Candidates

Transportation & transit

He wants to build more and bigger roads for cars. He wants a second bridge across the lake. He mentions transit a little.

“For too long, Kelowna talked about advancing major road projects – but never built them.”

Source: tomdyas.com, 2026-10-11

“Advocate for a new Kelowna Regional Transit Centre expanding transit capacity from 117 to over 230 buses.”

Source: tomdyas.com, 2026-10-11

Affordability & housing

He wants to keep Kelowna's property taxes low. I'm not sure how, with all the extra enforcement and road projects, let alone a dream of a second bridge. He did some okay work on housing costs this term.

“Four years ago, Kelowna's rental vacancy rate was below one per cent. Since then, thousands of new homes have been built, approvals have been accelerated, new infill housing has been fast-tracked and the City secured $31.5 million through the federal Housing Accelerator Fund. The rental vacancy rate has returned to a healthy rate.”

Source: tomdyas.com, 2026-10-11

“Create a Family Homes Incentive to encourage more two- and three-bedroom homes suitable for working families and first-time buyers.”

Source: tomdyas.com, 2026-10-11

Drug crisis response

Pretty much the opposite of housing first. Housing first means giving people a home before asking them to get sober. He calls his plan "treatment first". He wants to end the current model at the Outreach Urban Health site downtown. People can use drugs there under supervision. In September he asked Health Canada not to renew its permit. He is also pushing hard for "mandatory compassionate care", which is forced treatment. That includes using space at the Okanagan Correctional Centre, a jail in Oliver. To be fair, he does want a regional treatment centre that people choose to attend. The City's 180 tiny homes have also moved over 125 people into permanent or supportive housing, which is something. But overall he leans on enforcement and forced care, not on keeping drug users alive and safer. On September 4, 2026 he stood outside the Oliver jail with other Okanagan leaders. They called for forced care to be set up there.

“Fight for mandatory compassionate care in the Okanagan, including using available capacity at the Okanagan Correctional Centre for people who pose a serious danger to themselves or others.”

Source: tomdyas.com, 2026-10-11

“There's nothing safe about a site that creates disorder for the surrounding community”

Source: cp24.com, 2026-09-02

“Over the last four years, Kelowna established 180 tiny homes. More than 125 people have already moved from those sites into permanent or supportive housing.”

Source: tomdyas.com, 2026-10-11

“We have spent years advocating for secure and mandatory care. The need is clear, the facility is here, and communities cannot wait any longer. The Okanagan Correctional Centre is the solution our region needs to deliver treatment and recovery for those who need it most.”

Source: oliver.ca, 2026-09-04

Progressive values

Not progressive. The platform is right wing: more police, low taxes and audits of city spending. He also wants a job zone around the airport and wants Kelowna to host more big events. He wants 75 more frontline public safety jobs (RCMP, firefighters and bylaw). That comes on top of the 33 RCMP officers and 17 bylaw officers added this term. His platform page says nothing about climate, the environment or equity.

“Fund 75 additional frontline public-safety positions, including RCMP officers, firefighters and Bylaw Enforcement Officers.”

Source: tomdyas.com, 2026-10-11

“This term, Kelowna added 33 RCMP officers, 17 Bylaw Enforcement Officers and 18 firefighters.”

Source: tomdyas.com, 2026-10-11

Land value tax

Nothing. He doesn't mention a land value tax or any tax reform. He only promises to keep taxes among the lowest in B.C., somehow. (no concrete plan)

“Keep Kelowna's taxes among the lowest in B.C. while protecting core services.”

Source: tomdyas.com, 2026-10-11

Transportation & transit

Nothing. His priorities don't mention transit, roads, bridges, cycling or walking. His bio names "growth outpacing infrastructure" as a challenge. But he has no plan for it. (no concrete plan)

“Now I'm running for Mayor to tackle the real challenges Kelowna faces: growth outpacing infrastructure, rising taxes, public safety concerns, and housing affordability.”

Source: roncannan.ca, 2026-10-11

Affordability & housing

He lists housing costs as one of Kelowna's real challenges. Then he has no housing plan at all. His only idea on costs is to keep property tax increases closer to inflation. He would get there through his review of City Hall. That's a goal, not a plan. (no concrete plan)

“His goal is to keep future property-tax increases more closely aligned with inflation while ensuring residents continue to receive the essential services they rely on.”

Source: roncannan.ca, 2026-10-11

Drug crisis response

Honestly better than Dyas, at least on paper. His website doesn't mention forced treatment or closing the supervised drug use site. He lays out steps to recovery: detox, treatment, sober housing, stable housing, then a job. He promises up to 10 more detox beds in his first 100 days. He also wants to help people avoid shelters, working with METRO Community. And he wants to study a Central Okanagan care campus. But it's treatment first, not housing first. You only get stable housing after you get sober. Enforcement is one of his four main points. He never mentions keeping drug users alive and safer. A lot of the rest is town halls and a "solutions table". That's process, not a plan.

“Work with Interior Health toward delivering up to 10 additional medically supported detox beds in Kelowna.”

Source: roncannan.ca, 2026-10-11

“Detox alone is not recovery.”

Source: roncannan.ca, 2026-10-11

“Support effective policing and bylaw enforcement while improving coordination between RCMP, firefighters, paramedics, outreach workers and health professionals.”

Source: roncannan.ca, 2026-10-11

Progressive values

Not progressive, and his record as an MP is worse than his platform shows. He voted three times against adding gender identity and gender expression to human rights and criminal law. Those votes were on Bill C-389 in 2011, and on Bill C-279 at two stages in 2012 and 2013. He voted for Motion 312. It would have studied when a fetus legally becomes a "human being". Critics saw it as a back door to reopening the abortion debate. In 2006 he voted to reopen the same-sex marriage debate. He also voted for C-484 and C-510, two bills backed by the anti-abortion movement. He voted to repeal Section 13 of the Canadian Human Rights Act. That was the part that covered online hate speech. Campaign Life Coalition, an anti-abortion group, rates him "pro-life, pro-family" with a perfect record. Today his one detailed plan is a 6 to 9 month outside "core review" of City Hall. It would look at staffing, "administrative growth" and consultants, and move money toward public safety. He says it isn't only about cutting frontline jobs. But that's what these reviews tend to be for. He says nothing on climate, the environment or equity.

“An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code (gender identity)”

Source: openparliament.ca, 2013-03-20

“He has a perfect voting record in parliament on life & family issues.”

Source: campaignlifecoalition.com, 2026-10-11

“The purpose is not simply to cut spending or frontline positions.”

Source: roncannan.ca, 2026-10-11

Land value tax

Nothing. The closest thing is that his review would look at "fees and revenue sources". There's no sign of any tax reform. (no concrete plan)

“Fees and revenue sources”

Source: roncannan.ca, 2026-10-11

Drug crisis response

Nothing current in writing. The only thing on record comes from a past campaign. He once proposed giving crack cocaine to homeless people to get them to pick up litter. That's not a drug policy. It's a stunt, and a pretty cruel one. (no concrete plan)

“Andrew Uitvlugt - who once proposed giving crack cocaine to homeless people as a way to encourage them to pick up litter - placed last in the 40-person race for Kelowna city councillor in 2011.”

Source: kelownadailycourier.ca, 2014-09-08

Transportation & transit

He has posted on LinkedIn about an idea for a high-speed maglev train. That's fun. But it's not a plan for Kelowna's buses, bike lanes or anything else the city actually runs. (no concrete plan)

Drug crisis response

The best approach in the race. He calls out how unhoused people get pushed from block to block every day. He wants indoor day spaces open 7 days a week, with washrooms, cooking and laundry. He'd put water, cooking and warming supplies at the outdoor shelter site. He'd work with mutual aid groups that unhoused people trust, to help with detox, treatment and housing. He'd also grow the community-led crisis team. That way, mental health and drug calls would go to them instead of the RCMP. He doesn't back mandatory care anywhere. He still has some enforcement. That includes overnight on-call teams downtown and in Rutland, and police work against drug trafficking gangs. But it targets crime, not people for being poor. He doesn't use the term housing first. Still, he comes closest to it of anyone.

“Daily displacement of unhoused individuals from one block to another is not a long-term solution.”

Source: trevorforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

“establish supervised daytime-use indoor spaces open 7 days a week that offer vulnerable persons access to sanitation, cooking, laundry facilities”

Source: trevorforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

“further resource the Crisis Response Community Led (CRCL) team to increase staffing and service hours, divert a greater share of mental health and substance use calls away from RCMP, fire dept.”

Source: trevorforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

Affordability & housing

Exactly what I want. He'd require new buildings to include very affordable, accessible, family-sized homes. He'd bring in heavy penalties for evicting tenants to renovate. Rents would be capped at what they were before the renovation. He'd only approve investor-owned short-term rentals when long-term rents are going down. And he openly names the "financialization of housing". He'd also add childcare to new buildings by letting builders go bigger in return.

“implement inclusionary zoning that sets minimums in new builds of deeply affordable, fully accessible, family-suitable units, with functional incentives like accelerated approvals”

Source: trevorforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

“introduce rental protection measures that apply heavy penalties on property owners attempting renovictions, cap allowable rent increases to pre-renovation rates”

Source: trevorforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

“Prioritize long-term rental affordability over the financialization of housing driven by commercial STRs.”

Source: trevorforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

Transportation & transit

Make transit public. He'd push BC Transit to end its contract with Transdev, a for-profit global company. He'd set up a fully public Kelowna Regional Transit. He'd stop tying transit plans to last year's budget, so routes and service can actually grow. He'd add seats and shelters at the many bare bus stops. He's a member of the Okanagan Transit Alliance. He's less ambitious on rail than Lovegrove or Kyle. He also includes timing traffic lights for drivers. But making transit publicly owned is exactly right.

“Intensify pressure on BC Transit to end its contract with for-profit France-based middleman TransDev. Establish a fully public, community-led Kelowna Regional Transit.”

Source: trevorforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

“prioritize the installation of basic seating and overhead shelters at the vast number of underdeveloped bus stops throughout Kelowna”

Source: trevorforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

Land value tax

Yes, and he says why. He wants to shift taxes onto people who hold land just to profit from rising prices. He'd lobby the province to give cities back the power to change how they tax. That way, Kelowna could move to a land value tax, which taxes land more and buildings less.

“lobby the province to restore municipal tax reform authority, with the intent to move Kelowna to a land value tax that shifts tax burden onto land speculators”

Source: trevorforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

Progressive values

The most clearly left-wing candidate in the race. He wants public services over for-profit ones, and he sides with renters over landlords. He wants ward elections so neighbourhoods like Rutland get their own voice. He wants a public list of how councillors vote, a council pay freeze, and a city youth jobs program. On climate, he'd toughen water rules for the biggest business water wasters. He'd hand out air purifiers for smoke season. He'd bring in a citywide rule to protect trees. He's also into community repair hubs, composting, and community food processing. He even openly imagines "more long-term renters than landlords" at the council table.

“because I believe council’s job is to prioritize people, not property developers.”

Source: trevorforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

“Imagine council’s housing priorities if more long-term renters than landlords were at the table.”

Source: trevorforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

Land value tax

Yes! It's his top policy, and he explains it well. He'd tax land more and buildings less. That way, people aren't punished for improving their property. And people sitting on valuable empty land don't get rewarded. He'd join the UBCM, the group of B.C. cities, in pushing the province for the power to do it. He points out that by 1914, about two-thirds of B.C. towns and cities used a land value tax. He also wants the public to get more of the value created when rezoning raises land prices.

“I want Kelowna to tax land more and buildings less.”

Source: bradythecreator.com, 2026-10-11

“I want Kelowna to join other B.C. municipalities and the UBCM in pushing the Province for the ability to shift more of our tax burden onto land and less onto the things people build on it.”

Source: bradythecreator.com, 2026-10-11

“And when a zoning decision substantially increases the value of private land, I want to understand how much of that value we're capturing for the public.”

Source: bradythecreator.com, 2026-10-11

Affordability & housing

Co-op housing at a big scale. He asks what it would take to build 1,000 co-op homes. Co-ops stay affordable for good, instead of going back to market prices after ten years. Great goal. He presents it as something to look into, not a plan. But it's a big, specific target. (no concrete plan)

“What would it take to build 1,000 co-op homes in Kelowna?”

Source: bradythecreator.com, 2026-10-11

“Co-ops offer something the private housing market can't guarantee: homes that can remain affordable permanently rather than becoming affordable for ten years and then returning to market rates.”

Source: bradythecreator.com, 2026-10-11

Transportation & transit

He uses the right test for transit: can it replace a car? He sees transit as a way to save money. Going from two cars to one saves a household a lot. He wants buses that come often, run on time and go useful places. But he has no specific routes or budgets yet. (no concrete plan)

“The goal of transit shouldn't be to technically have transit. It should be to make owning a car optional for more people.”

Source: bradythecreator.com, 2026-10-11

“For a household that can go from two cars to one, better transit isn't just transportation infrastructure. It's affordability infrastructure.”

