Salmon Arm 2026 General Local Election Candidate Info Consolidation
We are taking a break from our hiatus here at the Shuswap Drop since there is no clear way to read about our local candidates all in one place. It's last minute, but it's here. No snark this time, but it will be back, don't you worry...
General voting day is Saturday, October 17, 2026. Advance voting is October 7 and October 13, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Salmon Arm voters elect one mayor and up to six councillors for four-year terms. About 15,794 people are eligible to vote. (City of Salmon Arm, CivicInfo BC)
These profiles of all 20 candidates draw on nomination papers and financial disclosure statements, CKVS-FM radio interviews, the Downtown Salmon Arm candidate questionnaire, candidate websites and local news coverage. Every numbered note links to its source. Where sources disagree, both versions are reported. Nothing here is an endorsement.
The candidates
Mayor (vote for one)
- Daniel Bardy
- Alan Harrison (incumbent)
Council (vote for not more than six)
- Aaron Canart
- Debbie Cannon (incumbent)
- Shelley Desautels
- David Gonella (incumbent)
- River Grabowsky
- Ian Gray
- Vic Hamilton
- Owen Madden
- Jo McDermott
- Anthony McLean
- Adam Meikle
- Drayson Netzelwood
- Scott Syme
- Kari Toliver Wilkinson
- Morgan Turland
- Marianne VanBuskirk
- Louise Wallace Richmond (incumbent)
- Robin Wiens
At a glance
Daniel Bardy
Arborist, owner of Green4Earth Inc. tree service and founder of the freeshuswap.com website; 2022 council candidate
Biography
Bardy says he was born and grew up "behind the Iron Curtain," in a country ruled by a Communist Party. His 2022 Observer introduction names the country as Czechoslovakia. He told a 2022 forum he lived through the 1989 Velvet Revolution.[5][11][13]
He says he studied forestry. After high school and compulsory military service he worked in forestry and later as an insurance broker.[4][5]
He says he worked for more than a decade as an investigator with the Ministry of the Interior, specializing in environmental and economic crimes, and also has work experience in France and England.[5][4]
He says he moved to Alberta with his family on September 1, 2015, and worked in urban forestry for a tree company that was a contractor for the City of Calgary.[4][16]
He and his family moved to Salmon Arm in 2017. He worked for a tree company and then started his own tree service, Green4Earth Inc. He became an ISA-certified arborist in 2017, according to the company's website.[4][5][16]
He says he worked for a short time in the City of Salmon Arm's Parks Department.[4]
He says he started freeshuswap.com in 2022 "to cover stories and perspectives that I felt were underrepresented in mainstream media." The site calls itself an "independent information portal for the Shuswap community."[5][4][19]
He describes himself as passionate about "truth and justice" and lists nature, history, law and sport as interests. He names Jordan Peterson's 12 Rules for Life and the Bible as recent reading.[5][4]
In his radio interview he said that about two years earlier he was elected president of the local (Salmon Arm-Shuswap) riding association of the Conservative Party of British Columbia and resigned after two weeks.[40]
He says he lived in Calgary for almost two and a half years before moving to the Shuswap.[33]
Experience
- Owner of Green4Earth Inc., a tree service operating in Salmon Arm and the Shuswap. His disclosure statement lists it as his income source, in the capacity of owner.[16][31][1]
- Forestry and environmental services work in Europe, insurance broker work, and more than a decade as a Ministry of the Interior investigator in environmental and economic crime, by his own account.[4][5][11]
- Arborist with a Calgary-area tree company from 2015, by his own account.[4][16]
- Volunteers with the Shuswap Trail Alliance and says he supports it as a Gold sponsor. His company's website also shows volunteer beach clean-ups at the Salmon Arm wharf and trail clearing at Little Mountain Park.[5][17][18]
- Founder and publisher of freeshuswap.com since 2022. The site's posts appear under his name, under the initials "DB" or with co-authors.[4][20][25]
- President of the local Conservative Party of B.C. riding association for about two weeks, around 2024 (by his own account in the radio interview).[40]
Previous campaigns and public roles
- 2022 Salmon Arm council election: Bardy was one of the newcomer candidates for six council seats. He received 989 votes, finishing eighth of 11 candidates and not elected. He writes that "almost 1000 people gave me their support."[9][10][14][15][4]
- In his 2022 Observer introduction he said that as a councillor he would focus on "transparency, open dialogue, fair play, cooperation, honesty, integrity, common sense and strong community."[11]
- At the 2022 Chamber all-candidates forum he said he was alarmed by COVID-19 vaccine mandates, particularly the loss of regional firefighters. He said he had asked to speak to city council and was refused, and that city leaders should have brought the community together. He also said he did not think the city cares about trees and wanted to work with the parks department to bring more trees to the community.[13]
- In January 2022 freeshuswap.com reported, under the initials "DB," that the city had declined a delegation request from residents to present to council about its staff vaccination mandate. The post quoted the CAO's reply that the topic was "not open for debate at a Council meeting."[20]
- In a September 2022 post (initials "DB"), the site criticized the incumbent council's unanimous November 15, 2021 vote for a mandatory vaccination policy for city staff and elected officials. It called it the one thing "that can not be forgiven."[21]
- In 2023 he made a freedom-of-information request to the city about herbicide use. He reports the city bought 1,290 litres of Roundup in 2022 for about $3,990.[3][22]
- In December 2025 a freeshuswap.com post (initials "DB") criticized council's 3.88 per cent tax increase for 2026 and growth in city staffing since 2015.[24]
- In a September 2026 post co-signed by Connie Shields and Daniel Bardy, freeshuswap.com argued that local governments increasingly operate within provincial and international frameworks and that "independent, freedom-minded candidates" are needed.[26]
- After the 2022 election a freeshuswap.com post (initials "DB") said low turnout (29.79%) had benefited incumbents, including "re-elected mayor Alan Harrison, who has a traditionally strong polls base."[30]
- He says he has followed local politics since moving to Salmon Arm and dislikes the direction the community has taken, especially over the last six years.[39]
- Elections BC records shown on the Vote4Tomorrow guide list 6 contributions totalling $1,310 to his 2022 council campaign.[44]
Platform
Local priorities / 'foreign agenda'. His first platform plank is serving local residents rather than international frameworks. He cites the 1992 Earth Summit, Agenda 21, the UN 2030 Agenda and Salmon Arm's membership in the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.[3]
“Serving people in the community, not a foreign agenda.”
Contracts, audit and bureaucracy. He would push for a full review and audit of municipal contracts, renegotiating or ending those that do not serve the community where legally feasible. He would also review all municipal positions, staffing levels and pay, and review grants to NGOs and charities based on their results. He notes that wages and benefits were about 33% of 2025 operating expenses.[3]
“Review financial support provided to NGOs and charities based on their results, and adjust or cancel support accordingly.”
Local treasury / insurance fund. He proposes a city treasury or trust account that property owners would pay into (for example $1,000) instead of insurance premiums, with annual home furnace, water-sewage and electrical inspections.[3]
Environment. He would push for a ban on the use and sale of Roundup, glyphosate and other highly toxic chemicals in the city. He also wants stronger sewage discharge controls, a city tree inventory, and easing the bylaw that bans beekeeping on lots under one acre. He says pollution, not climate change, should be the focus.[3]
“The real problem is pollution, and that is what we should focus on.”
Water. He calls water one of his biggest concerns and wants to ensure water and sewer capacity keeps up with growth. He would review water restriction stages and the water meter policy with the goal of eliminating them. On the radio he called water and sewage the most important issue facing Salmon Arm.[3][23][38]
“Review the water restriction stages and water meter policy, with the goal of eliminating or cancelling them entirely.”
Council transparency. He would push to end what he calls anonymous voting in council, publish every contract and invoice online, allow citizens to raise questions at every council meeting without advance requests, and hold regular "Meet your Mayor" meetings.[3]
“City Hall is a public space, not a castle.”
Public safety and homelessness. He proposes closer co-operation between the RCMP and community volunteers. He would explore creating an elected sheriff position and working with the province on managed temporary sites outside city limits for "nomads and people experiencing homelessness," based on France's Besson Act.[3]
Local economy. He would give local businesses priority for all city purchases and service contracts, support local trades and farmers, and aim to make the community food self-sufficient.[3]
“All purchases and service contractors for the City of Salmon Arm will be prioritized from local businesses.”
Values. He calls for "common sense and true conservatism," support for "traditional nuclear families," and protection of historical sites, buildings and memorials.[3]
Capital priorities. Asked about the city's Corporate Strategic Plan, he said he agrees or partly agrees with some priorities and disagrees with others. He named water and sewer systems and a recreation centre or sports arena as top priorities.[6]
“Definitely, the water and sewage systems, as well as the recreation centre or sports arena, are top priorities.”
Food self-sufficiency. He says the Shuswap has ideal conditions to be self-sufficient, especially in food security, and wants to focus on that.[35][3]
“the Shuswap has perfect condition to be like self-sufficient with everything, food, security and stuff like that.”
Stated goals and commitments
- Conduct a comprehensive review and audit of municipal contracts, and an assessment of all municipal positions.[3]
- Ban the use and sale of Roundup/glyphosate and other highly toxic chemicals within the city.[3]
- Review water restriction stages and water meter policy, aiming to eliminate them.[3]
- End anonymous voting in council; publish every contract and invoice online; allow open public questions at every council meeting.[3]
- Hold monthly or weekly "Meet your Mayor" sessions with community groups.[3]
- Give local businesses priority for all city purchases and service contracts.[3]
- Make Salmon Arm a "bee-friendly community" by revising beekeeping restrictions.[3]
In their own words
“Serving people in the community, not a foreign agenda.”
“Under my leadership, the City will open its doors to the public. City Hall is a public space, not a castle.”
“Elected officials shall be servants of the community, and constituents must know how Council members represent them.”
“I believe that my life experience, general knowledge, enthusiasm, hard-working attitude, and strong character provide a good foundation to serve the people in our community as mayor.”
“I will focus on truth, a strong and independent local economy, health, environmental protection, transparency, open dialogue, fair play, honesty, integrity, cooperation and support for families.”
“My goals are described on my platform, and that is what I would like to stay focused on.”
“We need to create a dialogue between the homeless people, to find out what’s the reason they are on the streets and together find solutions.”
“I believe the most important issue is the water and sewage system here.”
“I don't really like direction, especially last six years, which one community is heading to.”
CKVS radio interview
Background. Bardy said he was born behind the Iron Curtain in a socialist country run by the Communist Party. He moved to Canada in 2015 and has lived in Salmon Arm since 2017.[32]
“I moved to Canada in 2015, and since 2017, I call Salmon Arm home.”
Why Canada and the Shuswap. He said he felt an 'inner call' to Canada after visiting Ontario and Quebec in 2010. He lived in Calgary for almost two and a half years before choosing the Shuswap because he prefers small communities and nature.[33]
“I discovered Shuswap, and I just fell in love with the Shuswap, and I'm here.”
Community involvement. He said he owns a tree business, volunteers with and is a gold sponsor of the Shuswap Trail Alliance, and has been very active with his website freeshuswap.com since COVID began.[34]
“especially after COVID started, I'm very active with my website, [freeshuswap.com], which when I try to bring different perception of reality”
What he likes. He said he likes the natural beauty and diversity of people, and that the Shuswap has ideal conditions to be self-sufficient, including in food security, which he wants to focus on.[35]
“the Shuswap has perfect condition to be like self-sufficient with everything, food, security and stuff like that.”
What he dislikes. He named the train running through town as something that seemingly cannot be fixed. He said most other things he dislikes could be fixed by people in the right positions.[36]
“Everything what I don't like, we can fix it if they are in proper position right here.”
Attributes. He cited travel and work in France, England, his home country and Alberta, multiple careers, and a strong work ethic.[37]
“I have a really hard work ethic.”
Top issue: water and sewage. He named the water and sewage system as the most important issue in Salmon Arm.[38]
“that is like a ticking bomb here in [Salmon Arm].”
Reason for running. He said he has followed local politics since arriving and does not like the direction the community has taken, especially in the last six years.[39]
“I don't really like direction, especially last six years, which one community is heading to.”
Political history. He said he ran for council four years ago. He also said that two years ago he was elected president of the local riding association of the Conservative Party of British Columbia and resigned after two weeks.[40]
“two years ago, I was elected as president of [Salmon Arm-Shuswap] [Riding] Association for Conservative Party of British Columbia, but I resigned after two weeks.”
Goals / platform. He said he had prepared a 13-point platform to be published that night on freeshuswap.com and on social media the next day, and that he would focus on those points.[41]
“I prepare like my platform, which one has the 13 points.”
Leadership in uncertain times. He said living through the Velvet Revolution taught him how people react to systemic change, and that strong leaders are needed to handle stress and bring peace to the community.[42]
“it's really important we have strong leaders in that position, which can handle all that stress and basically bring peace and tranquility in the community.”
Legacy. Asked what legacy he would hope to leave, he said that question depends on first being elected.[43]
“Well, if I'm elected, that's the first important question, very conditional.”
Downtown Salmon Arm questionnaire
Daniel Bardy did not appear among the responses Downtown Salmon Arm published.
Financial disclosure
- Statement of Disclosure (signed 2026-09-11): holds shares in Green4Earth Inc. (handwritten as "GREEN4EARTH INC") and Free Media Ltd.; no creditors listed; one income source, Green4Earth Inc., in the capacity of owner; no real property listed other than his residence; answered 'no' to holding, with family, more than 30% of the voting shares of any corporation.[1]
- Nomination documents: name Daniel Bardy (no middle name listed); office sought, Mayor; acting as his own financial agent; no elector organization endorsement.[1]
In the news
- 2026-10-08 — In the Observer's strategic-priorities question he referred readers to his platform and named water, sewer and a recreation centre or sports arena as top priorities.[6]
- 2026-10 — The Shuswap Climate Action Society's Vote4Tomorrow guide lists Bardy as 'Did not respond' to its climate questionnaire and shows 0/24 in its policy-commitment table. His guide profile shows Elections BC records of 6 contributions totalling $1,310 to his 2022 campaign.[44][45]
- 2026-09-28 — The Observer published his self-introduction to voters.[5]
- 2026-09-15 — The Observer listed Bardy and Harrison as the two mayoral candidates invited to the Chamber of Commerce's Oct. 6 Community Election Open House.[29]
- 2026-09-11 — He filed nomination papers for mayor on the last day of the nomination period, making him the only challenger to incumbent Alan Harrison.[7][27][28]
- 2022-10-15 — He received 989 votes and was not elected to council.[14][15]
- 2022-10-08 — The Observer reported his remarks at the Chamber of Commerce all-candidates forum on vaccine mandates, his background and his interest in urban trees.[13]
- 2022-09-09 — The Observer listed Bardy among the newcomer candidates for Salmon Arm council in the 2022 election.[9]
Find them online
- Campaign website / platform
- Campaign biography
- Business website (Green4Earth Inc.)
- Castanet candidate page
References
- Nomination documents & Statement of Disclosure — City of Salmon Arm (Daniel Bardy) · City of Salmon Arm · 2026-09-11
- Daniel Bardy, Salmon Arm Mayor candidate - Civic Election 2026 · Castanet · 2026
- Vote for the independent Mayor (campaign platform, by Daniel Bardy) · Free Shuswap (freeshuswap.com) · 2026-09-30
- Daniel4Mayor (campaign biography, by Daniel Bardy) · Free Shuswap (freeshuswap.com) · 2026-09-27
- Introducing Salmon Arm's mayoral and council candidates · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-28
- Salmon Arm candidates speak to strategic priorities · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-10-08
- General Local Election (candidate list) · City of Salmon Arm · 2026
- CivicInfo BC 2026 candidates — Salmon Arm (City) · CivicInfo BC · 2026
- Three-way race set for mayor in Salmon Arm, five-way in Sicamous · Salmon Arm Observer · 2022-09-09
- Number of councillor candidates in Salmon Arm election drops · Salmon Arm Observer · 2022-09-19
- Election 2022: Salmon Arm council candidates introduce themselves · Salmon Arm Observer · 2022-09-23
- Salmon Arm Election 2022: Candidates address city's approach to homelessness · Salmon Arm Observer · 2022-10-03
- Salmon Arm council hopefuls share views on housing, vaccine mandates and more · Salmon Arm Observer · 2022-10-08
- Update: Alan Harrison wins Salmon Arm's top spot by landslide, Sicamous incumbent ousted · Salmon Arm Observer · 2022-10-16
- Alan Harrison soundly defeats challengers to return as mayor of Salmon Arm · Castanet · 2022-10-15
- About Green4Earth · Green4Earth Inc.
- Sponsorship · Green4Earth Inc.
- Volunteering · Green4Earth Inc.
- About — Free Shuswap · Free Shuswap (freeshuswap.com) · 2022-12-20
- City refused the public delegation (byline 'DB') · Free Shuswap (freeshuswap.com) · 2022-01-19
- The nomination period closed. (byline 'DB') · Free Shuswap (freeshuswap.com) · 2022-09-09
- Roundup in Salmon Arm streets (byline 'DB, CB') · Free Shuswap (freeshuswap.com) · 2023-04-23
- The water issue in Salmon Arm · Free Shuswap (freeshuswap.com) · 2023-04-04
- Council approved 3.88 tax increase for 2026 (byline 'DB') · Free Shuswap (freeshuswap.com) · 2025-12-20
- The truth matters (by Daniel Bardy) · Free Shuswap (freeshuswap.com) · 2026-09-20
- From Global Policy to Local Government: Why Independent Candidates Matter in British Columbia (Connie Shields, Daniel Bardy) · Free Shuswap (freeshuswap.com) · 2026-09-14
- As candidate lists are finalized, new candidates for Kamloops mayor emerge · CFJC Today · 2026-09-11
- Declaration of Candidates: Long slates show high interest in the Shuswap · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-12
- Salmon Arm chamber breaks from tradition with all-candidates open house · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-15
- Municipal election results (byline 'DB') · Free Shuswap (freeshuswap.com) · 2022-10-17
- Green4Earth Salmon Arm & Shuswap Area Tree Service Experts (home) · Green4Earth Inc.
