Bylaw and 18 Firefighters, restart of the RCMP Auxiliary Program, which SOLELY focused on Kelowna. I have been advocating a “Kelowna only” RCMP contingent for years. The ultimate goal is for residents to tell Council that they feel safer in our community. Working for a large business in the heart of Kelowna, I understand first-hand the frustration and impact that crime, public safety, break-ins and mental health challenges

03 · Issue #2: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Kelowna has met the provincially mandated objectives in rental housing and exceeded our Housing Supply Act Targets by 150% in the first year. This took a great deal of effort through the city’s housing action plan, land-use policies, incentives, and partnerships. We need to work with government and developers to further increase attainable housing options. Four years ago, Kelowna's rental vacancy rate was below 1% and today it is closer to 7%. That is progress, although affordability still remains a challenge for our citizens. I am proud of Kelowna’s Pilot “Tiny Homes” Initiative, which Kelowna presented to the Province and now other communities are pressing for the same initiative. It has been a success, providing much-needed safe housing and support, and help for people to move forward into the community. Citizens have been accepting of these tiny homes with few complaints.

04 · Issue #3: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

A strong economy is the cornerstone of a thriving community. We must continue to create opportunities for economic growth and diversification, in a challenging economic climate. Kelowna International Airport is a major economic driver for the city. Its impact extends far beyond the airport itself, bringing thousand of jobs to hundreds of airport industry partners. We must continue this growth for tourism, local industry, and investment on a national and international level. I strongly believe that Kelowna needs a stronger local voice and a more focused city-led model to economic development. I supported the transition of the COEDC from the Regional District of Central Okanagan to the City of Kelowna. I commend those who served on the Economic Task Force. They did a formidable job in supporting this initiative, and now Kelowna can take greater ownership of its economic future.

05 · What experience, skills, and community involvement do you bring to the role?

My four terms on Council demonstrate my experience, knowledge, and commitment to Kelowna along with the understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our fast-growing city. My experience being employed in a local business for many years and my nearly 30 years of writing a local business column have offered me the ability to build thousands of relationships with business owners, community leaders and residents. My community involvements spans wide, including hosting the Maxine DeHart – United Way Drive-Thru Breakfast that has raised over $1.2M for charities in the community. I have served on many other provincial, federal and local boards and have received many other honorary and appointed positions. My greatest strength is my ability to connect with people and bring people together. I have a proven track record of showing up, being accessible, listening to residents and working hard on their behalf. I bring experience, past perspective, and knowledge, and strong relationships with other levels of government. Most importantly, I bring energy and determination to keep Kelowna moving forward. Bringing new ideas to the table is welcoming, but “continuity” also matters.

06 · How will you approach council decisions when priorities compete for limited resources?

The same way I always have; with an open-mind, careful consideration to the item, and a focus on what is the best long-term interest of our city and its residents. I know resources are limited, (I also pay taxes) and that not every initiative can be undertaken at the same time, or ever. It’s really about listening to the public on what they consider crucial at the time, or maybe that petition just does not make sense. Having served for four terms, I know that difficult choices are necessary and we have had many of those over the past four years. I have never taken a council decision lightly. I personally have wrestled with many difficult decisions and that will never change. I take all my votes on council and choices seriously. Looking at the facts and then determining the best result is primary.

07 · How do you work with people who see an issue differently than you?

Every council meeting there are issues that nine people see differently…sometimes we all agree, sometimes we never agree and sometimes only a few agree. That’s democracy. The main thing is that we all respect one-another and try to come to a “mutual agreement” with an open mind. I also believe that we do not have to agree on everything to work together effectively. I usually ask a lot of questions and try to look for common ground. Listening to my council colleagues often give me greater perspective also. Often, they bring up ideas and facts that I might not have considered. Collaboration is essential and I do not expect everyone to share my opinion but hopefully we can all come to some common ground. It’s not about “winning” an argument, it’s about making the best decision and getting to the right place for the community.

08 · What else should voters know about you?

I am deeply connected to Kelowna. I know its history, its businesses and its people. I am extremely accessible, and I answer all my phone calls, text, etc. in a timely manner. I will never shy away from an uncomfortable situation. I have business experience, working in the hotel industry for 40 years, understanding the pressures of employers and employees. I do not need a learning curve to understand how City Hall works. I attend city events, community events, and support all types of organizations. I understand and can balance the challenges of our fast-growing city, but I also understand the opportunities that are brought before us. I truly care about getting things done – experience is necessary and valuable. I take very vote on city council seriously and strive to do what is best for the city as a whole, not just one piece of it. I know Kelowna and its people!

01 · Why are you running for Kelowna City Council?

Kelowna is at a turning point, and it's time for leaders who understand what the next four years demand. As a small business owner, I understand what it takes to keep our doors open each day — dealing with property crime, navigating municipal and provincial systems, balancing a budget, and competing in a challenging market. As a community advocate and leader, my work is focused on keeping our community safe while giving young people positive direction through education, exercise, and social well-being. Over the last four years, I've listened to the needs of those around me and learned firsthand the challenges facing residents and business owners. The decisions ahead will need people who understand our Official Community Plan, know how to plan for real economic growth, and can weigh not just the term ahead but for the years after — because the choices we make today will bear fruit long after our term has ended.

02 · Issue #1: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Addiction, crime and homelessness affect communities across B.C., and Kelowna lacks the infrastructure to respond effectively. I will advocate for a simplified intake system connecting people to resources when they need them. The City can bring key partners together, identify a location and advocate for provincial support.

Since 2023, Kelowna has added 33 RCMP members, while bylaw staffing has grown from 17 officers in 2017 to 42—yet many residents still do not feel safer. We must review policies so Bylaw, the URBA Ambassador Program and Downtown On-Call can better support police. Sheltering near schools, parks, transit stops and businesses must be addressed, while supportive-housing locations must consider local communities. Safety spending should reflect seasonal pressures. The mental health and safety of our community matter, and solutions must begin by listening to everyone affected

03 · Issue #2: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Kelowna will continue to attract new residents, but growth is placing pressure on our roads, water, power and transit systems. The decisions made today must account for a much larger population. Council must guide density toward transportation corridors, protect setbacks for future road widening and ensure infrastructure can support new development. We should also review Development Cost Charges where they unnecessarily increase the cost of affordable housing.

Reports of power constraints, project delays and low water levels show why capacity must be considered before approvals—not afterward. Location and building type matter, but so do their effects on power, water, roads and transit.

Kelowna’s future requires a balanced mix of attainable single-family homes, townhouses and apartments for renters and owners—giving residents the opportunity to build not only a home, but a community.

04 · Issue #3: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Kelowna’s high cost of living, combined with a 9.3% unemployment rate representing more than 13,100 people, is putting families under pressure. People want to work, and Council must help attract jobs that allow residents to build careers, support their families and enjoy the community they call home.

Kelowna’s departure from the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission gives the City an opportunity to tailor economic development to our specific needs. By attracting growth in aerospace, digital technology, software and agricultural technology—and supporting it through consistent zoning, investment attraction and infrastructure planning—we can create well-paying, career-oriented jobs.

Clear goals and measurable results will help retain graduates, attract skilled workers and make Kelowna a place where careers are built.

05 · What experience, skills, and community involvement do you bring to the role?

What experience, skills, and community involvement do you bring to the role?
I am the owner/ operator of a licensed childcare business located in the heart of Rutland with two locations today and growing. Prior to my leap into entrepreneurship, I was the Regional Sales Manager at Shaw Cable managing the Okanagan, Thompson Fraser River and Northern BC areas. Together, these two roles have given me real, tested experience in budgeting, provincial and municipal regulatory requirements, permitting and city processes and business development.
But my commitment to this community goes well beyond my career. I currently serve as:

• President, OKGN Sports and Cultural Society
• Director, Uptown Rutland Business Association
• Director, Kelowna Men's Soccer League
• Director, Rutland Youth Soccer Association
• Director, ECEBC Regulatory Board
• Member, Kelowna Civic and Community Awards Steering Committee
• Volunteer, Project Literacy
• Mentor, ECEBC Community Support

I have supported fire-relief efforts, coached youth sports and built community partnerships. I will bring that same commitment to showing up, working together and delivering results to Council.

06 · How will you approach council decisions when priorities compete for limited resources?

By taking a measured approach, gathering all available options, seeking the opinion of experts and stakeholders closest to the issue while weighing in on all the angles before deciding. Ultimately, we must decide if the decision is fiscally responsible, how it will affect those involved and whether we are being transparent with how we got there. I’ll make the difficult decisions by staying grounded in evidence and focused on choices that will have a positive impact for all corners of our city today and into the future.

07 · How do you work with people who see an issue differently than you?

That’s what makes a council work – each of us comes from a different background and expertise and listening to each other’s ideas is the most important part of our role since we represent different parts of our community. I am flexible, willing to listen, able to adjust my thought process based on the evidence in front of me and willing to walk into a conversation without having already decided the outcome. I’ll form my own opinion, but hearing every perspective first is allows us to understand the whole picture.

08 · What else should voters know about you?

In many ways, Kelowna raised me and helped shape the person I am today—a husband, father, entrepreneur, business owner, coach and advocate for our youth. This is where my family has built its life, where I have grown my businesses and where I have had the privilege of serving alongside people committed to making our community stronger.

Running for Council is my opportunity to give back to a city that has given me so much. I want future generations to have the same opportunity to build a career, raise a family, own a home and feel connected to their community.

Kelowna needs leaders who will listen, show up and put their experience to work for residents. I am prepared to bring my business experience, community relationships and record of service to the Council table—leading with honesty, integrity and common sense while helping shape a stronger, safer and more affordable Kelowna.

01 · Why are you running for Kelowna City Council?

I'm running for City Council because I care deeply about Kelowna and the people who call it home. For 25 years, I've had the privilege of serving people in this community as a social worker, a small business owner, and someone who has spent a lot of time listening to what matters in our community. For the last 15 years at the Little Hobo, people have come through our doors for a meal, but they've also shared their lives with us…their successes, struggles, worries about their families, businesses, and changes in our city. Customers have become friends, and many like family. I don't just want to listen from behind the counter anymore. I want to take those voices with me to City Hall. Social work taught me compassion, and accountability. Running a small business taught me hard work, responsibility and the importance of practical solutions. I believe good decisions come through active listening and collaboration. I don't pretend to have all the answers. I will ask questions, do the work and listen to understand not simply to respond. Kelowna has given me so much. I believe it's time for me to give something more back, and I'll work hard to make Kelowna proud.

02 · Issue #1: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Homelessness, mental health, addiction and social disorder are often interconnected. My social work experience taught me that without housing, food, safety and stability, it is difficult for people in crisis to create lasting change. We must address the underlying needs of struggling individuals while holding people accountable for disorderly behavior, while maintaining safe, welcoming public spaces and transit. As a councilor, I would strengthen relationships between the City, health providers, housing organizations, law enforcement, and community.

hen collaboration between the city, health providers ,first nations, housing organizations, community agencies, and business associations , and not for profit & charities. I would advocate to the province for treatment centers ,mental health services, supportive housing and wrap around services.

03 · Issue #2: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Kelowna is growing, and with that growth comes the challenge of ensuring the people who work, raise families and retire here can still afford to live here. We need a range of housing options that reflect different incomes, ages and stages of life, while ensuring infrastructure and services keep pace. As a councilor, I would support thoughtful housing development, work toward timely and predictable City approvals without compromising proper review, and listen to residents about how growth affects their neighborhoods. Council can influence housing through zoning, land use decisions, development approvals and infrastructure planning. I would make sure decisions about new housing also consider the roads, transit, utilities and services that growing neighborhoods need. Growth should make Kelowna a better place to live, not just a bigger one.

04 · Issue #3: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Small businesses are an important part of Kelowna's economy and the character of our community. After 15 years running a downtown business, I understand firsthand the pressures local businesses face, from rising costs and staffing challenges to construction, accessibility, and concerns about safety. As a Councilor, I would push for early communication with businesses when City projects may affect them, look for practical ways to simplify City processes and consider the impact on businesses when making transportation and public space decisions. Council can influence economic vitality through taxation, fees, permitting, infrastructure and how public spaces are managed. I would work with businesses and community partners to keep commercial areas safe, welcoming and accessible, and make Kelowna a place where businesses can invest, create jobs, and succeed.

05 · What experience, skills, and community involvement do you bring to the role?

My experience has put me across the table from people facing very different challenges, and taught me that listening is often where good solutions begin. As a social worker with Arc Programs, I worked with high risk youth and families across the Okanagan, including homeless youth. I helped young people find housing, connect with supports, navigate systems and advocated on their behalf. That work taught me to look beyond the immediate problem, understand different perspectives and work toward practical solutions. For fifteen years, I have operated Little Hobo Soup & Sandwich Shop in downtown Kelowna. Small business has taught me resilience, financial responsibility, problem solving and how to make difficult decisions. As an Executive Board member of the Downtown Kelowna Association, I work with business and community leaders toward shared solutions. Leadership isn't about having all the answers. It is about asking good questions, listening to understand, considering different viewpoints and being willing to make a decision. I would bring that approach, a strong work ethic and a commitment to follow through to City Council.

06 · How will you approach council decisions when priorities compete for limited resources?

Council will always have more needs than available resources, and I think we have to be honest about that. I would start by asking what is essential, what will have the greatest benefit to residents, and what the long term cost will be if we act or if we don't. Public safety, core services and infrastructure must be protected, while other priorities need to be carefully weighed against their cost and impact. I would listen to residents, ask questions and rely on the knowledge of City staff and community partners before making a decision. I would also look for opportunities to work with other levels of government or community organizations to find solutions and share costs where possible. Not every good idea can happen at once. Sometimes that means saying not yet, finding a more affordable way to do something, or saying no. I would make those decisions based on what is needed, what taxpayers can reasonably afford and what is best for Kelowna in the long run. And I believe residents deserve to understand how and why those decisions were made.

07 · How do you work with people who see an issue differently than you?

My years as a social worker taught me the importance of really listening to people. Empathic listening meant trying to understand what someone was saying, where they where coming from and sometimes what was behind the words they were saying. That experience has stayed with me. When someone sees an issue differently than I do, my first reaction isn't to convince them I'm right. I want to understand why they see it differently. I will ask questions, listen to their concerns and look for where we may have common ground. I am also open to changing my mind. If someone gives me information i didn't have or helps me see something from a different point of view, I have a responsibility to consider it. To me, that isn't backing down; it's being willing to learn. Sometimes we will listen to one another and still disagree, and that's okay. I can respect someone without agreeing with them. I can explain why I made a decision and still sit down with that same person the next day and work together. Disagreement doesn't have to become personal. At the Council table, I would listen to understand, treat people with respect and keep the focus on what is best for Kelowna.

08 · What else should voters know about you?

I think what I would most like voters to know is that the person they see during this campaign is the same person I will be if I am elected. I am a mom of three daughters a grandma of two, and I was a single mom for part of my life. I am fortunate to share my life and business with my partner, Stephen, who has been beside me through much of this journey. I have worked in social services, built a small business and spent many years talking with people from all walks of life across the counter. Life has taught me to work hard, laugh when I can, admit when I am wrong, and keep going when things don't go according to plan. I am not running because I think I have all the answers. I am running because I care about Kelowna and believe I have something worthwhile to contribute. I am approachable, I ask questions and I don't need to be the loudest person in the room, but I will speak up when it matters. If I earn the opportunity to serve, I won't become a different person when I walk into City Hall. I will bring the same values I have tried to live by: listening, caring, working hard, treating people with respect and following through on what I say I will do.

01 · Why are you running for Kelowna City Council?

Kelowna is at a consequential point. Growth, housing pressure, public safety, infrastructure needs and rising costs are converging, while the next Council may include several new members. I am running because these conditions require practical judgment, financial discipline and decisions that can be explained and measured.

As a Kelowna commercial real estate broker and property-tax advisor, I have spent nearly four decades working with property owners, businesses, investors and public-sector processes. I have seen how municipal decisions affect housing, development, taxes, infrastructure and local investment. I also previously served on Terrace City Council, so I understand the responsibility of elected office and the difference between campaigning and governing.

I want to help Council ask better questions, compare reasonable alternatives, understand long-term costs and measure whether promised results are actually achieved. My objective is straightforward: safe and reliable services, responsible growth and better value for every tax dollar.

02 · Issue #1: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Kelowna must maintain essential services and infrastructure while residents and businesses face affordability pressures. The issue is not simply whether spending rises or falls, but whether each commitment delivers public value at a sustainable long-term cost.