Source: bradythecreator.com, 2026-10-11

Drug crisis response

Compassion and order, with no mandatory care. He wants a realistic path to housing, treatment and health care. He doesn't want problems just pushed from one neighbourhood to another. He's upfront that he's still figuring out where the system breaks down. So there's no plan yet. (no concrete plan)

“Someone living on the street deserves a realistic path toward housing, treatment, healthcare and stability.”

Source: bradythecreator.com, 2026-10-11

“What can we do immediately without simply moving disorder from one neighborhood to another?”

Source: bradythecreator.com, 2026-10-11

Progressive values

Leans progressive. He says he cares "about the homeless". He wants growth to leave Kelowna "wealthier than it found it". He runs a small plastic-recycling business. He says government "is for the people". He's not driven by ideology, and he admits he has a lot of open questions. (no concrete plan)

“I believe that government is for the people and needs to defend our interests.”

Source: bradythecreator.com, 2026-10-11

“Growth should pay for growth, and growth should leave Kelowna wealthier than it found it.”

Source: bradythecreator.com, 2026-10-11

Transportation & transit

The best transit platform in the race, with real targets and dates. He'd plan rapid transit from downtown to UBCO and the airport, and from the north end to South Mission. Buses on every frequent route would get priority at traffic lights by 2032. Every stop would get a bus shelter by 2032. He'd fill gaps in sidewalks and bike lanes. Every school would get safe routes to school by 2034. He'd also push for a regional transit authority like TransLink, instead of hiring a private company to run the buses. He's actually done the work, too. He says the bike valets he ran with the city cut bike thefts by 58% compared to 2022. His car ideas, like fixing the top 20 crash sites and signal timing, are mostly about safety.

“Rapid Transit corridor planning between downtown Kelowna and the University and Airport, along with between the north end and south mission.”

Source: kyleforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

“Prioritize transit signal priority technology in the 10-year capital plan for full coverage on all "frequent" routes at all intersections by 2032.”

Source: kyleforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

“Advocacy for a Central Okanagan Transit Authority (Translink) as opposed to 3rd-party contracting as a management model.”

Source: kyleforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

Affordability & housing

Very good. He'd aim for a rental vacancy rate of 5% or more. That's the opposite of the candidates who want vacancy kept low. He'd support co-op housing through land trusts. He'd also cut development fees by paying for infrastructure with bonds. He'd make corner stores and cafes legal in neighbourhoods again. He gives a real example: fees on a simple carriage home went from $2,500 to $23,000. His talk of "centering the property rights of individual homeowners" leans a bit libertarian. But the policies are pro-housing.

“Ensuring opportunity for new homes across the housing spectrum, from single family, to townhome, to apartments, while targeting a > 5% or greater vacancy rate.”

Source: kyleforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

“Support non-market housing through land-trust partnerships for secured affordable co-op housing.”

Source: kyleforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

“When fees for a simple carriage home go from $2,500 to $23,000 , we have a problem.”

Source: kyleforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

Land value tax

Yes! He's the only candidate to openly back a land value tax. This taxes land more and buildings less. He'd have city staff work with the province on taxing land and buildings at different rates. The goal is a shift to a land value tax that doesn't raise total taxes. He'd also lobby for "land millage" tax reform.

“Directing staff to work with the provincial government on reintroducing split-rate property tax reform, with the end goal of revenue-neutral single-rate land value tax shifts.”

Source: kyleforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

Drug crisis response

This is the big miss. He supports treatment, recovery housing, the integrated court and foot patrols. But he also backs "compassionate mandatory care in appropriate circumstances". That's the same push as Dyas. He'd also work to "curtail the continued dispersal of overnight sheltering outside of the legal designated location". He says nothing on housing first, which means giving people a home before asking them to get sober. He says nothing on harm reduction either.

“I will support advocacy for treatment facilities and recovery housing, along with compassionate mandatory care in appropriate circumstances, as supported by local leaders up and down the Okanagan valley.”

Source: kyleforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

“I will work with a council majority to curtail the continued dispersal of overnight sheltering outside of the legal designated location.”

Source: kyleforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

Progressive values

Strong Towns is more about saving tax money than left-wing politics. He frames things as "respect taxpayers" and efficiency. But a lot of his actual policy lines up with progressive goals. He wants 30% tree cover by 2035, balcony solar panels and no solar tariffs. He wants water bills based on use, accessible ground-floor homes and HandyDART funding. He calls cooling "a public right" for renters. One odd note, given the golf debate: he wants to stop converting golf courses and keep the private ones.

“Support directing staff to enact policies to improve the city's urban tree canopy to 30% by 2035, from the current 23%.”

Source: kyleforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

“No further purchases of golf courses to convert into non-golf use, and preservation of currently-private courses in future OCPs.”

Source: kyleforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

Transportation & transit

TRAINS!!! His signature project is passenger rail through the Okanagan Valley. Hydrogen tram-trains would run along the Highway 97 corridor. His own published studies back it up. They estimate it would cost $5 billion over 30 years and bring $40 billion in net benefits. They also estimate it would cut Highway 97 traffic by 30%. He wants to double the transit budget and the bus fleet while cutting the roads budget. He'd scrap the $210 million Clement extension. He'd add light rail from the airport to downtown and free bus passes paid for by parking money. He'd drop the rules that force new buildings to include parking. He'd set 30 km/h limits on local streets. He wants 90% of homes within a five-minute walk of a bus. He argues a second bridge isn't the answer, because new roads just fill up with more cars. Easily the most ambitious transit platform in the race.

“I would double transit budgets & expedite the Kelowna Transit Operations Center to double the transit fleet, while reducing the roads budget.”

Source: lovegrovekelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

“For example, I would immediately remove over $210 million in capital spending on a 2.3 km Clement extension (cross-town connector to no where.”

Source: lovegrovekelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

“The joint City/MoTT Study showed that a 2nd Bridge is not the answer, adding more transit is.”

Source: lovegrovekelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

“Provide free bus passes to community members from local revenue streams such as downtown parking.”

Source: lovegrovekelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

Affordability & housing

Progressive on below-market housing. He'd set up a City Housing Board like Vienna's and Copenhagen's. It would build shared housing to rent or sell below market, costing under 30% of income. He'd drop the rules that force new buildings to include parking. Those spaces cost around $50,000 each. He supports adding homes gently within existing neighbourhoods. But he's wary of density in some places. He wants the Heritage Conservation Area left out of the extra density allowed near transit, and returned to single-family zoning. He'd have council "very carefully consider" any more high-rises because of fire response concerns. In January 2026, council voted to allow stacked townhouses in a single-family zone. According to Susan Ames, he was one of three councillors who voted no.

“To promote more affordable housing – rental & ownership – I would push to establish a City Housing Board similar to the UK, in Vienna, Austria, & in Copenhagen, DK, in which the City works with individuals, couples, and groups to establish Community Housing (CoHousing) for sale or rent at below market rates, based on income (e.g., less than 30% of income).”

Source: lovegrovekelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

“Push to have HCA guidlines take presedence when Transit Oriented Area Overlaps.”

Source: lovegrovekelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

“Staff weren’t disciplined and council, except Councillors Cannan, Hodge, and Lovegrove, approved inserting stacked townhouses in RU1 on January 12, 2026 knowing the facts.”

Source: susanames.ca, 2026-01-23

Drug crisis response

The big disappointment, given everything else. He supports voluntary outreach, short-term housing and tiny homes (HEART & HEARTH). He used to sit on the Gospel Mission board. But he argues that two-thirds of unhoused people need "greater intervention". He says he'll keep pushing the province for a mandatory campus of care at the Oliver jail. That's the same push as Dyas. This is a change from before. His 2022 platform talked about a "compassionate campus of care" built around shelters, social housing and job training. It didn't mention mandatory care.

“I will continue to push the provincial government to establish a compassionate mandatory campus of care at the near-empty Oliver correction center, and advocate for criminal justice reforms designed to help treat the 2/3 of unhoused people strugelling with addiction and/or mental health issues, and ensure the safety of our communities.”

Source: lovegrovekelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

Progressive values

Truly progressive on most things. He flatly opposes selling off public services to private companies. He moved a climate emergency motion in 2023. He led a fight to save a wetland, which lost 5 to 3. He pushes for net zero building codes. He protects trees and parks. He moved to protect Pioneer Gardens and its 140 mature trees. He works with unions, including the transit workers' union, to get more buses. He voted against council's 35% pay raise and pledged to donate it. He supports services for people facing violence from a partner. His one real blind spot is mandatory care.

“There are NO circumstances where I would consider privatizing a service that is currently publicly funded and publicly provided.”

Source: lovegrovekelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

“Do we really need this? And if you do, bless ‘ya. But my answer’s no. I’ll be looking at (the raise) as a way to donate some additional cash to charities that help our community. That’s my pledge.”

Source: kelownadailycourier.ca, 2024-04-09

Land value tax

No land value tax. He does think about land value. He'd rebuild when "the land value significantly exceeds the building value". But he doesn't propose changing how taxes work. (no concrete plan)

“However, if the land value significantly exceeds the building value, and zoning (& fit) allow, non-heritage value homes should be rebuilt to meet market demand & create more liveable communities.”

Source: lovegrovekelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

Affordability & housing

Truly good, and specific. He openly calls for co-op, non-profit, family-sized and middle-income housing. Before the City sells spare land, he wants it checked for co-op and non-profit housing. That includes leasing it long term instead of selling it. He wants a public "Housing Incentive Ledger" with end dates, so tax breaks have to prove they produce homes. And he wants 4 to 6 storey housing to be easier to approve near town centres and transit routes. My one worry is that he wants roads and pipes checked first. Done too carefully, that could slow things down.

“The city needs more family-sized apartments, townhomes, co-operative housing, non-market housing and realistic choices for working and middle-income households.”

Source: timdown.ca, 2026-10-11

“I will propose a policy requiring suitable surplus City properties to be evaluated for co-operative, non-profit and middle-income housing before an unrestricted sale.”

Source: timdown.ca, 2026-10-11

“I will propose a targeted review of urban centres and transit-supportive corridors to identify locations where additional four- to six-storey housing can be approved more predictably.”

Source: timdown.ca, 2026-10-11

Drug crisis response

Thoughtful and respectful of people's rights. That stands out in this group. He says plainly that enforcement should target behaviour, "not homelessness, disability, mental illness, addiction, housing status or appearance". His Q&A says flatly that homelessness and addiction are not crimes. He wants the right responder sent to each call. He backs the review of a tiered policing model and wants a public safety scorecard. He supports more regional care and treatment for people with complex needs. He doesn't rule out secure (locked) treatment. But he insists it be "clinically governed, authorized by law" and that "treatment must not be confused with punishment". He doesn't mention housing first or harm reduction, though.

“Enforcement should address conduct, not homelessness, disability, mental illness, addiction, housing status or appearance.”

Source: timdown.ca, 2026-10-11

“Any secure treatment setting must be clinically governed, authorized by law and based on proper assessment. Treatment must not be confused with punishment.”

Source: timdown.ca, 2026-10-11

“Homelessness, addiction and mental illness are not offences.”

Source: timdown.ca, 2026-10-11

Transportation & transit

Not a focus. He wants new housing built along transit routes, which is the right instinct. He also wants "practical transportation links between homes, education and jobs". But he doesn't promise more bus service, bus lanes or bike routes. (no concrete plan)

“Kelowna should identify growth areas where water, sewer, roads, transit and emergency services can support more homes.”

Source: timdown.ca, 2026-10-11

Land value tax

He doesn't name a land value tax, but he comes closest of anyone. He's an expert in property assessment and taxes. He wants development fees to match the real cost of servicing each location. Then small homes near existing services would stop paying for costly sprawl farther out. That's the same logic as a land value tax: charge for land by its real cost to the public. I'd love to ask him about a land value tax directly.

“Charges should also reflect the real cost of servicing each location and type of home, so compact homes near existing services do not subsidize costlier outlying development.”

Source: timdown.ca, 2026-10-11

Progressive values

A centrist expert. He's not a cut-taxes guy ("The goal is not smaller government or larger government. It is better government"). He takes wildfire, drought and water supply seriously, and even cites John Vaillant's Fire Weather. But it's a platform about watching spending, from a commercial real estate broker. It isn't progressive, and it says nothing on equity.

“The goal is not smaller government or larger government. It is better government, focused on practical results, reasonable costs and lasting public value.”

Source: timdown.ca, 2026-10-11

Transportation & transit

Honestly great. He's the only candidate so far to talk about rapid transit. He wants a formal deal with the province to start work on a rapid transit line. He wants the city to lead on e-bikes and scooters. He would make shared walking and biking paths a priority, along with road repair. He talks about loving his walks down the Rail Trail to the beach. It's still only one paragraph, but it's a real direction.

“By re-orienting the city's transportation plan to better meet the needs of today, taking a leadership position on micromobility, prioritizing investments on both roadway maintenance and multi-use pathways, and obtaining a formal partnership with the province to commence work on a much-needed rapid transit line all to reverse Kelowna's trend of rising congestion.”