- CKVS-FM interview with Daniel Bardy (at 00:18) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10-01
- CKVS-FM interview with Daniel Bardy (at 00:44) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10-01
- CKVS-FM interview with Daniel Bardy (at 01:28) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10-01
- CKVS-FM interview with Daniel Bardy (at 02:05) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10-01
- CKVS-FM interview with Daniel Bardy (at 02:33) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10-01
- CKVS-FM interview with Daniel Bardy (at 03:06) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10-01
- CKVS-FM interview with Daniel Bardy (at 04:26) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10-01
- CKVS-FM interview with Daniel Bardy (at 05:03) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10-01
- CKVS-FM interview with Daniel Bardy (at 05:39) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10-01
- CKVS-FM interview with Daniel Bardy (at 06:50) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10-01
- CKVS-FM interview with Daniel Bardy (at 07:34) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10-01
- CKVS-FM interview with Daniel Bardy (at 08:29) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10-01
- Daniel Bardy | Vote4Tomorrow (Salmon Arm, Election 2026) · Shuswap Climate Action Society (Vote4Tomorrow) · 2026-10
- Salmon Arm | Vote4Tomorrow (Election 2026 candidate guide) · Shuswap Climate Action Society (Vote4Tomorrow) · 2026-10
Alan Harrison
Two-term mayor of Salmon Arm (since 2018), former city councillor and retired school principal
Biography
Harrison says he was born in Duncan, B.C., and his parents moved to the Salmon Arm area when he was one year old. He grew up with his brothers and sister in the Salmon River Valley at the foot of Mt. Ida. In 2022 he wrote that his father was a milk tester and his mother worked for many years at Shuswap Daycare.[70][3][10]
He graduated from Salmon Arm Senior Secondary in 1977 and attended Okanagan University College and UBC, earning bachelor's and master's degrees in education, according to his City of Salmon Arm biography. In 2026 he wrote that he worked at the Canoe Plywood plant to pay for his first year of college at the Salmon Arm campus. In 2018 he wrote that he worked at Federated Co-op to help fund his schooling.[2][3][19]
His teaching career began in Tumbler Ridge in 1983. While there he was elected to Tumbler Ridge's first council and served as a councillor from 1985 to 1987.[2][20][38]
He and his wife Debbie returned to Salmon Arm in 1988 with their newborn son. They raised three sons, Ryan, Mark and David.[10][2]
He was a school principal in the North Okanagan-Shuswap School District (SD83) for 29 years. His 2022 Observer introduction says 28 years. He retired as principal of Hillcrest Elementary at Christmas 2017, after 35 years in education.[18][3][10]
On March 9, 2020, while playing Oldtimers hockey, Harrison had a minor stroke. In a statement from hospital he said doctors did not expect any long-term effect.[24]
He runs as a hobby. He ran the 2024 Victoria Marathon and finished the Boston Marathon on April 20, 2026, with a reported time of 4:31.50.[39][64]
His city biography lists his interests as hockey, baseball, cooking, hiking, running, fishing and camping.[2]
He names Terry Fox as his hero and says he and his wife visited Newfoundland 'last year' (in 2025, given the interview date) to see where Fox began his run.[73]
Experience
- Tumbler Ridge district councillor, 1985–1987, on the community's first council.[2][10]
- Salmon Arm city councillor, 1990–1996. He was elected again in 2005 and served until 2018. In 2018 he described this as 19 years on Salmon Arm council.[2][19]
- School teacher and principal from 1983 to 2017, including 29 years as a principal in SD83. He retired from Hillcrest Elementary.[18][2]
- Mayor of Salmon Arm since November 2018. In 2026 he wrote that he has served on eight city councils, the past two as mayor. In February 2025 he said that year's budget was the 27th he had worked on as a councillor and mayor.[3][34]
- His current city committee and liaison appointments include the Development and Planning Services Committee, alternate Columbia Shuswap Regional District director, Council Select Parking Committee, the fire department and RCMP liaisons, Downtown Salmon Arm, First Nations Partnerships / West Bay Connector, the Salmon Arm Economic Development Society, Rail Trail liaison, SEP Executive Committee liaison (CSRD Bylaw 5690) and the Shuswap Community Foundation.[2]
- He attended the 2025 Federation of Canadian Municipalities conference in Ottawa. In a column he wrote that he chose to attend only one FCM conference during the term.[55]
Record in office
- 2011 council election: as an incumbent, Harrison topped the councillor polls with 2,621 votes, according to unofficial results.[22][68]
- As a 2014 council candidate he named the Trans-Canada Highway west of Salmon Arm, including a new four-lane Salmon River bridge, as his number-one capital priority. He said he was running again because "I enjoy the work."[62][65]
- 2014 council election: as an incumbent, he topped the councillor polls again with 3,060 votes.[21][67]
- In February 2018, newly retired, he announced his bid for mayor, citing keeping the Rapattack base in Salmon Arm and finishing the Highway 1 improvements west of town. He said: "having recently retired, I now have the time and energy necessary to take the next step."[17]
- 2018 mayoral election: he defeated incumbent mayor Nancy Cooper and Jim Kimmerly. The Observer reported unofficial results of 3,387 votes to Cooper's 1,516 and Kimmerly's 758. It later reported his share as 59.32 per cent. In the same vote the Ross Street Underpass referendum, which he supported, passed 3,486 to 2,069.[15][16][11][19]
- 2022 mayoral election: he won a second term with 3,213 votes (69.1 per cent), against Luke Norrie (747) and former mayor Nancy Cooper (675). Turnout was under 30 per cent.[11][12][13]
- Plastic bags: at his first council meeting as mayor in November 2018 he announced plans to ban single-use plastic grocery bags. In February 2022 he said the ban would take effect July 1, 2022.[23][28]
- Panhandling bylaw: as a councillor in February 2018 he moved the motion to draft a panhandling bylaw. The Street Solicitation Prevention Bylaw was adopted in May 2019, while he was mayor. In 2026 he wrote that he was "a strong proponent" of Bylaw 4273 and that it is "imperative" to keep it in place and enforced.[49][50][4]
- COVID-19: in July 2021 he urged residents to get vaccinated. In November 2021 council voted unanimously to adopt a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy for city staff, volunteers and elected officials, effective January 3, 2022. Harrison's statement called it a "unanimous decision" that would "reduce the risk of COVID-19." In February 2022 he said 100 per cent of city employees were double vaccinated. At a 2022 forum he said the city would follow public health guidance again: "We're not the experts. We follow the science and we would do it again if we had to."[27][25][26][28][14]
- Major projects: in 2022 he cited the $180-million Salmon Arm West Trans-Canada Highway project and keeping the Rapattack wildfire base in Salmon Arm as council achievements. The Ross Street Underpass opened in May 2023.[14][30]
- Housing and density: in 2022 he said council worked with partners on 67 subsidized and 38 supportive housing units. In 2023 he said provincial small-scale multi-unit zoning legislation would remove public hearings, and that he preferred local "autonomy over these land-use decisions." In 2026 he described 15-year rental agreements that allow developers more density in exchange.[56][31][40]
- Budgets and taxes: council approved a 5.59 per cent tax increase for 2024, which he called "extremely challenging." The 2025 increase was reported as both 4.89 and 4.98 per cent. For 2026 the increase was 3.88 per cent, down from 11 per cent first sought by staff, partly by moving $1.6 million from the parkade reserve. In May 2026 he said the city's debt principal had fallen from $19.9 million to $17.2 million.[32][34][35][40]
- Recreation: the SASCU Indoor Memorial Sports Complex closed over structural concerns in late 2023 and was later demolished. Harrison defended the closure on safety and liability grounds. In February 2026 he announced the city was pausing talks on a replacement indoor facility: "The time isn't right to build a new indoor recreational facility." The city funded about $700,000 toward the synthetic turf field at Blackburn Park.[33][36][37][32]
- Infrastructure priorities: he calls the Stage IV wastewater treatment plant upgrade the city's top priority. In May 2026 he estimated its cost at about $70 million, with funding hoped for by 2029 and construction by 2030.[5][40][29]
- Highway and traffic safety: in 2025 he pressed the province to resurface rutted sections of Highway 1 in 2026 rather than 2027. He continues to push for a red light camera on Highway 1 downtown, saying the city is willing to pay for it.[41][51][43]
- Hwy. 97B encampment: in 2026 he publicly criticized the province for not acting on an encampment on provincially owned land at Highway 97B and 10th Avenue NE, where he said the city has "absolutely no jurisdiction." He gave residents a provincial email address to write to.[42][43]
- Other votes and positions: in 2021 he said he would not support adding on-street paid parking downtown. He did not see municipal handgun regulation as a local priority. In 2020 he voted to deny a crosswalk on Lakeshore Road, a motion that tied. In July 2026 he supported installing water meters in the Zone 3A area.[47][48][61][52]
- Council pay: in May 2026 he left the chamber while council discussed the mayor's salary, which was recommended to rise from $78,665 to $84,773 starting in 2027. He said council "did not give ourselves a raise," since increases take effect only for the next council.[44][45]
- In 2022 council agreed to his offer to write to the Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty review, at the request of KAIROS-Salmon Arm. He said he would be "more than happy to write the letter."[57]
- In January 2021, after mayors including Salmon Arm's received notices from a group calling itself the 'Sovereign Republic of British Columbia' demanding an end to COVID-19 rules, Harrison said the city would keep following Dr. Bonnie Henry's science-based approach.[63]
- In a December 2024 year-end column he highlighted water and sewer pump replacements, $1.6 million in road maintenance, $61 million in building permit values (with 201 multi-family units vs. 22 single-family dwellings), FireSmart work and the 55+ BC Games, which he said brought more than $3 million in economic spin-off.[54]
Platform
Economy and taxation. He names the economy as a top issue and says the city should be careful with taxation, fund needs before wants, and support existing businesses, including continued funding for the Economic Development Society.[4]
“yes, spend money on the needs, some of the wants may have to wait”
Homelessness and public safety. He supports keeping bylaws on panhandling and camping in public spaces and enforcing them with a full complement of bylaw officers working with the RCMP. He also supports lobbying for tighter drug-use legislation and involuntary compassionate care facilities.[4]
“Bylaws restricting panhandling and camping in public spaces need to stay solidly in place and enforced.”
Highway corridor. His goals for the term are red light cameras at downtown highway intersections, getting the Ministry of Transportation and Transit to follow through on redoing the highway base and asphalt through town, and four-laning the remaining two-lane section on the west end.[4][51]
Wastewater treatment plant. He calls the Stage IV upgrade of the wastewater treatment plant the highest-priority project, citing capacity, tighter effluent standards and odour. His strategy is to offset its cost with a Build Canada Strong / Build Communities Strong grant.[5][4]
“The highest priority project for our city is the Stage IV upgrade of our Waste Water Treatment Plant. This is a must do.”
Recreation. He says the recreation centre upgrade and aquatic centre replacement are the next large capital projects, and the current pool will be maintained until then. He says an indoor multi-use facility to replace the Memorial Arena would need a public-private partnership and that economic conditions are not yet right.[4][40]
Downtown. He supports higher housing density in the downtown core "once the market makes it viable," the Downtown Revitalization Tax Exemption, public art, event attraction, the Tourism Salmon Arm initiative and summer parking enforcement. He opposes e-scooters on downtown sidewalks.[4][53]
Tourism / off-season economy. He points to the city's application to raise the hotel tax (MRDT) to 3 per cent to fund shoulder- and off-season tourism attraction, and to collaboration among the city, Downtown Salmon Arm, the EDS and the Chamber.[4]
Capital planning. He says the new council should review how capital projects are prioritized in the Corporate Strategic Plan, and that the plan must fit the Long Term Financial Plan.[5]
“Managing city finances is similar to managing our own household budgets.”
Leadership. He presents his candidacy as "proven, trusted leadership" and stresses a productive, well-functioning council.[3][40]
Housing. He says the city's role is to create conditions for housing starts, mostly by private builders, alongside BC Housing projects.[75]
“what we do as a city is we set the table so that housing starts are possible.”
Stated goals and commitments
- Get red light cameras installed at downtown Highway 1 intersections.[4][51]
- Ensure the Ministry of Transportation and Transit redoes the highway base and asphalt through town (resurfacing confirmed for 2027) and support four-laning of the remaining two-lane west-end section.[4][43]
- Complete the Stage IV wastewater treatment plant upgrade, aiming for grant funding by 2029 and construction by 2030.[4][40]
- Keep Street Solicitation Bylaw 4273 in place and enforced, and keep pressing the province for involuntary care beds.[4]
- Keep the current pool operating until the recreation centre upgrade and aquatic centre replacement can proceed.[4][40]
- Complete the Lakeshore Road rebuild (two lanes plus a multi-use path), then begin the recreation centre / aquatic centre upgrade and new facility.[80]
In their own words
“I offer proven, trusted leadership. In these unsettled times, leadership is needed more than ever.”
“To get things done, having a council that is productive and functions well, is essential.”
“We don't control food prices, we don't control gas prices, we don't control things like that. But we can control city spending.”
“If your toilet doesn't work, swimming is secondary. So yes, we are going to build an aquatic centre. We're going to build a sewage treatment plant first. We have to.”
“For communities our size, I prefer to have autonomy over these land-use decisions.”
“We are in excellent financial shape, thanks to our chief financial officers over the years and to prudent councils.”
“We're not the experts. We follow the science and we would do it again if we had to.”
“A message that is totally inappropriate, hateful, shared by a small minority and we do not want that message in our town.”
“more important even than issues, is how you handle difficult situations that are unexpected.”
“if I can leave office, having our town more diverse, more accepting, more welcoming to everyone, I would be happy with that.”
CKVS radio interview
Background. Harrison said he was born in Duncan, B.C., and his parents moved to the Salmon Arm area when he was one. He was raised in the Salmon River Valley at the foot of Mount Ida and went to school locally.[70]
“I was born in Duncan, BC. My parents moved here when I was one year old.”
What he dislikes. He named wildfire smoke in summer as what he would most like to eliminate, saying he can feel residents' stress when it arrives.[71]
“If there's one thing I could eliminate, that's what it would be.”
Attributes and leadership style. He described his leadership as distributed and team-based. He said one of a mayor's main jobs is a council that can debate and disagree and still leave the table united. He named transparency and honesty as core values.[72]
“I think my strengths are leadership. And when I say leadership, it's a distributed leadership style.”
People he respects. He named Terry Fox as his top hero. Locally he named school leaders he worked with, including Carl Cooper, Dave Akin and Isabelle Gervais (names as transcribed), who he said lead in a quiet, professional manner.[73]
“the number one hero for me is Terry Fox.”
Key issues: handling the unexpected. He said handling unexpected events, such as COVID-19 in his first term and tariffs in his second, matters more than any single issue. He said officials need to be nimble but not reactive, and able to get along with everyone.[74]
“more important even than issues, is how you handle difficult situations that are unexpected.”
Housing. He said the city's role is to create conditions for private builders, who do most local housing, while working with BC Housing. He believes the city is on the right track.[75]
“what we do as a city is we set the table so that housing starts are possible.”
Unhoused people and public safety. He said the city has done about as good a job as anyone balancing compassion with resident safety, and called it a team effort.[76]
“We're trying to be compassionate and we're trying to be caring. At the same time, we need to make sure that residents are safe.”
Wastewater plant and funding strategy. He called the Stage IV wastewater treatment plant upgrade the top capital project. He said the city is lobbying senior governments so local taxpayers do not bear the full cost, which would free borrowing room for projects such as an aquatic centre.[77]
“our strategy is to get funds from higher levels of government so that the residents of Salmon Arm don't have to burden the whole cost.”
Communication with residents. He said residents treat him fairly and that he replies to all emails, texts and calls, except anonymous, profane or disrespectful ones.[78]
“I reply to all communication I receive.”
Council turnover. He noted three incumbents are not running for council and hopes the new council combines returning experience with new members.[79]
“We're losing 35 years' experience.”
Goals for the term. He wants to keep the focus on core services (water, sewer, roads), complete the wastewater treatment plant and the Lakeshore Road project with a multi-use path, and then start on the recreation centre and aquatic centre.[80]
“I'd like to see the wastewater treatment plant project completed.”
Role of council in uncertain times. He said the city should 'stay in our lane' and focus on what it can control within its boundaries, and that acting on outside issues is unproductive.[81]
“the conclusion I've come to is we can affect what happens within our own borders.”
Legacy. He said he would like to leave a more diverse, accepting and welcoming community.[82]
“if I can leave office, having our town more diverse, more accepting, more welcoming to everyone, I would be happy with that.”
Where to learn more. He pointed listeners to his Facebook page and the Chamber of Commerce open house.[83]
“my Facebook page is the best spot.”
Downtown Salmon Arm questionnaire
Q1: Community priorities and leadership. He names three issues: the economy (careful taxation and support for existing businesses), homelessness (enforcing panhandling and camping bylaws, more bylaw staff, lobbying for tighter drug laws and involuntary care) and the highway corridor (red light cameras, resurfacing, west-end four-laning).[4]
“Our Economy. In Salmon Arm we are fortunate to have a diverse economy, with 4 main sectors: forestry, agriculture, technology and tourism.”
Q2: Year-round economic vitality and resilience. He says the city should keep downtown clean and attractive, use hotel-tax (MRDT) funds, which the city has applied to raise to 3%, for off-season tourism, and consult partners such as DSA, EDS and the Chamber before acting. He says he does not support e-scooters on sidewalks.[4]
“we've applied to increase this hotel tax to 3%”
Q3: Growing and protecting our downtown. He supports funding downtown amenities, events such as the farmers' market, Tourism Salmon Arm, public art, the Downtown Revitalization Tax Exemption, parking enforcement, and higher core-area housing density when the market allows.[4]
“I support increasing the housing zoning density in the centre core lot area, once the market makes it viable.”
Q4: Infrastructure, economic growth and community attractions. He calls the Stage IV wastewater plant upgrade the city's number-one need, to be funded partly by a federal grant. The recreation centre and aquatic centre come next, and an indoor multi-use facility would need a public-private partnership.[4]
“The City's number one need is the Stage IV upgrade of our Waste Water Treatment Plant.”
Q5: A safe, welcoming and compassionate downtown. He says he was on council when Bylaw 4273 passed and strongly supported it, wants it kept and enforced, and backs pressing the province for compassionate involuntary care beds. He says addiction, mental health and brain injury drive much of homelessness.[4]
“I was on Council when Bylaw 4273 passed. I was a strong proponent of the bylaw.”
Financial disclosure
- Statement of Disclosure (signed 2026-09-02): no shares in any corporation (N/A); no creditors (N/A); one income source, the City of Salmon Arm, in the capacity of Mayor; no real property interests other than his residence (N/A); answered 'no' to holding more than 30% of any corporation with family members.[1]
- Nomination documents: full name Alan Richard Harrison, ballot name Alan Harrison; office sought, Mayor; financial agent, Debbie Harrison; no elector organization endorsement.[1]
In the news
- 2026-10-08 — In the Observer's candidate question on the Corporate Strategic Plan, he said the new council should review capital priorities and named the wastewater plant upgrade as the top project.[5]
- 2026-10 — The Shuswap Climate Action Society's Vote4Tomorrow guide lists Harrison as 'Did not respond' to its climate questionnaire and shows 0/24 in its policy-commitment table. His guide profile shows Elections BC records of 32 campaign contributions totalling $9,318 across the 2014, 2018 and 2022 elections ($2,300 from 9 contributions in 2022).[84][85]
- 2026-09-23 — At UBCM he and councillors lobbied ministers on rural policing, a red light camera, the Hwy. 97B encampment and Shuswap Lake General Hospital upgrades.[43]
- 2026-09-15 — The Chamber of Commerce replaced its traditional all-candidates forum with an open house on Oct. 6 at the SASCU Recreation Centre, where both mayoral candidates were invited to host tables.[66]
- 2026-09-11 — Nominations closed with Harrison facing one challenger, Daniel Bardy.[59][60]
- 2026-09-01 — The Observer reported Harrison is among the incumbents seeking re-election, along with Couns. Debbie Cannon, David Gonella and Louise Wallace Richmond.[58]
- 2026-08-10 — He published a statement on the Highway 97B encampment, asking residents to write to the province.[42]
- 2026-05-29 — In his state of the city address he said the city is in "excellent financial shape" and called this council one that "doesn't operate with drama."[40]
- 2026-04-27 — The Observer reported he finished the Boston Marathon on April 20 with a reported time of 4:31.50.[39]
- 2026-02-17 — At a committee meeting he spoke about the Tumbler Ridge school shooting. He began his teaching career in Tumbler Ridge and served on its council.[38]
- 2026-02-09 — Harrison announced the city was pausing talks on a new indoor recreation facility to replace the demolished Memorial Arena.[36][37]
- 2025-12-29 — Castanet reported Harrison would seek re-election, saying 2025 was "a very good year for Salmon Arm" and that he felt "energized enough to try again."[6]
- 2022-09-09 — The Observer reported that Harrison was initially headed for acclamation in 2022 before two challengers filed late in the nomination period.[69]
Find them online
References
- Nomination documents & Statement of Disclosure — City of Salmon Arm (Alan Harrison) · City of Salmon Arm · 2026-09-02
- Mayor Alan Harrison — biography and memberships · City of Salmon Arm
- Introducing Salmon Arm's mayoral and council candidates · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-28
- Candidate questionnaire — Alan Harrison, Incumbent Mayor · Downtown Salmon Arm · 2026-10
- Salmon Arm candidates speak to strategic priorities · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-10-08
- Salmon Arm mayor to run for re-election in 2026 after 'a very good year' for the city · Castanet · 2025-12-29
- Alan Harrison, Salmon Arm Mayor candidate - Civic Election 2026 · Castanet · 2026
- CivicInfo BC 2026 candidates — Salmon Arm (City) · CivicInfo BC · 2026
- General Local Election (candidate list) · City of Salmon Arm · 2026
- Election 2022: Salmon Arm council candidates introduce themselves · Salmon Arm Observer · 2022-09-23
- Update: Alan Harrison wins Salmon Arm's top spot by landslide, Sicamous incumbent ousted · Salmon Arm Observer · 2022-10-16
- Alan Harrison soundly defeats challengers to return as mayor of Salmon Arm · Castanet · 2022-10-15
- Salmon Arm voters not swayed by single-issue campaigns says mayor · Salmon Arm Observer · 2022-10-17
- Candidates for mayor's chair in Salmon Arm tackle issues from housing to COVID-19 · Salmon Arm Observer · 2022-10-09
- ELECTION NIGHT: Mayor-elect Alan Harrison expresses gratitude · Salmon Arm Observer · 2018-10-21
- LIVE BLOG: Alan Harrison Salmon Arm's new mayor · Salmon Arm Observer · 2018-10-21
- Alan Harrison announces bid for mayor · Salmon Arm Observer · 2018-02-26
- Harrison to retire, ponders running for mayor · Salmon Arm Observer · 2017-12-02
- Update: Salmon Arm mayoralty candidates provide views on city issues · Salmon Arm Observer · 2018-10-05
- Council Candidate: Alan Harrison running for Salmon Arm Council · Salmon Arm Observer · 2014-10-15
- Election 2014: Update – Cooper wins mayoralty race · Salmon Arm Observer · 2014-11-15
- Cooper wins for mayor · Salmon Arm Observer · 2011-11-19
- Salmon Arm mayor proposes plastic bag ban for new year · Salmon Arm Observer · 2018-11-13
- Salmon Arm mayor suffers minor stroke while playing hockey · Salmon Arm Observer · 2020-03-10
- Council to consider mandatory vaccine policy for Salmon Arm council, staff on Nov. 15 · Salmon Arm Observer · 2021-10-27
- Salmon Arm council adopts mandatory vaccine policy for staff, elected officials · Salmon Arm Observer · 2021-11-16
- 'Now is the time to be urgent': Salmon Arm mayor wants vaccination numbers higher · Salmon Arm Observer · 2021-07-31
- 'Grow and prosper': Salmon Arm mayor gives state of the city address · Salmon Arm Observer · 2022-02-10
- Salmon Arm mayor anticipates completion of underpass, speaks to housing, homelessness · Salmon Arm Observer · 2023-02-28
- VIDEO: Salmon Arm residents celebrate opening of Ross Street Underpass · Salmon Arm Observer · 2023-05-18
- Loss of consultation under new zoning rules a concern for Salmon Arm mayor · Salmon Arm Observer · 2023-11-07
- Salmon Arm council budget meetings lead to 5.59 per cent tax increase · Salmon Arm Observer · 2023-12-08
- Salmon Arm mayor responds to user groups on closure of sports complex · Salmon Arm Observer · 2023-12-15
- Tariffs, cost of living considerations behind 2025 4.98 tax increase for Salmon Arm · Salmon Arm Observer · 2025-02-20
- Salmon Arm council taps into parkade reserve to bolster priorities in 2026 budget · Salmon Arm Observer · 2025-12-18
- Salmon Arm mayor disbands group working on plans to replace demolished Memorial Arena · Castanet · 2026-02-09
- Salmon Arm mayor says now is not the time to build new recreation facility · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-02-09
- Former home of Tumbler Ridge in Salmon Arm mayor's thoughts · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-02-17
- Salmon Arm mayor on runner's high after completing 'epic' Boston Marathon · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-04-27
- Salmon Arm Mayor stresses importance of collaboration during state of the city address · Castanet · 2026-05-29
- Salmon Arm mayor wants faster fix for deep grooves in the Trans-Canada Highway · Castanet · 2025-10-28
- Salmon Arm mayor details response to Hwy. 97B encampment, asks for public's help · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-08-10
- Traffic safety, rural policing among concerns raised by Salmon Arm council at UBCM · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-23
- City of Salmon Arm councillors support proposed salary increases for 2027 · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-05-29
- Letter by former Salmon Arm operations director prompts clarifications at council · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-06-10
- Salmon Arm mayor calls recent Kirk vandalism 'inappropriate, hateful' · Salmon Arm Observer · 2025-09-27
- Mayor reluctant to risk downtown Salmon Arm's vibrancy for on-street paid parking · Salmon Arm Observer · 2021-09-30
- Salmon Arm mayor not interested in municipal regulation of handguns · Salmon Arm Observer · 2021-02-19
- Salmon Arm council pursues panhandling bylaw · Salmon Arm Observer · 2018-03-01
- New bylaw: No panhandling allowed within 15 metres of some businesses · Salmon Arm Observer · 2019-05-14
- City renews call for red light cameras on Highway 1 in downtown Salmon Arm · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-06-05
- City to install water meters in high usage area of Salmon Arm · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-07-17
- Salmon Arm council finding footing with e-scooters on sidewalks · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-05-14
- City of Salmon Arm Mayor Alan Harrison reflects on year that was, year ahead · Salmon Arm Observer · 2024-12-31
- COLUMN: Salmon Arm mayor finds common ground at Ottawa conference · Salmon Arm Observer · 2025-06-03
- Salmon Arm Election 2022: Candidates address city's approach to homelessness · Salmon Arm Observer · 2022-10-03
- Salmon Arm mayor writes to prime minister about nuclear weapons · Salmon Arm Observer · 2022-08-09
- Salmon Arm mayor, 3 council incumbents to seek re-election · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-01
- As candidate lists are finalized, new candidates for Kamloops mayor emerge · CFJC Today · 2026-09-11
- Declaration of Candidates: Long slates show high interest in the Shuswap · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-12
- Salmon Arm Council denies girls' request for crosswalk on Lakeshore Road · Salmon Arm Observer · 2020-09-17
- Council candidate: Alan Harrison responds – What project do you consider to be your number-one priority? Why? · Salmon Arm Observer · 2014-10-30
- Mysterious group serves notice to Okanagan-Shuswap mayors, demanding end to 'unlawful' COVID rules · Salmon Arm Observer · 2021-01-22
- Salmon Arm Council Report: Tales of a running mayor · Salmon Arm Observer · 2024-08-31
- Council candidate: Alan Harrison responds – What motivated you to run for municipal office? · Salmon Arm Observer · 2014-10-23
- Salmon Arm chamber breaks from tradition with all-candidates open house · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-15
- Election 2014: Group of 19 runs for council · Salmon Arm Observer · 2014-10-15
- Three vie for mayor, 18 for Salmon Arm council · Salmon Arm Observer · 2011-10-14
- Three-way race set for mayor in Salmon Arm, five-way in Sicamous · Salmon Arm Observer · 2022-09-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Alan Harrison (at 00:13) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10-01
- CKVS-FM interview with Alan Harrison (at 01:53) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10-01
- CKVS-FM interview with Alan Harrison (at 02:18) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10-01
- CKVS-FM interview with Alan Harrison (at 03:17) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10-01
- CKVS-FM interview with Alan Harrison (at 04:58) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10-01
- CKVS-FM interview with Alan Harrison (at 06:33) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10-01
- CKVS-FM interview with Alan Harrison (at 06:55) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10-01
- CKVS-FM interview with Alan Harrison (at 07:33) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10-01
- CKVS-FM interview with Alan Harrison (at 09:36) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10-01
- CKVS-FM interview with Alan Harrison (at 10:54) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10-01
- CKVS-FM interview with Alan Harrison (at 11:38) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10-01
- CKVS-FM interview with Alan Harrison (at 14:22) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10-01
- CKVS-FM interview with Alan Harrison (at 15:19) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10-01
- CKVS-FM interview with Alan Harrison (at 16:15) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10-01
- Alan Harrison | Vote4Tomorrow (Salmon Arm, Election 2026) · Shuswap Climate Action Society (Vote4Tomorrow) · 2026-10
- Salmon Arm | Vote4Tomorrow (Election 2026 candidate guide) · Shuswap Climate Action Society (Vote4Tomorrow) · 2026-10
Aaron Canart
Agribusiness and cattle-margin risk consultant, former cattle feeder, and Salmon Arm real estate owner
Biography
Canart told CKVS-FM he was born in Manitoba and raised near the Shuswap. His website and Observer self-introduction say he grew up in Kamloops and was raised in the cattle business.[13][5][7]
He attended Olds College, the University of Lethbridge and the University of Saskatchewan. He then joined a large U.S. agribusiness, where he worked in executive management of a large cattle-feeding and packing operation, specializing in margin management. On the radio he said he lived in Idaho for almost a decade working in the cattle business.[5][7][13]
His website says he later became a cattle feeder himself: he leased a large feedlot in the Salmon Arm area, owned operations in the Okanagan, and did business across Western Canada and the U.S. Pacific Northwest. On the radio he said he and partners operated a feedlot just outside Armstrong.[5][14]
Over the last decade, his website says, he has worked as a margin-management consultant for significant operations in Western Canada and the U.S. Castanet describes him as a farmer who works as a risk management associate for an economic research firm focused on livestock, meat and poultry markets.[5][10]
He says he met his wife Brett, a lifelong Salmon Arm resident, and settled in Salmon Arm in 2016. They are raising four children, whom he says are aged 15 to 19.[13][5][18]
He and his wife own and have developed commercial real estate in Salmon Arm, including multifamily units and commercial property, and are opening a small business, according to his website, the Observer and his radio interview.[5][7][14]
Experience
- Executive management (margin management) at a large U.S. cattle-feeding and packing operation.[5][7]
- Cattle feeder: he leased a large feedlot in the Salmon Arm area (near Armstrong, per the radio interview) and owned operations in the Okanagan.[5][14]
- Consultant in risk and margin management for operations in Western Canada and the U.S.[7][5]
- Owner of Can Agri Capital Ltd. and 1880924 AB Ltd., and partner in Can Fed Beef Corp., per his Statement of Disclosure. His listed campaign email uses the canagricapital.com domain.[1][2]
- Owner of residential and commercial rental property in Salmon Arm (seven properties listed in his disclosure).[1][14]
Previous campaigns and public roles
- No previous runs for office. Canart told CKVS-FM, "I never have. This will be my first time."[19]
Platform
Recreation centre. He wants council to decide this term what the recreation facility will be, how it will be financed and how it will be owned. He notes assessments were done in 2018, public consultation in 2019, and $300,000 for schematics has been in reserve since 2021. He also wants better use of existing facilities such as the arena, and an "acceptable level of support" for the Recreation Society.[5][6][12]
“The studies have been done. Decide what we want the Recreation Facility to be, how we're going to finance it, and move forward with a plan for residents — this term.”