I would apply a “Better Value Test” to operating and capital decisions: define the need, compare reasonable alternatives, disclose the full lifecycle cost and establish measurable outcomes before approval. I would support clearer reporting on project costs, service performance and significant variances.

Council influences these outcomes through its budget, financial plan, capital priorities, service levels, procurement and program oversight. When resources are limited, Council should protect essential services and existing assets first, then rank new initiatives by evidence, urgency, risk, affordability and measurable benefit.

03 · Issue #2: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Residents, businesses and vulnerable people are poorly served when public disorder, repeat emergency calls, untreated illness and criminal behaviour are treated as one problem. Kelowna needs clear standards for public spaces and the right response for each situation.

I would support lawful, consistent enforcement; better coordination among RCMP, bylaw, fire, outreach and health partners; and transparent reporting on repeat calls, response times, public-space conditions and program results. I would also press senior governments for the treatment, complex-care, supportive-housing and justice capacity Kelowna needs.

Council can set policing and bylaw priorities, manage public spaces, fund local partnerships and advocate for action. It cannot deliver provincial health care or reform the justice system, so it must be clear about its jurisdiction and persistent with senior governments.

04 · Issue #3: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Kelowna needs more housing, but the goal should be the right homes, in the right form and location, supported by infrastructure, not density for its own sake. Towers may suit some urban centres, while townhomes, low- and mid-rise apartments, family-sized units and infill may better fit other areas.

I would assess growth against housing need, neighbourhood context, transportation capacity, parking, water, sewer, parks and emergency services. Approvals and capital plans should align so costs and congestion are not shifted to residents. Public incentives should deliver measurable housing outcomes, and employment lands must be protected.

Council can influence form and location through the OCP, zoning, approvals, infrastructure budgets and City land. It cannot control interest rates or construction costs, but can reduce delays, set clear rules and require growth to be serviced responsibly.

05 · What experience, skills, and community involvement do you bring to the role?

I bring a combination of commercial real estate experience, valuation and taxation knowledge, business judgment and previous municipal governance experience.

I am a Kelowna commercial real estate broker and property-tax advisor with nearly four decades of work in real estate brokerage, property valuation, property assessment, municipal taxation and business advisory services. This background has required me to analyze evidence, understand financial consequences, negotiate among competing interests and explain complex matters clearly.

I previously served on Terrace City Council in the late 1990s. That experience taught me how Council, staff and the public should interact; how competing priorities reach the Council table; and why elected officials must arrive prepared, ask informed questions and take responsibility for their decisions.

My most direct public-service involvement has been municipal elected service. My professional work in Kelowna also keeps me closely connected with local property owners, tenants, entrepreneurs, investors and professionals who experience the practical effects of City decisions.

06 · How will you approach council decisions when priorities compete for limited resources?

I would begin by recognizing that every choice has an opportunity cost. Funding one initiative may mean delaying another, reducing a service elsewhere or increasing taxes and fees.

My first priorities would be legal obligations, public safety, essential services and the maintenance of existing infrastructure. Beyond those fundamentals, I would assess proposals using clear criteria: evidence of need, available alternatives, full lifecycle cost, urgency, risk, distribution of benefits and burdens, and how results will be measured.

I would ask whether an initiative can be redesigned, phased, partnered, deferred or delivered at lower cost without creating greater long-term risk. I would also distinguish affordability today from sustainability over time; deferring necessary maintenance can be more expensive than acting responsibly now.

Council decisions are collective. I would listen to staff, the public and other councillors, then state my reasoning and the trade-offs openly. I will not promise that every worthwhile request can be funded, but I will insist that priorities be set consistently and explained honestly.

07 · How do you work with people who see an issue differently than you?

I start by listening carefully enough to understand the other person’s actual concern, not merely the position they have taken. I try to separate facts, assumptions, values and interests, because disagreement often becomes more manageable once those elements are clear.

I ask what evidence supports each position, what risks each person is trying to avoid and what information might change our conclusions. Where possible, I look for common objectives and practical options rather than forcing an artificial choice between two fixed positions.

My professional work has involved negotiations among owners, tenants, businesses, institutions and public authorities whose interests do not always align. Council service also taught me that respectful disagreement is normal and that no councillor governs alone.

I will be direct without making disagreement personal. I will change my view when better evidence warrants it, and I will explain my position when agreement is not possible. Once Council has made a lawful decision, I will respect the institution and support proper implementation while remaining accountable for my own position.

08 · What else should voters know about you?

Voters should know that I am not running on the premise that every large budget is wasteful, every tax increase is unjustified or every development is beneficial. Those are slogans, not decision standards.

The proper test is whether residents receive safe, reliable and effective services at a reasonable long-term cost, and whether growth produces durable public value rather than deferred obligations.

My approach is to respect every tax dollar, ask better questions, make better decisions and measure the results. Experience should produce practical judgment and accountability—not entitlement to office. I will do the work, read the material, disclose my reasoning and remain willing to challenge my own assumptions.

I bring an independent perspective shaped by commercial real estate, property assessment, taxation, business advisory work and previous municipal council service. I am seeking the role to contribute from the outset while continuing to listen and learn.

Kelowna is home for my family and me, and I am personally invested in ensuring it remains a safe, affordable and economically strong community for current and future generations.

01 · Why are you running for Kelowna City Council?

My husband and I raised our daughter here, and Kelowna is the community we are proud to call home. I want to help ensure it remains a safe, affordable and vibrant city where future generations can build their careers, raise their families and enjoy an exceptional quality of life.

I am also a person who believes deeply in service to my community. For the past 15 years, I have had the privilege of serving this community as a locally elected School Trustee with Central Okanagan Public Schools. Kelowna residents have placed their trust in me through four elections, and I consider that trust both an honour and a responsibility.

The role of Trustee is highly transferable to City Council. Both are locally elected, govern large public organizations, oversee significant budgets, establish strategic priorities and policies, plan for growth and capital needs, listen to residents and make difficult decisions about limited public resources.

I bring 15 years of tested experience in public governance making difficult decisions, managing competing priorities, overseeing public dollars and being accountable to the people I serve.

I’m ready to bring that experience to City Council.

02 · Issue #1: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Livability is one of Kelowna’s biggest challenges as our city grows. Housing, property taxes, utilities and service fees are putting pressure on residents and businesses. Livability also means access to parks, recreation, transportation and arts & culture that contribute to our quality of life.

I would bring strong financial scrutiny to City budgets and major spending decisions—seeking efficiencies, partnerships and senior-government funding, while considering the long-term costs of capital projects. I would also support a diverse supply of housing for people at different ages, incomes and stages of life.

As the current Chair of Finance & Planning, I recently helped guide our Board from a projected $4.2 million shortfall to a balanced budget.

Council can influence livability through responsible spending, incentivizing housing choices and investments in the services and amenities.

03 · Issue #2: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Kelowna is growing, and we need to ensure infrastructure and services keep pace. Growth should strengthen our community without compromising quality of life.

I would support thoughtful planning that considers transportation, roads, utilities, recreation, parks, emergency services and other infrastructure alongside new development. I would also advocate for stronger coordination between the City, School District and other levels of government so major projects are planned with their cumulative impacts in mind.

My 15 years as a School Trustee have included extensive experience in long-term planning, facilities, capital projects and managing growth in one of B.C.’s fastest-growing school districts.

Council directly influences growth through the Official Community Plan, zoning, development approvals, infrastructure investment and long-term capital planning.

04 · Issue #3: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home, neighbourhood, business & public spaces. Residents are concerned about crime, homelessness, mental health & addictions and the impact these challenges are having in Kelowna.

I would support appropriate resources for police, fire, bylaw and community safety while advocating for coordinated action with senior governments on housing, mental health, addictions and homelessness. We need both compassion for people in crisis and accountability for behaviour that harms others.

As a School Trustee, providing safe, caring and inclusive environments has been a fundamental responsibility, requiring collaboration, policy, prevention and difficult decisions. I would be a strong advocate to senior levels of government.

Council influences public safety through resources budgeted for policing, fire, bylaw and other community initiatives.

05 · What experience, skills, and community involvement do you bring to the role?

For 15 years I have served as an elected School Trustee, including as Board Chair, Vice Chair and Chair of every Board committee. I currently Chair Finance & Planning and recently helped guide our Board from a projected $4.2 million shortfall to a balanced budget.

My experience includes governance, policy review, strategic and capital planning, public consultation, labour relations & bargaining, and hiring two Superintendents. As Board Chair, I helped lead our most recent Superintendent recruitment, including final negotiations.

I served 12 years on the BCSTA Thompson-Okanagan Branch Executive and as BCPSEA Board Representative and Bargaining Liaison. I have written advocacy motions passed by our Board and supported by all 60 BC Boards of Education.

Beyond the boardroom, I visit schools, participate in Student Learning Conversations and engage with students, families, staff and community partners. As a cancer survivor, I also speak at the annual student-led Relay for Life, encouraging students who this year raised $105,000.

With a UBC Economics education & 30 years in business-to-business sales, I bring proven financial, governance, negotiation and relationship-building skills.

06 · How will you approach council decisions when priorities compete for limited resources?

When priorities compete for limited resources, I will approach decisions the same way I have throughout my years as a School Trustee: come prepared, understand the financial realities, listen to the people affected, ask difficult questions and consider both the immediate need and the long-term impact.

As Chair of Finance & Planning, I have made difficult decisions involving operating budgets, capital projects, facilities & competing needs across a growing school district.

At Council, I would ask: Is this a need or a want? What evidence supports it? What are the long-term operating and maintenance costs? Are there efficiencies, partnerships, grants or senior-government funding available? What happens if we delay it, and what other priorities are affected if we proceed?

Responsible governance means setting priorities based on need, evidence, affordability and the greatest benefit to the community.

I also believe good decisions require listening to different perspectives. My experience in public consultation, strategic & capital planning, bargaining & governance has taught me how to work toward consensus while being prepared to make difficult decisions & being accountable to them.

07 · How do you work with people who see an issue differently than you?

I have spent much of my professional and elected life working with people who have different values, perspectives and life experiences than I do. I believe you can disagree with someone while still respecting them, listening to them and working productively together.

During my 15 years as a School Trustee, our Board has not always agreed, and at times has been divided on significant issues. I have always tried to understand why each Trustee holds their position, ask questions, listen carefully and find common ground. We may not change each other’s minds, but understanding different perspectives can lead to better discussions and better decisions.

My 30 years in business-to-business sales reinforced the importance of building relationships, understanding different needs and finding solutions.

08 · What else should voters know about you?

I believe advocacy is an important part of good governance & I have a strong record of advocating and achieving results.

Throughout my years as a School Trustee, I have made a point of meeting directly with the Ministry of Education and Child Care at BCSTA AGMs & Academies to ensure our District’s priorities remain top of mind. I have also brought forward numerous advocacy motions that were supported by our Board and subsequently adopted by school boards across B.C..

One example was my motion calling on the Province to increase the Annual Facilities Grant. Following my advocacy, our District received increased funding.

The motion that I put forward and was unanimously carried by all 60 schools boards;:
“That the BCSTA advocate to the Ministry of Finance to increase the Ministry of Education and Child Care's Annual Facilities Grant so school districts may address the accumulating costs of deferred maintenance in order to improve accessibility, ensure student safety, enhance learning environments, extend facility lifespan, and support long-term fiscal responsibility.”

Effective advocacy takes preparation, persistence, relationships & the ability to build support.

01 · Why are you running for Kelowna City Council?

I am running because I have two young kids, and I want them to grow up in a city they can be proud to call their own, and that provides them ample opportunity for safe and affordable living, diverse and high-quality options for employment and careers, and a quality of life that can only be found in one of our country's most beautiful regions.

02 · Issue #1: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Public Safety.

Kelowna's crime rate is 24% higher than the provincial average and 56% higher than the national average, and among cities with similar or greater populations, has the highest rate of homelessness in the province.

To address these issues, I would undertake two strategies: First, I would act upon the findings of the PricewaterhouseCoopers policing study commissioned by the city and released this past spring, and move that Kelowna begin the process of transitioning to a municipal police force with the intent of having said municipal force online by 2032 – when the existing RCMP contract expires.

Second, I would move that the city significantly increase the number of projects undertaken with BC Housing for supportive and low-income housing. We currently have one on the books for 40 units. Kamloops, by comparison, has six underway, delivering 607 units.

03 · Issue #2: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Traffic & Transportation

Congestion in the city is increasing at a rate that outpaces our population growth, increasing by 10% in a single calendar year (2023-2024), the increase mostly taking the form of what the city defines as severe congestion.

To alleviate this, we first need to revise Kelowna's Transportation Master Plan to prioritize the goals that it is (according to the city) failing to meet: Supporting livable communities, enhancing travel affordability, fostering a growing economy, and optimizing travel times. Then we can begin things like removing some lights from Hwy 97, the Clement extension, etc.

Lastly, I would seek partnership with the province to add a sixth lane to the Bennett Bridge for use by an at-grade commuter rail line that would run north up Water St., around Prospera, and east to the city-owned railbed, past UBCO, and finally to the airport.

04 · Issue #3: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Jobs & Affordability

Kelowna has the highest unemployment rate among major urban centres in Canada and even worse levels of youth unemployment, in the most expensive province to live.

To drive immediate economic growth, I would look to leverage the increased amount of domestic tourism to aid local industry; a fancy way of saying I would like the city to host large-scale, large-format events that benefit local industry by attracting domestic tourism, like a week-long Wine Festival that could take over downtown, and a Speed Week, potentially hosting air races, automotive events, and a return of the regatta.

I would also seek to increase the amount of commercial square footage available to bring down commercial leasing costs – ideally through more mixed-use commercial-residential development. Kelowna needs to be a place employers can afford to do business in if we're to gain more jobs.

05 · What experience, skills, and community involvement do you bring to the role?

Professionally, I have extensive experience in the realm of public safety policy. I studied forensic psychology and have covered public safety policy at a national level to such a degree that I was invited to testify before our Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Safety.

Personally, as a former motoring journalist, I recognized the need for road safety advocacy and worked with existing lobbyist groups to improve motorcycle safety in the province before beginning to lobby for those same aims on my own 12 years ago.

I'm also a small business owner, having launched my own publishing company 15 years ago, as well as a specialized industrial cleaning company five years ago. Because both of these businesses operate in highly regulated spaces, I've gained a huge appreciation for what a government can do to stimulate economic growth, as well as what they can do to stifle it.

Finally, within the community, I served as the President of the Joe Rich Sportsman's Association for four years, growing the club from 32 members to nearly 400 and ensuring the club and facility's success and health for years to come.

06 · How will you approach council decisions when priorities compete for limited resources?

In a word, pragmatically.

In more words, I would first ask my colleagues on council to examine the issues and the proposed solutions independently, to ensure that a proposed measure is being justified on its own merits and probability of success, as opposed to the importance of the issue it seeks to address.

Along the same vein, I would also ask that council consider the impact and proposed value of competing priorities; specifically asking how many residents could be expected to benefit from the proposed options, and what specific value they would derive from it.

I would also ask us to examine whether other avenues could provide the resources we lack, be it either through cuts to another area of our local government deemed to be less crucial than the hypothetical proposals now competing for resources, or through investments by intergovernmental agencies, other levels of government, or more creative solutions (community fundraising, etc.).

Finally, I would consider the possible timelines to see whether moving from parallel to asynchronous spending could deliver similar results, albeit on a longer timeline.

07 · How do you work with people who see an issue differently than you?

Owning Canada's largest gun magazine, I've some experience with this!

And in my experience, even among entrenched opposing viewpoints, you can often find a shared foundational belief that, once established, gives firmer footing for a more collaborative discussion that is far more likely to have a positive outcome at best, and a better understanding of both sides of an issue at worst.

For example, in my work, I've encountered many people who oppose firearm ownership. I, obviously, disagree. However, the reason why many oppose firearm ownership is that they want Canadians to be safe from harm, which is a perspective I wholeheartedly share. By establishing that we share the same goal; for Canadians to be safe, and merely differ in opinions on how that goal may be best served allows the discussion to be collaborative rather than combative.

Additionally, having been involved in lobbying and working around contentious issues for decades now, I have a tremendous level of respect for the work people will pour into issues they're passionate about, regardless of how much I agree with their particular perspective.

08 · What else should voters know about you?

Over the last decade, it has felt as if Kelowna, as a city, has gone through transformative, uncontrolled organic changes – changes that have not been adequately addressed or reflected within our local government.