Source: fritterforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

Affordability & housing

Good and specific. He would tie short-term rental licence fees to how many long-term rentals sit empty. That's a smart idea. When rentals are scarce, Airbnbs pay more, which pushes units back into long-term rental. He also wants rewards for finding new uses for old buildings. He knows the problem firsthand, since home prices pushed him out of the Lower Mainland.

“Indexing short-term rental license fees to long-term rental vacancy rates, incentivizing new and innovative uses for existing sites and structures, ensuring future projects provide community value in the near term, and working to showcase Kelowna's key sectors”

Source: fritterforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

“Pushed out of the Lower Mainland where we grew up by rising home prices, we found Kelowna's relative affordability combined with the city’s accessibility made it feel like heaven on Earth.”

Source: fritterforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

Drug crisis response

This is where he loses me. His safety plan is to start moving to a city police force. Part of the goal is to "curtail the vagrancy and open drug use". His About page mostly describes homeless people as threats. There's nothing about housing, treatment or harm reduction anywhere. What happened to him is truly awful, but his answer is all about policing. (At least he doesn't mention mandatory care.) Fact check: his numbers hold up. Statistics Canada's 2025 figures put the Kelowna area's crime rate at 8,688 incidents per 100,000 people. That compares with 6,943 for B.C. (25% higher) and 5,585 for Canada (56% higher). The Crime Severity Index weights crimes by how serious they are. On that measure the gap is smaller: 103.7 against 92.4 for B.C. (12% higher) and 75.0 for Canada (38% higher). Both measures have dropped for two years in a row. Kelowna really does now have the largest RCMP detachment in Canada, since Surrey moved to its own police force. Worth knowing, though: council already got an independent review comparing the RCMP to a city force. In March 2026 it chose to look at a tiered policing model instead.

“With a crime rate that is 24% higher than the provincial average and 56% higher than the national average, but the largest RCMP detachment in Canada, it's time for Kelowna to begin the process of transitioning to a municipal police force to increase accountability, reduce crime and curtail the vagrancy and open drug use that has unfortunately grown so prevalent over the last few years.”

Source: fritterforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

“Homeless individuals walk down our streets yelling and accosting passersby and families using our parks.”

Source: fritterforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

“Police-reported Crime Severity Index and crime rate, by census metropolitan area, 2025”

Source: www150.statcan.gc.ca, 2026-07-22

“Kelowna, B.C., hosts the largest RCMP detachment in Canada — but it's pondering a future without the force”

Source: cbc.ca

“In March 2026, Council received an independent review comparing the RCMP and municipal policing models and directed staff to examine a tiered policing approach.”

Source: timdown.ca, 2026-10-11

Progressive values

Mixed. His transit and short-term rental ideas lean progressive. He cares about youth unemployment and having different kinds of jobs. But the core of his campaign is law and order, with dehumanizing language about homeless people. Nothing on climate or equity. (no concrete plan)

“Unemployment, specifically youth unemployment and the diversity (or lack thereof) of employment options in town, is another, as is traffic congestion, which is growing at a pace outstripping population growth.”

Source: fritterforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

Land value tax

Nothing. (no concrete plan)

Transportation & transit

Honestly one of the better transit plans I've seen. Harvey Avenue has six lanes. She would turn two of them into bus lanes instead of widening it to eight. She wants free transit for seniors and youth. She opposes the Burtch, Hollywood and Clement road extensions. That's exactly what I want: more transit on the roads we have, not more roads.

“Support greater public transportation on the roads we have.”

Source: susanames.ca, 2026-10-11

“We can provide seniors and youth free public transportation.”

Source: susanames.ca, 2026-10-11

Affordability & housing

Mixed. She has some good ideas. She would charge building fees by floor area, so smaller homes cost less to build. She wants to keep the existing "missing middle" housing, and to consider co-ops. But she wants to end the 10-year tax break for new rental buildings. She says the city has an "excess" of them. She wants new buildings kept to the height and size of the neighbourhood. She wants them set back from the lake to save views. Dyas's own numbers say rental vacancy only recovered after thousands of new homes were built. So slowing building down seems likely to push rents back up. She also wants property tax increases tied to inflation. And she wants the city's surplus kept "in the hands of the citizens and property owners".

“The city has an excess of new rental buildings resulting in high vacancies incentivized by 10-year tax breaks to developers to provide market rentals.”

Source: susanames.ca, 2026-10-11

“The Development Cost Charges (DCCs) should be revised to be on a square footage basis to encourage the construction of more affordable and sustainable housing”

Source: susanames.ca, 2026-10-11

“The council supported an application for a 100-unit rental apartment building on Coronation Street. Only councillor Ron Cannan voted against it for numerous reasons.”

Source: susanames.ca, 2026-07-31

Drug crisis response

Nothing at all on the drug crisis, homelessness or treatment. Her "safety" plan is police foot patrols in shopping areas. She also wants bylaw officers to act before problems happen. I worry that mostly means moving unhoused people along. (no concrete plan)

“Dedicated police foot patrols in commercial areas will deter crime and provide an atmosphere of safety to our citizens and visitors.”

Source: susanames.ca, 2026-10-11

“A change to proactive bylaw enforcement throughout Kelowna will provide more security and livability.”

Source: susanames.ca, 2026-10-11

Progressive values

Green, but not really left. She's strong on the environment. She wants a stronger law to protect trees. She wants to protect farmland and parks. And she wants to put a dollar value on what nature does for us, like flood protection. She also wants to build inside the city's current boundary instead of spreading outward. I agree with that. But her letters to the editor read like a Ron Cannan fan club. As an MP, Cannan voted against trans rights. She called him "the only one who made sense, as usual". That was when he wanted council to take back decisions in her heritage area. She praised him as the only vote against a 100-unit rental building. She backed him in the Kelowna Springs fight. To be fair, the praise is about building and heritage votes, not his social views. But look at the whole package. It's slow growth, heritage areas, lake views, free parking, lower taxes and Cannan as her model councillor. That reads more like centre-right neighbourhood group politics than progressive politics.

“The only one who made sense, as usual, is Coun. Ron Cannan”

Source: susanames.ca, 2026-03-07

“I am totally disappointed in all of you except Coun. Cannan.”

Source: susanames.ca, 2026-03-07

“Kelowna’s tree protection bylaw requires strengthening.”

Source: susanames.ca, 2026-10-11

Land value tax

No land value tax. Charging building fees by floor area shows some thought about how fees shape what gets built. Otherwise it's "tie tax increases to inflation". (no concrete plan)

“If we keep property-tax increases at a reasonable level, such as tied to inflation, this will increase affordability.”

Source: susanames.ca, 2026-10-11

Other

The golf thing. One of her seven main ideas is for the city to build public golf courses. She says they "provide environmental benefits". She golfs herself. Until recently she was one of the people suing the city over rezoning part of Kelowna Springs Golf Course. For someone with an environmental science PhD, that's a strange blind spot. A 2025 study in JAMA Network Open looked at golf courses and Parkinson's disease. It compared people within a mile of a golf course to people more than six miles away. The people close by had 126% higher odds of Parkinson's. The likely cause is pesticides getting into drinking water. The study shows a link, not proof of cause. But it's a big link. Golf courses also use 5% of all water in the Okanagan. That's more than twice what all our parks and open spaces use together. A watered, sprayed lawn isn't "green space" in any real environmental sense.

“The city should establish municipal golf courses.”

Source: susanames.ca, 2026-10-11

“They also provide environmental benefits.”

Source: susanames.ca, 2026-10-11

“one of five named plaintiffs in a legal challenge against the city over its rezoning of part of the 18-hole Kelowna Springs Golf Course”

Source: castanet.net, 2026-10-11

“living within 1 mile of a golf course was associated with 126% increased odds of developing PD compared with individuals living more than 6 miles away from a golf course”

Source: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, 2025-05-01

“agriculture accounts for 55 per cent, golf courses five per cent, and parks and open spaces two per cent”

Source: obwb.ca, 2014-09-16

Drug crisis response

Better than most. He sums it up as "protect people, help people, do both". He names housing along with treatment as part of the way out of crisis. He never mentions forced treatment, which already puts him ahead of half the field. His own store kept getting hit. That led to his downtown "24/7 Safety & Recovery Plan". It covers a steady presence downtown, repeat offenders, fast repairs, joint outreach and tracking results. He paid more than $7,000 of his own money for security shutters. But his real "what I'd do next" is better teamwork, clearer rules for public spaces, and better reporting. That's process, not a plan. He doesn't name housing first or keeping drug users safer. (no concrete plan)

“People in crisis need a real route to treatment, housing and support. People living and working in Kelowna also have a right to use public spaces without repeat theft, violence or intimidation.”

Source: toddforkelowna.com, 2026-10-11

“Clearer coordination between police, bylaw, outreach, health, housing and nonprofits; understandable rules for public spaces; and reporting that separates repeat incidents, response times and actual outcomes.”

Source: toddforkelowna.com, 2026-10-11

“It’s a constant battle, man. Constant battle.”

Source: globalnews.ca, 2026-06-30

“Without them, we wouldn’t be in business. Some landlords are saying they don’t like them or whatever, but until we fix the problem, we don’t have a choice.”

Source: globalnews.ca, 2026-06-30

Affordability & housing

Sensible, but he won't commit. He wants "different kinds of homes at different prices". He wants to track housing by price, size, who owns or rents it, and where it is. He wants approvals tied to what roads and pipes can handle. He also wants to "review incentives against current vacancy". That could mean cutting back the rental tax breaks that Ames and Bregolisse want gone. Or it could mean nothing. I like that he measures success partly by "whether people can afford to stay here". (no concrete plan)

“Kelowna needs different kinds of homes at different prices. But approving units is only one part of the job.”

Source: toddforkelowna.com, 2026-10-11

“Track housing by price, size, tenure and location; review incentives against current vacancy and affordability; and connect growth approvals to the capacity of the services around them.”

Source: toddforkelowna.com, 2026-10-11

“Measure prosperity by jobs, wages, business survival and whether people can afford to stay here.”

Source: toddforkelowna.com, 2026-10-11

Transportation & transit

He sits on the fence, but he's not hostile. He wants to plan transportation and land use together. He treats transit, biking and walking as normal ways to get around. That's far better than candidates who want to stop bike lanes. But he leans hard on "without turning it into a culture war". He never says he'd fund more transit, protected bike lanes or anything specific. (no concrete plan)

“Get people where they need to go without turning it into a culture war.”

Source: toddforkelowna.com, 2026-10-11

“Plan transportation and land use together, protect practical access to key destinations, and measure whether trips become safer and more reliable instead of counting infrastructure for its own sake.”

Source: toddforkelowna.com, 2026-10-11

Progressive values

Not exactly left, but not the usual business-guy conservative either. He says outright that careful spending "does not mean automatically cutting services". He wants youth involved in planning. He wants music, skateboarding, art and places to hang out that aren't just about spending money. He wants accessibility tested "from the user's point of view, not only against a checklist". He wants a public record for big projects. It would show the original promise, budget, changes and final cost. That's a truly good idea for openness. Nothing on climate beyond wildfire prep.

“Being careful with public money does not mean automatically cutting services.”

Source: toddforkelowna.com, 2026-10-11

“Young people deserve more than places to spend money.”

Source: toddforkelowna.com, 2026-10-11

“A simple public trail for major projects: original promise, approved budget, scope changes, final cost, delays and the result residents were supposed to receive.”

Source: toddforkelowna.com, 2026-10-11

Land value tax

Nothing. (no concrete plan)

Drug crisis response

This one's complicated. He's lived it. He wants case workers, sorting people by need, and more care homes for people with complex needs. That's more thought through than most. But in 2019 he helped lead the protest against the McCurdy supportive housing building. It had 49 BC Housing units run by the Canadian Mental Health Association. People objected because it was a "wet" building, where residents didn't have to be sober, and it was near schools. He said he'd rather it be a "dry" building. That's pretty much the opposite of housing first. Housing first works because people don't have to get sober first. His platform also talks about "hard decisions" for people who "consistently refuse help". He never says what those are. And he treats clearing camps along the rail trail as an environmental issue.

“We must accept a hard truth: we cannot help everyone, and if we try to save everyone without a strategic plan, we will fail entirely.”

Source: chrisbocskei.com, 2026-10-11

“For the segment of the population that consistently refuses help or cannot be safely integrated into community-based solutions, we must make the hard decisions necessary to protect public safety and community well-being.”

Source: chrisbocskei.com, 2026-10-11

“It’s a great location for a dry facility, or how about a single-parent facility, a place for single moms, low-income housing? There are other options for an area in such close proximity to our schools”

Source: globalnews.ca, 2019-06-28

Affordability & housing

Honestly pretty good. He defines affordable housing properly: no more than 30% of income. He wants affordable rentals, townhomes and supportive housing for families. He wants the city to chase federal housing money "instead of giving those grants away to private developers". He names actual programs, which is more than most. The downside is he also wants to stop "excessive zoning variances". He wants to stick closely to the city's long-term growth plan. That could slow building down.