Budget & taxes. He criticizes how the 2026 budget gap was closed: a 3.88% tax increase plus 1.1% from new construction, the $1.7 million parkade fund, reduced reserve contributions, and a $2.028 million carry-forward. He calls this "unsustainable" and promises a rigorous review of spending and city services.[5][6][12]
“It's your money council spends. I'll treat it as my own.”
Major infrastructure. He calls the wastewater facility "non-negotiable" and wants it delivered at or under budget. He wants building contracts to carry consequences for cost overruns, and favours financing that spreads costs over time, private partnerships where sensible, grant-writing, or a referendum.[6][12][21]
Downtown safety. Citing RCMP quarterly reports showing property crime down 16% and violent crime down 11% in 2025, he says residents still do not feel safe downtown. He proposes measurable, public safety objectives developed with the RCMP and expanded use of bylaws and bylaw officers.[5][6][9][12]
Parking. He says parking downtown is a real problem. He wants to listen to businesses and shoppers "more than we believe our spreadsheets and parking-lot utilization rates," and notes the parking commission appears to have stopped meeting after 2024.[5][6][12]
Development & red tape. He wants the city to "facilitate" rather than "regulate" business and development that fit the long-range plan. He proposes publishing a list of everything the municipality has discretion over in building and development, and reducing permit and regulatory costs.[12][9][17]
Year-round economy. He calls for Salmon Arm to be a four-season destination. He mentions a new recreation facility with an Olympic pool and a performing arts facility, more events and concerts in the underused arena, and encouraging longer downtown business hours.[12]
Environment & green space. His platform pledges to protect green spaces and trails and increase walkability.[6]
Stated goals and commitments
- Reach a decision this term on what the recreation facility will be, its ownership structure and how it is paid for ("If not a shovel in the ground, then a concrete call to action on our decision").[6][12]
- Bring the wastewater facility to fruition on or under budget.[21][16]
- Create transparent, measurable downtown safety objectives with the RCMP that go beyond property crime figures in quarterly reports.[12][6]
- Publish a list of all municipal discretionary building and development requirements.[12]
- Make Salmon Arm "one of the most economical cities in the Okanagan to live, do business and recreate in."[6]
- Bring more transparency to the Corporate Strategic Plan by showing each priority's status, cost, funding and realistic timeline.[8]
In their own words
“I would rather have a shorter list of priorities with realistic costs, funding plans and timelines.”
“If elected, I will spend your money as it should be, as a limited resource.”
“All municipalities are faced with this issue. That doesn't mean we have to accept that it is what it is.”
“Council and the mayor are on the record stating that parking is not an issue and "We are making a problem where one doesn't exist". I don't believe downtown business operators believe this, and I will begin by listening to business owners over occupancy spreadsheets.”
“I believe that the Recreation Center has been kicked down the road far enough.”
“The data suggests Salmon Arm is safer and more secure — but I don't believe residents accept that reality. I want to understand why”
“we should be facilitating business, we should be facilitating development, not just simply regulating it”
“I really wanted to give them the opportunity to be able to live and thrive here in Salmon Arm.”
CKVS radio interview
Background. He says he was born in Manitoba and raised nearby, spent almost a decade in Idaho in the cattle business, returned to agriculture businesses around Salmon Arm, and settled in Salmon Arm in 2016 after meeting his wife. The transcript renders his hometown as "Canlis"; his website says Kamloops.[13]
“I lived in Idaho for almost a decade working in the cattle business there.”
Business activities. He says he and partners operated a feedlot outside Armstrong, and he has since diversified into multifamily and commercial property in Salmon Arm and is opening a small business.[14]
“we actually had some partners and we operated a feedlot just outside in Armstrong.”
What could improve. He says he likes everything about living in Salmon Arm but would make downtown more user-friendly with better parking access and more activities.[15]
“I think we could make downtown more user friendly, greater access with regards to parking”
Values. He names creative problem-solving from business experience, plus transparency, responsibility and accountability, and says he wants to execute plans such as the wastewater project at or under budget.[16]
“I really truly believe in transparency, responsibility, and accountability.”
Key issues. He says this term will see the city's largest infrastructure projects. He calls for bringing them in on budget, funding them equitably without burdening taxpayers, growing the tax base, and facilitating rather than just regulating business and development.[17]
“rather than just simply increasing the burden on taxpayers to pay for those, those projects, we need to be more creative and need to grow our tax base.”
Why he is running. He cites his four children, aged 15 to 19, and wanting them to be able to stay and thrive in Salmon Arm. He says the pool of fellow candidates "tipped" him into running.[18][20]
“that was probably the one thing that really, uh, you know, tipped me into running was, you know, looking at the pool of candidates.”
Goals if elected. He names delivering the wastewater facility on or under budget, bringing the long-delayed recreation centre question to a conclusion, and making downtown and parks feel comfortable.[21]
“it's been definitely on the back burner for over a decade that we need to bring to some sort of conclusion one way or the other.”
Role of council. He describes council's role as allocating capital and prioritizing projects, spending residents' money "as if it's our own," and building a city staff culture of facilitating growth.[22]
“really spending our residents' money as if it's our own and putting it to good use as far as the allocation of that capital.”
Legacy. He says he is not a "spotlight seeker" and wants to leave the city on a sustainable trajectory rather than a legacy project.[23]
“It's more about sustainability.”
Downtown Salmon Arm questionnaire
Q1: Community priorities and leadership. He names three issues: building infrastructure on budget without burdening taxpayers; capital allocation after the city raised taxes while reallocating $1.7 million from the parkade reserve, drawing on wharf reserves and carrying forward a $2 million surplus; and keeping downtown vibrant and recreation growing. He wants consequences for cost overruns, a review of spending and services, and lower permitting and regulatory costs.[12]
“The City council has the responsibility to ensure building contracts have consequence for cost overruns”
Q2: Year-round economic vitality and resilience. He calls for Salmon Arm to be a four-season destination. He points to a new recreation facility (including an Olympic pool and a performing arts facility), better off-season use of the arena, and more events and concerts.[12]
“We have a great arena that is vastly underutilized outside of the hockey season. We have not hosted a concert here for years.”
Q3: Growing and protecting our downtown. He says parking is a downtown problem and disputes council statements that it is not. He wants the city to facilitate development consistent with the long-range plan, publish its discretionary building and development requirements, encourage longer downtown business hours, and explore incentives for downtown high-density development.[12]
“I am not suggesting growth for the sake of growth, but intentional growth that protects the character of our growing city”
Q4: Infrastructure, economic growth and community attractions. He says the recreation centre needs a concrete plan this term covering what to build, ownership and payment. He calls the wastewater facility non-negotiable and proposes regional partners, grant-writing, or a referendum.[12]
“We need to work with our regional partners, community associations, and invest in top-of-the-line grant discovery and grant writing to make these projects happen, or at the very least bring it to a referendum.”
Q5: A safe, welcoming and compassionate downtown. He proposes city safety objectives and measures developed with the RCMP, compassion for both vulnerable people and businesses, and study of new bylaws and other municipalities' approaches. He says enforcement should be "equivalent or better than other municipalities."[12]
“We will act compassionately to those with mental health challenges and addictions, and we will be equally compassionate to businesses and property owners.”
Financial disclosure
- Shares held in: Can Agri Capital Ltd., 1880924 AB Ltd., and Can Fed Beef Corp.[1]
- Creditor listed: Bank of Montreal (Kamloops branch).[1]
- Income sources: Can Agri Capital Ltd. (owner), 1880924 AB Ltd. (owner), Can Fed Beef Corp. (partner).[1]
- Real property interests (other than his residence): seven properties in Salmon Arm, located on 8 Ave. NE, 6 Street NE (a unit), Okanagan Ave. SE, Alexander St. NE (a unit), two on Lakeshore Dr. NE, and Harbourfront Dr. NE (a unit).[1]
- He answered "no" to holding, with family, more than 30% of the voting shares of any corporation, so no corporate-asset schedule was filed.[1]
- Nomination documents name Jamie Canart as his appointed financial agent. No elector organization endorsement is listed.[1]
In the news
- 2026-10-08 — In the Observer's strategic-priorities feature he said Corporate Strategic Plan timelines no longer reflect reality, citing the downtown parkade (whose reserved funding was redirected) and the pool and recreation centre retrofit (2025–2027).[8]
- 2026-09-30 — Castanet published his verbatim candidate Q&A.[9]
- 2026-09-28 — The Observer published his candidate introduction, which covers his cattle-business background, his move to Salmon Arm 10 years ago, and his real estate holdings and development.[7]
- 2026-09-12 — Castanet's roundup of the council field described him as a farmer who works as a risk management associate for an economic research firm focused on livestock, meat and poultry markets.[10]
- 2026-09 — In the Shuswap Climate Action Society's Vote4Tomorrow questionnaire he was listed as supportive of 17 of 24 climate policies. He was opposed to endorsing the fossil fuel treaty, a moratorium on AI data centres, and legal action to recover climate costs from polluters. He said he had not previously considered post-emergency recovery support and would study other municipalities' approaches.[11]
Find them online
- Campaign website
- Facebook (Aaron Canart for City Council)
- Castanet candidate page
- Vote4Tomorrow climate questionnaire
- CKVS-FM radio interview (audio)
References
- Nomination documents & Statement of Disclosure — City of Salmon Arm (Aaron Canart) · City of Salmon Arm · 2026-09-09
- General Local Election (candidate list) · City of Salmon Arm · 2026
- CivicInfo BC 2026 candidates — Salmon Arm (City) · CivicInfo BC · 2026
- Aaron Canart for Salmon Arm City Council · Aaron Canart campaign · 2026
- About · Aaron Canart · Aaron Canart campaign · 2026
- Platform · Aaron Canart · Aaron Canart campaign · 2026
- Introducing Salmon Arm's mayoral and council candidates · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-28
- Salmon Arm candidates speak to strategic priorities · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-10-08
- ELECTION 2026: Salmon Arm city council candidate profile for Aaron Canart · Castanet · 2026-09-30
- Fifteen newcomers, three incumbents make up Salmon Arm council field · Castanet · 2026-09-12
- Aaron Canart — Vote4Tomorrow candidate profile · Vote4Tomorrow (Shuswap Climate Action Society) · 2026
- Aaron Canart — 2026 Municipal Election Candidate Questions · Downtown Salmon Arm (Salmon Arm Downtown Improvement Association) · 2026-10
- CKVS-FM interview with Aaron Canart (at 00:17) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Aaron Canart (at 01:31) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Aaron Canart (at 02:42) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Aaron Canart (at 03:01) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Aaron Canart (at 04:47) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Aaron Canart (at 06:30) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Aaron Canart (at 07:27) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Aaron Canart (at 08:10) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Aaron Canart (at 08:51) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Aaron Canart (at 10:00) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Aaron Canart (at 11:27) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
Debbie Cannon
Incumbent councillor who served on council 2005-2014 and again since 2018; former florist and president of the 2024 Salmon Arm 55+ BC Games host society
Biography
Cannon says her parents moved to Salmon Arm in 1970. She attended North Canoe Elementary and graduated from Salmon Arm Secondary in 1984.[5][8]
In her CKVS-FM interview she said she was born in Kelowna and, after marrying, lived away for 10 years (five in Kelowna and five in Lethbridge) before she and her husband Bruce moved back in 1994 to raise their three daughters. A 2014 Salmon Arm Observer candidate profile described her as born and raised in Salmon Arm (née McLean).[53][5][17]
She owned and operated a floral business downtown for 16 years and says she still owns that commercial building; in 2010 she was the floral manager at Safeway. Her city biography says she continues to work in her husband's business.[5][4]
She has three daughters (Kailey, Robbi and Tessa) and seven grandchildren, five of whom live in Salmon Arm.[5][8]
Her hobbies, by her own account, include curling, boating, pottery, photography and travelling.[5]
According to the City of Salmon Arm, she was appointed to the Interior Health board from 2015 through 2017, between her two periods on council.[4]
She told CKVS-FM she was active in ringette (her daughters played), and earlier in softball, horseback riding and swimming.[53]
Experience
- Salmon Arm city councillor 2005-2014 (three terms) and from 2018 to present (two terms); she describes this as 17 years on council.[5][8][56]
- Member of the Interior Health board 2015-2017 (per City of Salmon Arm biography).[4]
- President of the Salmon Arm 55+ BC Games Host Society for the September 2024 Games.[23][25]
- Current council appointments listed by the city: Council Select Parking Committee; Development and Planning Services Committee; Columbia Shuswap Regional District representative (alternate); First Nations Partnerships / West Bay Connector; Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival liaison; Shuswap Recreation Society; MIABC voting delegate (2nd alternate); Rail Trail liaison (alternate); Salmon Arm Fall Fair liaison.[4]
- Deputy mayor April 1-June 30, 2023; Oct. 1-Dec. 31, 2024; and April 1-Aug. 31, 2026 (council rotates the role).[4]
- Council's representative on the Shuswap Watershed Council (2024) and a former chair of the city's Heritage Commission.[26][51]
- Sits on the Shuswap Recreation Society board as council's representative; she wrote a 2024 Observer column on the society.[48][4]
- In 2012 she was the city representative on the Downtown Salmon Arm board of directors.[21]
- Community volunteering she lists includes the Women's Esso Hockey Nationals, the Olympic Torch Relay and the Rick Hansen 25th anniversary Man in Motion tour; a 2014 profile also listed Rotary, the Chamber of Commerce and the Shuswap Ringette League.[4][17]
Record in office
- Election history: elected to council in 2005, 2008 and 2011 (per her own account of three terms, 2005-2014); ran for mayor in 2014 and placed third with 950 votes behind Nancy Cooper (2,343) and Marty Bootsma (1,088), preliminary results; elected councillor in 2018 with 2,827 votes (49.5 per cent, fourth place, unofficial); re-elected in 2022 with 3,010 votes (third of six elected).[5][16][18][15][14]
- In 2014, during her earlier tenure, she advocated for expanded transit service, including evening service and stops in the industrial park; a May 2014 motion for staff to study expansion failed.[22]
- In the 2022 campaign she said council had worked with the province on more than 70 new affordable housing units, 38 of them supportive, and pledged to advocate for more provincial and federal resources on homelessness.[20]
- Led the city's successful bid for the 2024 55+ BC Games; the Observer reported the Games left a $166,000 legacy fund, and Mayor Harrison credited her work recruiting volunteers.[24][8]
- January 2024: introduced a motion asking the Active Transportation Advisory Committee to review an e-scooter pilot program; in May 2026 she opposed deferring the small-wheels-on-sidewalks bylaw to 2027 and supported allowing them, but that motion was defeated (Couns. Lavery, Gonella, Wallace Richmond and Mayor Harrison opposed).[28][29][30]
- February 2024: council directed Cannon and Coun. Tim Lavery to work with the CAO on options for the city's future participation in Shuswap Tourism; the city later withdrew from Shuswap Tourism effective January 2025.[27]
- March 2024: as council's Shuswap Watershed Council representative, moved that the city keep participating but without its $40,000 contribution, saying she did not think the city was getting the deliverables it wanted.[26]
- November 2025: moved for fencing around the former Memorial Arena grounds to deal with a growing encampment, funded from money left over from the demolition; the revised motion approved temporary fencing for the winter.[31]
- October 2025: raised concerns that soccer net frames at the Safeway fields were being used to build tent structures and asked that they be stored.[32]
- October 2025: moved to give a one-year (rather than three-year) permissive tax exemption to organizations that had not met filing requirements; she said she could not support three years.[34]
- October 2025: moved that council not require removal of a resident's hedge; the motion was defeated with Mayor Harrison and Couns. Flynn, Lavery and Wallace Richmond opposed.[33]
- June 2025: spoke against giving $3,750 to the Salmon Arm Agricultural Association for grandstand restoration, citing council's earlier statement that no further funds would be provided.[35]
- March 2026: voted against the downtown veterans crosswalk, concerned it would need more maintenance than staff recommended; she had suggested flags as an alternative.[37][38]
- 2026: moved the city's application for FIFA World Cup celebration grant funding; moved that council let ROOTSandBLUES use wood salvaged from Memorial Arena for a fundraising guitar; raised year-round washrooms at Blackburn Park (approved, about $5,000); moved to refer a BC SPCA dog park proposal to 2027 budget deliberations.[42][41][39][40]
- Supports differential pricing at recreation facilities so that other CSRD areas contribute to a future pool.[43][44]
- Voted with the majority against re-closing part of 10 Ave. SE (March 2024) and was among those opposing deferral of a frontage-improvement exemption bylaw (February 2025).[36][50]
- Declared a disclosure of interest on a March 2026 item about the Salmon Arm Curling Club lease.[52]
- According to the city's 2024 annual report as cited by the Observer, Cannon received $29,948 in remuneration plus $7,398 in expenses in 2024.[47]
- Attended the September 2026 UBCM convention with the mayor and Couns. Gonella and Wallace Richmond, where the delegation raised highway safety, rural policing and a Highway 97B encampment with provincial ministers.[49]
Platform
Wastewater treatment. Calls the Water Pollution Control Centre (wastewater treatment) upgrade, estimated at about $90 million, her top priority and wants federal and provincial funding secured.[3][11][54]
“My number one priority is securing funding for the major capital infrastructure our city needs.”
Recreation and aquatic centre. Wants a Recreation Master Plan (expected early 2027) to set priorities, existing facilities maintained, and meaningful progress toward a new aquatic centre and an indoor sports facility; would support a referendum on a new aquatic centre within four years, or sooner if ready.[3][11]
“I would support moving toward a referendum within four years—or sooner if we are ready”
Taxes and finances. Says the city has been fiscally responsible, citing a 19.59 per cent cumulative tax increase since 2016, and would keep tax increases manageable while staff pursue senior-government grants.[11]
“We are very fiscally responsible in my eyes”
Homelessness and encampments. Says encampments on private and city land should be cleared immediately and that the province must act on encampments on Ministry of Transportation land; supports partnerships with CMHA and BC Housing but says it is not the city's role to fund all homelessness services; supports involuntary treatment where needed.[11][3]
“I do feel that the homeless that have set up tents throughout our city on private and city land need to be cleared out immediately.”
Downtown safety. Fully supported street solicitation Bylaw 4273 and wants seven-day bylaw officer coverage downtown; notes protective services are close to 27 per cent of the city budget.[3]
“I fully supported Bylaw 4273, as well as increasing the bylaw presence in our downtown.”
Downtown growth. Wants more high-density residential development downtown and continued support for patios, markets, festivals and events.[3]
Tourism and economy. Supports the application to raise the Municipal and Regional District Tax (hotel tax) from 2 to 3 per cent and attracting major events; supports FireSmart wildfire mitigation.[3][45]
Active transportation. Wants continued investment in walking and cycling routes connecting neighbourhoods to downtown.[3]
Strategic plan. Says the 2022 Corporate Strategic Plan's timelines have proven difficult to achieve and that its long-term priorities need to be revisited.[9]
Role of council. Says council should stay in its lane on matters such as the Canada-U.S. trade dispute, beyond promoting buying local.[58]
Stated goals and commitments
- Have the Wastewater Treatment Centre upgrade well underway with federal and provincial funding.[3]
- Work on the Recreation Master Plan (expected to start January/February 2027) and see recreation facilities underway or finished in the next term.[57][11]
- Make meaningful progress toward a new aquatic centre and explore an indoor sports facility within four years.[3]
- Bylaw officer coverage seven days a week downtown.[3]
In their own words
“I like to see the projects get finished.”