From the rise in unemployment, to the simultaneously unstable and yet somehow still unaffordable housing market, to the increase in crime, to even something as simple as traffic congestion and transportation management, things have changed – broadly for the worse – and City Hall hasn't seemed willing or able to intercede. Making incremental changes to plans drafted five, ten, or 15 years ago is no longer enough to address our community's needs, and re-establishing itself as a clean, safe, and prosperous city that our kids will be proud to call their own will require bold decisions, and swift action.

And that is what I aspire to.

01 · Why are you running for Kelowna City Council?

Kelowna is at a pivotal turning point. As our city grows rapidly, residents and local businesses face mounting challenges with public safety, traffic gridlock, rising property taxes, and housing pressure. I am running for City Council because Kelowna needs decisive, practical, and accountable leadership at City Hall—backed by broad legal experience, real-world business ownership, and full commitment.

As Founder and Managing Partner of BSG Law Corp, my legal career spans both courtroom litigation and solicitor work focused on residential and commercial real estate, contracts, and compliance. Starting in litigation taught me to analyze evidence critically and hold institutions accountable, while my residential real estate practice gives me a deep, practical understanding of homeownership, conveyancing, and housing market realities.

To serve Kelowna effectively, I am scaling back my legal caseload so I can dedicate the substantial time and energy Council demands. I am ready to bring this
Combination of legal rigor, real estate expertise, and small business experience to City Hall.

02 · Issue #1: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Issue 1: Public Safety, Safe Streets & Street Crisis

• The Issue: Open crime, habitual property offenders, and unaddressed mental health/addiction crises on public streets erode public safety and hurt local businesses and neighborhoods.
• Specific Actions:
1. Lobby the BC Provincial Government to enact and expand compulsory, involuntary care facilities for individuals experiencing severe mental health and addiction crises.
2. Partner with the RCMP and Crown prosecutors to enforce strict bail conditions and target habitual offenders.
3. Expand street-level RCMP auxiliary, foot, and cycle patrols across Downtown, Rutland, and municipal parks. Also Expanded bylaw powers.
• Council’s Influence: City Council sets municipal policing priorities and budget allocations, and serves as the primary municipal advocate lobbying Victoria for health and justice reform.

03 · Issue #2: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Infrastructure-First, Responsible Growth & Housing
The Issue: Rapid high-density residential development without adequate infrastructure creates traffic bottlenecks, overburdens utilities, and risks destroying established neighborhood character and agricultural lands (ALR).
Specific Actions:
1. Enforce an "Infrastructure-First Mandate"—freezing major high-density approvals in under-serviced zones until sewer, stormwater, and road capacities are budgeted and built.
2. Direct high-rise high-density growth strictly along primary commercial transit corridors to protect single-family residential cores.
3. Fix traffic gridlock by synchronizing traffic signals with AI/dynamic timing along major routes (Hwy 97, Lakeshore, Springfield)
Council Inf: City Council holds authority over zoning bylaws, official community plans (OCP), development permits, capital infrastructure spending

04 · Issue #3: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Fiscal Stewardship, Taxpayer Protection & Accountability
• The Issue: Property tax hikes continue to outpace family budgets while municipal spending grows without sufficient independent oversight.
• Specific Actions:
1. Initiate an immediate, independent top-to-bottom performance review of all city departments to eliminate operational redundancies and middle-management waste.
2. Cap future property tax increases tightly to core municipal inflation indexes, prioritizing core services (safety, roads, utilities) over non-essential vanity projects.
3. Modernize municipal procurement with transparent digital bidding to invite competitive local contractor bids and lower capital project costs.
• Council’s Influence: City Council debates, approves, and oversees Kelowna’s annual municipal budget and directs internal and external audit scopes.

05 · What experience, skills, and community involvement do you bring to the role?

I bring a practical blend of legal, real estate, and small business experience to the table. As Managing Partner of BSG Law Corp (admitted to the Bar in BC and Alberta), my career began in courtroom litigation before evolving into solicitor work with a focus on residential real estate, commercial transactions, compliance, and contract negotiation.

This legal arc is directly applicable to municipal governance: litigation, trained me to question assumptions and analyze evidence under scrutiny, while my extensive residential real estate practice gives me a clear, detailed grasp of housing transactions, zoning bylaws, development agreements, and municipal process.

Importantly, I am intentionally winding down my active legal caseload to prioritize City Council duties. Combined with my community advocacy—focusing on public safety, Okanagan Lake water security, FireSmart wildfire resilience, and ALR preservation—I offer the legal precision, small business perspective, and dedicated time needed to serve Kelowna effectively.

06 · How will you approach council decisions when priorities compete for limited resources?

When resources are limited, Council must apply a strict "Core Services First" framework. Essential municipal responsibilities—public safety, road and transit infrastructure, clean drinking water, and waste management—must always take priority over discretionary or prestige projects.

My approach relies on objective data, independent cost-benefit audits, and clear legal analysis. Before approving funding, I will evaluate: Does this directly serve public safety or infrastructure readiness? What is the multi-year tax impact on residents? Is there a local procurement alternative that yields better value? By maintaining fiscal discipline and asking tough legal and financial questions up front, we can protect taxpayers while delivering high-quality core services.

07 · How do you work with people who see an issue differently than you?

As a lawyer and corporate negotiator, my entire career has been built on finding constructive solutions among parties with competing interests. Effective governance requires listening intently, respecting opposing viewpoints, and focusing strictly on facts, evidence, and common ground rather than personal politics.

I welcome rigorous debate. When disagreements arise on Council or with community stakeholders, I advocate for transparent discussions, clear data presentation, and focusing on our shared objective: what best serves the long-term well-being of Kelowna residents. Once a collaborative decision is reached through due process, I believe in moving forward with professional unity and accountability.

08 · What else should voters know about you?

I am not a career politician—I am a practicing lawyer, business owner, and neighbor who loves Kelowna and wants to see our city governed with integrity, common sense, and foresight.

I believe Council members should be accessible, accountable, and thoroughly prepared for every vote. I will bring a fresh, independent voice to City Hall—one that isn't beholden to slates or special interests, but is dedicated entirely to practical solutions, safe neighborhoods, and responsible growth.

01 · Why are you running for Kelowna City Council?

I'm running for council to bring a level of pragmatic thought and efficiency that I feel is lacking. I've lived in Kelowna for forty years. I was born here and I love this city. I sincerely believe my experiences will be an asset to council, and my deep roots here provide the understanding, and sympathy residents deserve. From a young age, I've always wanted to be more involved in helping shape the community and I wholeheartedly believe now is the time. There are reasons I chose to stay in Kelowna and raise my family here and there are reasons people continue to migrate here. I intend to help make sure those reasons are maintained for the next generation, and that Kelowna continues to responsibly mature & grow without losing the charm we all love about it. I'm bound and committed to this city and I want to serve.

02 · Issue #1: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Community Safety. A level of safety is lacking in almost every neighbourhood in Kelowna. Hearing about people being harassed or assaulted in public spaces or while minding their own business turns my stomach. Kelowna has all income levels, and every person should feel safe, regardless of their neighbourhood. Two specific actions I would take are advocating for fewer wet-housing sites in residential neighborhoods and rerouting resources that currently provide comforts to some transients toward increased security & cleaning contractors. City Council can directly influence both of these initiatives. There are consultations with BC Housing regarding wet-facilities, and we do have a say during them. The city also manages the mentioned resources and can allocate them more effectively. These resources could perhaps also assist in increasing the RCMP presence in neighbourhoods needing it.

03 · Issue #2: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Responsible Growth. Kelowna will continue to see growth. The desirability of living here remains high. As a result, we must support growth, development & revitalization. However, some elements need review. Some development is neither practical nor responsible. There is a lack of consideration for form & character, and infrastructure is not being planned or executed as required. Some specific actions I would take are allowing the city to provide feedback on form & character similar to how new home designs are regulated in certain urban centres and reviewing similar cities as a model for improved planning. City Council can influence these initiatives by supporting and working with staff and by considering certain amendments if they mean improvements for responsible, timely development. There is room for improvements that support development while also satisfying our residents.

04 · Issue #3: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Support Locals & Businesses. Without them, we don't have a city. The common themes I'm hearing are a lack of execution & waste. Council's duty is to our residents, and it must deliver in a timely manner. A specific action I would take is a conservative approach to expenditures to keep property taxes as low as possible. This will provide financial support to every resident & business. Furthermore, residents must feel and see the impact of the money being spent. Some resources that might be lost or wasted in certain areas can be reallocated towards local events, maintenance or various community building initiatives. Council can influence this by prioritizing local vendors & contractors for city projects. We have some of the most talented people in the country here and I commit my availability to them as part of the larger, Kelowna family to listen and assist however I can.

05 · What experience, skills, and community involvement do you bring to the role?

As a local builder and real estate professional, I understand what it takes to build partnerships, create jobs, manage complex projects & budgets, and navigate the challenges facing families, entrepreneurs, and local businesses. Passionate about public service, I helped establish the BC Conservative Kelowna-Mission Constituency Association in 2012, later serving as the party’s Okanagan Regional Director and coordinating its AGM before the 2013 provincial election. I have collaborated with homeowners, builders, trades, consultants, local businesses, and other stakeholders on projects requiring planning, accountability, and teamwork. My knowledge of Kelowna’s neighbourhoods, housing market, and development landscape gives me a balanced understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing our growing city. Like many young families, I’ve spent the past several years building my businesses, supporting local clients, raising a family, and contributing to Kelowna through my work. As my family grows, I firmly believe now is the right time to put my experience to work by serving the community on Kelowna City Council.

06 · How will you approach council decisions when priorities compete for limited resources?

Every decision affects multiple stakeholders. Since keeping everybody happy is impossible, one must consider the greater good when priorities compete for limited resources. Every decision involves a trade-off. With today and the future in mind, we must analyze those trade-offs, determine the value gained and lost with each option and then proceed with what is best for the majority and our city itself. Furthermore, it's important to consider what each neighbourhood currently has or might need. If resources compete, perhaps it's wise to help some areas catch up to others. This instance requires a high level of consideration and analysis, but it's nothing out of the ordinary. People weigh pros & cons and trade-offs every day. I’ve done this for years with clients and homeowners at a high level when building complex projects or researching real estate. This will be required at a larger scale. That said, the process should be efficient and deliver results as soon as possible.

07 · How do you work with people who see an issue differently than you?

In custom home building and real estate, I encounter differing thoughts, opinions, and ideas every day. Whether I’m working with clients, trades, consultants, or other stakeholders, I believe differences in perspective can lead to better outcomes when they are approached with mutual respect and an open mind. I make it a priority to listen, understand where others are coming from, and engage in productive, respectful dialogue, even if we strongly disagree. I don’t believe that having a different opinion must create conflict. Consideration, collaboration, compromise, and a willingness to find common ground are essential to moving a goal forward. Ultimately, we are working toward a common goal, doing what is best for the city and its people. My experience has taught me that when people feel heard and respected, we can work through differences constructively and arrive at solutions that everyone can stand behind.

08 · What else should voters know about you?

I was born and raised in Kelowna, and I hold this city dear to my heart. I've lived here for forty years, I graduated university here, met my wife here and am raising my children here. I've worked jobs and run businesses for 20+ years in Kelowna. My experiences have given me the patience, temperament and level of critical thinking required on City Council. I’m forward-thinking and solution focused. I understand costs, trade-offs, planning and how the world actually works. Through years of working with people and assisting them in building or finding great personal investments like the homes where they raise their families, I have developed a level of understanding, mutual respect, and sympathy seldom seen in politics. I'm grateful for everything Kelowna has given me and now I'm ready to put my experiences to work in a way where I can give back.

01 · Why are you running for Kelowna City Council?

First of all, thank you for doing this and thank you for the opportunity. I believe in a strong, balanced council from the full political spectrum. I also believe we need candidates willing to speak with logic, confidence, and experience. I am running because I know I have the experience, the relationships, the drive, the work ethic, the respect, and most importantly, the history and knowledge of this place we call home. Having grown up here, my family owes Kelowna in many ways; I want to give back to the community and be involved in decisions and directions representing young families like mine, farmers, and different industries, and bring a wealth of knowledge to the table. I may be on the younger side of the race, but I believe that my education, workplace, and life experiences put me near the top when discussing a plethora of issues impacting local government. I have been a regional firefighter, a teacher, a farmer, a business owner, and I currently serve as an elected Area Director with the Regional District of Central Okanagan. Each of those experiences has given me a different perspective on government, leadership, and public service ready to contribute from day one

02 · Issue #1: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Crime and Community Safety:
Knocking on doors, there is no doubt that it is the number one issue. Drug-related concerns, homelessness, street disorder, theft, encampments, and the list goes on. I also understand that this is the most complicated file when it comes to enforcement, resources, and upper-level government laws and legislation. It also represents a large segment of our city budget, as it involves emergency services, law enforcement, city bylaw, and supportive services and programs. It impacts businesses daily in various ways and can't be ignored by any potential candidate. We need a council and mayor willing to stand up for our city when advocating to different levels of government. One area the city can have long term impact is to improve proactive intervention through sport, recreation, and more youth programming. Happy to discuss more throughout the interview process.

03 · Issue #2: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Agriculture and Emergency Preparedness:
As one of the only candidates talking about agriculture, it's extremely important to me to discuss ways to help support our food systems in our valley. Water management, systems, and services from the upper reservoirs to the valley bottom need to be improved and planned for in long-term infrastructure planning. I put this with emergency preparedness, as we need to look at our overall systems and how they are interconnected. Flood, drought, fire, and other risks are reasons to be adaptive, responsive, and prepared. That said, policing, fire, and EMS have long been outpaced by growth and changes impacting their abilities to serve. We have spent a premium on policing for our additional officers hosting sporting and community events; we need to shift and plan for permanent officers, improved fire apparatus, and more EMS support that people rely on.

04 · Issue #3: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

I struggle between council/city transparency and transportation infrastructure. I look forward to addressing transparency issues, but for this purpose, I will talk about traffic and transportation, as it impacts my family and families like mine daily. There is road construction everywhere, detours, and accidents, further impacting an already congested roadway network for travelers and commuters. We need to take a look at the project planning and coordinate project timing to mitigate impacts. I get tired of planners saying that the highway is MOTT jurisdiction. There are things we can do to improve highway flow. Things like eliminating much of the commercial parking lot access directly to the highway, and more sensor-triggered left-turn lanes permanently on. These two changes would eliminate many of the accidents that further clog up traffic. More can happen, but this is just a start.

05 · What experience, skills, and community involvement do you bring to the role?

I bring experience in local government, business, emergency services, education, youth development and community organizations. I currently serve as the EA Director for the RDCO, Chair of the Electoral Area Services Committee, and have served as Vice Chair. I also serve on the following: the Okanagan Basin Water Board, Central Okanagan Hospital District, Airport Advisory Committee, Sterile Insect Release Program, Okanagan Regional Library, Okanagan Film Commission, and the Collaborative Leadership Table (ONA).
My community involvement includes the Okanagan Sun, Kelowna Minor Football Association, UBC Thunderbird Football Association, Oceola Fish and Game Club, BC Wildlife Federation, and coaching U12 football.
Professionally, I am an Operations Manager with Homestead Foods. My previous experience includes eight years as a regional firefighter, three years as a TOC with SD23, coordinating an at-risk youth centre, and eight years with UBCO Varsity Athletics.

These experiences have taught me to listen, collaborate, manage resources, understand different perspectives and make practical decisions. I believe they provide me with the knowledge and experience to contribute on day one.

06 · How will you approach council decisions when priorities compete for limited resources?

The new council will need to take the strategic priority-setting exercises very seriously in addressing staff direction and allocating resources. This sets the stage for guiding what our priorities are. Though we have a large municipal budget, this will be a guiding principle when allocating funds, but provide some transparency and clear priorities. There is no doubt things will come up, files will need attention, and emergencies will happen, which will need to be addressed. My priorities when addressing council decisions will be asking how this improves the service and function for the taxpayer, and how we can mitigate future risks and unforeseen circumstances; whether this solves the issues at hand or is a temporary solution; and finally listening to the needs of the people and collaboratively working towards a solution between council and staff. A great example regarding balance and meeting the needs of the existing community is the most recent Apple Bowl announcement. I look forward to this conversation in the coming months.

07 · How do you work with people who see an issue differently than you?

Even before becoming involved in politics, I was often told that one of my greatest strengths when working with boards and committees was my ability to work with people who have different perspectives. I understand that we will not always agree, that we will not always get every decision right, and that once a decision is made, we need to learn from it and continue moving forward.