“True affordability means a family isn't spending more than 30% of their income just to keep a roof over their heads.”

Source: chrisbocskei.com, 2026-10-11

“The city must actively work with any and all programs that help build affordable housing in the Okanagan, making full use of government grants, subsidies, and major funding initiatives—instead of giving those grants away to private developers.”

Source: chrisbocskei.com, 2026-10-11

Transportation & transit

Nothing on transit, bikes or walking. His plan for roads and pipes is about traffic jams and building before approving growth. That reads as roads first. (no concrete plan)

“Gridlock hurts our economy, steals time away from our families, and adds pollution to our atmosphere.”

Source: chrisbocskei.com, 2026-10-11

Progressive values

A mix. Some of it leans truly left. He measures housing costs as a share of income. He doesn't want public money handed to private developers. He would pair police with mental health and social workers. And he actually gets his hands dirty cleaning up Mill Creek. But he also wants more RCMP "boots on the ground" and a bigger volunteer police program. And Norm Letnick endorses him. Letnick is a former BC Liberal MLA who raised concerns about the same McCurdy project in 2019. Despite the name, the BC Liberals are B.C.'s free-market, centre-right party. So that endorsement says a lot about where he sits.

“I will push for more patrols and increased RCMP boots on the ground to deter crime and respond swiftly when issues arise.”

Source: chrisbocskei.com, 2026-10-11

“I will champion a model that pairs a visible, proactive police presence with extended teams of mental health and social work professionals to catch people before they fall through the cracks.”

Source: chrisbocskei.com, 2026-10-11

Land value tax

Nothing. (no concrete plan)

Drug crisis response

Her social work experience shows. She wants "meaningful pathways to housing, treatment and support", with housing listed first. She sees homelessness, mental health and addiction as problems for many groups to solve together. She never mentions mandatory or forced care. The "compassion does not mean accepting behaviour" line leans toward enforcement. And there's no actual program or plan. (no concrete plan)

“People who need help should have meaningful pathways to housing, treatment and support. At the same time, compassion does not mean accepting behaviour that makes our streets and public spaces unsafe.”

Source: facebook.com, 2026-10-11

“My years in social work taught me that homelessness, mental health challenges, addiction and public disorder require a collaborative approach.”

Source: facebook.com, 2026-10-11

Affordability & housing

Nice values. She says young people, workers and seniors should all be able to afford to live here. She wants "attainable housing" through partnerships. But there's no plan. And "growth should improve quality of life, not simply increase density" sounds a bit like the slow-growth group. (no concrete plan)

“Kelowna should be a city where young people can build a future, families can put down roots, workers can afford to live near their jobs, and seniors aren’t forced out of the community they helped build.”

Source: facebook.com, 2026-10-11

“Growth should improve quality of life—not simply increase density.”

Source: facebook.com, 2026-10-11

Transportation & transit

Transit shows up once, in a list of things that must keep up with growth. It sits right next to roads and parking. That's it. (no concrete plan)

“Housing, roads, transit, parking, water, infrastructure and emergency services must keep pace with development.”

Source: facebook.com, 2026-10-11

Progressive values

Centrist, with a caring side. Her social work and Meals on Wheels work count for something. But her economic plan is standard small business. She says City Hall should make it "easier, not harder". Nothing on climate or equity. (no concrete plan)

“City Hall should make it easier—not harder—for responsible businesses and entrepreneurs to succeed.”

Source: facebook.com, 2026-10-11

Land value tax

Nothing. (no concrete plan)

Drug crisis response

Pretty reasonable for this group. He pairs safety with "improving access to treatment and housing". He wants to grow existing programs, like Downtown Kelowna's street outreach and cleanup program. He never mentions mandatory care. But it's only one paragraph. It leans on safety patrols run by business groups, and he helped start one, URBA's ambassador program. He doesn't name harm reduction or housing first.

“Expand proven programs such as the URBA Community Safety Team, Downtown On Call and Downtown Kelowna’s Street Outreach and Cleanup Program, while improving access to treatment and housing and maintaining clear expectations for safety in public spaces.”

Source: indydhial4kelowna.com, 2026-10-11

Affordability & housing

He wants more housing built: faster approvals, "appropriate density", and building where roads and pipes can handle it. He also knows childcare inside out and wants it in every neighbourhood. That's a real cost for families, and most candidates ignore it. He has nothing on rentals or non-profit housing. And "protecting existing taxpayers" says a lot. (no concrete plan)

“Increase housing supply by speeding up approvals, supporting appropriate density, and encouraging development where infrastructure and services can support it.”

Source: indydhial4kelowna.com, 2026-10-11

Transportation & transit

He names transit as part of "complete neighbourhoods", which is the right idea. He also promises "practical transportation improvements". He gives no details, though. (no concrete plan)

“Build complete neighborhoods with access to childcare, recreation, parks, youth programs, transit and everyday services.”

Source: indydhial4kelowna.com, 2026-10-11

Progressive values

Centrist. A lot of his community work is truly good. He works on childcare, free youth sports camps through the Apna society, and literacy. But his economic plan is standard Chamber of Commerce. He wants to attract investment, prepare land for jobs, and target tech and aerospace. Nothing on climate or equity. (no concrete plan)

“Support local businesses, attract investment and create jobs by improving City processes and preparing employment lands for growth.”

Source: indydhial4kelowna.com, 2026-10-11

Land value tax

Nothing. (no concrete plan)

Transportation & transit

Balanced, which is a plus in this group. She lists "supporting better transit frequency" and "expanding active transportation" next to road work and traffic. She gives no details, like routes, budgets or bus lanes. But at least she wants to grow transit and cycling, not cut them. (no concrete plan)

“Julia supports balanced transportation solutions that improve traffic flow while expanding transit, walking, and cycling options.”

Source: juliafraser.com, 2026-10-11

“Supporting better transit frequency”

Source: juliafraser.com, 2026-10-11

Affordability & housing

Mildly in favour of building more. She supports many types of housing, including purpose-built rentals. She wants fewer "unnecessary" approval delays. It's generic, and on the school board she has focused on balanced budgets. Nothing on non-profit or co-op housing. (no concrete plan)

“I support increasing the supply of diverse housing options—from single-family homes and townhomes to purpose-built rental and attainable housing for young families, seniors, and essential workers.”

Source: juliafraser.com, 2026-10-11

Drug crisis response

Vague. She wants "Compassion for people in crisis and accountability for behaviour that harms others". She also wants resources for police, fire and bylaw, and to push senior governments on housing, mental health and addictions. She doesn't mention mandatory care, which is something. But she doesn't mention harm reduction or housing first either. (no concrete plan)

“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.”

Source: juliafraser.com, 2026-10-11

Progressive values

Centrist. Her plan for climate threats is better than most. It covers wildfire prep, saving water, flood planning, protecting city trees and greener transportation. But her overall pitch is money oversight and board experience. One thing has stuck to her. In 2019, trustees voted 4 to 2 to have a school district table at Kelowna Pride. The Daily Courier's editorial board pointed out that her phone battery "died just seconds before the vote was taken". (no concrete plan)

“Urban tree protection”

Source: juliafraser.com, 2026-10-11

“Fraser’s cell phone battery died just seconds before the vote was taken.”

Source: kelownadailycourier.ca, 2019-06-06

Land value tax

Nothing. (no concrete plan)

Drug crisis response

He focuses on prevention, which points the right way. He wants stable housing so homelessness is "rarer, shorter and less likely to happen again". That's the usual way housing-first supporters talk about it. Housing first means giving people a home before asking them to get sober. His shelter work and his own housing struggles give it weight. He doesn't mention enforcement or mandatory care. But he has no plan either. (no concrete plan)

“Prevent homelessness: Focus on prevention, housing stability and partnerships for better access to support so homelessness is rarer, shorter and less likely to happen again.”

Source: randymillis.ca, 2026-10-11

Affordability & housing

Good instincts. He'd keep and add rental housing, use City land wisely, and plan neighbourhoods where people can reach what they need. No specifics, though. (no concrete plan)

“Affordability and housing: More attainable and accessible housing. Preserve and expand rental housing. Use City land wisely, and plan complete neighbourhoods where people can reach what they need.”

Source: randymillis.ca, 2026-10-11

Transportation & transit

Only as part of accessibility. He says sidewalks and transportation "should work for everyone". It's a good idea, but he says nothing on bus service. (no concrete plan)

“Accessibility that works: Sidewalks, transportation, buildings, services and information should work for everyone.”

Source: randymillis.ca, 2026-10-11

Progressive values

His values lean progressive. He talks about people who are "often overlooked", disability, stable housing, food security and climate. He thinks carefully about evidence and results. But he doesn't commit to anything specific. (no concrete plan)

“I also bring lived experience of disability and housing instability.”

Source: randymillis.ca, 2026-10-11

Land value tax

Nothing. (no concrete plan)

Affordability & housing

He wants to "take a closer look" at how much city fees and approvals add to the price of a new home. Then he'd make them simpler. That's a sensible instinct. But it's a study, not a plan. Nothing on rentals, co-ops or non-profit housing. (no concrete plan)

“Housing affordability isn't simply about building more homes. We need to make sure Kelowna is building the right kind of housing, in the right places, at prices that people who work here can actually afford.”

Source: gregdahms.com, 2026-10-11

“One option is to take a closer look at the costs involved in building a new home in Kelowna.”

Source: gregdahms.com, 2026-10-11

Transportation & transit

He never mentions transit. His "Infrastructure Growth and Transportation" plan is about traffic jams. It's also about who pays for roads and pipes as the city grows. "Growth should pay its fair share" is a decent rule. Asking what a new development will cost in 50 years is basically the case against sprawl. But he doesn't take it anywhere. (no concrete plan)

“What will this development cost Kelowna in 10, 20 or even 50 years?”

Source: gregdahms.com, 2026-10-11

“Growth should pay its fair share.”

Source: gregdahms.com, 2026-10-11

Drug crisis response

Nothing on addiction, treatment or housing. His safety plan comes from his own time as a business owner. He dealt with break-ins, fires and people camping at the door. His answer is "effective enforcement", partnerships, and maybe neighbourhood watch. (no concrete plan)

“As a former local business owner, I experienced these challenges firsthand, including break-ins, fires and people camping directly in front of our business doors.”

Source: gregdahms.com, 2026-10-11

“Maybe even bring back a neighborhood watch program!”

Source: gregdahms.com, 2026-10-11

Progressive values

Not progressive. It's "every tax dollar matters" and cutting office costs. He wants City Hall to be "a partner, not a roadblock" for business. To be fair, he has done a lot of volunteering, especially for animal welfare. He set up recycling programs at his businesses. But his one run for the legislature was for the BC Unity Party, a small right-wing party. (no concrete plan)

“City Hall should be a partner, not a roadblock.”

Source: gregdahms.com, 2026-10-11

“My journey began as an MLA candidate during the 2001 Provincial Election.”

Source: gregdahms.com, 2026-10-11

Land value tax

Nothing. But "growth should pay its fair share" is at least in the same spirit. (no concrete plan)

Affordability & housing

Focused on owning homes, and a bit slow-growth. He wants "attainable homeownership" through smaller single-family homes and townhomes. He says growth should strengthen Kelowna's character, "not simply increase its population". He says nothing about renters, who are squeezed the most right now. He also says nothing about apartments, co-ops or non-profit housing. (no concrete plan)

“Kevin believes we should expand opportunities for attainable homeownership by supporting thoughtfully designed smaller single-family homes, townhomes, and family-oriented neighbourhoods.”

Source: kevinkraft.ca, 2026-10-11

“Growth should strengthen Kelowna's character—not simply increase its population.”

Source: kevinkraft.ca, 2026-10-11

Transportation & transit

Nothing on transit. His transportation section is about traffic, roads, and pipes and roads "above and below the ground". He also wants senior governments to pay for the rules they hand down. (no concrete plan)

“Like many Kelowna residents, Kevin experiences the daily frustration of traffic congestion and infrastructure bottlenecks.”

Source: kevinkraft.ca, 2026-10-11

Drug crisis response

Generic. He wants to support first responders. He would push the province and Ottawa to fund justice, mental health and addiction services. At least he doesn't push mandatory care. But he says nothing on housing, treatment or harm reduction either. (no concrete plan)

“It will take strong partnerships, responsible local leadership, and continued advocacy to ensure the provincial and federal governments fulfill their responsibilities for justice, mental health, and addiction services.”

Source: kevinkraft.ca, 2026-10-11

Progressive values

Not progressive, but not a culture warrior either. The standout is a real focus on being ready for hard times. He would protect farmland, water and local food, and prepare for emergencies. That's rare in this group, and I'd want it on council. The rest is small business and "protecting local taxpayers". (no concrete plan)

“A resilient community protects and invests in the things we depend on every day—our farmland, water, infrastructure, emergency services, and local food systems.”