“It's not a sexy one because everyone wants a new pool or a sport indoor sports facility. And that's kind of what I want too, but we have to look after that infrastructure”
“Everything takes time, and as I reflect, the Salmon River bridge was a top issue and needed to get replaced, as well as our underpass in the downtown.”
“I really feel the primary issue affecting Salmon Arm residents is our need for recreation facilities.”
“At the same time, I do not believe it is the City's role to fund or provide all of the services required to address homelessness”
“Time is of the essence”
“I always wanted our community to host a big sporting event and my team was successful with our bid to host the 2024 BC 55+ games.”
CKVS radio interview
Background. Says she was born in Kelowna, came to the Shuswap in 1970, lived away for 10 years after marrying (Kelowna and Lethbridge) and returned in 1994 to raise three daughters.[53]
“I guess we were one of the boomerangs”
People she respects. Names Mayor Alan Harrison, under whom she says she has served eight years, describing him as a team player; also her late mother Geneva McLean and mother-in-law Jackie Cannon.[59]
“It's never I, I, I, I.”
Key issues. Says the biggest issue is getting provincial and federal money for capital infrastructure, especially a wastewater treatment plant that could cost upwards of $90 million.[54]
“So I would say our biggest issue is tapping into funding provincially and federally so that we can make those projects happen.”
Reason for running. Wants to see projects such as a pool retrofit and the wastewater plant move ahead and get finished.[55]
“I love our community and I really have a passion for the projects that we need to move ahead on.”
Public life. Says she has been on council 17 years over five terms; recalls the SmartCentres public hearings as a term when public attention on her family was intense.[56]
“I've been on council 17 years, five terms.”
Goals and legacy. Says her previous goal of hosting a big sporting event was met with the 55+ BC Games; next term she wants to work on the Recreation Master Plan and senior-government grants, and hopes to leave a recreation plan and facilities underway or finished.[57]
“Cause that's the only way it's going to happen.”
Role of a councillor. Says council should stay within its lane and focus on the community, such as promoting buying local, rather than the Canada-U.S. trade dispute.[58]
“I think our role is keeping in our lane”
Downtown Salmon Arm questionnaire
Q1: Community priorities and leadership. Lists three priorities: securing senior-government funding for the roughly $90-million Wastewater Treatment Centre; recreation facilities, including a Master Recreation Plan in early 2027 and a possible aquatic-centre referendum within four years; and active transportation.[3]
“My number one priority is securing funding for the major capital infrastructure our city needs.”
Q2: Year-round economic vitality and resilience. Supports FireSmart wildfire mitigation, using MRDT funds and major events such as the 55+ BC Games to support the off-season economy, and the application to raise the MRDT from 2 to 3 per cent.[3]
“I also support the MRDT application to the Province to increase the tax collected from 2% to 3%.”
Q3: Growing and protecting our downtown. Wants continued support for protective services (close to 27 per cent of the budget), events that bring foot traffic, more high-density housing downtown and seven-day bylaw coverage.[3]
“I would also like to see more high-density residential development in our downtown area.”
Q4: Infrastructure, economic growth and community attractions. Says the wastewater centre (could cost upwards of $90 million) must come first, then recreation facilities; wants meaningful progress toward a new aquatic centre and to explore an indoor sports facility over the next four years.[3]
“These facilities are more than just places for recreation”
Q5: A safe, welcoming and compassionate downtown. Fully supported Bylaw 4273 and increased bylaw presence; supports working with CMHA, BC Housing and other governments but says the city should not fund all homelessness services; supports involuntary treatment while noting insufficient provincial capacity.[3]
“I support involuntary treatment for individuals who require it”
Financial disclosure
- Statement of Disclosure (signed Sept. 2, 2026): no corporations listed under individual share assets; no creditors listed.[2]
- Income source listed: City of Salmon Arm (capacity: councillor).[2]
- Real property (other than residence): an interest in a property on 2nd Street SE in Salmon Arm.[2]
- Corporate assets: answered yes to owning, alone or with family, more than 30 per cent of voting shares in a corporation, and listed 491364 BC Ltd. (no business type or further details given on the form).[2]
- Nomination: usual name Debbie Cannon; office sought councillor; acting as her own financial agent; no elector organization endorsement. Filed Sept. 3, 2026.[2][7]
In the news
- 2026-10-01 — The Vote4Tomorrow climate and environment voter guide lists Cannon as "did not respond" to its questionnaire (shown as 0/24 policy commitments).[1]
- 2026-09-30 — Castanet published Cannon's verbatim candidate Q&A, in which she named recreation facilities as the primary issue and called for encampments on city and private land to be cleared immediately.[11]
- 2026-09-23 — Cannon was part of the council delegation at UBCM that raised highway safety, rural policing and a Highway 97B encampment with provincial ministers.[49]
- 2026-09-12 — Castanet reported she has served five consecutive terms and is seeking a sixth. (Her own materials describe service in 2005-2014 and 2018-present, i.e., not consecutive.)[13][12][5]
- 2026-09-02 — The Observer reported Cannon confirmed she would run again.[10]
- 2026-07-24 — Cannon and Coun. Lavery said a hotel tax increase to 3 per cent is something the city had sought for a long time; council gave the bylaw three readings.[45]
- 2026-05-12 — During a compensation review, Cannon argued better council benefits could attract younger people to run.[46]
- 2025-11-28 — Council approved temporary fencing at the former Memorial Arena site after Cannon pushed for quick action on an encampment.[31]
- 2025-04-24 — The 55+ BC Games, which Cannon's host society organized, left a $166,000 legacy fund.[24]
- 2024-09-18 — As host society president, Cannon told Castanet the Games were an economic driver and that participants felt Salmon Arm 'knocked it out of the park.'[23]
Find them online
- Campaign website
- Facebook (council page)
- City of Salmon Arm councillor page
- Castanet candidate page
References
- Vote4Tomorrow — Salmon Arm 2026 candidate guide · Vote4Tomorrow · 2026-10-01
- Nomination documents & Statement of Disclosure — City of Salmon Arm (Debbie Cannon) · City of Salmon Arm · 2026-09-03
- Debbie Cannon — Downtown Salmon Arm candidate questionnaire · Downtown Salmon Arm (Salmon Arm Downtown Improvement Association) · 2026-10
- Councillor Debbie Cannon · City of Salmon Arm · 2026
- Re-elect Debbie Cannon for Salmon Arm Council — My bio · debbiecannon.ca (campaign website) · 2026
- CivicInfo BC 2026 candidates — Salmon Arm (City) · CivicInfo BC · 2026
- General Local Election · City of Salmon Arm · 2026
- Introducing Salmon Arm's mayoral and council candidates · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-28
- Salmon Arm candidates speak to strategic priorities · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-10-08
- Salmon Arm council race growing with 8 candidates filed, more to come · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-02
- ELECTION 2026: Salmon Arm city council candidate profile for Debbie Cannon · Castanet · 2026-09-30
- Debbie Cannon, Salmon Arm Councillor candidate - Civic Election 2026 · Castanet · 2026
- Fifteen newcomers, three incumbents make up Salmon Arm council field · Castanet · 2026-09-12
- Alan Harrison soundly defeats challengers to return as mayor of Salmon Arm · Castanet · 2022-10-15
- Election night: Strong night for incumbent councillors · Salmon Arm Observer · 2018-10-21
- Three vie for mayor's chair · Salmon Arm Observer · 2014-09-24
- Mayor candidate Debbie Cannon running for mayor · Salmon Arm Observer · 2014-10-16
- Election 2014 update: Cooper wins mayoralty race · Salmon Arm Observer · 2014-11-15
- Salmon Arm council hopefuls share views on housing, vaccine mandates and more · Salmon Arm Observer · 2022-10-08
- Salmon Arm Election 2022: Candidates address city's approach to homelessness · Salmon Arm Observer · 2022-10-03
- Shop local not so simple for City of Salmon Arm · Salmon Arm Observer · 2012-03-21
- Pushing for better bus service · Salmon Arm Observer · 2014-08-06
- Organizers of Salmon Arm 55+ BC Games pleased with event, leave door open for something similar in future · Castanet · 2024-09-18
- Salmon Arm 55+ Games leaves community with $166K legacy fund · Salmon Arm Observer · 2025-04-24
- Enthusiastic crowd celebrates at 55+ BC Games opening ceremony in Salmon Arm · Castanet · 2024-09-12
- Salmon Arm council opts to stop funding Shuswap Watershed Council, says provincial support is necessary · Castanet · 2024-03-26
- City of Salmon Arm reviewing tourism spending after 20 per cent Shuswap Tourism budget hike · Castanet · 2024-02-27
- City of Salmon Arm eyes bringing in e-scooters · Castanet · 2024-01-30
- Salmon Arm council unable to make a decision about allowing e-scooters on sidewalks · Castanet · 2026-05-15
- Salmon Arm city council delays decision on e-scooters and bikes riding on sidewalks · Castanet · 2026-05-26
- City of Salmon Arm to fence in former arena grounds following reports of growing homeless encampment · Castanet · 2025-11-28
- Salmon Arm councillor concerned the homeless are using soccer nets to construct temporary structures · Castanet · 2025-10-15
- Salmon Arm council struggles over decision to have hedge removed over safety concerns · Castanet · 2025-11-04
- Salmon Arm council reluctantly agrees to provide tax exemptions to organizations that failed to meet requirements · Castanet · 2025-10-31
- City council approves half of the amount requested for grandstand restoration at Salmon Arm fairgrounds · Castanet · 2025-06-24
- Salmon Arm council votes against upholding 20-year-old decision to close part of 10 Ave SE · Castanet · 2024-03-02
- Salmon Arm council wants more time before deciding on veteran's crosswalk as proposed by local Legion · Castanet · 2026-03-10
- City council commits to veterans crosswalk in downtown Salmon Arm · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-03-24
- Salmon Arm council agrees to $5K upgrade to keep Blackburn Park bathrooms open year-round · Castanet · 2026-08-26
- Salmon Arm council to consider SPCA partnership for new dog park during budget deliberations · Castanet · 2026-08-27
- Salmon Arm council approves plan to inspect wood saved from Memorial Arena to make unique guitar · Castanet · 2026-02-19
- City set to apply for funding to host FIFA World Cup celebration event in Salmon Arm · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-01-14
- Super seniors rate rolling out at Salmon Arm recreation facilities · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-02-11
- Councillors say differential pricing needs to be introduced at Salmon Arm recreational facilities · Castanet · 2025-01-15
- Council supports bylaw to increase Salmon Arm hotel tax · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-07-24
- Compensation review shows Salmon Arm mayor, councillor salaries below median · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-05-12
- Salmon Arm council to be hands-off on pay review · Salmon Arm Observer · 2025-09-12
- Column: Community group helps change recreational landscape in Salmon Arm · Salmon Arm Observer · 2024-11-05
- Traffic safety, rural policing among concerns raised by Salmon Arm council at UBCM · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-23
- Salmon Arm council divided over exempting city from bylaw requirement · Salmon Arm Observer · 2025-02-17
- City council honours Salmon Arm's archivist of 35 years · Salmon Arm Observer · 2025-12-09
- Council supports Salmon Arm curling club effort to fund accessibility lift · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-03-16
- CKVS-FM interview with Debbie Cannon (at 00:16) - background · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10
- CKVS-FM interview with Debbie Cannon (at 04:48) - key issues · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10
- CKVS-FM interview with Debbie Cannon (at 06:05) - reason for running · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10
- CKVS-FM interview with Debbie Cannon (at 07:07) - life as a politician · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10
- CKVS-FM interview with Debbie Cannon (at 09:28) - goals · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10
- CKVS-FM interview with Debbie Cannon (at 10:46) - role of a councillor · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10
- CKVS-FM interview with Debbie Cannon (at 03:37) - people she respects · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10
Shelley Desautels
GIS mapping business owner and Okanagan College instructor; former Salmon Arm Chamber of Commerce executive director and 2021 federal Liberal candidate
Biography
Desautels was born and raised in Vernon, according to the Observer's 2022 Top 20 Under 40 profile, and has lived in Salmon Arm since 2012. She lives there with her husband Shawn and their two adult children.[14][7][12]
She holds a geography degree and a GIS diploma. She started Mighty Owl Mapping & Analysis, which provides operational mapping and GIS support mainly to forestry clients, including community forests, woodlots and First Nations. She teaches in the GIS Certificate program at Okanagan College.[14][11][5]
She provides administrative support (memberships, social media, event planning) for Whizbang Boxing, the downtown Salmon Arm boxing gym run by her husband Shawn. The Observer reported in 2022 that the couple had opened the gym downtown.[5][16][12]
She joined the Salmon Arm Chamber of Commerce at the start of 2022, became interim executive director in October 2022, and was hired as executive director on Dec. 16, 2022. Castanet describes her as a former executive director of the chamber.[15][18]
She was the federal Liberal candidate in North Okanagan—Shuswap in 2021. In a campaign blog post she writes that the run is "part of my history, but it doesn't define how I would approach municipal government."[22][7]
She was one of 20 people recognized in Salmon Arm's inaugural Top 20 Under 40 program in 2022. Outside work she sings with the group The In-Between, trains and competes with her dog, and lifts weights.[14][5]
On CKVS-FM she said she has run Mighty Owl Mapping for about seven years and taught GIS at Okanagan College for about eight. She said she served a one-year term as Chamber executive director, focused on rebuilding membership after a post-COVID decline.[26][27]
Experience
- Owner/director, Mighty Owl Mapping & Analysis Ltd. (GIS mapping and consulting services).[1][5]
- Instructor/faculty, GIS Certificate program, Okanagan College.[1][14]
- Executive director of the Salmon Arm Chamber of Commerce: interim from October 2022, hired permanently in December 2022. She previously sat on the chamber board. In October 2022 she moderated the chamber's all-candidates forum.[15][7][17]
- Boards and roles listed on her campaign site and in news reports: Community Futures Shuswap (including its lending committee), Shuswap Pride Society, Shuswap Cycling Club (director), BC Community Forest Association (board and secretary), Canadian Federation of University Women (secretary), Chamber Executives of BC, and Boxing for Wellness (treasurer and vice-president at different times).[7][14][22]
- Service officer at the Salmon Arm Legion, helping veterans deal with Veterans Affairs after her husband left the military. She now serves as service officer with the Armstrong Legion.[14][5]
- On the radio she also listed Salmon Arm Legion roles (service officer, membership, secretary), singing the anthem and serving as game-show host for the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, and billeting players.[27]
Previous campaigns and public roles
- 2021 federal election, North Okanagan—Shuswap (Liberal): 13,666 votes (18.88%), third behind Conservative incumbent Mel Arnold (33,626; 46.45%) and New Democrat Ron Johnston (13,929; 19.24%).[23]
- First run for municipal office. She told Castanet she had been asked to run for council several times over the years and "never felt like I was ready at those times."[19]
Platform
Business. She wants clear, predictable city processes for starting, running and expanding businesses, and wants council to weigh the impact on existing businesses when setting taxes, fees, parking and development rules. She favours working through SAEDS, the Chamber and Downtown Salmon Arm rather than duplicating their work.[6][4][25]
“reducing unnecessary barriers and creating the conditions for good local jobs”
Fiscal approach & taxes. She told Castanet she does not think Salmon Arm has been fiscally irresponsible, noting the city reduced its long-term debt in 2025. She opposes keeping taxes as low as possible at the expense of infrastructure, and favours grants, partnerships, development funding tools, reserves and borrowing before putting the full cost on taxpayers.[19][6]
“I don't think the goal should simply be to keep property taxes as low as possible.”
Growth & infrastructure. She says growth is inevitable and that core services (water, sewer, roads) come first. She wants to identify what is already at capacity and plan ahead rather than react, and to consider lifecycle operating and replacement costs.[25][6][19]
Recreation. She wants the recreation facility discussion to move forward. She wants the Community Facilities and Assets Strategic Plan moved up from medium term, and favours exploring partnerships with sports groups, neighbouring communities, businesses and funders. She acknowledges the wastewater treatment plant is the current priority.[10][13][25]
“The question shouldn't necessarily be "big facility or small facility"”
Homelessness & safety. She groups housing, homelessness and community safety together. She wants to talk to frontline workers and people experiencing homelessness, advocate to the Province for mental health, addiction, complex-care and supportive-housing services, and research provincial repeat-offender programs. She says the next strategic plan should address homelessness directly.[25][19][13]
“Housing alone is not the answer for everyone, and enforcement alone is not the answer either.”
Housing. She supports a range of attainable housing located where services can keep up. She says she supports the city's direction on more rental options for low-income families, and that more downtown housing would mean more year-round customers.[6][25]
Environment & water. She supports FireSmart and wildfire mitigation, water conservation, and water restrictions "when the data shows that they are necessary." She favours requiring xeriscaping for front landscaping on new builds, with incentives for existing homes.[6][8]
Trails, active transportation & Indigenous relations. She supports the Active Transportation Plan, the city's partnership with the Shuswap Trail Alliance, and continued collaboration with the Adams Lake and Neskonlith bands on projects such as the West Bay Connector Trail.[9]
Inclusion & decision-making. She says she will make "data-driven" decisions and support inclusive city policies and spaces. She wants council decisions to reflect "the whole community, not just the loudest voices or one particular ideology."[4][6][18]
Innovation. She says Salmon Arm has "fallen a little flat" on its "small city, big ideas" motto. She wants the city to be more innovative and to lead rather than follow other communities, and she declines to make specific promises such as never raising taxes.[35]
“let's be innovative. Let's maybe lead instead of watching what other communities do.”
Community forest. She says she would like to help a sitting councillor's effort to secure a community forest for Salmon Arm, noting her career working with community forests.[37]
Stated goals and commitments
- By the end of the term: visible progress on major infrastructure, a more coordinated approach to homelessness and supports, and clearer, more transparent decisions about what the city can afford.[25]
- Move the Community Facilities and Assets Strategic Plan, including the pool and recreation centre, from medium-term to short-term priority.[13]
- Add homelessness, mental health, addictions, housing and community safety directly to the next Corporate Strategic Plan.[13]
- Require new builds to use drought-tolerant xeriscaping for front landscaping, with incentives for existing homes to convert.[8]
- Help secure a community forest for Salmon Arm (the legacy she named on CKVS-FM).[37]
In their own words
“I believe who sits at the Council table matters.”
“I want to help preserve the collaborative, practical approach Salmon Arm has now, while making sure decisions continue to reflect the whole community, not just the loudest voices or one particular ideology.”
“I don't think Salmon Arm has been fiscally irresponsible to begin with. In 2025, the city actually reduced its long-term debt from the year before.”
“There may still be times when taxes need to increase. What matters to me is that residents understand what they are paying for, why it is needed, and that they are getting good value for it.”
“Council is non-partisan, and while every councillor brings their own beliefs and experiences to the table, what matters to me is being able to listen to people, work with people I disagree with, and take their concerns seriously.”
“homelessness cannot simply be pushed into a long-term timeline.”
“I don't think compassion for people who are struggling and supporting our downtown businesses have to be opposing goals.”
“I'm naturally a data person. I like to understand what is actually happening before deciding what should be done about it.”
“I can promise you that I will take a lens and I will definitely have an open mind when looking at things.”
“Whereas municipal it's, this is who I am. This is what I believe in.”
CKVS radio interview
Background. She says her family has lived in Salmon Arm for 12 years. She moved for work and now runs Mighty Owl Mapping (about seven years), consulting for community forests, woodlots and First Nations. She has taught GIS at Okanagan College for about eight years and helps run her husband's boxing gym.[26]
“I moved here for work and now I own my own business.”
Community involvement. She lists Legion roles, the Community Futures board and lending committee, the Chamber board and a one-year term as executive director rebuilding membership after COVID, and Silverbacks activities.[27]
“I also did a one year term as executive director with the Chamber of Commerce as well, focusing really on just building back the Chamber.”
Likes and dislikes. She praises Salmon Arm as a place to raise children and its arts and culture. She says residents often must shop out of town for things like clothing and are sometimes priced out of local shops.[28][29]
“This is a small community, but there are so many things that you can actually access within this community”
Values. She describes herself as a natural leader with integrity who will not make promises she cannot keep, and who uses data analysis in her daily work.[30]
“If I don't promise it to you, it's because I may not be able to deliver it.”
People she respects. She names Mayor Alan Harrison ("so grounded and kind") and Bill Laird, whom she credits with building up much of the community.[31]
“I really actually respect what he has done for our community.”
Key issues. She names a recreation facility (noting the loss of the indoor soccer arena), the unhoused population and public safety concerns such as break-ins. She notes much of this falls outside city jurisdiction.[32]
“There's not a lot that the city actually can do, but people are, are wanting to see changes in, in those areas for sure.”
Why she is running. She says three open seats are unusual. She describes the current council as stable and working well with staff, and says she wants to make sure whoever sits at the table represents everyone.[33]
“having almost a fear of who could get in.”
2021 federal run. She says the 2021 campaign came during COVID and wildfires. She contrasts party-set priorities in federal and provincial campaigns with personal positions in a municipal race.[34]
“if you run federally or provincially, you're kind of given the booklet of these are the priorities.”
Goals if elected. She declines to make specific promises but wants Salmon Arm to live up to its "small city, big ideas" motto by being more innovative.[35]
“I feel like Salmon Arm has fallen a little flat on that promise.”
Role of council. She says the biggest role is listening and making people feel heard, while being transparent about what the city can and cannot do.[36]
“I think that being able to listen to people is the biggest way for people to feel heard and respected.”
Legacy. She says she would like to help a current councillor's push for a Salmon Arm community forest, citing her community-forest career and her past seat on the community forest association board.[37]
“that brings in funding that brings in economy that brings in so much to a city to have something like that.”
Downtown Salmon Arm questionnaire
Q1: Community priorities and leadership. She names growth and infrastructure capacity; housing, homelessness and community safety (grouped together); and fiscal pressure. She wants to know what is at capacity, keep the recreation conversation moving, coordinate with frontline organizations, and advocate to the Province.[25]
“Housing alone is not the answer for everyone, and enforcement alone is not the answer either.”
Q2: Year-round economic vitality and resilience. She says the city cannot simply decide to have a stronger year-round economy. She would listen first, build on what Downtown Salmon Arm and SAEDS already do, and look at off-season events, amenities and how easy it is to invest.[25]
“I would rather strengthen partnerships and fill gaps than duplicate work that is already happening.”
Q3: Growing and protecting our downtown. Noting that she and her husband own a downtown business, she wants a broader mix of shops and experiences, clear development and business processes, and more downtown housing, while protecting downtown's character, walkability and public spaces.[25]
“Sometimes I think the question is simply: what would make someone decide to spend an afternoon downtown?”