I do not want to see “left” or “right” define our City Council. I want to see qualified, engaged councillors with different experiences and areas of knowledge come together, have respectful and meaningful debate, and ultimately make decisions based on what is best for the people who elected us.

I have always valued relationships with people who I agree and disagree with, and I am proud of my ability to have difficult conversations without allowing disagreement to become personal. I believe good government requires listening to different perspectives, challenging ideas respectfully, and being willing to change your mind when presented with better information. I am prepared to bring that approach to Council.

08 · What else should voters know about you?

Most importantly, I am prepared and informed to contribute from day one if I am successful in this campaign. At a complicated time in federal and provincial politics, I believe Kelowna needs strong local leadership with the experience and relationships to advocate effectively for our community and get things done.

I am a proud Rutland Senior Secondary graduate and was raised in Rutland. I have built my career and my family here, and I care deeply about the future of this community.

I am also an avid outdoors enthusiast with a strong interest in conservation, wildlife management, forestry, and improving the natural spaces that make the Okanagan such a special place to live.

I believe in being fiscally responsible, transparent, and accountable with public dollars. I also care deeply about agriculture and food security in our valley. I want to see our farmers have the opportunity to produce, prepare, and succeed while protecting the agricultural land that will matter to future generations.

At the end of the day, I want voters to know that I am someone who is willing to listen, do the work, and bring practical experience and common-sense decision-making to City Council.

01 · Why are you running for Kelowna City Council?

I am running for Kelowna City Council because I believe that capable, well-rounded and financially-minded candidates are needed in order to make progress on the locally-controlled issues that matter to our residents. I know that I am well prepared for this moment, that I can contribute effectively as one voice at a table for nine, in order to help suggest tangible policy changes to address the issues facing our city.

From planning & zoning policy, to fiscal management and capital budgeting, to addressing public safety and quality of life concerns in our community, we need dedicated leaders who understand that the main role of a city councillor is to to help provide broad strategic leadership guidance that staff should manage and execute at a more tactical, day-to-day level.

I am not running for city council as a stepping stone, or because I have any further political ambitions. I have no interest in going off to Victoria or Ottawa, or being mayor, but I do think that it takes a cross-section of work experience, of lived experience, of education, age, and policy views for a council to represent the needs of the community and work together on solving problems for residents.

02 · Issue #1: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Affordability & Economic Growth:

Affordability means the cost of living: the cost to purchase both new and used residential property, the market cost of rent, the commercial and industrial cost of triple-net lease and new construction, and local taxation, including both DCC & property taxes. Economic growth, with no local GDP stats, means unemployment & annualized business investment in Kelowna city limits

Platform supports:

-Targeting a 5% or more vacancy rate for both ownership and rental housing, while ensuring opportunity for new homes from single family, to townhome, to apartment. Support Glenmore study.
-Committing to a DCC reduction plan through bonded infrastructure financing & lobbying for municipal funding model reform (taking cues from Quebec).
-Permitting & zoning review to improve efficiency and cut paperwork (copying Port Coquitlam).
– Pro-Hotel OCP amendments.

03 · Issue #2: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Quality of Life:

A broad category but includes most planning & capital budgeting decisions. Everything from time wasted commuting in heavy traffic, to community recreation amenities like activity centres or parks, to residential traffic noise and safety, affects quality of life.

Platform supports:

-Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor planning between downtown Kelowna and the University and Airport, along with between the north end and south mission.
-Lobbying for Provincial bridge & highway improvements & new transit yard (ASAP).
-Investment in street urbanisation and traffic calming approaches like street trees, sidewalks & roundabouts.
-Funding to improve per-capita sports field (soccer) and hockey rink availability. Severe shortages for many parents currently.
-Align OCP with Urban Forest Strategy. Work to improve urban / suburban cover to mitigate heat islands.

04 · Issue #3: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Public Safety:

I recognize that council has done much within local control on safety, and that public lobbying could jeopardize grants, but council must be more vocal on lobbying for involuntary care. Mayor can be spokesman, but I strongly support doing what we can to get something built and staffed to reduce open drug use & public disorder.

Platform supports:

– Dedicated 24/7 foot patrols in all urban centres, focus on downtown, in Rutland and the Capri areas, via business association teams, to reduce public disorder. Funding model via Parking Benefit Districts for no effect on property taxes.
-Expansion of park cleanup and park maintenance, including security and CPTED investments.
-Enforce the single-designated-sheltering site model at OS4, as opposed to distributed sheltering in doorways, parks, further along rail trail.
-Continue police force service review / study.

05 · What experience, skills, and community involvement do you bring to the role?

My entire professional life since earning my has been dedicated to financial management and the careful consideration of service requirements for businesses or public entities, in order to maximize value and limit risk. This will give me insight into not just the financial side of budgeting and capital planning, but the needs-based assessments behind the budget.

I served as Kelowna Area Cycling Coalition President in 2023 when I brought the idea of the downtown bike valet to mayor & staff. I oversaw the 2025 expansion. While valets do not solve many parts of the bike theft problem, our members wanted action, and we did what we could. It has been successful for events like Canada Day and the car show. We demonstrated success with the city, and expanded to the Saturday Farmers' Market. Gives me a practical insight into the theft concerns many residents have.

I served as the last Vice Chair of the Planning Advisory Committee for the RDCO. It didn't provide the right feedback mechanisms for residents. I recommended abolishment. Public input is important, which means creating statistically significant ways to hear resident concerns.

I've been active at Chamber policy workshops

06 · How will you approach council decisions when priorities compete for limited resources?

I have make judgement calls about what provides the best value through my employment, but that is different from acting as a public official.

The first place I would look would be my values and my contract with voters. If I am choosing between two options, I want to do what I promised to do when running for office. My word is important to me, and that is why I have put great care into creating a more detailed platform than many of my competitors.

If we are picking between items of finances, such as hiring a police officer or a planner, I would look to our council priorities and my own values. It's important to consider that both may be truly required, which necessarily means either a cut elsewhere or a larger property tax increase. I would explore those possibilities and make the decision based on the specific context.

A book that speaks to me is Abundance –
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abundance_(Klein_and_Thompson_book)

We should resolve supply shortages through market competition and funding and push back on hapless plans based on short-term politicking. People want a government that works and delivers what it promises. That's my intention as a councillor.

07 · How do you work with people who see an issue differently than you?

The first step is checking policy agreements at the door when outside of council chambers. We are all people who agree or disagree on the issues. Nobody wants to work with a councillor they don't like or respect. We should be able to share drinks or a meal after debating at the table, and that is my intention going in.

Sometimes, the majority of councillors will disagree with me on an issue that I care about. That's completely fine. It is my responsibility to bring the item up for debate, perhaps through a notice of motion, and it is equally my responsibility to let it go if the vote doesn't go my way.

My philosophy when approaching councillors on an actual policy issue is to focus on where we agree. They might have different opinions on whatever subject, but if we have common ground on an item, we should work together when we can. I'm not going to vote against an idea that someone else has because of personal animosity, and I hope they would treat me in the same way. If I vote against them on an item because I simply disagree on the merits, that is not a reflection on them as a person.

That's been my approach with the 2022 council, it will continue to be my approach.

08 · What else should voters know about you?

I've seen firsthand how government bureaucracy or policy has driven up costs for residents and taxpayers. I recognize the importance of permitting reform, of stepping back and looking at the bigger picture to judge value (or lack thereof), and in being agile.

Some people will criticize me as a candidate, saying that I want a municipal government job while working for the Province (in a non-partisan way). But sometimes it takes people on the inside, who know what could be broken, to provide their work experience and bring about process improvements and pragmatic reforms.

The fact of the matter is that city council pays like a part-time position, and I need more than part-time employment to pay my bills. Having an employer that is required to provide me with unpaid leave for council duties was a must when I began considering local politics in 2021. I could make more money in the private sector, especially if I switched cities. But I love Kelowna, and I want to make our city better. I'm running only because I feel that my ideas, my perspective, and my values could be useful at the table. By working together with other voices, we can ensure our best days lie ahead of us.

01 · Why are you running for Kelowna City Council?

Residents & businesses consistently say they value my practical leadership, willingness to listen, & ability to bring people together to get them results. They also know there is more work ahead; they want me to continue. Serving my first term on Kelowna City Council over the past four years has been an honour. I have worked to keep taxes affordable, improve public safety, & protect the quality of life in one of Canada’s most desirable places to live, work, & invest. I have pushed for practical, results-focused solutions: adding police officers & firefighters, strengthening neighbourhoods & parks, reducing crime, advancing affordable housing, reducing homelessness, improving transportation, taking climate action, & building stronger partnerships with Indigenous, Provincial, & Federal governments. As an engineer, professor & community leader, I bring a data-driven, collaborative approach to solving complex challenges. Voters have asked me to continue helping Kelowna grow while protecting the lake, natural environment, neighbourhood character & economic opportunities that define us. Protect what makes our City special. Fix what isn't working. Plan intelligently. Grow SMARTer.

02 · Issue #1: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Public Safety, Homelessness & Trust –

We need compassionate solutions to homelessness, mental health, & addiction challenges while keeping neighbourhoods, businesses, & public spaces safe. Folks feel disconnected with City Hall actions. Rebuilding public trust requires timely action, accountability, public input, & support for victims & communities.

Council can influence policing, housing, public spaces, partnerships, & advocacy.

Actions: While 1/3 of unhoused people can be successfully rehoused through targeted supports, about 2/3 face serious mental illness &/or addiction, requiring more intensive intervention. I will continue: pushing the Province to establish a compassionate mandatory campus of care at the near-empty OCC; advocate for criminal justice reforms & additional Crown prosecutors; implement Kelowna's Community Safety Plan; & ensure earlier ongoing public engagement.

03 · Issue #2: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Liveability –

Kelowna’s quality of life depends on, among other things, good infrastructure. Growth has outpaced our infrastructure & created affordable housing & traffic congestion challenges.

Council controls zoning, the OCP, transportation investments & infrastructure priorities required to support growth & liveability.

Actions: I support development where roads, utilities, transit, walking, cycling & services support it. I support housing diversity, limiting sprawl & gently densifying neighbourhoods. I support the ALR & our parks. I support growth well integrated, not imposed. I will ask: Will the infrastructure support it? How are City-wide DCC & tax rates impacted if not? I support a regional congestion-reduction strategy built on high-capacity, inter-city mobility partnerships. I support Kelowna investments that solve real problems & are good value for future taxpayers.

04 · Issue #3: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

EcDev, Clean Tech, & Tourism –

Wildfire, smoke, drought, irrigation restrictions, ruined crops, high unemployment – a new inter-connected normal: Nature is our business. Take care of it, plan for it, stay prosperous.

Council controls OCP, zoning, infrastructure investment priorities & partnerships, but not inflation or tariffs. We influence tourism & private investments thru academic, industry, provincial, federal & other partnerships.

Actions: I support: i) an EcDev Champion to pursue local & global partnerships on priorities; ii) clean tech incentives to assist our farmers & other traditional industries to reduce water, waste & costs; iii) helping our existing sectors to adapt (e.g., more covered fields & courts, & artificial turf for sports tourism; mass timber), & our emerging sectors to succeed – aerospace, innovation, hydrogen, vertical farm, AI, & inter-city mobility.

05 · What experience, skills, and community involvement do you bring to the role?

I bring over 30 years of private, public & volunteer sector experience & leadership roles as a professional engineer, professor, researcher, businessman, home builder, & sustainable development planner. I have twice been ‘head-hunted’ to community leadership roles. First, to lead BC’s 1st student U-Pass program. Second, to be the Nation’s first federal science advisor on infrastructure, transportation, & clean-tech innovation. I hold an SFU MBA, am a business owner & Rotary vice-president, & am happily-married with 4 kids. I have served the past 4 yrs on Kelowna City Council.
But credentials alone are not why people should vote for me. What matters is that I use my knowledge wisely for you: appreciate the problem, engage with stakeholders, assimilate evidence, assess costs & consequences, & push for real world solutions that work.
Throughout my career, I have championed data-driven decision-making, built trusted partnerships, & worked to maximize community value while minimizing community cost. I bring a practical, collaborative approach to Council, focused on delivering results that strengthen public safety, liveability, economic prosperity, & community resilience for all.

06 · How will you approach council decisions when priorities compete for limited resources?

I choose to be open-minded & approach Council decisions by relying on staff expertise, evidence-based data, public input, historical experience, & respectful dialogue with my Council colleagues. Above all, I remember that every dollar Council spends ultimately comes from taxpayers & must be used wisely. I ask four questions: Do residents genuinely need it? Will it improve quality of life or essential services? Is there evidence it will work? Does it provide good long-term value? Sometimes I will have to say I cannot support an initiative, perhaps even disagreeing with our staff experts and/or my Council colleagues. We must distinguish between what would be nice to have & what we genuinely need. Infrastructure, public safety, environment, & essential services must come first. As a UBCO engineering professor, I taught that the best decisions are based on sound evidence & the careful allocation of limited resources. Throughout my career, I have learned that scarce resources are a fact of life. Good decisions depend on good information, but we cannot know with certainty what the future holds. Good government is not about spending more. It is about spending wisely.

07 · How do you work with people who see an issue differently than you?

I can work with anyone. Long before serving on Kelowna City Council, I learned that we were given two ears and one mouth for a reason: listening matters. Whether in government, academia, business, or community service, I have worked with people who bring different experiences, expertise, and perspectives to the table. Some of the best decisions begin with disagreement. My role is to listen, ask questions, examine the evidence, and find common ground wherever possible. People are far more willing to engage when they feel heard and respected. Over the years, I have learned that I do not have all the answers, that good ideas can come from anywhere, and that changing your mind when presented with better information is a sign of strength, not weakness. While consensus is not always possible, respect should always be. When Council makes a decision, residents deserve to understand not only what was decided, but why. That is why meaningful engagement and clear communication are so important. Good decisions come from challenging ideas, not attacking people.

08 · What else should voters know about you?

lovegrovekelowna.ca has details: Nature is our business. Our lake, parks, & agriculture are not just scenery; they support our economy, define our quality of life, & attract families, workers, visitors & investment. We can welcome growth & protect liveability. You trusted me in 2022 to bring practical, evidence-based leadership to Council. I have listened, asked hard questions, built partnerships, & pushed for real action on homelessness, safety, economic resilience, transportation and responsible growth. There is more work to do: safer neighbourhoods, compassionate solutions to homelessness, stronger local jobs, better transportation options, & smarter infrastructure investments. My heart is to: protect what we love, fix what is not working, and build a Kelowna that is safe, affordable, prosperous and resilient. On October 17th. I am asking for your vote so I can keep working for a better Kelowna for everyone. Questions? 250-808-9377; gord.lovegrove@ubc.ca.

Community: UBCO Emeritus, SD23 Mentor, Sunrise Rotary VP, Rockets/Sun Season Holder, okrailbc.ca, okheritagesociety.com, okanagan4ukraine.org, WPC DT Youth, SILGA Board, ex-KGM Board, ex-ORT Ambassador, ATLS 2026 finisher.

01 · Why are you running for Kelowna City Council?

I am running because I care deeply about Kelowna's future and the kind of community we leave for the next generation. Over the past several months, I have been meeting residents from every part of our city through my 1,000 Conversations Tour, networking events, and social activities. While every neighbourhood has unique concerns, people consistently tell me they want a council that listens first, spends tax dollars wisely, and focuses on practical solutions rather than politics. Over the past decades, I have dedicated myself to serving the community of Kelowna.

My background as a teacher, business owner, author, community volunteer, and entrepreneur has taught me how to bring people together, solve problems, and deliver results. I believe good leadership starts with listening, asking thoughtful questions, and making decisions based on evidence and the long-term interests of our community.

I am not running to build a political career. I am running to serve the community I love and to help ensure Kelowna remains a safe, affordable, and vibrant place for families, seniors, businesses, and future generations.

02 · Issue #1: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Community Safety, Homelessness, and Addiction

Kelowna residents deserve to feel safe in their homes, parks, neighbourhoods, and businesses while ensuring those experiencing homelessness and addiction have access to meaningful pathways to recovery. I support strengthening partnerships between the City, RCMP, Interior Health, BC Housing, outreach organizations, and local businesses. I would continue investing in proven community safety initiatives, advocate for more recovery-focused treatment and mental health services, and improve communication on measurable outcomes. While Council cannot solve healthcare or addiction alone, it plays a vital role by funding local safety initiatives, coordinating partnerships, and advocating to senior governments for the resources our community needs.