Source: kevinkraft.ca, 2026-10-11

Land value tax

Nothing. (no concrete plan)

Drug crisis response

One sentence: public safety plus "compassionate responses to vulnerable residents". She doesn't mention forced treatment, which is something. Her years running KCR Community Resources suggest she knows the social services side. But she has no plan. (no concrete plan)

“Support public safety while ensuring compassionate responses to vulnerable residents.”

Source: lauraforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

Affordability & housing

"Support housing, transportation, and infrastructure investments that keep pace with growth." That's it. (no concrete plan)

“Support housing, transportation, and infrastructure investments that keep pace with growth while protecting our quality of life.”

Source: lauraforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

Transportation & transit

Only a passing mention of "transportation" in the same sentence as housing. Nothing on transit. (no concrete plan)

Progressive values

Centrist and from the business world. She chairs the provincial Chamber. Her pitch is "value for taxpayers" and less "division" on council. She gets credit for long non-profit service and for using the word "inclusive". But she says nothing about climate or fairness. (no concrete plan)

“Deliver value for taxpayers and ensure resources are invested where they make the greatest community impact.”

Source: lauraforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

Land value tax

Nothing. (no concrete plan)

Drug crisis response

Enforcement plus mandatory care. Her top priority is pushing higher levels of government on two things. She wants repeat offenders kept off the streets. She also wants mandatory care facilities. Dyas and other Okanagan leaders want the same thing at the Oliver jail. In her favour, she supports the Tiny Homes program. It pairs housing with support, and it has moved people into permanent homes. She also backs mental health workers responding to people in crisis "where appropriate". Nothing on harm reduction, which means making drug use less deadly.

“Press senior levels of government for stronger action on chronic offenders, more prosecutorial resources and mandatory care facilities.”

Source: maxinedehart.ca, 2026-10-11

“Support the Tiny Homes initiative, which combines safe housing with support to help people move toward permanent housing.”

Source: maxinedehart.ca, 2026-10-11

“I will continue to lobby to higher governments to keep prolific offenders off streets, increase prosecutorial resources and establish mandatary care facilities.”

Source: kelownacapnews.com, 2026-10-05

Affordability & housing

Her platform is vague ("increase attainable housing options"). But her record is better than her words. In January 2026, council allowed stacked townhouses in a single-family zone. Only Cannan, Hodge and Lovegrove voted no, so she voted yes. In July 2026 she voted for a 100-unit rental building. Only Cannan voted against it. Those are exactly the votes the anti-rental candidates are running against. (no concrete plan)

“Work with government, developers and community partners to increase attainable housing options.”

Source: maxinedehart.ca, 2026-10-11

“Staff weren’t disciplined and council, except Councillors Cannan, Hodge, and Lovegrove, approved inserting stacked townhouses in RU1 on January 12, 2026 knowing the facts.”

Source: susanames.ca, 2026-01-23

“The council supported an application for a 100-unit rental apartment building on Coronation Street. Only councillor Ron Cannan voted against it for numerous reasons.”

Source: susanames.ca, 2026-07-31

Transportation & transit

Nothing on transit. Her one transportation idea is a "comprehensive review" of e-bike and e-scooter safety. It could lead to new limits on speed, routes and enforcement. She says she supports e-bikes. But leading with a crackdown review doesn't help walking, biking or transit. She also wants "continued growth" at the airport.

“I would bring forward and support a comprehensive review of e-bike and e-scooter safety in Kelowna.”

Source: maxinedehart.ca, 2026-10-11

“Support continued growth at Kelowna International Airport as a driver of jobs, tourism and investment.”

Source: maxinedehart.ca, 2026-10-11

Progressive values

Not progressive, but not driven by ideology either. Her focus is continuity, relationships and the business community. She voted for the 35% council pay raise in April 2024. It passed 5 to 4 and raised councillor pay to $58,080. Some argue that good pay lets more people afford to serve. But her own reason was her busy schedule. Nothing on climate or equity. (no concrete plan)

“I looked at my schedule the last couple of weeks of March and there were few evenings when I was home over two weeks.”

Source: kelownadailycourier.ca, 2024-04-09

“Raise approved in 5-4 vote on April 8, 2024.”

Source: kelownaiq.ca, 2026-10-11

Land value tax

Nothing. (no concrete plan)

Drug crisis response

This is the dealbreaker. He has lost a family member and a friend to addiction. That clearly shapes his views, and it deserves respect. But he flatly rejects housing first, which means giving people a home before asking them to get sober. He says addiction, not housing costs, is the main cause of homelessness. He wants people without addictions to get housing first. He backs forced treatment. Until then, he wants to cut services he says feed "addiction tourism". He also wants bylaw officers to make Kelowna "such an annoyance that they go somewhere else". That just moves people around. It doesn't solve anything.

“I believe that people who are unable or unwilling to get treatment for severe addiction should have that choice made for them.”

Source: old.reddit.com

“We desperately need a triage type system. If you are addicted, you need treatment first and then rehab and then housing.”

Source: old.reddit.com

“I want to analyze what services we can cut that simply enable this addiction tourism and perhaps prevent them from choosing Kelowna in the first place.”

Source: old.reddit.com

“The goal is to be such an annoyance that they go somewhere else.”

Source: old.reddit.com

Transportation & transit

He says "yes" to more buses and even light rail. But his real focus is traffic flow and a second bridge. It might link Westside Road to Glenmore Road. He'd pay for it by trimming the city budget and getting the province to pay most of it. People on Reddit pushed back hard on the cost. They also said new roads just fill up with more cars. He agreed the bridge alone won't fix traffic. He has no real transit plan. (no concrete plan)

“Long term, we cannot keep putting off creation of a second crossing into Kelowna.”

Source: old.reddit.com

“I could envision the second crossing being further north and connecting Westside road to Glenmore road.”

Source: old.reddit.com

“I'm basically a yes for everything you've mentioned.”

Source: old.reddit.com

Affordability & housing

Thin, and he leans toward slower growth. He doubts the province's housing targets can last ("infinite growth isn't sustainable"). He prefers long-term rentals from individual owners over buildings owned by developers. He's fine with short-term rentals, but only in buildings made for them. He has no housing plan. (no concrete plan)

“I personally don't believe the infinite growth housing model set by the province is sustainable, especially when we have so many communities drawing on Okanagan lake for water supply.”

Source: old.reddit.com

“If it's in a purpose built location then I'm okay with it. I would personally rather see long term rentals especially from individual owners as I believe this is key in helping reducing rent costs.”

Source: old.reddit.com

Progressive values

Lots to like outside the drug crisis. He says yes to trans rights. He strongly opposes the city's Avigilon security cameras because they invade privacy. As a musician, he has real arts ideas. He wants a city-owned rehearsal space open all day and night, and more all-ages venues. He'd drop the 15% fee the city takes on tickets and merch for local performers. He wants young people to get first shot at entry-level jobs. He also calls out businesses that abuse the temporary foreign worker program. His landscaping know-how on drought is real, like longer grass and removing thirsty cedars. But he doubts trees belong in road medians.

“Of course, Im a strong believer that who a person is or what they do isn't any of the governments business.”

Source: old.reddit.com

“I'm a huge advocate for privacy and I strongly oppose the unnecessary monitoring of citizens with this system.”

Source: old.reddit.com

“One last project I would recommend is the creation of a city owned 24/7 access rehearsal space.”

Source: old.reddit.com

Land value tax

Nothing. (no concrete plan)

Affordability & housing

The best part of his record. He brought forward the plan that gave more money and moving help to tenants forced out by redevelopment. Under this council, the City gave land and cut development fees for affordable housing projects. He admits a higher vacancy rate "does not necessarily mean affordability". He wants more affordable housing for middle-income workers. He seems to have voted with the majority on two 2026 projects. One allowed stacked townhouses in single-family zones. The other was the 100-unit Coronation Street rental. Only Cannan voted no on both, with Hodge and Lovegrove also voting no on the townhouses.

“For example, I brought forward an initiative that resulted in increased financial and relocation assistance for tenants displaced by redevelopment.”

Source: forchangekelowna.com, 2026-10-11

“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.”

Source: forchangekelowna.com, 2026-10-11

Drug crisis response

Enforcement plus pushing other governments. He wants to keep adding police and bylaw officers. He says council has "strongly advocated" to the province and Ottawa for changes cities can't make. He names forced addiction treatment as one of them. In 2022 he said Kelowna's Journey Home strategy, its housing-first plan, "may have now met its natural conclusion". He said it needs replacing. To be fair, he didn't call it a failure. He also said people need support programs after they get housed. In 2021 a man threatened him with a knife outside his apartment. That clearly shaped his focus on crime. (no concrete plan)

“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.”

Source: forchangekelowna.com, 2026-10-11

“It's one thing to provide housing, it's another thing to provide programs after people are housed to keep them going in society,”

Source: castanet.net

Transportation & transit

Roads first. His main goal is finishing current projects, like widening parts of Glenmore Road to four lanes. Transit doesn't come up in his questionnaire answers.

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

Source: forchangekelowna.com, 2026-10-11

Progressive values

Centrist. He voted against council's 35% pay raise in 2024. He paid for his own campaign and took no donations to stay independent. But he also voted to pull Kelowna out of the regional economic development commission. His first-term highlights are big events, the airport and rec centres. He says nothing about climate or fairness. (no concrete plan)

“Giving yourself such a substantial raise doesn’t seem right to me.”

Source: kelownadailycourier.ca, 2024-04-09

Land value tax

Nothing. (no concrete plan)

Drug crisis response

Softer than most. She talks about "real pathways to recovery" and more treatment and mental health services. She wants partnership, "not blame". She says that what she hears at the door isn't a call for "enforcement alone". She doesn't back mandatory care, which is good. But she says nothing on housing first or harm reduction, and has no actual plan. (no concrete plan)

“We have to keep our community safe while making sure people experiencing homelessness and addiction have real pathways to recovery.”

Source: teresamay.ca, 2026-10-11

“And people keep naming mental health services as the root of it. They aren't asking for enforcement alone.”

Source: teresamay.ca, 2026-10-11

Affordability & housing

She'd speed up approvals and add housing "in the right locations while respecting our established neighbourhoods". That avoids taking a clear side. She works in home construction with her husband. She sells this as expertise, which is fair. But it's also a possible conflict of interest that she doesn't address. Her accessibility point is a truly good one. Accessible homes shouldn't stop at the front door. (no concrete plan)

“Kelowna's rapid growth is putting real pressure on housing affordability, and we need more housing options in the right locations while respecting our established neighbourhoods.”

Source: teresamay.ca, 2026-10-11

“Accessibility that ends at the threshold of the suite isn't accessibility.”

Source: teresamay.ca, 2026-10-11

Transportation & transit

Nothing, apart from a passing mention of "an accessible bus stop" in her seniors section. (no concrete plan)

“A safe sidewalk, an accessible bus stop, or an affordable home makes an enormous difference at both ends of life.”

Source: teresamay.ca, 2026-10-11

Progressive values

Centrist, and on purpose "practical, not ideological". She has real charity work behind her. She cares about seniors staying in their homes as they age, and about accessibility. But her economy and spending sections are standard small-business ideas, like "every tax increase needs to be justified". Nothing on climate or equity. (no concrete plan)

“I believe in a listening-first approach to City Hall that's practical, not ideological.”

Source: teresamay.ca, 2026-10-11

Land value tax

Nothing. (no concrete plan)

Affordability & housing

Better than most business candidates. His "Housing Fast Track" would put affordable, rental and missing-middle housing first in line, where roads and pipes can handle it. He supports a real mix of homes, like rentals, townhomes, duplexes and apartments. He wants to measure whether housing programs actually make homes cheaper. He also wants developers and current taxpayers to share the cost of growth fairly.

“If elected, I will advocate for a "Housing Fast Track" that gives priority to affordable, rental and missing-middle housing in areas where existing infrastructure and services can responsibly support growth.”

Source: sites.google.com, 2026-10-11

“• Clear measurement of whether housing initiatives actually improve affordability”

Source: sites.google.com, 2026-10-11

Drug crisis response

Compassion and accountability, with forced treatment included. He supports pushing for treatment, mental health care and supportive housing. But he names "involuntary care facilities" too. He also wants more enforcement and a focus on repeat offenders. He says nothing about housing first. He also skips harm reduction, which means keeping people who use drugs alive and safer.

“• Strong advocacy for treatment, mental-health services, supportive housing and complex-care resources,including involuntary care facilities”

Source: sites.google.com, 2026-10-11

Transportation & transit

He wants "More reliable and useful public transit" and better traffic flow. But he backs walking and biking only "where they are practical and well used". That's backwards, since people use bike routes once they're safe. Nothing specific. (no concrete plan)

“• More reliable and useful public transit”

Source: sites.google.com, 2026-10-11

“• Safe walking and cycling connections where they are practical and well used”

Source: sites.google.com, 2026-10-11

Progressive values

Not progressive, but not driven by ideology either ("I am not running to advance a political ideology"). His strongest idea is openness. He wants plain-language explanations and earlier public input. He also wants council to say why it meets in private, and to release those decisions later. He's skipping lawn signs to save money and waste, which I like. But in the end, it's a Chamber of Commerce platform that keeps taxes at inflation.