Q4: Infrastructure, economic growth and community attractions. She says water, sewer, roads and core services must come first, but amenities should not always be pushed aside. She wants recreation to move forward as a "real conversation" based on community need, affordability and partnerships.[25]
“I don't have a specific facility or price tag in mind”
Q5: A safe, welcoming and compassionate downtown. She wants to review what is working with the current bylaw approach and hear from businesses, frontline organizations, bylaw staff and people with lived experience. She favours a clear response to persistent problems, plus advocacy for housing, mental health, addictions and complex care.[25]
“I don't think it is reasonable to expect individual business owners and their employees to manage difficult situations on their own simply because those situations happen outside their doors.”
Financial disclosure
- Shares held in: Mighty Owl Mapping & Analysis Ltd.[1]
- Creditor listed: Collabria (address given in Salmon Arm).[1]
- Income sources: Mighty Owl Mapping & Analysis Ltd. (owner/director) and Okanagan College (instructor/faculty).[1]
- No real property interests (other than her residence) listed.[1]
- Corporate assets: she answered "yes" to holding, with family, more than 30% of a corporation's voting shares, listing Mighty Owl Mapping & Analysis Ltd., which provides GIS mapping and consulting services.[1]
- Nomination documents: she is acting as her own financial agent, and no elector organization endorsement is listed.[1]
In the news
- 2026-10-08 — In the Observer's strategic-priorities feature she said she would move the Community Facilities and Assets Strategic Plan to the short term and address the unhoused population in the next plan.[13]
- 2026-10-07 — Castanet quoted her at the Chamber's Community Election Open House, where she said her conversations with voters "were deep conversations."[21]
- 2026-10-01 — Castanet published her verbatim candidate Q&A.[19]
- 2026-09-12 — Castanet's roundup of the council field described her as a business owner who wants to bring data-driven decision-making to council and reduce unnecessary barriers for local businesses.[20]
- 2026-09-04 — Castanet reported that the former chamber executive director was running for council. She said she wants to preserve Salmon Arm's "collaborative, practical approach."[18]
- 2026-09 — In the Shuswap Climate Action Society's Vote4Tomorrow questionnaire she was listed as supportive of 22 of 24 climate policies and neutral on an AI data-centre moratorium and on legal action against polluters. She described her GIS and community-forestry work and personal steps such as xeriscaping.[24]
- 2026-08-20 — The Observer reported her council candidacy, describing her as a business owner, 2021 federal Liberal candidate and 2022 Top 20 Under 40 honouree.[12]
- 2022-12-23 — The Observer reported her hiring as executive director of the Salmon Arm Chamber of Commerce.[15]
- 2021-08-05 — Castanet reported her nomination as Liberal candidate in North Okanagan—Shuswap. She cited child care, housing, reconciliation and climate change as issues.[22]
Find them online
- Campaign website
- Castanet candidate page
- Vote4Tomorrow climate questionnaire
- CKVS-FM radio interview (audio)
References
- Nomination documents & Statement of Disclosure — City of Salmon Arm (Shelley Desautels) · City of Salmon Arm · 2026-09-01
- General Local Election (candidate list) · City of Salmon Arm · 2026
- CivicInfo BC 2026 candidates — Salmon Arm (City) · CivicInfo BC · 2026
- Shelley Desautels for Salmon Arm City Council · Shelley Desautels campaign · 2026
- About Me · Shelley Desautels campaign · 2026
- Priorities · Shelley Desautels campaign · 2026
- Who is Shelley? · Shelley Desautels campaign · 2026-08-26
- Why can't I water my lawn? · Shelley Desautels campaign · 2026-08-22
- Supporting Trails, Active Transportation & Collaboration · Shelley Desautels campaign · 2026-09-04
- Recreation in Salmon Arm · Shelley Desautels campaign · 2026-09-15
- Introducing Salmon Arm's mayoral and council candidates · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-28
- Desautels announces bid for seat on council · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-08-20
- Salmon Arm candidates speak to strategic priorities · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-10-08
- Salmon Arm's Top 20 Under 40: Shelley Desautels · Salmon Arm Observer · 2022-01-26
- New Salmon Arm chamber manager aims to rebuild connections with business community · Salmon Arm Observer · 2022-12-23
- Salmon Arm couple's boxing gym on good footing in city's downtown · Salmon Arm Observer · 2022-10-13
- Salmon Arm council hopefuls share views on housing, vaccine mandates and more · Salmon Arm Observer · 2022-10-08
- Former chamber executive director to run for Salmon Arm council · Castanet · 2026-09-04
- ELECTION 2026: Salmon Arm city council candidate profile for Shelley Desautels · Castanet · 2026-10-01
- Fifteen newcomers, three incumbents make up Salmon Arm council field · Castanet · 2026-09-12
- Salmon Arm Community Election Open House event draws hundreds of voters · Castanet · 2026-10-07
- Liberal Shelley Desautels announces candidacy in North Okanagan-Shuswap · Castanet · 2021-08-05
- North Okanagan—Shuswap (federal electoral district) — 2021 election results · Wikipedia · 2026
- Shelley Desautels — Vote4Tomorrow candidate profile · Vote4Tomorrow (Shuswap Climate Action Society) · 2026
- Shelley Desautels — 2026 Municipal Election Candidate Questions · Downtown Salmon Arm (Salmon Arm Downtown Improvement Association) · 2026-10
- CKVS-FM interview with Shelley Desautels (at 00:15) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Shelley Desautels (at 01:01) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Shelley Desautels (at 02:03) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Shelley Desautels (at 02:55) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Shelley Desautels (at 03:54) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Shelley Desautels (at 05:05) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Shelley Desautels (at 06:12) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Shelley Desautels (at 07:11) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Shelley Desautels (at 08:36) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Shelley Desautels (at 11:13) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Shelley Desautels (at 12:25) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Shelley Desautels (at 13:28) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
David Gonella
First-term councillor and executive director of the Salmon Arm Folk Music Society (ROOTSandBLUES Festival)
Biography
Gonella told CKVS-FM he was born in Merced, California, and immigrated to Canada after being accepted to the Master of Fine Arts program at the University of British Columbia.[51]
He says he then spent about 15 years in the film industry in various jobs, including volunteer and guest coordinator work at a Vancouver film festival.[51]
He and his wife Ellen moved to Salmon Arm in 2006 to start a family; he says they bought a house before either had a job here.[51][4][7]
He is executive director of the Salmon Arm Folk Music Society, which runs the ROOTSandBLUES Festival.[4][46]
His city biography says he offers experience working with all levels of government, resource management, HR and budget management.[4]
He says he has volunteered with minor football and hockey and with the ROOTSandBLUES Festival.[52]
Experience
- Executive director, Salmon Arm Folk Music Society / ROOTSandBLUES Festival; he led the society through the August 2023 wildfire cancellation of the festival and a 2024 office and storage expansion funded by a BC Arts Council infrastructure grant.[45][46][47]
- Salmon Arm city councillor since 2022. Council appointments listed by the city: Agricultural Advisory Committee; Chamber of Commerce; Community Heritage Commission; Council Select Parking Committee; Development & Planning Services Committee; Salmon Arm Museum/Heritage Association Advisory; Shuswap Community Futures.[4][7]
- Deputy mayor April 1-June 30, 2024 and Jan. 1-March 31, 2026.[4]
- Chair of the Agricultural Advisory Committee and of the city's Heritage Commission; chair of the R.J. Haney village committee and council liaison with R.J. Haney.[20][34][33][32]
- Served as one of the directors of the 2024 Salmon Arm 55+ BC Games.[36]
Record in office
- 2022 election: elected as the only newcomer, placing sixth with 2,295 votes. In that campaign he said he would bring a 'fresh approach and unifying voice' and cited experience with multi-million-dollar budgets.[13][14]
- Community forest: in June 2026 he announced a notice of motion to start creating a community forest; on Sept. 28, 2026 he moved that staff begin work toward a community forest tenure under the Community Forest Agreement Act and reach out to the Neskonlith and Adams Lake Indian Bands and other First Nations. Castanet reported council favoured the application.[16][17]
- Food security: in January 2024 he moved that council advance a Food and Urban Agriculture Plan; council supported it and the city later pursued grant funding for the plan.[18][19]
- In August 2024 he moved that staff follow up with forestry agencies on proposed fuel-management logging on Mount Ida after a local forester raised wildfire concerns.[29]
- September 2024: supported the option to connect properties east of Highway 97B to city sewer, calling it a smart environmental plan; council voted down the extension petition.[31]
- As Heritage Commission chair he thanked the families involved when council approved naming a pond in Canoe Park in April 2025.[35]
- In the 2022 campaign he said the city could play a leadership role coordinating CMHC and BC Housing opportunities with private developers and non-profits to create more housing for homeless people.[15]
- In April 2025 he moved to forward a letter calling for a lower speed limit on Highway 97B to the ministry.[30]
- March 2024: voted against third reading of amendments for a six-storey apartment project at the bowling alley site, saying he supported affordable housing there but not the proposed density.[23]
- October 2024: voted (with Coun. Lindgren) against renewing the Rogers free Wi-Fi agreement.[24]
- February 2024: voted against re-closing part of 10th Ave. SE.[25]
- E-scooters: supported a 2024 e-scooter pilot idea; in May 2026 he initially backed allowing small wheels on sidewalks (Option 3) but then voted against the motion and asked for public consultation first.[26][28][27]
- Suggested a one-year review amendment to a 2025 bylaw exempting city projects from frontage-improvement requirements; council voted against the amendment.[50]
- Supported recessing an October 2025 public hearing on an 86-unit townhouse development to gather more information.[44]
- Declared potential conflicts of interest and did not participate in several items, including a 2024 taphouse liquor licence referral, a BCHL All-Star weekend bid and the 2024 curbside collection contract.[40][41][42]
- Supported raising the mayor's compensation in the May 2026 pre-election review.[38]
- According to the city's 2024 annual report as cited by the Observer, Gonella received $29,948 in remuneration plus $5,584 in expenses in 2024.[39]
- Wrote in an April 2026 Observer column that council set the 2026 property tax increase at 3.88 per cent and that he is proud of an updated animal control bylaw allowing more poultry and rabbits on smaller acreages.[20]
- Part of the September 2026 council delegation to UBCM.[49]
Platform
Infrastructure and debt. Says essential infrastructure must come first; notes the wastewater treatment plant estimate rose from about $60 million (2022) to about $99 million and that the city has about $150 million in available long-term debt capacity that should not be spent simply because it is available.[10][3][8]
“We need to be ambitious for Salmon Arm, but realistic about what taxpayers can afford.”
Recreation facilities. Proposes public-private and community-led models for new recreation and cultural facilities (expanded pool, indoor sports, performing arts centre), citing the arenas and the Minor Soccer turf field as examples built with private or community initiative.[10][3][8]
Community forest. Wants a city community forest tenure, managed locally in partnership with Secwépemc leadership, to address wildfire risk and keep economic benefits local.[3][53][17]
Affordability and housing. Names affordability as a top issue; supports more housing options, small-scale multi-unit housing and thoughtful higher density in and around downtown, matched with infrastructure.[10][3]
Homelessness. Says council must balance compassion with accountability: work with BC Housing, Interior Health and senior governments while applying bylaws fairly and consistently.[3][10]
“Compassion does not mean ignoring the concerns of businesses, residents or visitors, and supporting downtown businesses does not mean ignoring people who are struggling.”
Food security and agriculture. Supports food security measures and protecting small and large farmers; wants consistent funding for the Zest food hub.[53][57][20]
Downtown and parking. Supports more residents downtown while protecting its character; notes the Council Select Parking Committee's mandate was expanded city-wide.[3]
Climate and transit. Calls climate change a major issue and the transit system limited, saying he would like transit linked to the industrial park.[53][58][21]
Stated goals and commitments
- A signed community forest tenure for the City of Salmon Arm by the end of the four-year term.[56]
- Real progress on critical infrastructure, including the wastewater treatment plant, by the end of the term.[3][56]
- Begin public-private initiatives for new recreation and cultural facilities.[56][3]
- Sustained, consistent funding for the Zest food hub.[57]
In their own words
“Four years on council have taught me that fiscal responsibility means making difficult choices and separating wants from needs.”
“Keeping property taxes under control does not mean avoiding investment. It means being responsible about what we build, when we build it and how we pay for it.”
“But debt has a real cost – roughly every $250,356 in additional annual debt servicing can mean a 1% increase in taxation.”
“This is a very important activity, project, for the City of Salmon Arm for our future growth, and also to protect our citizens from future fires”
“don't be on the sideline, you need to jump right in and be a part of the solution.”
“We need to do both.”
CKVS radio interview
Background. Born in Merced, California; came to Canada for an MFA at UBC, worked about 15 years in film, and moved to Salmon Arm in 2006 with his wife Ellen to start a family.[51]
“So we just bought a house without jobs, moved here in 2006, and been here ever since.”
Dislikes. Says the transit system is limited and he would like a link to the industrial park.[58]
“I think the transit system is limited. I think that's a real negative.”
Key issues. Lists homelessness, climate, affordable housing (crediting provincial housing legislation for adding units), food sustainability and support for farmers, and a community forest.[53]
“I feel like a community forest can help us with fire smarting.”
Reason for running. Says he feels a need not to stay on the sidelines.[54]
“I think I'm someone who feels the necessity not to be on the sidelines.”
Campaign and council. Says this campaign is less focused on single issues than 2022 and hopes for a balanced council; praises Mayor Harrison's sharing of power.[55]
“People are looking at now they're focusing on Salmon Arm in general and what best we can do for that.”
Goals. Wants to keep working on affordable housing, homelessness and climate mitigation; would consider it a success to have a community forest tenure signed within four years; supports public-private approaches to recreation, noting the wastewater plant at $99 million could rise to $120 million.[56]
“it says 99 today, but it could be easily 120 million in two years.”
Legacy. Names good governance, the community forest, recreation projects, the wastewater plant and sustained support for the Zest food hub.[57]
“Good governance is one.”
Downtown Salmon Arm questionnaire
Q1: Community priorities and leadership. Names managing growth, infrastructure and affordability as the top issues; says council must separate wants from needs given the wastewater plant's rise to about $99 million; wants to continue his community forest work with Secwépemc leadership.[3]
“I also want to continue the work I started on a Salmon Arm community forest.”
Q2: Year-round economic vitality and resilience. Says the city cannot create a year-round economy alone but can work with businesses and organizations; supports events and suggests community-led investment models like the arenas for future facilities.[3]
“I believe the City's role is to work with those groups rather than trying to do everything itself.”
Q3: Growing and protecting our downtown. Supports more residential density downtown, done thoughtfully with infrastructure and parking keeping pace; cites his work on the Council Select Parking Committee.[3]
“more people living downtown, more reasons for people to visit downtown”
Q4: Infrastructure, economic growth and community attractions. Says water, sewer and roads come first; supports community-led and private-public partnerships for an expanded pool, indoor sports facilities or a performing arts centre.[3]
“This comes back to making difficult choices about wants and needs.”
Q5: A safe, welcoming and compassionate downtown. Calls homelessness complicated with no simple municipal solution; wants housing and supports from senior governments and fair, consistent bylaw enforcement.[3]
“The first priority has to be treating people with dignity.”
Financial disclosure
- Statement of Disclosure (dated Sept. 9, 2026): holds shares in Next Level Hockey Inc.; no creditors listed; no real property (other than residence) listed.[2]
- Income sources: Salmon Arm Folk Music Society (employee); City of Salmon Arm (councillor); Cleanteq Utilities Inc. (senior consultant, contract). A further entry for a football organization as senior consultant (contract) was struck out on the form.[2]
- Corporate assets: answered no to owning more than 30 per cent of voting shares in any corporation.[2]
- Nomination: legal name James David Gonella; usual name David Gonella; office sought councillor; acting as his own financial agent; no elector organization endorsement. Filed Sept. 9, 2026.[2][6]
In the news
- 2026-10-02 — Castanet reported council favoured applying for a community forest tenure after Gonella's Sept. 28 motion; Mayor Harrison thanked him for his leadership on the issue.[17]
- 2026-10-01 — The Vote4Tomorrow climate and environment voter guide reports Gonella committed to 22 of 24 climate policies in its questionnaire (neutral on an AI data-centre moratorium and on legal action to recover climate costs) and designates him a "Climate Leader" (its label for candidates committing to more than 80 per cent of the policies).[1]
- 2026-10-01 — Castanet published Gonella's verbatim Q&A, in which he named affordability as a primary issue and proposed community-led models for recreation facilities.[10]
- 2026-09-29 — As council's R.J. Haney liaison, Gonella welcomed approval of a new apple-themed entrance monument for the heritage village.[32]
- 2026-09-12 — Castanet described him as Salmon Arm Roots and Blues executive director seeking a second term.[12][11]
- 2026-09-02 — The Observer reported Gonella confirmed he would run again.[9]
- 2026-08-27 — As Folk Music Society executive director, Gonella announced the society would host the local Men's Shed in its storage building.[48]
- 2026-06-26 — Gonella asked staff for data comparing costs and taxes raised from ALR lands after a Summerland proposal on funding farm infrastructure.[22]
- 2025-10-30 — Gonella spoke in support of a 'missing middle' housing permit, citing the need for less-expensive single-family housing to help businesses recruit.[43]
- 2023-12-06 — Mayor Harrison, discussing the 2024 budget, cited Gonella's point that the proposed increase had started at about 19 per cent before being reduced to 5.59 per cent.[37]
Find them online
References
- Vote4Tomorrow — Salmon Arm 2026 candidate guide · Vote4Tomorrow · 2026-10-01
- Nomination documents & Statement of Disclosure — City of Salmon Arm (David Gonella) · City of Salmon Arm · 2026-09-09
- David Gonella — Downtown Salmon Arm candidate questionnaire · Downtown Salmon Arm (Salmon Arm Downtown Improvement Association) · 2026-10
- Councillor David Gonella · City of Salmon Arm · 2026
- CivicInfo BC 2026 candidates — Salmon Arm (City) · CivicInfo BC · 2026
- General Local Election · City of Salmon Arm · 2026
- Introducing Salmon Arm's mayoral and council candidates · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-28
- Salmon Arm candidates speak to strategic priorities · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-10-08
- Salmon Arm council race growing with 8 candidates filed, more to come · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-02
- ELECTION 2026: Salmon Arm city council candidate profile for David Gonella · Castanet · 2026-10-01
- David Gonella, Salmon Arm Councillor candidate - Civic Election 2026 · Castanet · 2026
- Fifteen newcomers, three incumbents make up Salmon Arm council field · Castanet · 2026-09-12
- Alan Harrison soundly defeats challengers to return as mayor of Salmon Arm · Castanet · 2022-10-15
- Salmon Arm council hopefuls share views on housing, vaccine mandates and more · Salmon Arm Observer · 2022-10-08
- Salmon Arm Election 2022: Candidates address city's approach to homelessness · Salmon Arm Observer · 2022-10-03
- Salmon Arm councillor wants to establish local community forest · Castanet · 2026-06-12
- Salmon Arm council in favour of applying for community forest tenure · Castanet · 2026-10-02
- Salmon Arm council gets ball rolling on food security plan · Salmon Arm Observer · 2024-01-26
- Salmon Arm pursuing grant for food and urban agriculture plan · Salmon Arm Observer · 2024-07-25
- Council Report: Food security in Salmon Arm a collaborative effort · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-04-02
- Council Report: Experience teaching importance of food security in Salmon Arm · Salmon Arm Observer · 2024-04-30
- Summerland mayor pitches Salmon Arm council on new method of funding farm infrastructure · Castanet · 2026-06-26
- Salmon Arm council supports amendments for bowling alley apartment complex · Salmon Arm Observer · 2024-03-07
- Salmon Arm councillor finds free Wi-Fi service not free to all · Salmon Arm Observer · 2024-10-31
- Salmon Arm council against road closure supported by past council · Salmon Arm Observer · 2024-02-28
- City of Salmon Arm eyes bringing in e-scooters · Castanet · 2024-01-30
- Salmon Arm city council delays decision on e-scooters and bikes riding on sidewalks · Castanet · 2026-05-26
- Salmon Arm council at odds over proposed small wheels on sidewalks bylaw · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-05-14
- City of Salmon Arm to follow up on Mount Ida fuel management · Salmon Arm Observer · 2024-08-15
- Salmon Arm council agrees with calls for a speed limit reduction on Highway 97B · Castanet · 2025-04-24
- Salmon Arm council votes down petition to extend sewer service to the east side of Highway 97B · Castanet · 2024-09-10
- Salmon Arm city council approves new apple-themed entrance monument for R.J. Haney · Castanet · 2026-09-29
- Salmon Arm residents can expect 4.98% tax increase in 2025 · Castanet · 2025-02-14
- City council honours Salmon Arm's archivist of 35 years · Salmon Arm Observer · 2025-12-09
- Council approves naming of pond in Canoe Park, rectifying decades-old discrepancy · Salmon Arm Observer · 2025-04-17
- Salmon Arm 55+ Games leaves community with $166K legacy fund · Salmon Arm Observer · 2025-04-24
- Salmon Arm council reduce proposed tax rate to 5.59 per cent in 2024 · Castanet · 2023-12-06
- Salmon Arm council votes in favour of pay increases for next round of mayor and councillors · Castanet · 2026-05-30
- Salmon Arm council to be hands-off on pay review · Salmon Arm Observer · 2025-09-12
- Shuswap brewers eye Salmon Arm location for family-friendly taphouse · Salmon Arm Observer · 2024-02-13
- Council supports bid to bring BCHL All-Star weekend to Salmon Arm · Salmon Arm Observer · 2024-07-12
- Monthly yard waste pick-up part of new contract for Salmon Arm curbside collection · Salmon Arm Observer · 2024-11-13
- Salmon Arm council supports permit for proposed missing middle housing · Salmon Arm Observer · 2025-10-30
- Salmon Arm council pauses public hearing for 86-unit townhouse development · Salmon Arm Observer · 2025-10-21
- Council shares support of decision to cancel ROOTSandBLUES · Salmon Arm Observer · 2023-09-11
- Roots and Blues Festival asks ticket holders to pay it forward, waive refunds · Castanet · 2023-09-25
- Salmon Arm Folk Music Society office expansion project completed · Salmon Arm Observer · 2024-07-05
- Men's Shed to set up shop with Salmon Arm Folk Music Society · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-08-27
- Traffic safety, rural policing among concerns raised by Salmon Arm council at UBCM · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-23
- Salmon Arm council divided over exempting city from bylaw requirement · Salmon Arm Observer · 2025-02-17
- CKVS-FM interview with Dave Gonella (at 00:16) - background · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Dave Gonella (at 02:25) - community involvement · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Dave Gonella (at 06:12) - key issues · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Dave Gonella (at 08:01) - reason for running · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Dave Gonella (at 10:01) - the campaign and council · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Dave Gonella (at 11:16) - goals · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Dave Gonella (at 14:02) - legacy · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Dave Gonella (at 03:27) - what he dislikes · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
River Grabowsky
Registered massage therapist and Salmon Arm Pride Project program coordinator
Biography
Grabowsky says they were raised in a rural lakeside Ontario town that was "surprisingly similar to Salmon Arm," and accessed education through student loans and scholarships.[3]
Grabowsky told CKVS-FM they were born and raised in Ontario and moved to the Shuswap shortly before COVID, calling themself "a relative newcomer."[12]
Their post-secondary studies included Environment Technology and Registered Massage Therapy, and they competed in collegiate rugby and basketball.[3]
Grabowsky works as a registered massage therapist and is the program coordinator of the Salmon Arm Pride Project, a program of the Salmon Arm Arts Centre.[5][9][1]
Grabowsky says their ongoing work includes Search and Rescue and the Arts Centre, and that after arriving in Salmon Arm they joined various clubs and volunteer opportunities.[3]
In a 2025 Observer interview, Grabowsky said they had had an OK experience being an "out trans, queer individual in Salmon Arm."[8]
CivicInfo BC lists Grabowsky's gender as non-binary.[7]
Grabowsky told Vote4Tomorrow they received a diploma in Environmental Technology in 2012 and describe their work as being in "health care and emergency services."[24]
On air, Grabowsky listed cross-country skiing, hiking, biking, swimming and rock climbing among their recreational activities.[13]
Experience
- Program coordinator, Salmon Arm Pride Project; the Vernon Morning Star/Observer reported in 2025 that Grabowsky was hired by the Salmon Arm Arts Centre to advance the project's mission of LGBTQ2S+ awareness, visibility and acceptance. The financial disclosure lists this as contract work for the Shuswap District Arts Council.[8][1]
- Organizer of the Pride Project's annual Loud and Proud Celebration (Oct. 17-19, 2025 at Song Sparrow Hall), with stated goals of bringing the event back outdoors and developing a year-round program.[8]
- Registered massage therapist operating as a sole proprietor.[1][5]
- Volunteer work with Search and Rescue, according to the candidate.[3]
- Grabowsky told Castanet they had been doing community work and volunteering "for many years," and that they investigated the councillor role by speaking with existing councillors, the mayor and staff before running.[4]
- Volunteers with the Salmon Arm Roots and Blues festival and Shuswap Search and Rescue, according to the candidate.[13]
- Led Salmon Arm's first Pride Parade in June 2026 as part of the Loud and Proud Celebration, which Grabowsky said aimed to bring the event back outdoors and downtown.[26][25]
- Says they have canvassed with climate action and eco-justice groups and taken part in research and public education on climate action, community resilience and local Climate Engagement Centres.[24]
- In college, served as a student representative between students and professors, and was a team captain in collegiate sports.[18]
Previous campaigns and public roles
- No previous candidacy for Salmon Arm council found; Castanet lists Grabowsky among 15 newcomers who did not serve on the previous council. Grabowsky was not among the 11 council candidates in 2022. Grabowsky told CKVS-FM they have never run for political office before.[5][11][18]
Platform
Infrastructure and water. Grabowsky names aging infrastructure — drinking water, wastewater and stormwater systems — as a primary focus for the next council and says the city should set clear direction early to avoid greater future costs.[2]
“As our population steadily grows, our aging infrastructure will need to be a primary focus of the upcoming council.”