03 · Issue #2: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Financial Responsibility and Smart Growth

Residents consistently tell me they are worried about rising taxes and whether City Hall is spending their money efficiently. Kelowna is growing rapidly, but growth must be managed responsibly. I would review carefully major capital projects and operating budgets to ensure taxpayer dollars deliver clear public value.
Improve transparency so residents understand how decisions are made and how funds are allocated. Encourage continuous reviews of administrative processes to improve efficiency while maintaining quality public services.
Support responsible development that provides housing while ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with growth.
Council approves budgets, sets tax rates, establishes financial priorities, and oversees municipal operations. Council has a direct responsibility to ensure every tax dollar is spent wisely and transparently.

04 · Issue #3: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Housing, Infrastructure, and Livability

Kelowna's rapid growth is placing increasing pressure on housing affordability, transportation, infrastructure, and community amenities. Growth should enhance and not reduce our quality of life.
I support expanding housing options in appropriate locations while respecting established neighbourhoods, streamlining development approvals without compromising good planning, and investing in roads, active transportation, parks, recreation, and utilities that keep pace with growth. I also support creating complete communities where residents can live, work, and access services closer to home.
City Council plays a key role by setting land-use policy, approving development, investing in infrastructure, and planning for sustainable growth through the Official Community Plan and responsible budgeting.

05 · What experience, skills, and community involvement do you bring to the role?

My professional and volunteer experiences have prepared me to serve effectively on Council.

I have been a teacher, entrepreneur, author, and business owner, giving me experience in budgeting, leadership, communication, and problem-solving. Through Cherry Lane Homes and ZS2 Technologies I have developed a strong understanding of construction, housing, sustainable building technologies, and economic development.

Community service has always been important to me. Over the years I have volunteered with organizations supporting families, youth, cancer research, food security, education, and community development. These experiences have allowed me to work alongside people from many different backgrounds and understand the importance of collaboration.

Most importantly, I believe leadership is about listening. My 1,000 Conversations Tour has reinforced that residents want elected officials who are approachable, accessible, and willing to hear differing perspectives before making decisions.

06 · How will you approach council decisions when priorities compete for limited resources?

Every decision should begin with one question: what provides the greatest long-term benefit for Kelowna while being responsible with taxpayer dollars?

I would begin with listening, gathering the facts, and asking what will provide the greatest long-term benefit for Kelowna while being responsible with taxpayers' money. I will evaluate priorities based on community need, financial impact, evidence, legal obligations, long-term sustainability, and whether they align with Council's strategic goals.

I believe in transparent decision-making. Residents deserve to understand why one project moves forward before another and how those decisions affect taxes, services, and future growth.
I would evaluate decisions by considering:
*the evidence and available data
*the financial impact
*the long-term sustainability of the decision
*community input
*legal obligations
and whether the investment aligns with Council's strategic priorities.

Not every worthwhile project can happen immediately. Good governance means setting priorities, making difficult choices transparently, and explaining those decisions clearly to residents.

07 · How do you work with people who see an issue differently than you?

Some of the best decisions come from respectful disagreement.

I believe every person deserves to be heard, even when we disagree. My approach is to listen carefully, ask questions to understand the reasons behind different viewpoints, look for common ground, and remain open to changing my perspective when presented with better information.

Council works best when members collaborate respectfully rather than becoming divided by ideology. I will always advocate strongly for what I believe is right, but I also recognize that good governance requires compromise, professionalism, and mutual respect.

08 · What else should voters know about you?

I believe leadership is earned through service.

Throughout my life I have worked in education, business, construction, community organizations, and volunteer leadership. Those experiences have taught me that trust is built by showing up, listening carefully, and following through.

Since graduating university with Kappa Gamma Pi award in recognition of leadership, service and academic excellence, I have always seen that award as more than an achievement, I have seen it as a responsibility. It reminds me that leadership is not about holding a title, it is about stepping forward when you believe you can make a positive difference.

As a grandmother, I think often about the kind of city we are leaving for future generations. I want Kelowna to remain a place where people feel safe, businesses can thrive, families can afford to build their lives, and residents know their voices matter.

If elected, I will be an accessible councillor who listens respectfully, works collaboratively, asks difficult questions when necessary, and always strives to make decisions that serve the best interests of our entire community.

01 · Why are you running for Kelowna City Council?

I’m a lifelong resident of this place. Kelowna has grown and changed in a multitude of ways since my family moved to the Okanagan in 1990, and I recognize the serious challenges facing Kelowna today and into the future: economically, ecologically, infrastructurally.

This demands equally serious people on Kelowna City Council. People who arrive well-versed in what makes this city tick, people genuinely connected to the economic realities of life on the ground, people who prioritize the interests of the everyday folks who keep this city running.

There is no local issue that we cannot see improvements made on. With the kind of forward-thinking leadership that I would be honoured to help provide, we can build resilience in the face of wildfires and drought. We can make our streets safer for everyone. We can ensure that traffic and transportation aren't such a headache. We can deliver housing that everyday people can afford to rent & buy. We can attract the kind of investment that creates amazing careers in exciting industries so that more of our young people can build their lives here, just as I have been fortunate to.

The future is challenging, but it is bright.

02 · Issue #1: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Community safety, an umbrella describing visible homelessness, open drug use, crime, disorder. This family of concerns is number one at the door, but most profoundly in Downtown, Rutland, and the North End where residents & businesses feel the greatest share of direct negative impacts.

Within our municipal authority today, we can start by ensuring a better quality of first response in the event of an incident. We know that the majority of calls coming in to the RCMP relate to non-criminal, lower urgency matters, and this spreads our already strained police resources even thinner when residents are victims of crime and require attention. By resourcing up responders such as DKA On-Call and CRCL, we can delegate a greater number of non-criminal calls away from the RCMP so that our police are better able to provide residents & businesses with timely response to criminal emergencies.

03 · Issue #2: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Infrastructure, specifically transportation. Residents are frustrated with worsening vehicle traffic throughout the city, and the unpredictable bottleneck that is the bridge remains a sore spot for so many commuters. I support transportation remaining a top council priority so that transportation-focused capital projects, such as the ongoing Adaptive Signal Project roll-out at major intersections to better synchronize traffic lights, are sufficiently expedited.

Council can be a powerful advocate in obtaining provincial funding commitments to build the proposed expanded transit yard. Until then, we are capped in the size of our bus fleet, and thus unable to achieve greater frequency & dependability of Kelowna Regional Transit service. Better transit benefits all road users by relieving traffic, and it can provide a far more affordable means for residents to get to where they need to go.

04 · Issue #3: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Cost of living, and primarily housing affordability. Kelowna has been very effective at incentivizing a great deal of residential development in recent years, to the point that we arguably now have an oversupply of certain rental housing of which there is not immediate demand for, and especially not at the asking rent.

There is unmet demand for deeply affordable, family suitable, and fully accessible housing. By the city’s admission, the Revitalization Tax Exemption has not been an effective tool at spurring construction of nonmarket housing in numbers significant enough to make a dent.

I would like council to debate an approach such as Inclusionary Zoning, where incentives are offered such as accelerated approvals or tax deferments or other compliance motivators, to set minimums in new for-profit builds over a certain size and ensure the most critically needed housing criteria is met.

05 · What experience, skills, and community involvement do you bring to the role?

I’ve worked hands-on in many key Kelowna industries, from agriculture to hospitality to education and on. Whether immersed in fruit or up to my elbows in dishwater or offering a crash course to a group of school age kids in how to make their first video game, I know what it means to work for a living.

I hold a co-conferred degree in Business Admin from Okanagan College & UBCO, and that education led to an opportunity to work for the BC Ministry of Finance where I developed and supported a tool deployed to municipalities across the Interior for smarter, more efficient management of business licenses. This involved close coordination with local governments, and I delivered the project well under-budget.

I have worked in video game development since 2010, and have had my hand in dozens of commercial releases. This is an industry that requires a person to operate under intense pressure and find efficiencies wherever possible, qualities that would serve a Councillor well.

I care about this place. I take part in community clean-ups at every opportunity, I'm an active member of Kelowna Tree Protectors, and I sit as a Director-at-Large of the Friends of Knox Mountain Park Society.

06 · How will you approach council decisions when priorities compete for limited resources?

The reality is that local governments cannot run a deficit like higher levels of government, and this means that not every community need can be met in every year’s budget. It is important, then, to determine what is most critically needed and where the smart money should go.

We’ve seen a notable amount of public backlash to the City of Kelowna signature sign newly added to Stuart Park. This stands out starkly as an example where a significant portion of the general public view a budget priority as a frivolous vanity project, when something such as affordable housing, an area that stands to benefit long-term residents in real and material ways, sees far less in the way of city-championed deliverables.

A city can do multiple things at once, but we absolutely must deliver for residents in ways that they feel value for money. To not just see, but feel city spending in positive ways through improved neighbourhood infrastructure, public amenities, arts & cultural investment. I have heard from residents across this city the sense of inequity in attention paid neighbourhood-to-neighbourhood, and we need to do a better job of spreading resources around so all neighbourhoods feel valued.

07 · How do you work with people who see an issue differently than you?

I believe it’s possible to find some measure of common ground with a colleague in just about any disagreement on an issue. By listening intently and approaching their opposing viewpoint non-judgmentally, genuinely making the effort to understand the root values that may be informing their position, and digging into the process of how they arrived there, a contrary perspective can be deconstructed, better understood, and possibly even agreed with at the core of it.

Fundamentally, I believe that all of us tend to want the same things for our community deep down, even if we’ve diagnosed an issue differently and wish to pursue radically different policies and/or actions in addressing it. Finding the areas where there is agreement, and a willingness to enter into debate & negotiation in good faith with the understanding that no party is going to get 100% of what they want, is what makes practical compromises possible.

At the end of it, will the community benefit? Have the interests of and impacts on all residents been fully considered? If all parties can agree on that, we've resolved the worst of our differences and not allowed individual personalities to outweigh the public good.

08 · What else should voters know about you?

I play fingerstyle guitar, and love to write & perform music.

Cooking is one of my absolute joys, and I especially enjoy putting together packages of Christmas baking, typically to be delivered on Christmas Eve to my favourite people.

I am a long-term renter, a stubbornly committed transit user, and a dedicated backyard composter.

I adore animals, I revere nature, and I believe that a better, more equitable, and truly sustainable world is possible.

I believe that the only effective way to lead is by example.

01 · Why are you running for Kelowna City Council?

I’m running because Kelowna has been a wonderful home for me, and I want to give something back to the community. I believe my background, including journalism, technology, community support work and lived experience, gives me a perspective that can be useful at the Council table.

My lived experience helps me recognize barriers and problems that can sometimes be overlooked, while my analytical background helps me ask questions, examine evidence and think through practical solutions.

I want to contribute that perspective as one member of a Council made up of eight councillors and the mayor, working with others to make good decisions for the whole city.

02 · Issue #1: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Affordability, housing and homelessness are closely connected to quality of life and public safety. I would support preserving and expanding rental housing, using City land strategically, and strengthening partnerships that help prevent people from losing housing in the first place. I also want clear measures showing whether City-supported programs are actually reducing homelessness and improving public spaces.

Council cannot control income assistance, health care or the justice system, but it can influence land use, zoning, municipal land, local partnerships, infrastructure and how City resources are directed.

03 · Issue #2: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Accessibility and transportation should work for everyone. Accessibility should not be treated as a narrow issue affecting only people with recognized disabilities. A transit route, sidewalk, building or City service should work for the people who need to use it.

I would support identifying recurring accessibility barriers, improving the design of new infrastructure, and reviewing transit routes, scheduling, stops and connections where service is not meeting residents’ needs. Council can influence municipal infrastructure, accessibility, transportation planning and advocacy with regional transit partners. Better transportation can also reduce car dependence and support environmental goals.

04 · Issue #3: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Climate resilience and the environment are increasingly important for the Okanagan. We are already experiencing wildfire, extreme heat and other severe events. Council cannot solve global climate change on its own, but it can make Kelowna better prepared and reduce our local environmental impact.

I would support stronger wildfire, heat and flood preparedness, climate-conscious land-use and transportation planning, protection and expansion of the urban tree canopy, and practical measures that reduce energy use and emissions where the City has authority. I would judge proposals by whether they produce measurable local results rather than simply announcing another plan.

05 · What experience, skills, and community involvement do you bring to the role?

I’ve lived in Kelowna since 2011 and have watched the city grow and change considerably. My background includes multimedia journalism, three seasons of radio with CiTR in Vancouver, information technology, about ten years running a small consulting practice, and work in outreach, shelter support and community support.

Journalism taught me to ask questions, investigate issues and communicate complicated information. IT and business taught me troubleshooting, adaptability and working within limited resources.

Just as important, I’ve always talked to people, listened to their experiences and advocated where I can. I think that combination of analytical skills, communication, adaptability and community experience would be valuable on Council.

06 · How will you approach council decisions when priorities compete for limited resources?

When priorities compete for limited resources, I would start by asking questions and making sure Council has enough information to make a responsible decision. I would rely on professional advice, examine the available evidence, compare costs and benefits, and look carefully at who would be affected.

I would also consider urgency, legal or safety obligations, long-term consequences, whether another level of government or partner should be involved, and whether there is a less costly way to achieve the same result. If important information is missing, I would rather ask for it than pretend to know.

In the end, I would support the option I believe produces the greatest public benefit and can be defended openly to residents.

07 · How do you work with people who see an issue differently than you?

I would take a collaborative approach with other members of Council and with the public. I would start by listening carefully and trying to understand where the disagreement actually is rather than reacting to the tone or assuming bad motives.

I would ask questions, look at the evidence and try to identify areas of common ground. If someone makes a better argument or brings forward information I did not have, I am willing to reconsider my position.

I do not think disagreement has to become personal. I would challenge the argument, not the person, and work toward a practical decision that can be explained and defended to the community.

08 · What else should voters know about you?

I really love living in the Okanagan. Kelowna has many of the amenities of a larger city, but I still think it has a small-town heart. My first visit was in 2001 on a cycling trip from Calgary on the KVR. It took me a few years to position myself to move here, and I have called Kelowna home since 2011.

My life has also changed in ways I didn't anticipate. Living with a disability, using a wheelchair, living on disability income and experiencing housing instability have given me perspectives I would not otherwise have had. Some parts have been extremely difficult, but the experience has also introduced me to incredible people from all walks of life.

It has taught me that circumstances don't define a person and that people can experience the same city very differently. I don't assume my experience is everyone else's, but it has made me more determined to listen to people whose experiences I haven't lived myself.

01 · Why are you running for Kelowna City Council?

Since 2005 I have been interested in local politics and the decisions made by our mayor and Council to make sure that the City I call home since 2001 is the best in can be.

I remember doing my research before moving here and the biggest issue Kelowna had was "The traffic". Kelowna has changed a lot since then. In 2014 Kelowna's future was decided by its citizens when two mayoral candidates presented fundamentally different platforms, the Status Quo Vs. Progress and Growth.

While I was inclined to progress and growth I knew back then that the logical first step was to strengthen and develop public infrastructure before opening the flood gates of condos and residential areas, I am not sure that was a consideration acted upon and now we face the repercussions of those decisions.

I am running for City Council because my pragmatic, project management leadership style, I would break down and evaluate objectively every issue that lands on our Council Chambers with proper risk assessment and make sure that the impact of the outcome is positive NOT in the days or months to follow but measure it in the years and decades ahead.

02 · Issue #1: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

The Issue: Homeless and Crime
This is the top issue for all Candidates and the Citizens I have spoken to.

The first thing I would do is to call them for what they are and they are divided in three main groups and they can be helped accordingly by our City Council.

GROUP A: Homeless because HOUSING MARKET AFFORDABILITY.
GROUP B: Homeless because ADDICTION.
GROUP C: Homeless because MENTAL HEALTH

Identify the root causes is the first step, the proposed initiatives should mitigate Crime, Vandalism, Trafficking and disorderly conduct.

While one group can benefit from Low-cost modular housing, below market rental areas, etc, other can benefit from assesement-treatment-recovery progra.

City Council MUST become a strong voice at the Provincial Government and approach them with CLEAR SOLUTIONS so Kelowna is part of the solution and not the problem. I suggest implementing PILOT programs.

03 · Issue #2: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

The Issue: The opposite ends of the population, Children and Seniors, combined add up to approximately 40% of the population, the strain on city infrastructure is visible. After school activities, transportation, accessibility and affordable housing are involved.

I recognize the investment in recreational facilities and parks across the city, such as Glenmore and Parkinson, I would bring leveraging proposals to this facilities so after school programs for sports and arts are affordable.