“If elected, I will advocate for greater disclosure around closed Council meetings, including clear reasons for going in camera and the timely public release of decisions once confidentiality is no longer required.”

Source: sites.google.com, 2026-10-11

“• A commitment to keeping annual property-tax increases at or below the rate of inflation”

Source: sites.google.com, 2026-10-11

Land value tax

Nothing. (no concrete plan)

Drug crisis response

About as far from housing first as it gets. His top priority is pushing the province to "enact and expand" forced care. He also wants strict bail, "zero tolerance", and more patrols, park rangers and security teams. Housing, treatment and harm reduction don't come up at all.

“Strongly lobby the BC Provincial Government to enact and expand compulsory, involuntary care facilities for individuals experiencing severe mental health crises, brain injuries, and extreme addiction on public streets.”

Source: balforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

“Bal stands for zero tolerance on repeat crime, increased law enforcement presence, and compassionate yet firm intervention for street-level crisis.”

Source: balforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

Transportation & transit

Mixed, but with some real ideas. Express shuttles from suburban hubs to downtown and UBCO are good. So are walking and biking bridges to the Rail Trail. But much of it is about moving more cars. He wants "AI-based adaptive signal timings" on Highway 97, plus more left-turn lanes and roundabouts on Lakeshore.

“Partner with BC Transit to introduce dedicated express shuttles linking major suburban hubs directly to the Downtown Central Exchange and UBCO.”

Source: balforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

“Build dedicated, safe pedestrian and cyclist bridge structures connecting core residential communities to the regional Okanagan Rail Trail.”

Source: balforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

“Upgrade priority thoroughfares (Highway 97, Lakeshore Road, and Springfield Road) with dynamic, AI-based adaptive signal timings to ease flow.”

Source: balforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

Affordability & housing

He says "improve housing affordability", then works against it. He wants to "reduce uncontrolled skyscrapers" and protect "single-family cores". He would freeze approvals for dense housing until roads and pipes are built. Keeping density along transit routes isn't crazy. But walling off single-family neighbourhoods is exactly what keeps housing scarce. His tax plan caps increases at inflation. It also shifts costs onto user fees and away from homeowners. That helps homeowners more than renters.

“Direct major high-rise density growth strictly along designated primary commercial transit corridors to protect established residential neighborhoods.”

Source: balforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

“Freeze major new high-density approvals in under-serviced zones until adequate municipal sewer, stormwater, and road capacities are budgeted and built.”

Source: balforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

“Optimize public parking, commercial licensing, and recreation facility fee structures to shift tax burdens fairly from residential property owners.”

Source: balforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

Progressive values

Not progressive overall. He wants law and order, an audit to "eliminate redundant middle-management", and taxes capped at inflation. He also ran for the BC United nomination. But credit where it's due: his green spaces section is solid. He wants a plan for more tree cover. He would protect public lakefront access from "private encroachment". He would make developers pay for parks. He would protect farmland in the Agricultural Land Reserve. And he would save spare City land for schools and daycares.

“Protect and expand continuous public access along Okanagan Lake waterfronts, resisting private encroachment on municipal beach accesses.”

Source: balforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

“Implement proactive urban forestry policies to protect mature trees, re-tree residential corridors, and expand green buffer zones near major thoroughfares.”

Source: balforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

Land value tax

Nothing. Shifting costs from homeowners onto user fees is close to the opposite idea. (no concrete plan)

Drug crisis response

Forced treatment and justice reform. He calls safer streets the biggest issue facing Kelowna. He wants "a practical framework for involuntary care". He wants other governments to end "revolving-door justice". He wants a review that could replace the RCMP with a city police force. He does talk about root causes and "medical, community, and structural support frameworks". But he says nothing on housing first or harm reduction. I checked his "over 50%" claim. It holds up, if "taxpayer revenue" means property taxes. The City says 54.1% of 2026 property taxes go to safety and emergency services. That means police, fire and bylaw. But property taxes only cover about 20% of the City's $1.1 billion budget. So emergency services are a much smaller share of total spending. The RCMP budget alone is just under $83.2 million, up 11% this year.

“-Pushing for medical, community, and structural support frameworks, including a practical framework for involuntary care, needed to tackle severe substance abuse and mental health concerns head-on.”

Source: pinterforprogress.com, 2026-10-11

“-Review of the current policing model and if the evidence suggests, replacing the RCMP with a municipal force.”

Source: pinterforprogress.com, 2026-10-11

“In terms of property tax dollars, the city said 54.1 per cent of the levy will go into safety and emergency services such as policing, fire services and bylaw services.”

Source: kelownacapnews.com, 2026-04-20

“In total, the RCMP budget is increasing by 11 per cent, set to total just under $83.2 million.”

Source: kelownacapnews.com, 2025-12-04

Affordability & housing

Openly puts homeowners first. He wants to balance lower housing costs against "protecting equity that current homeowners increasingly rely on". That's a polite way of saying prices shouldn't fall much. His big ideas are federal. He wants longer mortgages and tax breaks on mortgage interest. Both raise demand and prices instead of adding homes. Both are also very mortgage-broker ideas. He also calls taxes, not rent, most people's biggest cost of living. He does want to limit development fees and cut red tape for mid-priced homes.

“There is a delicate balance between trying to bring down the cost of housing while protecting equity that current homeowners increasingly rely on for retirement savings.”

Source: pinterforprogress.com, 2026-10-11

“We must also aggressively lobby other levels of government for common sense programs such as extending mortgage amortizations available and permitting interest on targeted entry level principle residential mortgages to be tax deductible.”

Source: pinterforprogress.com, 2026-10-11

Transportation & transit

Nothing on transit. Traffic only comes up as a hassle for drivers and for businesses moving goods. He also wants roads and pipes built before growth arrives. (no concrete plan)

“Council needs to strive to keep infrastructure ahead of the growth, rather than always playing catch up.”

Source: pinterforprogress.com, 2026-10-11

Progressive values

Not progressive. He talks about tax cuts ("leaving more money in the pockets of taxpayers") and "common sense". To his credit, he says saving money "does not equate to cutting valuable social services". He also mentions protecting wildlife paths from sprawl. But he worries about adding density and "the unique character of established neighborhoods". (no concrete plan)

“But fiscal responsibility does not equate to cutting valuable social services, it means ensuring tax dollars are spent wisely, efficiently and there are measurable results.”

Source: pinterforprogress.com, 2026-10-11

“Leaving more money in the pockets of taxpayers goes a long way in addressing the affordability issue.”

Source: pinterforprogress.com, 2026-10-11

Land value tax

Nothing. On taxes, he just wants to cut them in general. (no concrete plan)

Drug crisis response

He wants to move people into work instead of "indefinite maintenance". He wants to judge homelessness programs by their "social ROI", meaning what society gets back for the money. He'd steer them toward jobs and recovery. He also wants "real enforcement" and no "catch-and-release". Unlike Rathwell, he doesn't mention forced treatment. But he says nothing about housing first, which means giving people a home before asking them to get sober. Calling support "maintenance" suggests he sees housing-first help as what failed. (no concrete plan)

“Prioritize transition-to-work and recovery pathways over indefinite maintenance”

Source: coreyseverin.base44.app, 2026-10-11

“Track social ROI — measure what actually reduces homelessness, not just what spends”

Source: coreyseverin.base44.app, 2026-10-11

“Back real enforcement and repeat-offender accountability, not catch-and-release”

Source: coreyseverin.base44.app, 2026-10-11

Transportation & transit

A decent idea for transit, actually. He'd put reliable, frequent buses ahead of routes that cover lots of ground but serve few riders. He'd build routes around jobs and services, and connect neighbourhoods that are left out. He also wants "smarter traffic management" and better signal timing. No specifics. (no concrete plan)

“Prioritize reliability and frequency over coverage that doesn't serve riders”

Source: coreyseverin.base44.app, 2026-10-11

“Make transit a real option for working families, not a last resort”

Source: coreyseverin.base44.app, 2026-10-11

Affordability & housing

Nothing on affordability itself. His "Infrastructure Synchronicity" would make new buildings wait until upgrades to roads and pipes are done before anyone moves in. Developers would pay the full cost of those upgrades. That's fair on who pays. But it would likely slow down new housing.

“Mandate infrastructure upgrades are completed before new developments are occupied”

Source: coreyseverin.base44.app, 2026-10-11

“Require developers to account for the full infrastructure cost of their projects”

Source: coreyseverin.base44.app, 2026-10-11

Progressive values

Not progressive, but he has a couple of good ideas. He wants growth to respect "watershed integrity". He also wants to publish how every councillor votes. But he wants council made up of people "who have run businesses and managed real projects". And he's running as a team with JC Rathwell, who campaigns on "awake, not woke" and "mandatory treatment or jail". (no concrete plan)

“Show how every councillor votes on every decision, not just the headlines”

Source: coreyseverin.base44.app, 2026-10-11

“Ensure development respects the valley's ecological limits and watershed integrity”

Source: coreyseverin.base44.app, 2026-10-11

“Mark all four BRACE names on your ballot — October 17, 2026.”

Source: coreyseverin.base44.app, 2026-10-11

Land value tax

Nothing. (no concrete plan)

Transportation & transit

Cars, cars, cars. His plan is a second bridge across the lake, plus overpasses and exit lanes on Highway 97. Transit, biking and walking don't come up at all.

“Invest in infrastructure that can support Kelowna’s future, pursue a second bridge crossing, and advocate for practical Highway 97 improvements like overpasses and exit lanes.”

Source: hamidforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

Affordability & housing

He wants development where it "makes sense", "respecting neighbourhood character", and "keeping development fees reasonable". He works in development and real estate. From him, that reads as "lower fees for builders". He says nothing about rentals or non-profit housing. He doesn't say what affordable means for real people. (no concrete plan)

“Support development where it makes sense while respecting neighbourhood character and keeping development fees reasonable.”

Source: hamidforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

Drug crisis response

Nothing beyond "effective policing" and community safety. No housing, treatment or harm reduction. (no concrete plan)

“Prioritize effective policing, community safety, and the revitalization of neighbourhoods that need attention.”

Source: hamidforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

Progressive values

Not progressive. He helped found a BC Conservative riding group and was the party's Okanagan regional director. His platform is policing, roads and spending tax dollars "responsibly". (no concrete plan)

“Passionate about public service from a young age, Hamid 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.”

Source: hamidforkelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

Land value tax

Nothing. (no concrete plan)

Drug crisis response

A decent way of putting it. He says moving people around isn't a solution. He wants shelters, short-term and supportive housing, mental health services, addiction treatment and jobs to work together. He doesn't back mandatory care. But it's one paragraph, with "strong frontline policing" alongside it. He makes no real promises. (no concrete plan)

“Homelessness is one of Kelowna's most visible and difficult challenges, and simply moving people from one location to another is not a solution.”

Source: hmorales.ca, 2026-10-11

“We need a coordinated approach that combines emergency shelter, transitional and supportive housing, mental-health services, addiction treatment, employment pathways and accountability.”

Source: hmorales.ca, 2026-10-11

Affordability & housing

He points to what council actually controls: permits, zoning and how fast planning moves. That's fair, but he stops there. (no concrete plan)

“City Hall cannot control every factor affecting housing prices, but it can control permitting, planning, zoning, infrastructure coordination and how efficiently development moves forward.”

Source: hmorales.ca, 2026-10-11

Transportation & transit

"Balanced." Roads and traffic flow come first, then reliable transit. Cycling and walking come only "where they make sense". That last part says a lot. (no concrete plan)

“I support a balanced transportation strategy that improves major road corridors, intersections and traffic flow while expanding reliable public transit and creating safe alternatives for cycling and walking where they make sense.”

Source: hmorales.ca, 2026-10-11

Progressive values

On his own, he's centrist and business-minded ("one of Canada's best cities to start, operate and grow a business"). He backs protecting farmland, with reliable water for farmers. But his group is focused on crime. One of its members campaigns on being "awake, not woke". A West K News columnist pointed out what that usually means. It means opposing inclusion, protections for gender identity, and reconciliation work. His own platform says nothing on climate or equity. (no concrete plan)

“Kelowna should be one of Canada's best cities to start, operate and grow a business.”

Source: hmorales.ca, 2026-10-11

“I stand for a leadership that is awake, not woke—focused on public safety and hard-working families rather than ideological agendas.”

Source: braceforchange.ca, 2026-10-11

Land value tax

Nothing. (no concrete plan)

Transportation & transit

Nothing. The word "transit" doesn't appear anywhere on his site. The only match is "transitioning off the streets". Transportation gets one passing mention in a list of things to plan together. (no concrete plan)

“Roads, water, parks, and community services that keep pace with growth.”