Water metering. Grabowsky supports implementing and incentivizing residential and commercial water metering to generate revenue for water projects, and wants the Universal Water Metering conversation to come up sooner. On air, they cited drying creek beds, salmon, farm watering restrictions and dropping aquifer levels, and suggested reservoirs and personal rainwater collection.[2][6][21]
“I would like to see the Universal Water Metering conversation come up sooner than later as the impacts of not addressing it sooner could out pace/price our solutions.”
Transportation. Grabowsky identifies over-reliance on personal vehicles as a primary issue and wants more robust active and public transportation.[4][2]
“I would like to see a more robust active and public transportation system, which could very likely contribute to the solution of a myriad of other issues as well.”
Housing and homelessness. Grabowsky says the city could revisit municipality-owned housing with local management partnerships, and says they would advocate for public housing, social supports and municipal job opportunities. On air, they named the housing crisis and affordability among the most important issues and called for better integration of social supports.[4][2][16]
“I will be an advocate for progressive development of public housing, increases in dignified social supports and generation of municipal job opportunities.”
Fiscal responsibility. Grabowsky says budgets should be audited regularly by people with varying perspectives and that the city should look at where it can cut or reallocate spending.[4]
“I believe all budgets need to be audited regularly, by fresh eyes with varying perspectives.”
Environment and climate resilience. Grabowsky ties infrastructure work to protection of farms and food security, salmon and wildlife, and wildfire resilience, and supports reducing reliance on non-renewable energy.[2][3]
Downtown. Grabowsky envisions a downtown more welcoming to bike and foot traffic, shared resources (offices, vehicle and tool shares), pop-up businesses such as food trucks and vendors, and artistic performances.[2]
Business and partnerships. Grabowsky supports evolving policy and streamlining processes to cut timelines and costs for businesses, and leaning more on existing partnerships with community organizations.[2]
Reconciliation. Grabowsky has concerns about the Urban Indigenous Strategy / Truth and Reconciliation being treated as a project in the Corporate Strategic Plan rather than an integrated approach in every initiative.[6]
“I have concerns around Urban Indigenous Strategy / Truth & Reconciliation being a project, rather than an integrated approach that is involved with every initiative.”
Growth and accessibility. Grabowsky says a growing, more diverse population will need accessible and adaptable pathways, physical and bureaucratic, to services.[4]
Communication and trust. Grabowsky wants to build trust between the city and citizens through new communication pathways, and says some community groups work in silos with communication gaps.[21][14]
“I'd really like to see more trust built between the city and the citizens”
Climate action. Grabowsky supported 21 of 24 climate policies in the Vote4Tomorrow questionnaire and calls for a "nearly radical" implementation of the city's Climate Resilience Plan actions, with weight given to advisory council recommendations.[24]
“I believe that we need a -nearly- radical implementation of recommended actions.”
Emergency preparedness. Grabowsky proposes exploring reserve forces and more interconnected neighbourhoods, food and water reserves, energy backups and pathways to housing for disaster recovery, plus public education against misinformation.[24]
Stated goals and commitments
- Begin implementing and incentivizing residential and commercial water metering to generate revenue for water projects.[2][6]
- Expand active and public transportation systems.[4][2]
- Revisit municipality-owned housing with local administrative and management partnerships.[4]
- Regular budget audits and identification of spending to cut or reallocate.[4]
- New communication pathways between the city and residents to build trust.[21]
- More monitoring and metering of water use, and incentives for community participation in water retention such as reservoirs or rainwater collection.[21]
In their own words
“I am excited to bring my diverse experience to the table, to listen deeply and responsibly convey the concerns of the community; including swift and just actions towards ensuring a future with healthy lands, food, water and housing security, and climate / wildfire resilience.”
“When I had a number of respected and positioned community members request that I consider running I started taking my ambitions more seriously.”
“One of the primary issues in Salmon Arm, like many small cities in Canada, is the over reliance on personal vehicle transportation.”
“I think it will be important to identify and shift away from some of the things 'we've always done' and look at where we can cut or reallocate spending in the short and long term.”
“There is still much for me to learn, and I look forward to that opportunity.”
“In a smaller town, we need to have more visibility for folks to be able to to find each other and feel safe.”
“if we focus too much on the infrastructure or the luxury items... that's going to slowly crush the folks at the bottom.”
“I want to move at Salmon Arm's pace”
“If I can empower young people to know that their voice is valuable in the concerns of a community, that you don't have to be a big business owner or a lawyer or a CEO... to be a person whose voice is valuable at the table.”
CKVS radio interview
Background. Born and raised in Ontario; moved to the Shuswap shortly before COVID and describes themself as a relative newcomer.[12]
“I like to think I'm a Salmon Armenian at heart, but I am a relative newcomer.”
Community involvement. Works as a registered massage therapist; volunteers with Roots and Blues and Shuswap Search and Rescue; active in outdoor recreation.[13]
“I volunteer with Roots and Blues and Shuswap Search and Rescue.”
Dislikes. Initially disliked the highway corridor's heavy traffic but notes its economic and cultural benefits; says community groups sometimes work in silos with communication gaps.[14]
“there are still some silos where folks are trying to go things on their own or trying to recreate the wheel.”
Personal attributes. Describes themself as curious, a storyteller, a people person and a creative problem solver.[15]
“I'm a puzzler, I'm a creative problem solver.”
Most important issues. Names housing and affordability, jobs, balancing development with maintaining water and power infrastructure, and better integration of social supports for homelessness and mental health.[16]
“if we can sort of raise everybody up from the sort of lowest human basic needs, it's going to raise the whole community up.”
Reason for running. Says community encouragement led them to apply their skills to long-lasting institutional change; calls themself a systems thinker.[17][18]
“I'm very much a systems thinker.”
Previous political experience. Has never run for office; cites experience as a college student representative and collegiate team captain.[18]
“It's not something that I ever really... thought that would be a thing that I do.”
Expectations. Expects slow, long-term processes and says that suits their philosophy drawn from nature.[19][20]
“when I look at nature, sustainable change happens slowly.”
Campaign. Says they met existing councillors and the mayor and watched council meetings virtually to learn the job before running.[20]
“I didn't want to apply for a job that I wasn't qualified for”
Goals if elected. Wants more trust and communication between city and citizens, modern resilient systems, and action on water security including monitoring and metering.[21]
“water is going to be sort of our most important resource in the coming times”
Role of a councillor. Sees the role as representing constituents' values and needs, with patience and adaptability for long-lasting rather than reactive change.[22]
“The primary role that I see is representing the people that I'm serving.”
Legacy. Hopes to show that an average person can step into leadership and to encourage youth and marginalized people to get involved in politics.[23]
“I hope that we can see a change in, in more youth showing up into politics and folks from different backgrounds.”
Downtown Salmon Arm questionnaire
Q1: Community priorities and leadership. Names aging infrastructure as the primary focus: drinking water, wastewater and stormwater systems, linked to protection of farms/food security, wildlife and wildfire resilience. Suggests early steps toward residential and commercial water metering.[2]
“Early steps could be taken to implement and incentivise residential and commercial water metering to begin generating revenue for these projects.”
Q2: Year-round economic vitality and resilience. Proposes leaning more on existing partnerships with public organizations, evolving policy and streamlining processes to reduce business timelines and costs, and stronger resource-sharing between organizations.[2]
“There is potential to support businesses by evolving policy and streamlining processes to cut down timelines and costs.”
Q3: Growing and protecting our downtown. With residential infill in the core, envisions downtown more welcoming to bikes and pedestrians, shared offices/vehicles/tools, and more pop-up businesses and artistic performances.[2]
“I feel we could create avenues for more pop-up/short term business (food trucks, vendors) and artistic performances.”
Q4: Infrastructure, economic growth and community attractions. Says maintaining critical infrastructure is paramount to attracting residents and businesses; supports active and public transportation, less reliance on non-renewable energy, and advancing water systems.[2]
“Staying ahead of repairs to prevent interruption of services, activities or development builds trust and accountability.”
Q5: A safe, welcoming and compassionate downtown. Calls the issue complex at city, provincial and national levels, and says they would advocate for public housing, social supports and municipal jobs. Does not directly address Bylaw 4273.[2]
“I will be an advocate for progressive development of public housing, increases in dignified social supports and generation of municipal job opportunities.”
Financial disclosure
- Assets: lists shares in Salmon Arm Savings and Credit Union.[1]
- Liabilities: lists the Canada Revenue Agency as a creditor.[1]
- Income: a registered massage therapy practice (capacity: sole proprietor); Shuswap District Arts Council (capacity: contractor, program coordinator).[1]
- Real property (other than residence): none listed. Corporate assets (more than 30% of a corporation's voting shares): answered "no".[1]
In the news
- 2026-10-08 — Salmon Arm Observer published Grabowsky's response on the Corporate Strategic Plan priorities.[6]
- 2026-10-02 — Castanet published Grabowsky's verbatim candidate Q&A.[4]
- 2026-10 — The Vote4Tomorrow guide (Shuswap Climate Action Society) lists Grabowsky as supportive of 21 of 24 climate policies, designating them a "Climate Leader"; they were neutral on legal action against polluters and on two zero-waste measures.[24]
- 2026-09-28 — Salmon Arm Observer published Grabowsky's candidate self-introduction.[3]
- 2026-09-12 — Castanet listed Grabowsky among 15 newcomers in an 18-candidate council field.[5]
- 2026-09-02 — Salmon Arm Observer listed Grabowsky among those who had publicly stated they intended to run for council.[27]
- 2026-06-08 — Salmon Arm Observer reported Grabowsky led the procession of Salmon Arm's first Pride Parade through the city core.[26]
- 2026-05-21 — Salmon Arm Observer reported Grabowsky was organizing Salmon Arm's first Pride Parade and a PartyinthePark as part of bringing Loud and Proud back outdoors and downtown.[25]
- 2025-10-17 — CBC News quoted Grabowsky, as Pride Project coordinator, on 2SLGBTQ+ visibility in Salmon Arm in the face of disapproval from a vocal minority.[9]
- 2025-10-15 — Observer/Vernon Morning Star profiled the Pride Project's Loud and Proud Celebration; Grabowsky discussed safety, the vandalism of the downtown rainbow crosswalk, protesters at past events, and plans for a year-round program.[8]
Find them online
References
- Nomination documents & Statement of Disclosure — City of Salmon Arm (River Grabowsky) · City of Salmon Arm · 2026-09-03
- Candidate questionnaire — River Grabowsky · Downtown Salmon Arm · 2026-10
- Introducing Salmon Arm's mayoral and council candidates · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-28
- ELECTION 2026: Salmon Arm city council candidate profile for River Grabowsky · Castanet · 2026-10-02
- Fifteen newcomers, three incumbents make up Salmon Arm council field · Castanet · 2026-09-12
- Salmon Arm candidates speak to strategic priorities · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-10-08
- CivicInfo BC 2026 candidates — Salmon Arm (City) · CivicInfo BC · 2026
- Salmon Arm Pride Project focused on a safe, fun Loud and Proud Celebration · Vernon Morning Star (Salmon Arm Observer) · 2025-10-15
- 'It makes me want to shine brighter': Pride Project promotes 2SLGBTQ+ visibility in Salmon Arm · CBC News · 2025-10-17
- General Local Election · City of Salmon Arm · 2026
- B.C. municipal election 2022: Salmon Arm results · Global News · 2022-10-16
- CKVS-FM interview with River Grabowsky (at 00:15) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with River Grabowsky (at 00:45) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with River Grabowsky (at 02:28) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with River Grabowsky (at 03:42) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with River Grabowsky (at 06:25) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with River Grabowsky (at 08:36) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with River Grabowsky (at 10:24) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with River Grabowsky (at 11:16) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with River Grabowsky (at 12:51) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with River Grabowsky (at 14:23) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with River Grabowsky (at 17:04) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with River Grabowsky (at 18:28) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- River Grabowsky — Vote4Tomorrow candidate profile · Vote4Tomorrow (Shuswap Climate Action Society) · 2026
- Salmon Arm Loud and Proud Celebration taking it to the streets with Pride Parade · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-05-21
- PHOTOS: Salmon Arm's first Pride Parade rolls through town · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-06-08
- Salmon Arm council race growing with 8 candidates filed, more to come · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-02
Ian Gray
Retired auto dealer (former owner of Salmon Arm GM) and co-owner of the Shuswap Shark Shack floating restaurant
Biography
Gray told CKVS-FM he is 58, was born in Oshawa, Ontario, lived in Thompson, Manitoba from about age seven to nine, and then lived in Portage la Prairie until age 36, where he went to school and played junior hockey.[14]
According to his campaign website, Gray grew up in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, where he and his wife Holly married and raised their family; his career began in the automotive industry after playing Junior A hockey.[2]
On air, he said he entered the car business at 21, worked about a year for a Ford dealer and then 13 years for a GM dealer who mentored him, before becoming a dealer himself in The Pas, Manitoba, where the family lived seven years.[15][16]
Gray said that after selling that dealership the family looked "coast to coast," met Mark Bannister and chose Salmon Arm in 2012, moving on Feb. 1, 2013.[16]
His website says he joined Craig Dunn GM as a sales representative in 1992, moved into management five years later, and in 2006 moved north to become an owner, spending what it describes as 20 years with the Murray Auto Group.[2]
Gray and Holly moved to Salmon Arm in 2013, where he became a partner and general manager of Salmon Arm GM, later renamed Ian Gray's Salmon Arm GM.[2][10]
Gray told Castanet he retired from the automotive dealership world in 2024, after running the local GM dealer for 11 years and capping "a 34 year career in business."[5]
Ian and Holly Gray purchased the Shuswap Shark Shack floating restaurant in February 2022 from longtime owner Geoff Lightle; his website says the business now welcomes approximately 40,000 guests.[10][2]
His website says he has had four open-heart surgeries, which led him to withdraw from a planned role as president of the local Rotary Club.[2]
Gray's longtime business slogan is "When you treat people right, word gets around."[10][2]
Experience
- Automotive retail career from 1992 to 2024, including ownership roles with the Murray Auto Group and as partner/general manager and later owner of Salmon Arm GM (2013 to 2024).[2][5][6]
- Co-owner of the Shuswap Shark Shack floating restaurant on Shuswap Lake since 2022.[10][2]
- Rotary International member since 1997; became president of his 60-member club in 2005 and received the Paul Harris Fellow award while a Rotarian in The Pas, Manitoba, according to his website.[2]
- Coached minor hockey and served on hockey boards; volunteered with SA Soccer events, according to his website.[2]
- Fundraising and sponsorship: his website cites a golf tournament that has raised more than $50,000 for the Second Harvest Food Bank over ten years, SPCA movie nights, the Father's Day Kids Fishing Derby, the Shuswap Regional Hospital Foundation, and a truck loaned to the Shuswap Trail Alliance for two years.[2]
- Danced in Dancing with the Shuswap Stars (a Shuswap Hospice fundraiser) with his daughter in 2016 and in the 2023 All Star Pro AM division with instructor Heather Stranks.[9][2]
- On air, Gray said he ran and was a partner in the Salmon Arm GM dealership for 11 years and worked there for 13, and that he was an active Rotarian in Salmon Arm for five years and was slated to be Daybreak Rotary president in 2019 before stepping away for health reasons (his 19th year as a Rotarian).[17][18][26]
- Gray said a fall golf tournament run through his two businesses for Second Harvest marked its 10th year in 2026 and has raised $46,000 over 10 years; his website gives a figure of more than $50,000.[18][2]
- Gray held the record for most funds raised in the history of Dancing with the Shuswap Stars until the 2025 event, according to the Observer.[27]
- Says he co-sponsored movie nights in Marine Park with Salmon Arm Downtown in support of the SPCA and ran Christmas food-drive movie nights.[17]
Previous campaigns and public roles
- No previous candidacy for elected office found; Castanet lists Gray among 15 newcomers to the council race. He was not among the 2022 Salmon Arm council candidates. On CKVS-FM he confirmed he has never run for political office.[6][12][22]
Platform
Approach to council. Gray says councillors should represent all residents and taxpayers, ask questions and challenge ideas that don't make sense, while avoiding change for its own sake.[2][4]
“Debate is not dysfunction. Asking questions is not being difficult. Debate is representation.”
Corporate Strategic Plan. Gray supports the principle of the plan's short-, medium- and long-term priorities but says it should evolve, with essential infrastructure first and each major investment examined for affordability, grants and long-term value.[7][5]
“I support the strategy, while continuing to question, review and improve the priorities within it.”
Water treatment / infrastructure. Gray names improvement or replacement of the water treatment system as top of mind, saying costs rise each year it is delayed. On air he also said the city needs a sewage plant: "we need to invest in the non-sexy stuff."[3][5][21]
“Each year we wait, the price to complete will go up.”
Recreation. Gray suggests a future recreation centre could include a flexible indoor facility for soccer and other sports, community events and performing arts, citing the loss of the city's indoor sports facility.[7][5]
Business and red tape. Gray says the city needs to make decisions faster and not rely on bylaws that may be outdated, to attract businesses and grow the tax base.[3]
“in a time when lack of speed kills deals... we need to be much more fluid in our ability to close deals quickly”
Homelessness. Gray calls homelessness a global issue and says he would first seek to understand current city-provincial efforts and consult other B.C. communities and local groups before proposing solutions.[3][5]
“We need to find a way to not remove the problem but to solve the problem.”
Waterfront and lake. Gray wants a bigger focus on cleaning up the Salmon Arm bay, saying storm sewers have run into it for years, and promoting the wharf and boat traffic to draw visitors.[3][23]
“Fix the lake, make it more attractive and user friendly, more environmentally healthy, promote our great wharf and grow our tourist foot traffic.”
Downtown. Gray proposes more downtown signage on the east entrance, more strategic retail mix, a single identity for downtown, and potentially closing Alexander Street to cars for vendors.[3]
Active transportation. Gray supports continued expansion of safe cycling and active-transportation connections, particularly where funding is available.[7]
Wildfire. Gray supports more awareness of the community fire plan so residents can be better prepared. On air, he recalled lacking his own evacuation plan during a past fire near Blind Bay and called for fire awareness and prevention to be more top of mind.[3][20]
Climate and environment. Gray supported 11 of 24 policies in the Vote4Tomorrow climate questionnaire and was neutral on the rest, including building electrification and the fossil fuel treaty; he said he would prefer to study the city's 48% emissions target through education and consultation with other communities before setting priorities.[26]
“Gosh that is a very complex question and one that I would prefer to take time to investigate through education and consultation with other communities in and out of our region.”
Population and jobs. Gray says he wants Salmon Arm to be "open for business" so his grandchildren have work and housing locally.[19]
“I don't want to be visiting my kids in Vancouver because there's no work for them or no housing.”
Stated goals and commitments
- Prioritize improvement or replacement of the water treatment system.[3][5]
- Revisit recreation priorities toward a flexible multi-use recreation facility.[7][5]
- Clean up the Salmon Arm bay and make marina access easier; prioritize boat and houseboat traffic six months a year.[3]
- Add downtown wayfinding signage on the east side of town.[3]
In their own words
“I believe council's responsibility is to represent all Salmon Arm residents and taxpayers, listen to different perspectives, and respectfully challenge ideas when something doesn't make sense.”
“The status quo shouldn't be protected simply because "that's the way we've always done it." At the same time, change for the sake of change isn't the answer either.”
“I retired from the Automotive dealership world in 2024, where I ran the local GM dealer for 11 years and capped off a 34 year career in business.”
“I think I would like to spend more time speaking and interacting with community members before pigeon holing myself into what 'I think they want.'”
“I guess I would like to really make it clear that I do not have the answers, but I do believe I have a unique skill of bringing people together and bringing out the best in them.”
“As a past business owner in Salmon Arm (Salmon Arm GM), I really do understand the frustration of having someone camped out front of your store front”
“My agenda is your agenda.”
“I'm probably the guy that's going to go, okay, well, when was that bylaw put into place? And what? Why? Okay. Does it make sense anymore?”