I am the father of 4, and I believe that City Council needs to make sure Kelowna remains a city where young families can afford to stay, raise their children and build their future,

As a resident with a senior in this city, and recognize their needs and challenges, I would advocate for helping seniors to remain independent, connected and confident as Kelowna becomes larger and increasingly digital.

04 · Issue #3: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Issue: Immigrant population surpasses 15% in Kelowna according to 2021 census, and 2026 could be pushing it to approximately to 20%.

As an immigrant myself I recognized that a strong community is created when we participate, contribute and respect our new home and remember the reasons for what we left our homes and came to Canada.

Kelowna has been a welcoming city for me and I wish to give back and assist newcomers wth opportunities to connect, participate and contribute.

I would support partnerships that help newcomers understand local services, municipal government, volunteering, community organizations and opportunities for civic participation and foster immigrant entrepreneurs so their businesses becomes a success and not a statistic.

05 · What experience, skills, and community involvement do you bring to the role?

My background is in Telecommunications engineering, Project management and Entrepreneurship, I’m a husband, a father, an entrepreneur, a business developer and a financial advisor.

For more than 25 years, I’ve been involved in visionary start-ups both personal and for others, I have designed, built and operated various multi national projects, I have solved problems, managed resources and, most importantly, working and collaborating with people.

Every time, those experiences taught me that before you can solve a problem, you have to understand it, dissect it, define what success would look like after implemented and measure it, I excel at that.

I’m not a career politician, I have the skills to bring objectivity to the table and trust in the combined capacity a well rounded Council should have, I would bring balance to the table.

06 · How will you approach council decisions when priorities compete for limited resources?

Time and money have always been part of my business life, and managing both is crucial for a successful business. I believe City Council has to consider the combined effect for public safety, affordability, economic development, infrastructure, culture, etc.

About time, the decisions we make today should not only solve today's problems; they should prepare Kelowna for the years and decades ahead.

I will study and understand the City's budget, spending/investing, infrastructure capacity, projected population growth and the true cost-benefit of proposed solutions. We will ask: Is it necessary? Is it effective? Can we afford it? What are the risks?

Resources are limited, everything can not be deployed at once. Priorities must be based on need, measurable community benefit, fiscal responsibility and long-term value. I would propose running Pilot Programs to monitor effectiveness and not simply take care of the squeaky wheel first.

My approach will be pragmatic.

07 · How do you work with people who see an issue differently than you?

Many years ago I learned the ability to put myself in the shoes of someone that has a different point of view than mine, it is called Empathy.

I understand fully that that person has the same basic needs as me, to provide, to protect and to defend his/her right to express an opinion based on his personal background and experience.

I look to understand where they are coming from by listening intently, once I have established the why his opinion is different If I see a gap to fill in I contribute, If I see a gap in my understanding I fill it in as well.

I don't hold all the answers and I don't pretend to be smarter than others, but I use empathy and listening to learn or share knowledge to find common ground and despite of the differences move forward.

Sometimes respectfully agree to disagree is the best solution.

08 · What else should voters know about you?

I am not a career politician. I am a husband, a father, an entrepreneur, a financial advisor and a Kelowna resident, I am truly addicted to my family, an astronomy aficionado and I genuinely care about this City I call Home.

I don't expect to arrive at Council with all the answers. I will collaborate and find the answers with the team I am with.

I believe in collaboration, I believe in compassion, but also accountability, I support growth, but growth that is responsible.

Deciding who seats in Kelowna City Council is the people of Kelowna responsibility, I will be accesible to you, not just during campaign but also during my time serving you.

01 · Why are you running for Kelowna City Council?

I have always been a very politically aware individual. Now that my kids have left home and I’ve reduced the demands of my business, I have decided it’s time to bring my extensive life skills and business experience to political office. I see the very real cynicism out there about politics and politicians. People are tired of empty promises, sloganeering and runaway spending. I believe that restoring trust in the political system will improve critically important voter participation, and in the process reduce the influence of special interest groups. I am running to bring common sense back to the things that matter – safer streets, real affordability, and fiscal responsibility. I believe that when city hall starts working for the families who live here, we can restore faith in our political system.

02 · Issue #1: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Safer streets. Throwing money at street-level disorder isn't working; treating symptoms without root causes means we never solve anything. As I always say: if solving one problem creates another, you still have a problem! We must focus on the source rather than just managing fallout.

Specific Actions: Press upstream levels of government relentlessly for judicial reform to end the revolving-door justice system. Lobby for medical and community resources to tackle severe substance abuse, including advocating for a practical framework for involuntary care.

Council's Influence: While senior governments hold jurisdiction over the Criminal Code and healthcare, city council holds leverage through its public platform and resources. A united council can apply relentless pressure on decision-makers to achieve structural changes.

03 · Issue #2: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Responsible Growth. Unmanaged growth is eroding Kelowna's quality of life. Playing catch-up instead of keeping infrastructure ahead of development causes congestion that hurts residents and businesses. Sprawl threatens wildlife habitat, while poor densification risks neighborhood character.
Specific Actions: Prioritize capital spending so infrastructure is built before developments open. Protect ecosystems by reining in sprawl encroaching on wildlife corridors and wintering grounds. Direct higher density inward through planning that preserves existing neighborhoods.
Council's Influence: City council controls the Official Community Plan, zoning bylaws, and development approvals. Using these tools and capital programs, council has direct authority to assert growth boundaries, condition approvals on adequate infrastructure, and protect our environment and community character.

04 · Issue #3: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Housing Affordability. We face a balancing act: bringing down costs for buyers while protecting homeowners' equity for retirement. Meanwhile, regulatory burdens, red tape, and municipal fees drive prices up, squeezing first-time buyers and seniors.

Specific Actions: Target municipal cost drivers by keeping DCCs in check, cutting red tape, and streamlining zoning to encourage diverse lower/middle income housing. Lobby senior governments for structural financial relief, such as extending mortgage amortizations or making residential mortgage interest tax-deductible to incentivize ownership and improve cash flow.

Council Influence: Council controls local levers tied to development costs, including zoning approvals, permit turnaround times, and DCCs. Reducing municipal obstacles and fees can directly lower building costs while championing broader federal and provincial policy reforms.

05 · What experience, skills, and community involvement do you bring to the role?

Business & Operational Leadership: Over a decade as a local business owner since 2013, currently operating a distribution company and previously managing retail operations in Kingston, Jamaica. This background built skills in strict budget management, navigating shifting economies, and meeting payroll pressures.
Financial & Regulatory Literacy: A 10-year career as an independent mortgage broker, combined with political science studies at UFV and SFU, developing a practical understanding of household finance, taxation, lending frameworks, and intergovernmental relationships.
Public Safety & Community Investment: Four years as an RCMP Auxiliary Constable in Maple Ridge provided firsthand insight into law enforcement realities. As a Kelowna resident since 2006, I spent years coaching youth hockey, baseball, and softball.
Lifelong Taxpayer Accountability: Over 40 years as a homeowner, having bought my first home at age 19. A dedicated taxpayer who understands the value of a dollar and knows what it means to be squeezed by rising costs at every level of government.

06 · How will you approach council decisions when priorities compete for limited resources?

This is perhaps the most important question of all. Setting priorities is the single most important attribute of an effective city council. When competing needs demand attention, my approach relies on clear rules:

Does the project fall within the direct responsibility of Council? We must prioritize core municipal responsibilities (the needs) over vanity projects (the wants).

For competing core projects, I evaluate them using these factors:

Public Safety: Does not completing a project negatively impact public safety? If so, it takes priority.

Cost of Deferral: Will delay create a much larger liability for the taxpayer down the road?

Equitable Spreading: Ensuring fair distribution of resources across communities.

A crumbling, unsafe road takes priority over decorative banners or non-essential amenities. Fiscal discipline requires the backbone to look at popular ideas, recognize when budgets won't support them, and say no so taxpayers aren't left holding the bag for runaway spending. Council achieves long-term support through an equitable, consistent and transparent decision-making framework.

07 · How do you work with people who see an issue differently than you?

There is little value in a council of nine people who all think the same way. If everyone around the table simply nods along, you do not get good governance. Some of my closest personal relationships and most productive collaborations are with people who view the world through a vastly different lens than I do, proving that disagreements are a true asset when handled with mutual respect.
During my time as an RCMP Auxiliary, I worked alongside diverse personalities—from officers who could effortlessly defuse a biker brawl to those who turned quiet disagreements into fights. I learned early on to lead by example and emulate the traits you admire most in others.
In over 40 years in the retail and wholesale food business, my goals often align with my customers', even when our methods differ. As an "old school" operator working alongside a younger generation, challenging one another allows us to share knowledge and grow together.
Local government is a working board for difficult choices, not a popularity contest. Embracing friction tests ideas, exposes blind spots before public money is on the line, and ensures stronger, more practical policies for the entire community.

08 · What else should voters know about you?

I often get asked “what happened to your eye?” It happened when I was nine years old, taking a direct hit to the eye with a pellet gun. It certainly makes for a conversation starter, and I even toyed with the campaign slogan "One eye, but twice the vision" before deciding to keep it grounded!
Aside from my monocular perspective, voters should know that I am a proud father and that I wouldn't have dreamed of entering this race without the full backing of my wife, Tracy. When I’m not working you will usually find me outdoors – whether I'm hunting, fishing, golfing, or out on a motorcycle ride. Oh, and I happen to possess the uncanny ability to whistle like a bird, which has been known to cause some exceptionally confused and hilarious double takes when I let loose in public.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

01 · Why are you running for Kelowna City Council?

I wonder this often. I don't like politics, meetings, or having to be places at certain times. But unfortunately, I've realized there is likely some good I can do as a councilor, so I have a duty to give it a shot. I biked these streets as a kid, and now as I see Kelowna growing and changing, I want to help make sure that growth benefits everyone, not just developers and land owners. Like any city, Kelowna has plenty of issues – homelessness, traffic, rapid growth – and I don't pretend to have all the solutions. I simply see a need for someone to ask hard questions, seek real understanding of the issues we face, get to know the people with authority, and find answers that actually make a meaningful improvement to our community.

02 · Issue #1: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

To be honest, I don't have much of an agenda. It seems unrealistic to think that as a councilor I would be able to step in and suddenly change the world. Real solutions start with asking good questions until you find the root of the problem. And that's what I want to do. One big one in Kelowna is, of course, homelessness. I see all kinds of news and political initiatives about it, yet I have to wonder: do we actually have a plan, or is it just headlines and political posturing? What does "solving" homelessness look like to us? Is there someone in charge with the experience to truly set a course and make a difference? I don't know, but I'd like to. And if there isn't, then we've found the real starting point for addressing the issue.

03 · Issue #2: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

If I had to define another specific issue I'd like to dig into, it's development. Development is inevitable in a city like Kelowna, and that's ok, but I have to wonder if the city and it's citizens are seeing enough real benefit from the money flowing in. Are those benefiting the most from rising land value and taller buildings contributing their fair share to infrastructure? Is traffic congestion really inevitable, or are we simply not expecting enough from developers in terms of roads and transit? Again, I don't know. It's hard to know from the outside. But I'd like a clearer picture so we can decide, as a city, if we're happy with the way we're progressing.

04 · Issue #3: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Lastly, I'd like to understand who truly owns the city and what their interactions with city management look like. I think the general public should have a clear understanding of what's going on in the city, who's benefiting, and how the city is ensuring it's happening fairly for everyone. Kelowna is an incredibly beautiful and wealthy city, and there's nothing wrong with that, but I believe that all of us should benefit from a rising tide – especially those working the hardest, building our culture, and making the city what it is.

05 · What experience, skills, and community involvement do you bring to the role?

That depends what becomes relevant to the work I end up doing. As an engineer, I'm a very effective researcher and problem solver. As an entrepreneur, I've built a business that helps address the plastic pollution problem and keep wealth local. As a community member, I've run youth clubs and much more. But I thing the main thing I can offer is the ability to ask clear-headed questions and not stop until I'm satisfied that I understand.

06 · How will you approach council decisions when priorities compete for limited resources?

My instinct is usually: why are resources so limited for something that's a priority to an entire population that's paying taxes? That's often a good question to ask before accepting resources as scarce. That said, resources are of course often limited, and not everything important can be priority one. In that case, my interest is in what provides the most benefit to the most people, especially those struggling the most to survive. To me, it's not so much a question for me to answer as it is an opportunity to provide transparency to citizens and let them speak.

07 · How do you work with people who see an issue differently than you?

It's tough because they're usually wrong. Jokes aside, one thing engineering taught me is that everyone, including yourself, believes they have the answer, and sometimes (often) you're the one that's wrong. My default is to go back to the common goal, determine the criteria we want in a solution, and find ways to evaluate answers objectively. At the same time, I also learned the most effective way to solve problems together is to get along personally and respect the people you work with. When we build genuine trust and rapport, defensiveness goes down, egos stand down, and we have room to actually hear each other.

08 · What else should voters know about you?

I barely want to do this.

01 · Why are you running for Kelowna City Council?

Changes are needed in Kelowna.
Too Much:
1)Crime
2)Homelessness
3)Taxes

02 · Issue #1: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Accountability:
The only accountability City Counsel has is to the BC and Federal Governments. They need to be held accountable to those who vote them into power especially when the other two entities are doing wrong. If you can't do your job properly, lose your pay or get fired.

03 · Issue #2: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Property protection:
ALL forms of property must be protected. Especially land rights. What's going on with the BC Government when giving land away must be stopped. They have no authority when it comes to land claims. City Counsel must do what it can for property owners to protect property rights.

04 · Issue #3: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Transparency:
1) Our Council has not been transparent for a number of years now. They have removed the public voice from council by demanding advance notice of what your complaint might be. Then decide if you can speak.
2) All meetings must be available to the public. There no national security threats at the municipal level of government. All records must be made available to the public.

05 · What experience, skills, and community involvement do you bring to the role?

I have been in Kelowna for over 50 years and in many differing fields of work. The knowledge I have gained over those years and changes seen will be invaluable over others that have just started here.

06 · How will you approach council decisions when priorities compete for limited resources?

That will be determined on what recourses and where they are going.

07 · How do you work with people who see an issue differently than you?

Facts and truth need to be put forward from both sides and a decision must be based on that.

01 · Why are you running for Kelowna City Council?

I'm running for city council because I believe that we need a selection of candidates from a number of diverse backgrounds in order to properly represent our constituents. Unfortunately, many of the current nominees didn't really resonate with myself or others in my community so I decided to put my name forward and be their voice.

I've had the privilege of calling Kelowna my home for approximately 22 years now, and during this time I've witnessed first hand the damage a poorly run municipal government can cause to future generations. Because of these bad decisions and lack of action, many issues have snowballed into huge problems present day when they could have been avoided with a little proactive planning inside the council chamber.

I am an extremely imaginative and detail oriented person, I like to consider every possible scenario when making decisions to get the best possible outcome. When it comes to financial matters, I believe efficiency and affordability are essential. I will make sure that every dollar spent is done so with accountability and respect in mind to the people that worked hard to provide it.

02 · Issue #1: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

The number one issue in our community is addiction. The homelessness, crime and violence in our city are simply byproducts of addiction and this is why the Federal and Provincial government are failing to make headway in fighting it.

Quite simply, in order to make any progress with this issue we will need involuntary care. This is not something we are generally supposed to deal with on the municipal level but if higher levels of government won't act, we must. You cannot treat addiction by enabling an addict.

On the municipal level we are lobbying for change but in the meantime we can look at bylaws addressing where and what non-profits can operate in the city and increasing bylaw and RCMP presence. We are currently a destination for addiction tourism and I would prefer Kelowna to be a national example of addiction treatment.

03 · Issue #2: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Our city is growing faster than our infrastructure.

Over the past few years there has been explosive growth in our city due to provincial mandates requiring we meet certain housing targets. Unfortunately these targets don't come with funding for the increased demand on local infrastructure so we are starting to fall behind.

The other issue is because of these new housing starts, we are often tearing up existing infrastructure that we just paid to upgrade. Instead of getting 15 years of value from a roadway, water or sewage that we built 2 years ago, we now have to rip it up and pay for it again. This is a wasteful use of tax dollars and also disruptive to citizens.

I want to hold the province accountable and lobby with the UBCM to demand proper funding for infrastructure if housing targets are met.

04 · Issue #3: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

The younger generation feels alienated from our community.

We need to put a greater focus on engaging with the children and young adults in our community. This is perhaps the most important demographic in Kelowna for healthy population growth and often the most neglected. We cannot afford to keep losing these people to other cities because they don't feel connected here.