Source: votebellamy.ca, 2026-10-11

Affordability & housing

Loosely in favour of more housing by cutting red tape. That's better than slow growth. But there's no actual policy. He has no targets or programs, and nothing on rentals, co-ops or non-profit housing. (no concrete plan)

“Every unnecessary regulation, delay, or planning decision adds cost to a home.”

Source: votebellamy.ca, 2026-10-11

Drug crisis response

"Compassion with accountability" and "fair, consistent enforcement". He doesn't mention treatment, housing first, keeping drug users safer, or forced care. So I honestly can't tell what he'd do. (no concrete plan)

“Compassion with accountability for mental health, addiction, and homelessness.”

Source: votebellamy.ca, 2026-10-11

“Fair, consistent enforcement that protects neighbourhoods and public spaces.”

Source: votebellamy.ca, 2026-10-11

Progressive values

Not progressive. It's "respect taxpayers", "reduce red tape", and a review of City Hall before any tax increase. Nothing on climate, the environment or equity. Neither of the first two words appears on his site. (no concrete plan)

“I support an independent operational review to identify inefficiencies, eliminate duplication, modernize processes, and ensure taxpayers receive the best possible value.”

Source: votebellamy.ca, 2026-10-11

Land value tax

Nothing. (no concrete plan)

Affordability & housing

Gentle density, not towers. She wants "rental and family-scale homes that fit their neighbourhood". She voted for 20 rental homes on Lawson Avenue. But she voted against letting a downtown tower go to 25 storeys. She seems to have voted with the majority on two 2026 projects. One allowed stacked townhouses in single-family zones in January. The other was the 100-unit Coronation Street rental in July. Only Cannan voted no on both, with Hodge and Lovegrove also voting no on the townhouses. She also backed housing for 40 seasonal farm workers. In the debate over where the city can grow, she said "not all young families want to live in townhouses or condos". (no concrete plan)

“Growth has to work for the people who already live and work here: more rental and family-scale homes that fit their neighbourhood, not towers dropped where they don't belong.”

Source: votemohini.ca, 2026-10-11

“Councillor Mohini Singh said: “not all young families want to live in townhouses or condos”.”

Source: susanames.ca, 2026-07-14

Drug crisis response

Police, not housing. Her safety plan is more police and firefighters. She backed budgets that added 11 RCMP officers and 8 firefighters. Her site says nothing about homelessness or treatment. It also skips housing first, harm reduction and forced treatment.

“Keep investing in policing so every neighbourhood has the officers and response times it can count on, and give firefighter staffing the same urgency.”

Source: votemohini.ca, 2026-10-11

Transportation & transit

Nothing. Transit, cycling and walking don't appear anywhere on her site. (no concrete plan)

Progressive values

Mixed. She voted against the 35% council pay raise. She protects farmland and Okanagan Lake. She shows up at Pride and Vaisakhi alike, and she has a long record of charity work. But she voted to pull Kelowna out of the regional economic development commission ("keepers of the public purse"). Gord Lovegrove says she also cast the deciding vote against saving a wetland in the northeast. The vote was 5 to 3. Endangered species live there, and it will be paved for an industrial park and pickleball courts. (no concrete plan)

“I’m just not comfortable taking such a big increase. It doesn’t sit well with me.”

Source: kelownadailycourier.ca, 2024-04-09

“While I led the charge to save these prescious wetlands, sadly, I failed in my efforts to l save them by one vote, losing 5 to 3, with Mohini Singh casting the deciding ballot against saving them.”

Source: lovegrovekelowna.ca, 2026-10-11

Land value tax

Nothing. (no concrete plan)

Drug crisis response

Her top issue is public safety, and she says it outright. She'd lobby the province for "compassionate involuntary care", which is forced treatment. She wants "firm responses" to repeat offenders. To be fair, she also talks about steps from crisis to treatment, housing and work. She wants to map which service groups are doing what. But housing comes near the end of that list, and enforcement comes first. She says nothing about keeping drug users alive and safer. (no concrete plan)

“I would also advocate to the Province to put compassionate involuntary care on the table for people who meet appropriate clinical and legal criteria and cannot safely care for themselves.”

Source: kelownacapnews.com, 2026-10-09

“Repeat criminal behaviour still requires firm responses.”

Source: kelownacapnews.com, 2026-10-09

“That means stronger, enforceable bylaws, a visible presence where problems persist, better coordination between police, bylaw, outreach, health and housing”

Source: kelownacapnews.com, 2026-10-09

Affordability & housing

Generic business talk about building more. She would cut costs and delays in housing approvals. She would review building fees for "attainable" homes. That's not bad. But there are no numbers or programs, and nothing on rentals or non-profit housing. (no concrete plan)

“Reduce cost and delay in housing approvals”

Source: nikkicsek.com, 2026-10-11

“Review DCCs to support attainable homes and fair growth”

Source: nikkicsek.com, 2026-10-11

Transportation & transit

Nothing. Her section on roads and pipes lists "water, sewer, roads, bridges, lighting, parks". Transit, bikes and walking don't come up at all. (no concrete plan)

“City Hall must plan and deliver water, sewer, roads, bridges, lighting, parks, and services so people can move through real housing choices as life changes.”

Source: nikkicsek.com, 2026-10-11

Progressive values

Not progressive. It's business-group, low-tax talk ("deliver more, take less"). It puts enforcement first on public safety and backs forced care. Credit where it's due. She ran KelownaSantas.com for 14 years, delivering gifts to kids in need. She is on the board of Mamas for Mamas. Her wildfire plan also makes sense. (no concrete plan)

“City Hall must live by the same discipline: deliver more, take less, and prove the benefit of every dollar it takes from taxpayers.”

Source: nikkicsek.com, 2026-10-11

Land value tax

Nothing beyond reviewing building fees. (no concrete plan)

Other

She is CEO of NowMedia Group, which runs KelownaNow. That local news site has been covering this election, including her own campaign. That doesn't mean the coverage is unfair. But voters should know about it. I'd want to know how she'd handle the conflict of interest if elected. (no concrete plan)

“Created WelcomeToKelowna.com, today’s KelownaNow.”

Source: nikkicsek.com, 2026-10-11

Affordability & housing

A contractor's view. He'd cut red tape, fix up old homes and "reimagine vacant lots". He'd make it easier for homeowners to add legal suites "for safe, sustainable passive income". More suites do add rentals. But he pitches it as income for homeowners, not help for renters. He says nothing about non-profit or co-op housing.

“Rob will cut through red tape, restore hundreds of old homes, reimagine vacant lots, and help homeowners create legal suites for safe, sustainable passive income.”

Source: robwilkinson.base44.app, 2026-10-11

Drug crisis response

Only the slate's lines: "real enforcement, repeat-offender accountability", and homelessness fixes that aren't "the same failed approach". He doesn't mention forced treatment himself. But he's asking people to vote for Rathwell, who wants "mandatory treatment or jail". (no concrete plan)

“Real enforcement, repeat-offender accountability, and neighbourhood safety people can feel.”

Source: robwilkinson.base44.app, 2026-10-11

“Solutions grounded in facts and measurable results, not the same failed approach.”

Source: robwilkinson.base44.app, 2026-10-11

Transportation & transit

One slate line about "reliable transit that works", next to "smarter traffic". Nothing specific. (no concrete plan)

“Reliable transit that works — connecting neighbourhoods to jobs, services, and downtown.”

Source: robwilkinson.base44.app, 2026-10-11

Progressive values

Mixed. I like that he cares about small family farms and local food. He wants sidewalks and public spaces that seniors can use. He'd publish every councillor's vote within 48 hours. But he's on the BRACE slate, which puts crime first and includes JC Rathwell's "awake, not woke" pitch. He also wants councillors with business experience instead of "career politicians". (no concrete plan)

“Rooted in early lessons of raising animals and fixing fences, Rob will fiercely protect small-scale family farms, defend our local food security, and champion chemical-free, Farm-to-Table protein and produce.”

Source: robwilkinson.base44.app, 2026-10-11

“Look for these names. One coordinated slate — four votes for common sense and change at Kelowna City Hall. Mark all four.”

Source: robwilkinson.base44.app, 2026-10-11

Land value tax

Nothing. (no concrete plan)

Other

His one idea. He says council checks every request to speak to it. So residents can be turned away if council doesn't like their complaint. He'd move right away to replace the rules that allow this. Then anyone could speak to council without approval first. That's a fair point about public access. Gord Lovegrove has also called for letting the public speak at council again.

Progressive values

Not progressive. He ran for the People's Party of Canada in 2021. It's Maxime Bernier's right-wing populist party. He campaigned against vaccine passports and lockdowns. His top priority then was to "get rid of all the mandates". (no concrete plan)

“The last thing we want to see is our government continue to erode away that every single freedom that we have, whether it be life, liberty, or your property,”

Source: globalnews.ca, 2021-09-16

“Get rid of all the mandates, get rid of all this expectation of making businesses check for people’s ID,”

Source: globalnews.ca, 2021-09-16

Drug crisis response

Nothing. (no concrete plan)

Affordability & housing

Nothing. (no concrete plan)

Transportation & transit

Nothing. (no concrete plan)

Affordability & housing

Openly against renters. She wants to "firmly challenge" any more rental housing to keep vacancy low. That way, homeowners with suites don't struggle to find tenants. Low vacancy is exactly what pushes rents up. So she's asking renters to pay more to protect landlords' mortgages. Not shocking from a realtor, but wow, she just says it.

“I propose to firmly challenge further rental housing in Kelowna to keep the vacancy rate low and balanced, which will support homeowners keeping their secondary suites rented.”

Source: kelownadoris.com, 2026-10-11

“Many homeowners qualify for substantially higher mortgages when a house has a suite.”

Source: kelownadoris.com, 2026-10-11

Transportation & transit

Actively bad. She never mentions transit. She wants to stop adding bike lanes. She treats e-bikes as the danger to drivers, not the other way around. And "no to bike lane expansion" is one of her spending cuts.

“The expansion of bike lanes on local roads needs to be curtailed until road safety is further studied at the current level of traffic, which is immense.”

Source: kelownadoris.com, 2026-10-11

“No to bike lane expansion.”

Source: kelownadoris.com, 2026-10-11

Drug crisis response

Enforcement first. She wants more police, more Crown prosecutors, "consequences for crime", and to use empty jail space. She backs the push for a treatment centre at the Okanagan Correctional Centre in Oliver. It's the same jail-based "mandatory care" idea Dyas backs. She says nothing on housing first or keeping drug users alive and safer. A fact check on her jail numbers: B.C.'s jails overall are nowhere near 15 to 20% full. BC Corrections' 2026 profile lists 1,830 people in custody across 10 centres with 2,435 cells. That's about 75% full by cell count. Her number matches the Okanagan Correctional Centre in 2023. It was reported at about 20% full, with 167 people and room for 800. Part of the reason was that staff shortages had closed several wings. BC Corrections lists 401 cells there, so even then it was closer to 40% full. In September 2026, Okanagan leaders, including Kelowna's, still called it "significantly underutilized". But nobody has published a current number.

“We need more police officers.”

Source: kelownadoris.com, 2026-10-11

“We need to lobby for consequences for crime and investigate the under-use of our jails, which are only at 15–20% capacity at any given time.”

Source: kelownadoris.com, 2026-10-11

“I support the Okanagan community initiative to create a treatment centre at the Okanagan Correction Centre in Oliver, one of the facilities that is nearly empty.”

Source: kelownadoris.com, 2026-10-11

“supervising 1,830 individuals in custody and 17,000 in BC communities.”

Source: www2.gov.bc.ca

“B.C.’s biggest jail, located in Oliver, is reaching only 20 per cent of its capacity despite an increase in intakes.”

Source: terracestandard.com, 2023-03-22

“Built by the Province in 2016, the OCC is a modern facility that remains significantly underutilized.”

Source: oliver.ca, 2026-09-04

Progressive values

Not progressive. Her spending plan is a list of no's. No new parks, no bike lanes, and no buying waterfront land for the public. I like only a few parts. She wants more money for fire halls and wildfire prep. She would put farm water first. And she promises to mentor women into local politics.

“No to further park expansion projects.”

Source: kelownadoris.com, 2026-10-11

“No to waterfront property acquisition.”

Source: kelownadoris.com, 2026-10-11

Land value tax

Nothing. (no concrete plan)

Drug crisis response

The harshest position in the race. He says homelessness isn't the problem at all ("we have a Drug and soft on crime problem"). His answer is "mandatory treatment or jail" and zero tolerance. He wants repeat offenders watched all the time until they "stop, leave, or end up in jail or forced treatment".

“We don't have a Homeless problem, we have a Drug and soft on crime problem.”

Source: voteformeordont.com, 2026-10-11

“Shut down open drug use, crack down on repeat offenders, and give them a clear choice: mandatory treatment or jail.”

Source: voteformeordont.com, 2026-10-11

“No more catch-and-release—either they stop, leave, or end up in jail or forced treatment.”