“I was invited to the table and... to ask questions and not make statements.”
CKVS radio interview
Background. Age 58; born in Oshawa, raised in Thompson and Portage la Prairie, Manitoba; played junior hockey; lived in Portage until 36.[14]
“I'm 58. So I've been to several places. I was born in Oshawa, Ontario.”
Career. Entered the car business at 21, worked 13 years for a GM dealer mentor, then became a dealer in The Pas, Manitoba, for seven years before selling.[15]
“I worked for him for 13 years where I got the opportunity to be a dealer myself.”
Move to Salmon Arm. Met Mark Bannister, was offered work in Vernon, but chose Salmon Arm, moving in early 2013.[16]
“We fell in love with Salmon Arm in the short time we were here.”
Community involvement. Describes supporting youth sports, minor soccer, the Father's Day Kids Fishing Derby, minor and junior hockey coaching, SPCA movie nights and food drives.[17]
“if you needed money for a soccer team, a baseball team, a hockey team, figure skating, you name it, Ian was likely... going to buck up”
Rotary and fundraising. Says he was an active Salmon Arm Rotarian for five years and was to be Daybreak Rotary president in 2019 before health issues; his Second Harvest golf tournament has raised $46,000 over 10 years.[18]
“in 10 years we've raised... $46,000 for Second Harvest.”
Shark Shack. Says the Shuswap Shark Shack operates about 10 weeks a summer and sees about 40,000 people by boat.[29]
“We were up for 10 weeks in the summer and we see 40,000 people by boat.”
Attributes and approach. Cites 34 years in business, a habit of questioning bylaws, support for healthy debate, and no personal agenda.[19]
“I think the fact that I don't have an agenda makes me a great... option.”
Most important issues. Names wildfire awareness and preparedness, unsheltered residents (he says he has ideas but wants to research first), and a sewage plant before amenities such as a recreation centre, pool, indoor soccer or art centre.[20][21]
“We need a sewage plant... we need to invest in the non-sexy stuff.”
Reason for running. Says the community has given him a lot and he wants to give back; has never run for office before.[22]
“this community has given me so much.”
Campaign. Says he will not be knocking on doors and pointed listeners to the Chamber's Oct. 6 open house.[23]
“You're probably not going to meet... me banging on your door.”
Goals if elected. Wants to work within the existing strategic plan, help council ask better questions and move faster, and see the Salmon Arm bay cleaned up to grow downtown.[23]
“I'd love to see our Salmon Arm bay cleaned up.”
Role and legacy. Sees the councillor's role as instilling confidence in residents; says he is not seeking a named legacy but wants to have participated with no regrets.[24][25]
“I'm not looking for a fountain in the lake that has my name on it.”
Downtown Salmon Arm questionnaire
Q1: Community priorities and leadership. Defers to priorities in the Corporate Strategic Plan and OCP; names collaboration on unsheltered residents, cutting red tape for business, and water treatment infrastructure. Says pools, arts and recreation centres and indoor soccer are realistic only once those are achieved.[3]
“Cutting the red tape - in a time when lack of speed kills deals”
Q2: Year-round economic vitality and resilience. Credits the city's economic development partnership; on wildfire says global weather patterns intensified water shortages and that El Niño will weaken, and cites a BC PC party pledge for a provincial water-bomber fleet. Calls for awareness of the community fire plan, downtown signage, more strategic retail, and cleaning up the bay.[3]
“Fix the lake, make it more attractive and user friendly, more environmentally healthy, promote our great wharf and grow our tourist foot traffic.”
Q3: Growing and protecting our downtown. Says downtown needs a singular identity; suggests leveraging the lakefront and pier, possibly closing Alexander Street to cars for vendors, gateway signage at Sicamous, and prioritizing boat traffic.[3]
“We also have an amazing pier that no one else in the interior of BC can claim to have, yet from a retail standpoint it sits mostly untapped.”
Q4: Infrastructure, economic growth and community attractions. Refers back to earlier answers on infrastructure and attractions.[3]
“I truly think I have shared my thoughts on this in previous questions”
Q5: A safe, welcoming and compassionate downtown. Answered within his fourth response: draws on his experience as Salmon Arm GM owner with people camped outside storefronts; wants to solve rather than move the problem and to consult those already working on it. Does not directly address Bylaw 4273.[3]
“We need to find a way to not remove the problem but to solve the problem.”
Financial disclosure
- Assets: lists shares in IGGY Holdings Ltd., HGC Holdings Ltd., The Shuswap Shark Shack Inc., and Autodeal Driver Pro Inc.[1]
- Income: The Shuswap Shark Shack Inc. (director); HGC Holding Inc. (director/president); IGGY Holding Inc. (director/vice-president).[1]
- Liabilities and real property (other than residence): none listed.[1]
- Corporate assets (more than 30% of voting shares): answered "yes" — The Shark Shack (seasonal restaurant), HGC Holdings Inc. (holding company), IGGY Holdings Inc. (holding company), and Autodeal Driver Pro Inc. (described as a sales training company).[1]
In the news
- 2026-10-08 — Salmon Arm Observer published Gray's response on the Corporate Strategic Plan priorities.[7]
- 2026-10-02 — Castanet published Gray's verbatim candidate Q&A.[5]
- 2026-10 — The Vote4Tomorrow guide (Shuswap Climate Action Society) lists Gray as supportive of 11 of 24 climate policies and neutral on the other 13; he wrote that he rides an electric bike and advocates for safer bike routes.[26]
- 2026-09-28 — Salmon Arm Observer published Gray's candidate self-introduction.[4]
- 2026-09-12 — Castanet described Gray as a retired auto dealer and former owner and operator of Salmon Arm GM among 15 council newcomers.[6]
- 2026-09-02 — The Observer listed Gray among eight council candidates who filed on Sept. 1, the first day of nominations.[28]
- 2025-11-26 — The Shark Shack broke from its winter mooring near Old Town Bay in Sicamous and drifted toward Salmon Arm; Salmon Arm's fire chief called owner Ian Gray to report it.[13]
- 2025-11-17 — The Observer reported that a Dancing with the Shuswap Stars fundraising record previously held by Ian Gray was surpassed at the 2025 event.[27]
- 2022-04-26 — Salmon Arm Observer reported Ian and Holly Gray had bought the Shark Shack floating restaurant in February 2022 and would reopen it June 17.[10]
Find them online
References
- Nomination documents & Statement of Disclosure — City of Salmon Arm (Ian Gray) · City of Salmon Arm · 2026-09-01
- Ian Gray for Salmon Arm City Council — For a Strong Salmon Arm · Ian Gray campaign · 2026
- Candidate questionnaire — Ian Gray · Downtown Salmon Arm · 2026-10
- Introducing Salmon Arm's mayoral and council candidates · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-28
- ELECTION 2026: Salmon Arm city council candidate profile for Ian Gray · Castanet · 2026-10-02
- Fifteen newcomers, three incumbents make up Salmon Arm council field · Castanet · 2026-09-12
- Salmon Arm candidates speak to strategic priorities · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-10-08
- CivicInfo BC 2026 candidates — Salmon Arm (City) · CivicInfo BC · 2026
- Ian Gray & Heather — Dancing with the Shuswap Stars · Dancing with the Shuswap Stars (Shuswap Hospice) · 2023
- Salmon Arm family, including pet dog, take ownership of iconic floating Shuswap eatery · Salmon Arm Observer · 2022-04-26
- General Local Election · City of Salmon Arm · 2026
- B.C. municipal election 2022: Salmon Arm results · Global News · 2022-10-16
- Shuswap's Shark Shack goes AWOL, floats towards Salmon Arm · Salmon Arm Observer · 2025-11-26
- CKVS-FM interview with Ian Gray (at 00:16) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10
- CKVS-FM interview with Ian Gray (at 01:29) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10
- CKVS-FM interview with Ian Gray (at 02:24) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10
- CKVS-FM interview with Ian Gray (at 05:21) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10
- CKVS-FM interview with Ian Gray (at 08:01) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10
- CKVS-FM interview with Ian Gray (at 12:39) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10
- CKVS-FM interview with Ian Gray (at 16:36) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10
- CKVS-FM interview with Ian Gray (at 18:45) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10
- CKVS-FM interview with Ian Gray (at 20:24) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10
- CKVS-FM interview with Ian Gray (at 22:20) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10
- CKVS-FM interview with Ian Gray (at 24:51) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10
- CKVS-FM interview with Ian Gray (at 25:24) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10
- Ian Gray — Vote4Tomorrow candidate profile · Vote4Tomorrow (Shuswap Climate Action Society) · 2026
- Shuswap Hospice fundraiser organizers anticipate record-breaking year · Salmon Arm Observer · 2025-11-17
- Salmon Arm council race growing with 8 candidates filed, more to come · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-02
- CKVS-FM interview with Ian Gray (at 10:13) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10
Vic Hamilton
Salmon Arm mortgage broker (Bayfield Mortgage) and former member of several city committees and community boards
Biography
Hamilton says Salmon Arm has been his home since August 1998, when he and his wife moved there for an employment opportunity, and that his family's Shuswap roots go back to 1911 when his great-grandparents arrived from Yorkshire.[5][2]
On CKVS-FM, Hamilton said they moved to Salmon Arm for a job opportunity for his wife, having previously lived in Penticton; his wife grew up in Oliver. He said that after university he spent a couple of years working in high tech in Vancouver.[14][16]
He says he has worked in real estate and finance since 1991 and built a mortgage brokerage under the Bayfield Mortgage banner, serving the Shuswap and small communities across B.C.[5][2]
A ShuswapBC.com business directory listing describes Hamilton as owner and senior broker of Bayfield Mortgage in Salmon Arm, with experience in residential, commercial and private underwriting and mortgage placement.[10]
Hamilton and his wife raised two children in Salmon Arm; both now attend university.[5][9]
Hamilton describes himself as "not a career politician" but "a neighbour, a business owner, and a parent."[5][2]
Hamilton told CKVS-FM he has been in the finance industry for 36 years and a mortgage broker in Salmon Arm since he moved there.[13][18]
Experience
- Mortgage broker; president and majority shareholder of Discover Mortgage Corporation, a mortgage brokering company (per his financial disclosure).[1]
- Current board member, Salmar Community Association.[2][5]
- Past board roles: Salmon Arm Arts Council, Salmon Arm Recreation Society, Salmon Arm Economic Development, and Salmon Arm Waves Masters Swimming (also a member).[2][5]
- Past member of the City of Salmon Arm's Downtown Parking Advisory Committee and the Active Transportation Committee.[2][5]
- Former Salmon Arm youth soccer coach and past member of Daybreak Rotary.[2][5]
- On air, Hamilton said he served on the Downtown Parking Commission for "perhaps 12 to 15 years" and served a couple of terms with economic development.[15]
Previous campaigns and public roles
- No previous candidacy for elected office found; Castanet lists Hamilton among 15 council newcomers. He told Castanet he had been considering running since the last civic election. He was not among the 2022 Salmon Arm council candidates. On air he said he has no experience in politics and considered running for four years before deciding.[7][6][12][21][18]
Platform
Sewage treatment / infrastructure. Hamilton names the upgrade or replacement of the sewage treatment plant as the top priority for the term, saying housing and business growth depend on it.[4][6][19]
“It isn't glamorous, but everything else depends on it, including new housing and business growth.”
Recreation facilities. Hamilton says many recreation facilities are in decline and wants a costed, community-supported recreation facilities plan, framing recreation as key to attracting families and skilled workers such as doctors, engineers and teachers. On air he noted his daughter runs track for UBC Okanagan while Salmon Arm has no track.[4][3][6][19][22]
“Recreation isn't a luxury.”
Fiscal responsibility. Hamilton says major projects are funded partly from reserves and partly by borrowing, and he would aim to keep debt servicing within an affordable range and require long-term maintenance cost analysis for major projects. He told Castanet the city has been a prudent steward of taxation, "One could even argue too prudent."[4][6][3]
“Is this the best use of taxpayer dollars? Can we do it more efficiently? What will it cost us five or ten years down the road?”
Economic diversification. Hamilton wants to attract light industrial, manufacturing, technology and knowledge-based employers to diversify beyond tourism and retail, and supports the agricultural sector with infrastructure and fair zoning.[4][3]
Small business. Hamilton's platform calls for reviewing and reducing fees that disproportionately burden small and independent businesses, and promoting Salmon Arm for business investment.[3]
Downtown and density. Hamilton supports "thoughtful" higher-density residential and mixed-use development in and around downtown with predictable approvals, a practical parking strategy, and continued downtown revitalization.[4][3]
“Growth and character aren't at odds if we plan well.”
Housing. Hamilton would move the housing strategy and social needs plan up in the Corporate Strategic Plan, calling housing squarely the city's business through zoning, approvals and land use.[8]
“A housing strategy is squarely the city's business, because zoning, approvals and land use are city tools.”
Homelessness and downtown safety. Hamilton says much of the responsibility for housing, health and addictions sits with the province; he would continue to support the mayor and council in lobbying senior governments, and supports continuing a stronger bylaw presence downtown paired with connecting people to services.[4][6]
“Compassion and a healthy downtown aren't opposing goals.”
Development cost charges. Hamilton puts infrastructure renewal, the long-term financial plan, and updates to development servicing and development cost charges at the top of the strategic-plan list.[8]
“Growth has to pay its fair share, and the decisions we make today shouldn't leave the bill for our kids.”
Governance. Hamilton's stated priorities include listening first and "collaborative governance," which he describes as a council that works across differences to get things done.[9][3]
Broadband. Hamilton's platform includes working with the province to improve regional broadband connectivity.[3]
Climate and emissions. Hamilton supported 18 of 24 policies in the Vote4Tomorrow climate questionnaire. He says emissions efforts should focus on transportation and buildings, ranking actions by tonnes cut, cost and city control, while calling the 48% reduction by 2030 target "a steep climb" the city cannot reach alone.[26]
“I won't promise what a city budget can't deliver.”
Emergency recovery. Hamilton would prioritize updating emergency plans, FireSmart work, cooling and clean-air spaces, and a single local point of contact to help residents with insurance and provincial assistance claims.[26]
Taxation. Hamilton says council should avoid putting unrealistic tax burdens on residents and keep constant watch on costs.[23]
“expenses are like fingernails. They need constant trimming.”
Stated goals and commitments
- By the end of the term: the sewage treatment plant project funded and underway, with borrowing kept within an affordable debt servicing range.[4]
- A costed, community-supported recreation facilities plan with the first phase approved.[4]
- "Real movement on diversifying our economy."[4]
- Ensure all major infrastructure decisions include a long-term maintenance cost analysis.[3][4]
- Give the Corporate Strategic Plan a full refresh and move the housing strategy and social needs plan onto the priority list.[8]
- Leave a roadmap for recreation facilities, a new sewer plant, and taxation residents are satisfied with by the end of the term.[25]
In their own words
“I have a vision focused on responsible growth & fiscal responsibility, community safety, recreation, and collaborative governance”
“I'm not a career politician. I'm a neighbour, a business owner, and a parent who cares about Salmon Arm's future.”
“The city and council has for years been a prudent steward of taxation management. One could even argue too prudent.”
“The City can't control the weather, but it can help build an economy that doesn't rely on eight good weeks.”
“The plan's own timeline, though, ran out in 2023. It was meant to be renewed with each new council, and the next council should give it a proper refresh.”
“Try to achieve quick fixes is not going provide lasting solutions.”
“A lot of what you do on council is allocation of scarce resources, and that feeds right into my training as 36 years in the finance industry.”
“What they hear now is what I'm going to be delivering in one year, two years, three years, four years from now.”
“to do nothing really isn't an option either.”
CKVS radio interview
Background. Moved to Salmon Arm about 28 years ago for his wife's job; great-grandparents settled in the Tappen area in 1911; has been in the finance industry 36 years.[13]
“I've been in the industry for 35 years, 36 years actually now”
Why Salmon Arm. Says the couple had previously lived in Penticton and wanted small-town living; his wife grew up in Oliver.[14]
“We knew that we enjoyed small-town living.”
Community involvement. Lists the Arts Council, coaching soccer, the swim club, Rotary, the Downtown Parking Commission (12-15 years), the Active Transportation Committee, economic development, and the Salmar Association board.[15]
“I was involved in the Downtown Parking Commission for perhaps 12 to 15 years with the city”
Likes and dislikes. Values the ease of small-city life; dislikes the lack of opportunities for older youth, citing the absence of a running track.[16][17]
“my daughter now runs for UBCO on their track team, and we don't even have a track in town.”
Attributes. Cites 36 years in finance and experience with city committees; says he waited four years until he felt ready.[18]
“I thought about it for four years, and I didn't want to come into the position four years ago.”
Respected people. Praises local medical staff and minor hockey volunteers, and says he is concerned about the future of health care.[18]
“that's actually something that I'm quite concerned about in the future as well.”
Most important issues. Names keeping up with infrastructure, especially replacing the sewage treatment plant and the funding squeeze it creates, and recreation as a way to attract professionals.[19]
“That sewage treatment plant has to be replaced.”
Reason for running. Says he enjoys governance work and is not interested in political office as such.[20][21]
“I'm here for the governance work and to assist the city in making good decisions”
Campaign. Says the campaign was overwhelming at first and he sought help; encourages others to consider running.[22]
“I'd encourage anybody else to go out and give it a go.”
Goals if elected. Wants reform in recreation, guidance on fiscal management and debt servicing, and to avoid unrealistic tax burdens.[22][23]
“I would love to see some reform in the recreation area.”
Role of a councillor. Says councillors must stay aware of issues such as climate change and interface fires and how they affect local employers.[24]
“to do nothing really isn't an option either.”
Legacy. Hopes to leave residents satisfied with taxation, a roadmap for recreation facilities, a new sewer plant, and a strong base for the next council.[25]
“have we left the state of Salmon Arm in better condition for the next council”
Downtown Salmon Arm questionnaire
Q1: Community priorities and leadership. Names three issues: essential infrastructure (sewage treatment plant), declining recreation facilities, and managing growth. Sets end-of-term targets for the sewage plant, a recreation plan with first phase approved, and economic diversification.[4]
“Council's role is to set clear priorities, plan for the long term, and pay for things responsibly.”
Q2: Year-round economic vitality and resilience. Sees the city as an enabler: attract year-round light industrial, manufacturing and knowledge-based employers; support partners such as Downtown Salmon Arm, the Chamber and Arts Council with venues, simpler permitting and shoulder-season promotion; and build amenities that host events year-round.[4]
“The City can't control the weather, but it can help build an economy that doesn't rely on eight good weeks.”
Q3: Growing and protecting our downtown. Supports thoughtful higher-density and mixed-use development in and around downtown with predictable approvals, respecting scale and character; calls for a practical parking strategy and continued revitalization.[4]
“The simplest way to strengthen downtown businesses is to have more people living within walking distance of them.”
Q4: Infrastructure, economic growth and community attractions. Essential infrastructure first (sewage plant), then recreation and amenities; keep debt servicing affordable and require long-term maintenance cost analysis on major projects.[4]
“The price tag on opening day is only part of the story.”
Q5: A safe, welcoming and compassionate downtown. Says there is no quick fix; supports lobbying senior governments and coordination with local agencies, and continuing a stronger bylaw presence downtown paired with connecting people to services. Does not mention Bylaw 4273 by number.[4]
“A stronger bylaw presence has made a real difference downtown.”
Financial disclosure
- Assets: lists shares in Discover Mortgage Corporation.[1]
- Income: Discover Mortgage Corporation (capacity: president / mortgage broker).[1]
- Liabilities and real property (other than residence): none listed.[1]
- Corporate assets (more than 30% of voting shares): answered "yes" — Discover Mortgage Corporation, a mortgage brokering company.[1]
In the news
- 2026-10-08 — Salmon Arm Observer published Hamilton's response on the Corporate Strategic Plan priorities.[8]
- 2026-10-05 — Castanet published Hamilton's verbatim candidate Q&A.[6]
- 2026-10 — The Vote4Tomorrow guide (Shuswap Climate Action Society) lists Hamilton (as Victor Hamilton) as supportive of 18 of 24 climate policies, neutral on five and with no response on one (urban greenways).[26]
- 2026-09-28 — Salmon Arm Observer published Hamilton's candidate self-introduction.[5]
- 2026-09-12 — Castanet listed Hamilton among 15 council newcomers.[7]
- 2026-09-12 — The Observer's Declaration of Candidates notice lists Vic Hamilton among Salmon Arm council candidates.[27]
- 2026-09-03 — Salmon Arm Observer reported Hamilton, owner of Bayfield Mortgage, announced on Sept. 2 that he would run for council, with four priorities: responsible growth and fiscal planning, community safety, recreation, and collaborative governance.[9]
Find them online
- Campaign website (electvic.ca redirects to electvic.com)
- Facebook (Elect Vic Hamilton)
- Castanet candidate page
References
- Nomination documents & Statement of Disclosure — City of Salmon Arm (Vic Hamilton) · City of Salmon Arm · 2026-09-03
- About Vic Hamilton — Salmon Arm City Council Candidate · Vic Hamilton campaign · 2026
- Platform — Vic Hamilton for Salmon Arm City Council · Vic Hamilton campaign · 2026
- Candidate questionnaire — Vic Hamilton · Downtown Salmon Arm · 2026-10
- Introducing Salmon Arm's mayoral and council candidates · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-28
- ELECTION 2026: Salmon Arm city council candidate profile for Vic Hamilton · Castanet · 2026-10-05
- Fifteen newcomers, three incumbents make up Salmon Arm council field · Castanet · 2026-09-12
- Salmon Arm candidates speak to strategic priorities · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-10-08
- Salmon Arm business owner puts hat in race for seat on city council · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-03
- Bayfield Mortgage on ShuswapBC.com Business & Community Page · ShuswapBC.com
- General Local Election · City of Salmon Arm · 2026
- B.C. municipal election 2022: Salmon Arm results · Global News · 2022-10-16
- CKVS-FM interview with Vic Hamilton (at 00:15) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Vic Hamilton (at 01:08) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Vic Hamilton (at 01:41) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Vic Hamilton (at 03:33) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Vic Hamilton (at 04:03) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Vic Hamilton (at 05:16) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Vic Hamilton (at 07:20) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Vic Hamilton (at 09:26) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Vic Hamilton (at 10:09) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Vic Hamilton (at 12:30) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Vic Hamilton (at 13:42) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Vic Hamilton (at 14:24) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Vic Hamilton (at 16:10) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- Victor Hamilton — Vote4Tomorrow candidate profile · Vote4Tomorrow (Shuswap Climate Action Society) · 2026
- Declaration of Candidates: Long slates show high interest in the Shuswap · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-12
Owen Madden
Organic farmer and co-owner of Nature Delivered; former Irish criminal prosecutor and environmental lawyer; Green Party candidate provincially in 2020 and federally in 2025
Biography
Eoin Blaise Madden is running for Salmon Arm council under the ballot name Owen Madden.[1]
He told CKVS-FM he was born just outside Dublin, practised law in Ireland (latterly in the west of the country), then took a postgraduate course in climate change law at the University of Edinburgh before moving to Vancouver to work for Ecojustice.[22][23]
In his Observer introduction, Madden says he was born and raised in Ireland, became a lawyer, and worked as a criminal prosecutor for the Irish State.[5]
He writes that he first learned of climate change in 2006 from an Irish potato farmer. He later retrained in climate change law and worked for Ecojustice in Vancouver, where he met his wife.[5]
A 2013 Wilderness Committee report describes Eoin Madden as the organization's "new climate and energy campaigner" in Metro Vancouver. In his 2026 Vote4Tomorrow profile, Madden says he worked for Ecojustice and the Wilderness Committee in Vancouver.[20][39]
In 2016 he and his wife moved to the Shuswap to start an organic vegetable farm. Together they created Nature Delivered, a farming and food-supply business that supplies vegetables and fruit from their farm south of Salmon Arm and about 12 other farms in the area.[5]
Nature Delivered's website says Emily and Owen started the business in winter 2023 to connect people with local farmers in the North Okanagan–Shuswap. Their own farm is Shuswap Organics, and the business lists a Grindrod address.[12]
He told Castanet he lives about 10 minutes south of Salmon Arm because they "couldn't secure 24 acres of farmland with water rights in town."[2]
His financial disclosure also lists income as an online instructor at Royal Roads University.[1]
He told CKVS-FM that he and his wife have farmed in the area for about 10 years. They first bought land near Grindrod with another farming couple and now farm 24 acres with water access about 10 minutes south of Salmon Arm.[24][25]
Experience
- Criminal prosecutor for the Irish State (self-described; dates not stated).[5]
- Environmental/climate law work with Ecojustice in Vancouver (self-described).[5][4]
- Climate and energy campaigner with the Wilderness Committee, circa 2013 (reported under the name Eoin Madden).[20][39]
- Co-owner of Shuswap Organics Inc., which does business as Nature Delivered (farming and distribution of vegetables and fruits).[1][12]
- Online instructor, Royal Roads University.[1]
- Says he trains for half-marathons on Salmon Arm's lakeshore trails in winter.[11]
Previous campaigns and public roles
- 2020 BC provincial election, Shuswap riding: named the BC Green Party candidate on Oct. 1, 2020. He received 3,784 votes (14.61%) and finished third behind BC Liberal Greg Kyllo and NDP candidate Sylvia Lindgren.[13][14][15]
- 2025 federal election, Kamloops–Shuswap–Central Rockies: Green Party of Canada candidate. He received 1,639 votes (2.41%) and finished fourth; Conservative Mel Arnold won.[16][19]
- This is his first run for municipal office.[4][10]
Platform
Affordability. He calls affordability the primary issue. He proposes committing to limits on property-tax increases over the council term, working with farmers and charities on affordable food, and using city permitting to keep affordable housing supply coming.[2]
“We can commit to limits on property tax increases over the term of this new council.”