I would like to see more programs funded by the city that keep the younger generation involved in activities like music, art and sports. For example, we can look at property tax breaks for businesses that host shows for local bands or art exhibits.

05 · What experience, skills, and community involvement do you bring to the role?

I have been a landscape gardener in our community for approximately 20 years with a focus on parks, and strata maintenance. My work takes me all over the city and I see first hand what does and doesn't work with infrastructure and developments. My goal would be to work with developers and city planners to address common issues before they are built.

We don't need to suffer with tight parking stalls, lack of sidewalks and traffic congestion, when we can build them right the first time around. Because of my critical thinking, I am the type of person that can find faults in design immediately. If I can suggest a change that makes someone's day less stressful to navigate, I'd call that a win.

Playing music is my true passion, I play both the bass and electric guitar in multiple bands in the Okanagan. I absolutely love meeting and listening to other musicians at shows and encouraging each other's creativity. We have so many talented individuals in our community and I think we should invest in that.

06 · How will you approach council decisions when priorities compete for limited resources?

I will use a priority system when resources are limited.

For example, If we have to choose between building yet another park or upgrading our infrastructure, I'll choose infrastructure every time. As a municipality I think it's extremely important that we do everything in our power to make life easier for citizens. If our roadways are constantly congested that just contributes to everyone's stress levels, people have enough to worry about in life without the city making poor decisions.

The best built infrastructure never crosses a persons mind, the worst built is cursed daily.

I also think we are losing money on bad decisions. For example, the Bertram overpass ended up costing tax payers 12.1 million instead of 4.4 million because the city dragged it's heels getting it done. I would also like to mention the 1.2 million dollar dog park, somehow costs on this ballooned 450k higher. Let's not forget council also basically gave away the old RCMP property at 350 Doyle Ave for 7 million dollars. Given the proximity to the library, community theatre and city hall, this never should have happened.

We will have more resources to spend with better management.

07 · How do you work with people who see an issue differently than you?

I fully understand that not everyone has the same opinions or temperament but I truly believe that everyone can find common ground on issues, especially ones important to the citizens of Kelowna.

I can work with anyone as long as they are willing to be respectful and listen to both sides of the debate. At the end of the day, we all want what we think is best for our city and we might just have differing opinions of how to get there.

08 · What else should voters know about you?

I cannot in good conscience do election signs, I think they are both wasteful and an eyesore. After this election I think it would make sense to modify our bylaws in regards to signs. There is no good reason that one candidate needs 50+ signs on the boulevard of Clement, this also creates issues for parks maintenance staff when they need to service areas weekly. We are in a digital age where almost all of our media is consumed online instead of newspaper and I think election signs should follow suit.

To be an effective municipal leader I believe that you must treat this as a full time position. As such, if elected I will be a full time councillor and devote the next 4 years to making real progress on issues in our city.

If anyone has any questions about my platform feel free to email or message me and I'll do my best to get back to you. We are only given 1200 characters per question so I had to keep it short and sweet. I'll be updating my Instagram account in the following weeks with expanded solutions and ideas as well.

Do your research of each candidate and get out there and vote!

01 · Why are you running for Kelowna City Council?

I am running for Kelowna City Council because I care deeply about this community and believe my financial experience, independent judgment, and record of community leadership can help Kelowna navigate the significant decisions ahead.

Kelowna has been my home for most of my life. I grew up in Rutland, raised my three children here, and now live downtown. From various leadership positions within the city, I have seen Kelowna grow from a relatively small community into one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities. That growth has created tremendous opportunities, but it has also brought serious challenges involving affordability, public safety, homelessness, infrastructure, taxation, and the preservation of our quality of life.

I am not running because I believe I have all the answers. I am running because I know how to ask difficult questions, analyze complex financial and operational information, listen to different perspectives, and make responsible decisions. I want residents to feel heard and to have confidence that Council is carefully managing their tax dollars while planning responsibly for Kelowna’s future.

02 · Issue #1: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Public safety, homelessness, mental health and addiction: Residents and businesses must feel safe, while people experiencing homelessness, mental illness or addiction need meaningful help. I would support coordinated action among the City, RCMP, bylaw services, health agencies and housing providers; stronger enforcement against violence, property crime and threatening behaviour; and measurable investments in treatment, recovery and supportive housing. Council cannot control healthcare or the justice system, but it can influence policing priorities, bylaws, land use, public-space management and funding partnerships. It can also strongly advocate to the provincial and federal governments for the resources Kelowna needs. We must combine compassion with accountability and public safety.

03 · Issue #2: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Financial responsibility, infrastructure and taxpayer value: Kelowna must fund essential services and infrastructure while recognizing that residents and businesses are facing rising costs. I would support a thorough review of City programs and expenditures (based on Effectiveness & Efficiency), multi-year financial and infrastructure planning, clear & transparent reporting, and clear business cases for major projects—including long-term operating and replacement costs. Programs should have measurable objectives and be regularly evaluated for results and effectiveness.

Council directly controls the municipal budget, property-tax requirements, borrowing, capital priorities and many City fees. I would protect essential services, distinguish needs from wants, and ensure residents receive demonstrable value for every tax dollar spent.

04 · Issue #3: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Housing affordability and responsible growth: Kelowna needs more attainable housing, but growth must be supported by roads, transit, water, sewer, parks and emergency services. I would support faster, more predictable approvals for compliant projects; diverse housing choices; appropriate density where infrastructure can support it; and a review of municipal delays, processes and fees that add unnecessary costs.

Council directly influences zoning, permitting, development charges, infrastructure investment and long-term planning. It cannot control interest rates, construction costs or the broader housing market, but it can control how the City deals with development. Council must therefore focus on the factors it can influence while advocating for more provincial and federal investment in housing and infrastructure.

05 · What experience, skills, and community involvement do you bring to the role?

I am a Chartered Professional Accountant and Chartered Accountant with more than 35 years of experience. Throughout my career, I have helped businesses and individuals analyze difficult situations, manage financial risk, improve operations, and plan for the future.

I have served as a partner with both Grant Thornton and BDO Canada and operated my own accounting and advisory firm. I was also part of the City of Kelowna’s external financial-audit team for approximately five years. That experience gave me insight into municipal finances, internal controls, accountability, and the importance of responsible stewardship of public funds.

I have served as President of the DKA, President of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, founder and President of URBA. In addition I have been President of the Rutland Park Society and treasurer of the following: Cops for Kids Society, Okanagan Sun Football Society, Okanagan Symphony Society, and UDI Okanagan. I have been a member of the RDCO EDI, the YMCA/YWCA Capital Campaign Study team, and member of various City of Kelowna advisory committees.

In addition, I was named finalist for the City's Man of the year in 2015.

06 · How will you approach council decisions when priorities compete for limited resources?

Council will always face more requests than the City can responsibly fund. The answer cannot simply be to increase taxes or defer every difficult decision to the future.

I would evaluate competing priorities by asking:

Is this an essential municipal responsibility?
What specific problem are we trying to solve?
What evidence shows that the proposed action will work?
What will it cost initially and over its entire life?
What other priorities will be delayed or displaced?
How will success be measured and publicly reported?
Is another level of government or organization responsible for part of the solution?
Can the same outcome be achieved more efficiently/effectively?

My priority would be protecting essential services, public safety, core infrastructure, and the City’s long-term financial stability. New initiatives should have clear objectives, realistic budgets, defined accountability, and measurable outcomes.

Every decision has a cost, including the opportunity cost of what cannot be funded as a result. Residents deserve to understand those trade-offs before Council makes its decision.

07 · How do you work with people who see an issue differently than you?

I begin by listening. Disagreement is not necessarily an obstacle; it can help identify risks, assumptions, and consequences that might otherwise be missed.

I try to understand not only what someone believes, but why they believe it. Often, people who disagree on a proposed solution still share the same underlying goal. Establishing that common ground makes a constructive discussion possible.

Throughout my professional and community work, I have had to bring together people with different interests, personalities, and priorities. My approach is to remain respectful, focus on the facts, ask questions, and avoid making disagreements personal.

I will not agree with everyone, and I do not expect everyone to agree with me. However, I will explain my reasoning, remain open to better information, and treat every person with respect. Once Council makes a decision, I will continue working professionally with all members of Council to serve the community.

Good leadership is not about winning every argument. It is about making the best possible decision after listening carefully, considering the evidence, and understanding the consequences.

08 · What else should voters know about you?

I am an independent thinker. I will approach every decision based on what I believe is in the best long-term interest of Kelowna—not according to ideology, special interests, or pressure from any particular group.

I believe residents deserve more than general promises. They deserve clear priorities, honest explanations of trade-offs, responsible management of public funds, and measurable results.

My campaign reflects that approach. I am committed to listening directly to residents, being accessible, and conducting an environmentally practical campaign that limits unnecessary signs and flyers wherever possible.

Kelowna is not simply where I live. It is the community where I grew up, raised my family, built my career, and served in numerous leadership roles. I am offering my experience because I believe Kelowna’s next four years will require thoughtful planning, financial discipline, collaboration, and leadership grounded in practical experience.

If elected, I will arrive prepared, ask the necessary questions, listen respectfully, and make decisions with integrity. I will never forget that Council is entrusted with the residents’ community, their tax dollars, and their future.

01 · Why are you running for Kelowna City Council?

As a four-term councillor I have helped guide our city through an extraordinary period of growth and change. I continue to be deeply committed to a progressive, economically vibrant, and inclusive community. What does that mean? Balancing the complex social issues that come with growth while making smart investments of tax dollars to make sure our businesses, economy, and residents thrive. This is an election where my deep knowledge of council, municipal governance and the community really matter. As a proud Indo-Canadian woman, I have watched Kelowna grow into a more inclusive city. This has always been my guiding light as a community volunteer and city councillor. People know that I use my voice on council to serve everyone, not just a privileged few, and I will never stop doing that. With many new faces on council this year Kelowna needs my experience, a seasoned councillor who understands issues, historical context to keep the work moving forward, and where we can have influence. My years of experience, strong relationships and a proven record of service come together to support the important decisions that will shape our city.

02 · Issue #1: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Crime and Safety:
Like many residents, I am frustrated by homelessness, addiction, and crime and its impact on our collective sense of safety. Cities of all sizes are struggling with this and we need stronger leadership and partnership from senior government. Council voted to increase capacity, authorizing 33 new police officers, 18 firefighters, and 17 bylaw officers and it has helped move the needle on community safety. I gained new insight while navigating a tenancy/ eviction issue, and how hard it is to balance the legal steps with empathy. Council’s critical role is advocating to BC/Ottawa for more supportive and transitional housing and mental health and addiction services here, like a mandatory care facility in the Okanagan. Initiatives like tiny homes are helping, but meaningful change takes time and this issue absolutely needs to stay as a top priority.

03 · Issue #2: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Affordability and Housing
Council has approved many new developments in four years and the downstream effect is that our vacancy rate has improved and rents have dropped. However, housing is still too expensive for many families, and people employed in tourism, hospitality and service sectors which are drivers for our small businesses. Those high rents combined with ever increasing costs for the essentials like groceries puts a lot of pressure on the average person. What can council do about housing? In some cases, we can provide land, we can approve zoning changes and applications but we don’t build the homes. We need to keep pushing senior levels of government for infrastructure dollars that lead to diverse types of housing and new neighborhoods. This is how we make a tangible difference. Kelowna is still one of Canada’s most expensive cities, this issue needs to stay at the top.

04 · Issue #3: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Economy and Agriculture
Here’s an example of how I try to make a practical difference for local businesses. I kept council up until nearly midnight advocating for a small business owner whose sign placement conflicted with a bylaw. Denying the application would have left the business with almost no visibility from the highway. I fought for an exception, and council ultimately agreed. This is the unseen but day-to-day work of a councillor to support our businesses and drive our economy. I am equally passionate about supporting farmers, who face growing challenges from climate change, wildfire and drought. I have advocated for road construction schedules that avoid harvest season, fought to maintain reasonable water access, and recently helped bring farmers and local governments together to explore water-sharing solutions, and see how we can better plan for next year.

05 · What experience, skills, and community involvement do you bring to the role?

I am a former journalist (25 years) civil servant (10 years) councillor (15 years). My campaign slogan has never changed: I am your Trusted Voice on Council and I live that. I am a bridge between council and the wider community where I am deeply connected over four decades of living in Kelowna and have been honored to receive several awards for my community service. In 2008 I founded the East Meets West Children's Foundation, still run entirely by volunteers, which raises over $200,000 a year for children’s initiatives. I have volunteered with the Kelowna Women's Shelter (20 years) , the MS Society, the Cancer Centre of the Southern Interior and helped UBCO with scholarship fundraising. I was given the Order of B.C. for my community service and advocacy. I was named Kelowna Woman of the Year in 2009 and am the recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award, the King Charles III Coronation Medal, and in 2025 received the Kelowna Women in Business Changemaker Award. I also host Chai and Chat with Mohini to profile local change makers and explore issues.

06 · How will you approach council decisions when priorities compete for limited resources?

This is truly at the heart of decision making for council. My approach has been to absorb all of the facts and information and weigh the priority for its overall benefit to Kelowna. Is it a sound and sustainable investment for the city? If its short term, what will it solve and what is the value? Is it essential or something that can wait? In my experience the most complex issues are never black and white. You draw on your experience and context to see what is in the best interests of the city and maximum value to people. This requires a strong commitment to hearing different opinions, giving them weight, and balancing them against facts.

07 · How do you work with people who see an issue differently than you?

It starts by understanding that we are not around the council table to agree, we are there to contribute and achieve the best decisions that are beneficial to our community. You must stand behind your convictions but also find compromise. If you can’t speak openly and honestly, debate issues, and justify your opinion with facts, you can’t effectively serve in this role. You must listen and consider others positions. I’ll give you an example. There was a housing project for temporary farm workers and the entire neighborhood was against the application and had lobbied council hard to deny the project. I managed to convince council that the fears being brought forward were unfounded and what the farmer needed was labour, and within the regulations it was reasonable and beneficial to the agricultural sector. These compromises have to be found, based on fact not emotion.

08 · What else should voters know about you?

I am a mother and a grandmother of three little children. I am very proud of my role in advocating for investment in recreation infrastructure, including the new Parkinson Recreation Centre project and other sports and activity centers. These bring people together to be well and active. Our new parks and beach revitalization projects make life better for our residents and families, and attract visitors to our beautiful city.
Every decade of my life I gain new understanding and perspective that makes me a stronger councillor and voice for sound decision making in service to the community. I launched a podcast – Chat and Chai with Mohini – that draws on my 30-year career as a broadcast journalist. Life has taught me that it is through listening that you gain understanding and a path forward on difficult issues. I speak my truth and stand my ground on behalf of my constituents, even if I am the lone voice.

01 · Why are you running for Kelowna City Council?

Order out of Chaos!

02 · Issue #1: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

#1 Public Safety

Lights for the Rail Trail

Create more Group homes for homeless and intervene with counseling and occupational Health and wellness

03 · Issue #2: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Traffic & Infrastructure

Traffic Circles build more.

Advocate for 3 lanes coming into Kelowna and a cantalivered sidewalk on side of bridge, bringing 3 lanes into Kelowna to connect up with Harvey Ave. Near water Street

Make sure infrastructure keeps up with Development not let Development move faster than infrastructure.

04 · Issue #3: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Wildfire and water Security

Expand on what the fire department
can do for the city at this time.
* High Rise Rescue
* use the lake with a Tug Boat /
Barge system for shoreline fire
suppression and Rescue

05 · What experience, skills, and community involvement do you bring to the role?

* Journeyman Carpenter Red Seal
. Certified
* Mechanical Engineering
Technologist
* Scaffolder on industrial oil sands
projects
* Property Management Experience
* Property Caretaker
* Outreach to the Homeless

06 · How will you approach council decisions when priorities compete for limited resources?

Look at limited resources and find funding from other projects. Divide the priorities into smaller segments to Phase the priority into maybe 4 phases instead of all at once.

07 · How do you work with people who see an issue differently than you?

Listen and understand the people who see an issue differently than myself. Ask questions and give a point of view which may help move us forward toward a common sense agreement.

08 · What else should voters know about you?

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

Faith doesn't mean you never have questions.

Faith means you are willing to move forward when God has made the direction clear.

Gideon was not the strongest man. He wasn't fearless. He questioned what God was asking him to do.

But he was willing to trust God and obey.

God didn't give Gideon the whole plan at once. He gave him the next step.

And Gideon took it.

That's a lesson I believe we can all understand.