Source: voteformeordont.com, 2026-10-11

Affordability & housing

He'd cut development fees, which isn't crazy on its own. But he also wants looser short-term rental rules. He'd "treat Airbnb like a legitimate business". That takes homes away from long-term renters. It's the opposite of what renters need.

“Lower DCC charges so builders can build and businesses can open without getting buried in costs.”

Source: voteformeordont.com, 2026-10-11

“Treat Airbnb like a legitimate business and make it easy to run—not impossible.”

Source: voteformeordont.com, 2026-10-11

Transportation & transit

Nothing on transit. His one transportation idea is "AI-driven traffic lights". He wants them to move cars faster on Highway 97 and over the bridge.

“Implement AI-driven traffic lights and real-time adaptive signals that actually respond to traffic conditions.”

Source: voteformeordont.com, 2026-10-11

Progressive values

The opposite. He says "Awake, not woke" and calls COVID a "plandemic". He proposes that only business owners who've paid staff should be allowed on council. That would shut out most working people. I like one idea. He's leading a group to turn the old mill machine shop shed into a public market like Granville Island's.

“I stand for a leadership that is awake, not woke—focused on public safety and hard-working families rather than ideological agendas.”

Source: braceforchange.ca, 2026-10-11

“During the "plandemic," government decisions shut down small businesses with blanket rules, fines, and zero understanding of real-world impact.”

Source: voteformeordont.com, 2026-10-11

“Require council members to have actual experience running a business with employees and financial responsibility.”

Source: voteformeordont.com, 2026-10-11

Land value tax

Nothing. (no concrete plan)

Progressive values

The opposite, and she has a record. In 2018 she posted on the Canadian Council for Faith and Family's Facebook page. She wrote that she "cannot be in favour of SOGI 123", the B.C. resources that help make schools safe for LGBTQ+ students. She told the Daily Courier it "flies in the face of traditional family". She did say she has LGBTQ friends and that student safety comes first. In 2019 she was one of two trustees who voted against the district having an information table at Kelowna Pride. Campaign Life Coalition, an anti-abortion group, rates her "pro-parental rights" because of her stand on SOGI. Her platform's "strong families" and "freedom" language fits that pattern. (no concrete plan)

“No, I cannot be in favour of SOGI 123, based on the research I have done since the board's declaration in May,”

Source: kelownadailycourier.ca, 2018-09-18

“I stand in awe of the fact that our Ministry of Education would roll in a program that is promoted as anti-bullying, safe environment and inclusive, but it promotes research that flies in the face of traditional family.”

Source: kelownadailycourier.ca, 2018-09-18

“Tiede previously said she’s not opposed to LGBTQ+, but has serious concerns about the SOGI 123 resources.”

Source: kelownadailycourier.ca, 2019-06-06

Drug crisis response

Vague, but it sounds caring. She lists "helping those facing homelessness or addiction" as part of being a good neighbour. She has no plan. She doesn't mention housing, treatment or enforcement. (no concrete plan)

“This includes supporting families caring for loved ones, helping those facing homelessness or addiction, standing with communities affected by natural disasters, and supporting local businesses through difficult times.”

Source: lee-anntiede.ca, 2026-10-11

Affordability & housing

"Good jobs, beautiful homes, affordability" for families. She also wants grandchildren to be able to afford to live here. She has no housing policy at all. (no concrete plan)

“Families should have the opportunity for good jobs, beautiful homes, affordability, and a stable family life.”

Source: lee-anntiede.ca, 2026-10-11

Transportation & transit

Nothing. (no concrete plan)

Land value tax

Nothing. (no concrete plan)

Other

Her one idea is how council should work together. It comes from her "11 Commandments for a great team". Help each other be right. Look for ways to make new ideas work. Check before you assume. Celebrate each other's wins. Honestly, that's not bad advice for council. She also says she gave leftover money from a past campaign to a group that gives produce to food programs. (no concrete plan)

“Look for ways to make new ideas work – rather than for reasons they won’t”

Source: facebook.com, 2026-10-11

“a voice of horse sense to the mayor and other councilors”

Source: facebook.com, 2026-10-11

Drug crisis response

Nothing. (no concrete plan)

Affordability & housing

Nothing. (no concrete plan)

Transportation & transit

Nothing. (no concrete plan)

Progressive values

The opposite. Beyond the "Keeping Kelowna Kelowna" slogan, the posts I've seen on his social media are hostile to Muslims and Palestinians. They also brush off Pride. He called a rainbow crosswalk a "waste of time and paint". (no concrete plan)

Drug crisis response

Nothing beyond "public safety" and "order out of chaos" on his poster. (no concrete plan)

Affordability & housing

Nothing beyond a "housing & development" icon and "a safer, stronger, more affordable Kelowna". (no concrete plan)

Transportation & transit

Nothing beyond a "traffic & infrastructure" icon. (no concrete plan)

SOGI 123 & inclusive schools

For it, clearly. SOGI 123 is a set of B.C. teaching resources that help make schools safe for LGBTQ+ students. In 2022 she said schools must be safe and welcoming for all. She said everyone has a sexual orientation and gender identity. She called it upsetting that some adults think it's a choice. That is exactly what I want to hear from a trustee. (no concrete plan)

“Our schools and learning spaces need to be safe and welcoming for all. Everyone has a sexual orientation and a gender identity and it’s important that we support all students, not just a select few.”

Source: kelownacapnews.com, 2022-09-25

“It’s upsetting to me that some adults think that sexual orientation and gender identity is a choice.”

Source: kelownacapnews.com, 2022-09-25

Progressive values

No party ties that I found. Her values lean progressive. She backs inclusive learning, more diversity in schools, and Truth and Reconciliation. She says her first term brought school building work, a new superintendent and a new plan for the district. (no concrete plan)

“The district’s focus on Truth and Reconciliation while incorporating significant Indigenous learning improves school culture and builds relationships.”

Source: kelownacapnews.com, 2022-09-25

“Board Chair of School District 23 (SD23) Val Johnson has announced she is seeking re-election to the Board of Trustees.”

Source: lakecountrycalendar.com, 2026-09-08

SOGI 123 & inclusive schools

Unknown. I found no public statement from him on SOGI 123. SOGI 123 is a set of B.C. teaching resources that help make schools safe for LGBTQ+ students. His site does talk about "avenues for inclusion for all". As a career public school teacher with union backing, he likely supports inclusive schools. That is my guess, not something he has said. (no concrete plan)

“Fostering personal growth in all learners and providing avenues for inclusion for all by supporting academics, athletics, arts, applied skills and extra curricular pursuits.”

Source: jimstrachan.ca, 2026-10-11

Progressive values

Leans centre-left. His site lists CUPE Local 3523 and the North Okanagan Labour Council as endorsers. CUPE 3523 is the union for school support staff. He also stresses "fiscal responsibility" and respecting taxpayers. He frames budgets as protecting classrooms from cuts. (no concrete plan)

“As the district budgets become strained under provincial policy, my history as an educator and in the wider community have given me the tools and insights to help our district make financially responsible decisions which do not compromise our kids in the classroom.”

Source: kelownacapnews.com, 2026-10-08

Other

His top issue is money. He says provincial grants are falling behind inflation. He wants to keep budget cuts away from the classroom. He has 34 years of classroom experience to back that up. (no concrete plan)

“The most crucial challenge facing our school district are budgetary finances.”

Source: kelownacapnews.com, 2026-10-08

“The kids should not see what the adults have to do to keep their education strong.”

Source: kelownacapnews.com, 2026-10-08

SOGI 123 & inclusive schools

Leans the right way, but he never names SOGI 123. SOGI 123 is a set of B.C. teaching resources that help make schools safe for LGBTQ+ students. One of his four priorities is "Safe, Inclusive & Welcoming Schools". He wants every student to feel they belong. His years as an Indigenous student advocate back that up. I could not find any public statement from him on SOGI 123 itself. I'd want to ask him directly. (no concrete plan)

“Every student deserves to feel safe, welcomed and that they belong at school.”

Source: richardgauthier.ca, 2026-10-11

Progressive values

He doesn't name a party or ideology. His pitch is strong public schools, more per-student funding, and support for teachers and support staff. That points centre to centre-left. He also works on Indigenous education and reconciliation. (no concrete plan)

“I believe in public education. I believe in our students. I believe in our teachers and support staff.”

Source: richardgauthier.ca, 2026-10-11

“Per-student funding remains one of the most important issues facing public education.”

Source: richardgauthier.ca, 2026-10-11

SOGI 123 & inclusive schools

Unknown. I couldn't find anything from her on SOGI 123. SOGI 123 is a set of B.C. teaching resources that help make schools safe for LGBTQ+ students. Her site stresses "student success for all" and celebrating diversity. That's a good sign, but it's not a stance. (no concrete plan)

“Supporting language learners and celebrating cultural diversity.”

Source: debdickersonpogue.com, 2026-10-11

“Passionate about helping every student reach their full potential.”

Source: debdickersonpogue.com, 2026-10-11

Progressive values

Likely centre or centre-left, but I can't confirm it. Her work in public education, special education and multicultural groups suggests she values inclusion. She stands up for "strong public schools" through COPAC. She hasn't stated any political views. (no concrete plan)

“Advocating for public education and strong public schools.”

Source: debdickersonpogue.com, 2026-10-11

SOGI 123 & inclusive schools

Unknown. I found no public statement from him on SOGI 123. SOGI 123 is a set of B.C. teaching resources that help make schools safe for LGBTQ+ students. He praises the district's work on diversity and inclusion. But his "inclusion" plank is about free school merchandise, not LGBTQ+ students. One of his campaign videos is titled "Community Voice & Parental Representation". That phrase can hint at the "parental rights" side, but that's my reading, not his words. (no concrete plan)

“While the district does great work promoting diversity and inclusion, our board of trustees doesn’t yet reflect our multicultural and diverse community.”

Source: kelownacapnews.com, 2026-10-10

“Introduce standardized school merchandize across public schools, funded or subsidized by the school district.”

Source: ashok-verma-sd23.netlify.app, 2026-10-11

Progressive values

Mixed. His best idea is free breakfast and lunch for all students and staff, paid for by the district. He wants school buildings open after hours for youth programs. He also wants daily mindfulness or yoga. On the other side, he talks about "discipline" and pairs uniforms with it. He calls his ideas "common-sense solutions".

“Establish a district-wide morning and midday meal program available to all students and school staff.”

Source: ashok-verma-sd23.netlify.app, 2026-10-11

“Uniforms instill school pride, eliminate socio-economic peer pressure, and promote a disciplined learning atmosphere.”

Source: ashok-verma-sd23.netlify.app, 2026-10-11

Other

His top issue is funding. He wants to push the province hard for more money for schools. He also wants a district-wide safety review. (no concrete plan)

“The most pressing issue facing School District 23 is funding.”

Source: kelownacapnews.com, 2026-10-10

SOGI 123 & inclusive schools

Unclear, with a warning sign. She has not said where she stands on SOGI 123. SOGI 123 is a set of B.C. teaching resources that help make schools safe for LGBTQ+ students. In 2021 she spoke at a Sunday service at New Life Church. She told people to vote for "family values and parents' rights". CBC covered the speech. Local writer Wilbur Turner points out that these phrases are common code for pushing back on SOGI 123. He also notes that she has not openly said she is against it. Her 2026 site leaves out that language. It says "welcoming classrooms" instead. I'd want her to answer the question directly. (no concrete plan)

“She told the congregation it was their privilege and responsibility to vote and to do so if they stood for what they believed in, "family values and parents' rights,"”

Source: queergranddad.substack.com, 2026-09-05

“While Brinkerhoff has not openly said she is against SOGI 123, and the language she used in her church speech doesn't appear on her current campaign website, voters have the right to ask her what she meant by those phrases.”

Source: queergranddad.substack.com, 2026-09-05

“Every student deserves welcoming classrooms, strong mental health supports, solid academics, financial literacy, and more accountable screen-time.”

Source: joycefortrustee.ca, 2026-10-11

Progressive values

Mixed. She leads Reconcili-Action and Arts for Social Change events. She also sits on boards like United Against Discrimination and Metro Community. That's a real record of community work. But her 2021 campaign leaned on church support and "parents' rights" language. That points to social conservatism on school issues. (no concrete plan)

“I'm co-founder and president of Global Citizen Events, leading Taste of Home, The Global Schoolhouse, the Sustainable Development Challenge, Arts for Social Change, and Reconcili-Action, building a more welcoming Okanagan.”

Source: joycefortrustee.ca, 2026-10-11

Other

Her top board issue is the budget. She wants the board to back the BC School Trustees Association in asking the province for better funding. She wants the province to announce funding earlier each year. She also wants more data and test scores to check if programs work. These are sensible board ideas.

“Although I am concerned that our schools are welcoming and supportive environments, the real concern at the Board level is budget – income and expense”

Source: kelownacapnews.com, 2026-10-05

“Let’s preserve what works while improving what doesn’t.”

Source: kelownacapnews.com, 2026-10-05