Sometimes the challenge in front of us looks too big. Sometimes the odds don't seem to be in our favour. Sometimes we don't have all the answers.

But that doesn't mean we stand still.

Take the next step.
Do what is right.
Trust God.
And leave the outcome in His hands.

You don't have to be the strongest person.

You don't have to have all the answers.

You have to be willing.

Gideon had 300 men against an army that seemed impossible to defeat. Yet God showed that victory does not always depend on numbers, power or human strength.

It depends on who you trust.

That is why I believe leadership is not about simply talking about problems.

It's about being willing to step forward and do the work.

Build something.

Fix something.

Stand for something.

01 · Why are you running for Kelowna City Council?

I am running for Kelowna City Council because I believe this is an important moment for our community, and I believe my experience, perspective, and commitment to Kelowna can make a meaningful contribution.

I am a lifelong Kelowna resident. This is the community where I grew up, where my husband and I raised our two children, where we built our business, and where I have spent decades contributing my time and experience to organizations that help make Kelowna a strong community.

I have watched Kelowna change from a small town into the thriving city it is today. That growth has created tremendous opportunities, but it has also brought challenges around housing, transportation, affordability, infrastructure, public safety, and quality of life.

I am running because I believe the decisions we make now will have consequences well beyond the next election cycle. They will influence what kind of city Kelowna becomes and what opportunities will be available to the people who live here in the future. For me, this campaign is not about politics. It is about community leadership.

02 · Issue #1: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

The first major issue facing Kelowna is Managed Growth. Kelowna is growing, and growth brings both opportunity and responsibility. I have watched this community grow from a smaller city into a thriving and increasingly complex urban center.

Growth can create housing opportunities, support businesses, strengthen our economy, and provide new possibilities for families and future generations. But if growth gets ahead of infrastructure, transportation, services, and community planning, it can also place pressure on affordability and quality of life.

I do not believe the answer is simply to stop growth. Nor do I believe growth should happen without sufficient planning. I would look at existing long-term plans, consult with citizens and take input from the staff. I would review best practices from other parts of Canada and work collectively to make the best decisions.

03 · Issue #2: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

The second major issue facing Kelowna is Crime and Safety. Residents should feel safe in their homes, neighbourhoods, businesses, public spaces, and downtown. Businesses should have confidence that their employees, customers, and property are protected. At the same time, we need to recognize that some of the challenges associated with homelessness, mental health, addiction, and vulnerability are complex social issues that cannot be addressed through enforcement alone.

My approach is therefore one of safe and inclusive communities. It calls for expanded support for police, fire, and bylaw services, protection of citizen and business rights, and compassionate support for people experiencing homelessness.

As a member of the Mayor’s Task Force on Crime and Safety we put forth 10 recommendations that should be continued to be worked on at both the local, provincial and national level.

04 · Issue #3: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

The third major issue is Fiscal Responsibility. Growth creates opportunities, but it also creates demands on infrastructure, transportation, services, recreation, and public safety. At the same time, residents expect value for their tax dollars. My platform therefore identifies effective cost management and recognizable value for the tax dollar as priorities. It also calls for investing resources where they will have the greatest community impact and for expanding revenues beyond taxes. For me, fiscal responsibility does not mean simply spending less. It means making sure public money is spent deliberately and where it can achieve the greatest benefit. Sometimes responsible financial management means saying no. Sometimes, it means making an investment now because delaying it will cost more later. And sometimes it means looking for a different way to deliver a service or generate revenue.

05 · What experience, skills, and community involvement do you bring to the role?

I bring to the role of Councillor more than 30 years of experience across business, education, governance, strategic planning, human resources, and community service. I believe this combination is particularly relevant to Kelowna at this point in its development because the challenges facing our community are complex and interconnected.

My career has consistently involved helping people and organizations navigate change, make decisions, solve problems, develop people, and prepare for the future. I describe this as practical leadership backed by proven experience.

I am also a lifelong Kelowna resident. This is not simply a community where I have worked. It is home. I grew up here, raised my family here, built a business here, and have spent decades volunteering here.

My business experience has taught me the importance of accountability, adaptability, and long-term planning. I spent 20 years in post-secondary education and am a co-owner of Swiss Skid Steer Solutions, a family business that has operated in the greater Kelowna area for more than 18 years. I also currently serve as General Manager of the BC Wine Authority, supporting its staff, board, and membership.

06 · How will you approach council decisions when priorities compete for limited resources?

One of the most important responsibilities of Council is deciding how to use limited resources. There will never be enough money, staff time, infrastructure capacity, or political attention to do everything at once. Residents will have different priorities, and Council will have to make choices. It is to make them thoughtfully, transparently, and with a clear understanding of the community's long-term interests. My approach would begin with listening and truly understanding the issue.

Before making a decision, I would want to understand who is affected, what the evidence tells us, what the problem actually is, and what outcomes we are trying to achieve.

That incorporates my decision-making approach of listening, collaboration, informed decisions, and keeping people at the center. When resources are limited, I believe Councillors should begin by asking:
What are we trying to accomplish?
What is the evidence and alternatives?
What is the best way to achieve the outcome?
What are the long-term implications?
What are the immediate needs vs. the future needs?
What is the community saying?
Can we measure results?

This is how I will approach decision making with multiple priorities.

07 · How do you work with people who see an issue differently than you?

I believe working with people who see an issue differently is one of the most important parts of leadership. In fact, much of my career has been spent doing exactly that.

I have worked in business, education, governance, and community organizations. I have worked with faculty and administrators, employers and employees, business leaders and non-profit leaders, students and community partners, and volunteers.

These groups do not always agree. The goal of leadership is not to eliminate disagreement. The goal is to make disagreement productive.
My approach would be to:
Listen first
Understand the concern
Ask questions
Separate people from the issues
Look for common ground
Consider the evidence
Be willing to change my mind
Make the decision based on the broader community interest and once the decision is made, work collaboratively to move forward.

That approach is consistent with how I have worked throughout my career. I have spent more than 30 years helping organizations navigate change, solve complex problems, and bring people together. I have strong opinions but often through listening and respecting other's point of view I have changed my position. I consider this a strength.

08 · What else should voters know about you?

I would want voters to know that, above all else, Kelowna is home to me. I am a lifelong Kelowna resident. This is where I grew up, where my husband and I raised our two children, where we built our business, developed lifelong friendships, and invested both time and energy into our community.

My decision to run for City Council is therefore deeply personal. I am not looking at Kelowna simply as a municipality or as a collection of policies. I see it as the community that has shaped my life.

That gives me a strong personal interest in getting the big decisions right.

One thing I would want voters to know is that I have not arrived at this decision suddenly. I have spent years building my experience in leadership, business, education, governance, and community service. My career has required me to lead people, manage complexity, work with boards, oversee budgets, develop programs, resolve conflict, make difficult decisions, and help organizations navigate change.

That experience is why I believe I am ready to contribute to City Council now. That is the experience I would bring to City Hall.

01 · Why are you running for Kelowna City Council?

Kelowna has been my home for the past 34 years. It is where my family has built our life, where I have served my community, and where I have invested my time because I genuinely care about the future of Kelowna and want to pass it's legacy on to others who call Kelowna home.

I believe Kelowna deserves experienced, principled leadership that listens to residents, represents their interests, and makes thoughtful decisions that will benefit our community for years to come. Through my years of public service, I have learned the importance of understanding common interests, working respectfully with others, and making decisions based on facts, good judgement, and the long-term benefits of the community.

I am running for City Council because I want to continue giving back to the city that has given so much to me and my family. I will bring experienced, practical and accountable leadership to City Hall, work hard on behalf of residents, and always strive to make decisions that are in the best interests of Kelowna and the people who call it home.

02 · Issue #1: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Growth that keeps pace.

Kelowna is growing, and growth needs to be managed carefully. We need to make sure our roads, water and sewer systems, parks and public services are keeping pace, rather than trying to catch up after the fact. Council has a direct role in this through land-use planning, zoning, development approvals, infrastructure decisions and the City budget. The decisions Council makes today will shape how our community looks and functions for generations.

I would support development that is matched with the infrastructure needed to serve it, protects parks and natural areas, and considers the impact on existing neighbourhoods. I would also insist residents have a meaningful opportunity to be heard on significant and historical site changes. Careful planning and responsible decisions will allow Kelowna to grow while protecting what makes it a great place to live.

03 · Issue #2: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Safe Neighbourhoods.

Safe neighbourhoods don't happen by accident. They are built by neighbours who care, people who look out for one another, and a community willing to work together to solve problems and support each other.

Council can help by supporting effective policing and bylaw enforcement, improving lighting and public spaces, and working with residents, businesses, community groups, neighbouring municipalities, and other levels of government on issues such as homelessness, addiction, natural disasters, and public disorder. Council must understand the issues faced by those most affected, regardless of the issue. Our community has many individuals with practical ideas and experiences, and Council should hear them.

I want Kelowna to be a strong community where families feel safe, businesses have the opportunity to succeed, and residents thrive.

04 · Issue #3: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Responsible Management of Public Funds.

Residents work hard for their money and expect City Council to respect that. Council should spend taxpayer dollars wisely, focus on essential services, and make decisions that serve both today's residents and future generations.

I would carefully review City spending, look for efficiencies, and ensure major projects are well stewarded before moving forward. At the same time, I would support investing in the roads, infrastructure, parks and public services our community depends on.

City Council is responsible for setting budgets, approving major projects and planning for the future. My priority would be to balance responsible spending, a strong local economy, and good stewardship of the community we're leaving to the next generation.

05 · What experience, skills, and community involvement do you bring to the role?

I bring more than 30 years of leadership experience across the technology, health care, and finance sectors, managing operations, budgets, teams, and organizational improvement.

I have also served 12 years as an elected School Trustee with Central Okanagan Public Schools (SD23), including two years as Board Chair, and nine years on the Glenmore-Ellison Improvement District (GEID) Board. These roles have given me valuable experience in governance, financial oversight, and working respectfully with staff, community partners, and employee groups.

Outside of my professional and elected roles, I have volunteered with several not-for-profit organizations supporting youth services, mentorship programs, and community theatre.

I believe my experience, commitment to service, and practical approach have prepared me to serve Kelowna well.

06 · How will you approach council decisions when priorities compete for limited resources?

I would look for savings before asking taxpayers for more money. Council has a responsibility to carefully review City spending, reduce non-essential expenses where possible, and prioritize the services residents rely on most. Where appropriate, I would also consider delaying lower-priority capital projects to manage costs while protecting essential services such as policing, fire protection, roads and infrastructure.

If a tax increase becomes necessary, Council should first demonstrate that it has carefully reviewed all spending and explored every reasonable opportunity to reduce costs, improve efficiency, or defer projects where appropriate. Tax increases should never be the first option. Residents deserve confidence that their tax dollars are being managed responsibly and with careful consideration.

07 · How do you work with people who see an issue differently than you?

I strive to approach differences of opinion by listening to understand all views while staying focused on the issue at hand. I believe everyone deserves to be heard with the same respect I expect for my own views. I am open-minded and appreciate when someone brings forward sound, defensible facts that challenge my thinking, and I am not afraid to change my mind when the evidence supports it. At the same time, I believe it is important to stand by my principles and not compromise them simply to gain the approval of others.

08 · What else should voters know about you?

Kelowna has been home to our family for over 34 years. My husband grew up here, and together we raised our three children here. We've built lasting friendships, found neighbours who have become like family, and created a life we truly love.

I'm running for Council because I want to help preserve what makes Kelowna such a special place while ensuring it remains a community where people of all ages can afford to live, work, raise a family, and retire. Affordability does not merely impact those with less means, it affects everyone. That means prioritizing making Kelowna affordable by supporting local businesses and agriculture, encouraging clean technology and new ideas, protecting our natural spaces, and making thoughtful decisions about how we grow.

I want my children and grandchildren, and yours, to have the opportunity to build their future here if they choose. As Kelowna grows, we must protect the qualities that have made it a place we're proud to call home.

01 · Why are you running for Kelowna City Council?

I've decided to run for one more term because I want to help keep the momentum going from the past four years. This has been an extraordinary period in Kelowna's history, with rapid growth and major investment in our city's infrastructure.

Council has overseen one of the most ambitious periods of capital construction in Kelowna's history, including major road, bridge and other transportation projects, new recreation facilities, parks and fire halls, and expansion of the Kelowna International Airport terminal. We've also strengthened public safety by adding policing, bylaw and firefighting resources.

We've worked to attract major events as an economic and tourism driver, bringing events such as the Canadian Country Music Awards, the Brier, CFL games and the Memorial Cup to Kelowna. The city is also actively negotiating to attract new industry and new jobs, particularly on the available airport lands.

The pace of major construction may ease, but Kelowna will continue to grow. I'd like to help complete the work underway, keep our infrastructure and services in step with growth, and make good decisions about what comes next.

02 · Issue #1: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Crime, homelessness, drug addiction and public disorder remain among the biggest concerns I hear from residents. While official statistics show significant declines in several categories of crime, social disorder and its impact on our streets and public spaces remain very visible and frustrating.

While council works closely with police, bylaw and our community partners on enforcement, municipalities cannot change criminal laws, bail provisions or impose mandatory addiction treatment. However, we can, and have, strongly advocated for such changes from the federal and provincial governments.

Locally, we can continue strengthening our policing and bylaw resources and find creative ways to use them effectively, while pressing senior governments to address the justice, mental-health and addiction issues municipalities cannot solve on their own.

03 · Issue #2: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Keeping infrastructure up with Kelowna's population growth was a concern when I first ran four years ago, and it remains one today. Our extraordinary rate of growth has slowed somewhat, but our transportation network and other infrastructure still have to keep pace.

Council has approved major transportation investments now underway, including four-laning portions of Glenmore Road and other projects to improve connections across the city.

If re-elected, I would continue supporting these projects and other needed improvements, within budget constraints. We need to plan ahead and invest in infrastructure before population growth overwhelms what we already have.

04 · Issue #3: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

Housing affordability has been a major challenge in Kelowna, as in many Canadian cities. Rapid population growth added to that pressure. We once had an extremely low rental vacancy rate, contributing to high rents, while home ownership moved beyond the reach of many people.

Council has approved significant new housing, and our rental supply has improved dramatically, with the vacancy rate now above six per cent. But availability does not necessarily mean affordability.

Council has also supported affordable housing projects by providing City land and reducing development cost charges. We need to continue working with senior governments and housing providers to create more affordable housing, particularly for middle-income working people.

05 · What experience, skills, and community involvement do you bring to the role?

My 40-plus years as a journalist gave me a strong understanding of government, while more than 30 years as a broadcaster in Kelowna gave me a deep knowledge of this community and its issues.

My most relevant experience now includes four years on City Council. I've maintained a very strong attendance record and am proud to have supported responsible budgets while at the same time, approving major investments such as the new Parkinson Recreation Centre and new activity centres in Glenmore, Rutland and the Mission, new parks and other facilities that will serve our community for decades.

My first term has also taught me that an effective councillor doesn't always have to be the loudest voice. Often you can have a greater impact behind the scenes by doing the work, asking the right questions, working with colleagues and staff, and helping move an issue toward a practical solution. For example, I brought forward an initiative that resulted in increased financial and relocation assistance for tenants displaced by redevelopment. I would like to put that experience to work for another four-year term.

06 · How will you approach council decisions when priorities compete for limited resources?

Priorities will always compete for limited resources. Council is made up of nine people and cannot accomplish anything without a majority agreeing on the direction.

That's why I believe Council should continue to establish its top priorities at the beginning of a term and periodically review them. Spending and other decisions should reflect those priorities rather than continually being distracted by the latest issue or appealing new idea.

That doesn't mean Council shouldn't change direction when circumstances warrant it. It means distinguishing between something that genuinely requires a change and something that simply diverts resources from priorities we've already agreed are important.

Clear priorities and regular measurement of our progress can help us make better use of limited resources and get things done.

07 · How do you work with people who see an issue differently than you?

Our current Council includes people with a wide range of priorities and viewpoints, and we certainly don't always vote the same way. I've learned something from every councillor, including those who see an issue very differently than I do.

When I'm not certain how I will vote, I listen to the public, consider information and recommendations from City staff, and listen carefully to discussion around the Council table. Another councillor will sometimes raise a point I hadn't considered. I weigh all of that and make the decision I believe is right.

When someone reaches a different conclusion, I'm interested in what led them there. It may not change my mind, but it may give me another perspective.

Disagreement doesn't have to become personal. The important thing is to listen, remain open to a good argument, and respect the decision Council ultimately makes.