Wastewater treatment plant. He says the Water Pollution Control Centre upgrade (estimated at $78 million) should come first. He notes the Corporate Strategic Plan called for it to start by 2024 and it has not.[11][6][2]
“With proper planning and fiscal patience we can get this done!”
Recreation centre. He says the city cannot afford the wastewater upgrade and a new recreation centre at the same time. He proposes fully planning and costing "Rec Centre Version 2" so it is ready for grants, and exploring partnerships with sports associations and civil society.[6][11]
“We can't afford this upgrade and the Rec Centre replacement simultaneously.”
Fiscal planning and debt. He wants "off-the-shelf" costed plans for major projects to attract senior-government grants, and says the city should borrow only what it can afford and avoid over-burdening future councils with debt.[2]
“We can only borrow what we can afford pay the interest on and need to avoid over-burdening future councils with debt.”
Active transportation. He supports the city's 2022 active transportation plan and wants safe walking and biking connectors from downtown to uptown and along the 30 Street schools corridor, including a highway overpass or underpass.[11][6][2]
Homelessness and crime. He describes his approach as "compassion with boundaries": more investment in mental-health and addiction services and shelter space, plus accountability for repeat offenders. He cites Terrace's provincial repeat-offender program as a model and proposes a rapid-response group for downtown businesses hit by theft and vandalism.[2][11]
“My plan calls for compassion with boundaries.”
Growth and density. He says growth should be embraced and should "pay for growth" through development requirements. He favours infill in well-serviced areas and sees the Trans-Canada Highway corridor (e.g., behind Piccadilly Mall), with frontage roads, as the better place for densified housing.[2][11]
“If the city is strategic in applying development requirements on private developers as they build out new parts of the city, we can make growth pay for growth.”
Downtown vitality and tourism. He proposes promoting Salmon Arm as an outdoor-recreation destination (Larch Hills Nordic trails, South Canoe fat-bike trails), a winter craft food and beverage event tied to the Zest food hub, and more evening activity downtown, citing Irish town squares.[11]
“I can't understand why the downtown area is not more alive on a Saturday evening.”
Climate. Castanet reported he wants the city to address affordability and the impacts of climate change.[4][3]
Stated goals and commitments
- Commit to limits on property-tax increases over the 2026–2030 term.[2]
- Get the wastewater treatment plant upgrade under way before the recreation centre replacement; fully plan and cost the recreation centre to be grant-ready.[2][6]
- Create a rapid-response group or task force to support downtown businesses after theft and vandalism.[2][11]
- Build walking and biking connectors from downtown to uptown and along the 30 Street schools corridor.[2][6]
In their own words
“I'm a former criminal prosecutor turned farmer.”
“My experience in crime management and business development in the food industry has given me a rare skillset that I feel equips me to help responsibly manage the city's affairs.”
“We will invest in better supportive services but will demand accountability from the few repeat-offenders in the community.”
“We'll all need to flush our toilets as we welcome new arrivals. Let's get the plant updated so that we never have to notice its scent on the air.”
“Why burden the folks least well trained in such circumstances (business owners) when we can and should have trained professionals available to respond rapidly?”
“The Salmon Arm community was extensively surveyed prior to the creation of the Corporate Strategic Plan (CSP) – it should therefore be followed closely.”
“In fact, the answer may well be local governance.”
“a councillor's job is to run the budget responsibly. And that's the legacy I want to leave behind.”
CKVS radio interview
Background. Born near Dublin, he practised law in Ireland. He says a 2006 conversation with a potato farmer about changing growing conditions led him to climate change law (postgraduate study at the University of Edinburgh), then to Ecojustice in Vancouver and climate advocacy.[22][23]
“pretty soon afterwards, I learned the term climate change and it totally changed the course of my life.”
Farm. He and his wife Emily moved to farm vegetables in the Shuswap–Okanagan, which she calls "applied climate action." They farm 24 acres about 10 minutes south of Salmon Arm and deliver vegetables to Salmon Arm homes.[24][25]
“we bring vegetables to everyone's doors in Salmon Arm, who will have us”
What he likes and dislikes. He says local people are good and practical, and credits city council for Salmon Arm being sought-after. He dislikes the wildfire smoke of 2021, 2023 and 2026 and its effect on farm workers.[25][26]
“I genuinely think people are good, despite being quite diverse in their political perspectives.”
Attributes. He says running a grant-dependent farm and food-distribution business with his wife gives him budgeting and negotiating experience comparable to a city budget.[27]
“running a farm business and a food distribution business is not unlike running a budget for the city.”
People he respects. He names retired First Community Church minister Rev. Jenny Carter, whose sermons he says inspired him.[28]
Key issues: wastewater. He calls the wastewater treatment plant upgrade a major capital expense. He mentions smelling the plant near Blackburn Park and a proposed design to scrub odours, and says the question is whether the city can afford it.[29]
“We have a waste treatment plant that is due for an upgrade. And that's a very, very major capital expenditure.”
Key issues: transportation. He calls transportation the city's largest source of emissions. He wants linked walking and biking corridors from downtown to uptown and along the 30th Street school connector, with an under- or overpass at the uptown highway intersection.[30]
“I would love to give people within Salmon Arm a safer and better option than just jumping into their vehicle for those short hops.”
Why he is running. He says big problems such as affordability and climate can best be tackled locally, and he wants to test what a city can do.[31]
“In fact, the answer may well be local governance.”
Previous campaigns. He ran provincially for the BC Greens in 2020 and federally for the Greens in 2025. He says it was a tough climate for the Greens but he enjoyed campaigning and was impressed by local support.[32][33]
“I'd enjoy it all the more if I ever got to be in office. But in the meantime, I'll keep trying.”
This campaign. He notes 18 council candidates for six seats and says he has enjoyed past Chamber debates. He accepts that the new open-house format may work better with so many candidates.[34]
Goals. He wants the upgraded wastewater plant built affordably and future capital projects costed for long-term climate change. He wants to work respectfully as part of a team while being clear about his views.[35]
“I'd love to have them costed out for the reality of climate change over the long term.”
Role of a councillor. He says he will talk with anyone regardless of whether they agree with him.[36]
“Have the conversation, even if it's not a conversation that's comfortable for you to be in.”
Legacy. He names a new wastewater plant, a costed recreation-facility plan with a funding strategy, and not overburdening taxpayers with debt.[37]
“a councillor's job is to run the budget responsibly. And that's the legacy I want to leave behind.”
Where to find him. He says his campaign is mainly on Facebook (Vote Owen Madden), where he posts videos and updates.[38]
Downtown Salmon Arm questionnaire
Q1: Community priorities and leadership. His three priorities are active transportation (building on the 2022 plan for 200+ km of sidewalks, bike routes and trails), the $78-million wastewater plant upgrade, and homelessness (better services plus accountability for repeat offenders). He places all three under making life more affordable.[11]
“Lets improve service-provision whilst also demanding accountability from the few folks that repeat-offend.”
Q2: Year-round economic vitality and resilience. He proposes marketing Salmon Arm for outdoor pursuits (lakeshore trails, Larch Hills Nordic, South Canoe fat-biking), a winter craft food and beverage event tied to the Zest food hub, and more downtown evening activity.[11]
“More broadly we have to ask the question "what can Salmon Arm be well-known for?".”
Q3: Growing and protecting our downtown. He refers back to his Q2 answer and a campaign video. He says the Trans-Canada Highway corridor, with frontage roads, is a better option for densified housing.[11]
“I believe that the TransCanada Highway Corridor represents a better option for densified housing development”
Q4: Infrastructure, economic growth and community attractions. He says the Corporate Strategic Plan should be followed closely. The wastewater upgrade and recreation centre cannot be afforded at the same time, so the rec centre should be planned and costed for grants. He wants downtown-to-uptown and 30 Street active-transportation connectors added as a separate project.[11]
“We can't afford this upgrade and the Rec Centre replacement simultaneously.”
Q5: A safe, welcoming and compassionate downtown. He proposes a rapid-response group or task force of trained professionals to help businesses during and after theft and vandalism, saying business owners report feeling left "high and dry."[11]
“There needs to be a rapid response group (or task force) whose role is to respond quickly to businesses”
Financial disclosure
- Statement of Disclosure (dated Sept. 8, 2026, in the name Eoin Blaise Madden): holds shares in Shuswap Organics Incorporated (doing business as Nature Delivered). No creditors or real property (other than residence) are listed.[1]
- Income sources: Shuswap Organics Incorporated (capacity: co-owner) and Royal Roads University (capacity: online instructor).[1]
- Corporate assets: Shuswap Organics Incorporated (dba Nature Delivered), whose business is "Farming and distribution of vegetables and fruits." It owns no land; its activities take place on land owned by Madden and his co-owner, Emily Jubenvill. No corporate creditors or other shareholdings are listed.[1]
- He states he is acting as his own financial agent; no elector organization endorsement is listed.[1]
In the news
- 2026-10-08 — Answered the Observer's question on the Corporate Strategic Plan.[6]
- 2026-10-05 — Castanet published his verbatim candidate Q&A.[2]
- 2026-10-01 — The Vote4Tomorrow climate and environment voter guide (pages published Oct. 1, 2026) lists Madden as committing to 23 of 24 climate policies and designates him a "Climate Leader" (more than 80% of policies). In his profile, Madden says he previously worked for Ecojustice and the Wilderness Committee.[39][40]
- 2026-09-28 — Provided a self-introduction for the Salmon Arm Observer's candidate feature.[5]
- 2026-09-08 — Filed his nomination for council.[9]
- 2026-09-02 — Listed among candidates who had publicly said they would run, before he filed.[7][8]
- 2025-04-17 — CFJC quoted him warning against narrowing elections to two parties: "I always ask people to vote in hope not in fear."[17]
- 2025-04-15 — In a Castanet federal-election Q&A, he opposed blanket reciprocal tariffs on the U.S., supported the Green policy of no income tax for people earning $40,000 or less, and said he would base an MP office in Salmon Arm.[18]
- 2025-03-27 — CFJC reported the Green Party of Canada had chosen the "Grindrod farmer" as its Kamloops–Shuswap–Central Rockies candidate.[16]
- 2020-10-01 — Castanet reported the BC Green Party had named Madden its candidate in the Shuswap riding for the 2020 provincial election.[13]
Find them online
- Facebook (campaign)
- Nature Delivered (business)
- Castanet candidate profile
- Castanet Q&A
- Downtown Salmon Arm questionnaire
- CKVS-FM radio interview (audio)
- Nomination documents & disclosure
References
- Nomination documents & Statement of Disclosure — City of Salmon Arm (Owen Madden) · City of Salmon Arm · 2026-09-08
- ELECTION 2026: Salmon Arm city council candidate profile for Owen Madden · Castanet · 2026-10-05
- Owen Madden, Salmon Arm Councillor candidate - Civic Election 2026 · Castanet · 2026
- Fifteen newcomers, three incumbents make up Salmon Arm council field · Castanet · 2026-09-12
- Introducing Salmon Arm's mayoral and council candidates · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-28
- Salmon Arm candidates speak to strategic priorities · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-10-08
- Salmon Arm council race growing with 8 candidates filed, more to come · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-02
- Salmon Arm council candidates begin filing · Frequency News (CKVS-FM 93.7) · 2026-09-02
- General Local Election — City of Salmon Arm · City of Salmon Arm · 2026
- CivicInfo BC 2026 candidates — Salmon Arm (City) · CivicInfo BC · 2026
- Owen Madden — Council Candidate (Downtown Salmon Arm candidate questionnaire) · Downtown Salmon Arm (Salmon Arm Downtown Improvement Association) · 2026-10
- About — Nature Delivered · Nature Delivered · 2026
- Owen Madden to carry Green banner in Shuswap for provincial election · Castanet · 2020-10-01
- Salmon Arm-Shuswap (electoral district) — 2020 Shuswap results · Wikipedia · 2026
- Owen Madden — Canadian Elections Database · Canadian Elections Database · 2020
- Greens tap Grindrod farmer Madden as candidate in Kamloops-Shuswap-Central Rockies · CFJC Today · 2025-03-27
- Kamloops Greens hoping to ensure environmental concerns are not lost this election · CFJC Today · 2025-04-17
- Election 2025 Q&A with Green candidate Owen Madden, running in Kamloops-Shuswap-Central Rockies · Castanet · 2025-04-15
- Kamloops—Shuswap—Central Rockies — 2025 federal election results · Wikipedia · 2026
- Wilderness Committee Climate Campaigner, Eoin Madden · Wilderness Committee · 2013-03-09
- Campaign Updates (ballot order results) | Elect Jo McDermott · Jo McDermott campaign · 2026
- CKVS-FM interview with Owen Madden (at 00:16) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Owen Madden (at 01:16) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Owen Madden (at 02:17) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Owen Madden (at 02:36) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Owen Madden (at 04:00) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Owen Madden (at 04:52) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Owen Madden (at 05:45) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Owen Madden (at 06:31) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Owen Madden (at 07:29) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Owen Madden (at 08:35) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Owen Madden (at 09:44) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Owen Madden (at 10:23) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Owen Madden (at 10:52) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Owen Madden (at 12:00) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Owen Madden (at 13:23) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Owen Madden (at 14:29) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Owen Madden (at 15:46) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- Owen Madden | Vote4Tomorrow · Vote4Tomorrow · 2026-10-01
- Salmon Arm | Vote4Tomorrow (2026 local election voter guide) · Vote4Tomorrow · 2026-10-01
Jo McDermott
Owner of Gaia's Pantry, a gluten-free bakery business; former coffee-shop owner and 2018 council candidate
Biography
Jodi Paige McDermott is running for Salmon Arm council under the ballot name Jo McDermott.[1]
She told CKVS-FM she was born in St. Albert, Alberta, lived in Denver, Colorado and then about five years in Calgary, and moved to the Shuswap in 2009 with her husband to raise their family.[19]
According to her campaign website, she has lived in Salmon Arm since July 2009. Soon after arriving she began selling handmade cards at the Shuswap Farm and Craft Market, where she was involved until 2017 and served on the board in several roles, including president. She also taught piano in the community.[13]
She says she worked at the Java Jive Neighbourhood Bistro coffee shop, later bought the business, and ran it until it closed. As owner she served on the Downtown Salmon Arm board, the Chamber of Commerce board and the Environmental Advisory Committee, and helped organize Salmon Arm's first Eco-Fair.[13]
In summer 2022 she started Gaia's Pantry as a hobby business, which she says has become her full-time career. She describes it on her disclosure as "A Gluten Free bakery and market, soon to be a brick & mortar store within Salmon Arm."[13][1]
She says she works from a rented commercial kitchen at the Zest Commercial Food Hub and runs a booth at the Salmon Arm Downtown Farmers' Market on Saturdays.[13][15]
She joined the Salmon Arm Community Band in 2010 and played in a clarinet ensemble that performed around town, including at seniors' residences, until the COVID-19 pandemic.[13]
She describes her background as "management, customer service, and entrepreneurism."[5][12]
She told CKVS-FM she has played in the Salmon Arm Community Band for about 15 years and also plays in a small string orchestra in Vernon.[18]
Experience
- Owner of Gaia's Pantry Bakery & Market Ltd. (2022–present).[13][1]
- Former owner of Java Jive Neighbourhood Bistro, a Salmon Arm coffee shop that has since closed (dates not stated).[13]
- Former board member of Downtown Salmon Arm and the Salmon Arm Chamber of Commerce, and former member of the city's Environmental Advisory Committee (self-reported; dates not stated).[13]
- Board member, including president, of the Shuswap Farm and Craft Market (until 2017; self-reported).[13]
- Helped organize Salmon Arm's first Eco-Fair (self-reported).[13]
- Member of the Salmon Arm Community Band since 2010; former piano teacher.[13]
Previous campaigns and public roles
- Ran for Salmon Arm city council in 2018 (listed as Jodi McDermott in some results). Unofficial results gave her 1,399 votes, 10th of 13 candidates for six seats.[16][17][4]
- On her 2018 run she told CKVS-FM: "although I wasn't successful, the experience was phenomenal."[24]
Platform
Communication and civic engagement. She calls communication "the main pillar" of her campaign. She says there is a "deep disconnect" between residents and city government, and proposes plain-language explanations of council business, open-forum gatherings with council, and fewer obstacles for residents who want to speak at council meetings.[11][2]
“I feel that there is a deep disconnect between Salmon Arm residents, and the municipal government.”
Climate action and waste. She lists climate action among her top three issues. She proposes curbside glass recycling and access for businesses to the green-bin composting program, and suggests a separate website explaining the city's Climate Resilience Plan.[11][14]
“the next council will not only need to continue this effort but also increase it.”
Wastewater vs. recreation centre. She says the wastewater treatment upgrade should come first and that the proposed recreation centre may have to wait.[11][6]
“Yes, I'm talking about the proposed new recreation centre. It would be a great addition to our city, but personally, I don't feel like the time is right.”
Growth and services. She says the city must expand resources such as housing, parking, health care providers, teachers, waste facilities and transit before current systems are strained. She also proposes a city-curated guide to help newcomers find work, doctors and community groups.[11][2]
Downtown density. She opposes new high-density housing in the downtown core to preserve its "small-town charm," and prefers such housing away from downtown.[11]
“I'm not a big fan of constructing new high-density housing in our downtown core.”
Transportation and parking. She favours better transit routes and safer cycling and scooter infrastructure over large parking structures. She says she rides an e-bike and plans to commute to city hall on it if elected, weather permitting.[11][14]
Homelessness. She says there is no single answer to homelessness. She favours compassion and "prejudice free support," and more than financial support for existing organizations. She also wants businesses affected by these issues to get resources and direct connections with bylaw and RCMP officers.[2][11]
“If I said that I had an answer, I would be lying.”
Fiscal responsibility. She says many past decisions have been responsible. She wants infrastructure choices made with as much information as possible, a focus on projects that serve a wide part of the community, and thorough pursuit of grants and provincial and federal funding.[2]
“I believe that a lot of responsible decisions have been made.”
Local economy and events. She supports marketing Salmon Arm's off-season activities, continuing 'shop local' efforts (with the city buying from local small businesses first), an online small-business directory, and city help for volunteer-run events, including more cultural events.[11]
Food security. In the Observer, she points to the Corporate Strategic Plan's Food and Urban Agricultural Plan and says local food growers and producers need as much municipal support as possible.[6]
“Our food growers and producers are the pillars that our food security stands on”
Vacant downtown properties. She says long-vacant downtown sites, such as the former 7-Eleven site, should be assessed for viability, and the city should fix issues within its control.[11]
Stated goals and commitments
- Use her website to explain topics before council and hold periodic open-forum gatherings between residents and council members.[11]
- Add glass to curbside recycling and extend green-bin composting to businesses.[11]
- Prioritize the wastewater treatment upgrade, deferring the new recreation centre if necessary.[11][6]
- Commute to city hall by e-bike if elected (weather permitting).[14]
In their own words
“I am committed to putting Salmon Arm residents at the centre of local decision-making.”
“Times like these call for strong leadership, persistence and diversity.”
“The information is there, but it is difficult to find, and sometimes even more difficult to understand.”
“Not all ideas and opinions will always be popular, but that doesn't mean that they should be ignored.”
“I think what keeps our downtown so attractive is the small-town charm that it has.”
“Every person who finds themselves in an unhoused situation has arrived there from a different path, so a blanket answer will never work.”
“I see the role of a city councillor as a bridge.”
“I was very disappointed to learn that at the last election, we only had about a 30% voter turnout.”
CKVS radio interview
Background. She describes herself as a musician who has played in the Salmon Arm Community Band for about 15 years and in a small string orchestra in Vernon. She says she wants communities to understand local decision-making.[18]
“I'm very passionate about getting people involved and getting communities to acknowledge and understand the decision making processes that go on.”
Where she is from. She was born in St. Albert, Alberta, and lived in Denver and Calgary. She moved to the Shuswap in 2009 when her husband's job offered a choice of the Shuswap or Vancouver Island.[19]
“I was born in St. Albert, Alberta, and I lived there until I was 10.”
Community involvement. She bought the Java Jive Neighbourhood Bistro, where she had worked, and owned it "for a couple of years." While owner she served on the Chamber of Commerce board, Downtown Salmon Arm and a City Hall environmental committee, and taught piano.[20]
“I worked at a coffee shop when I first got here, and eventually I purchased that coffee shop from the owner.”
Personal attributes. She calls herself passionate, hard-working, stubborn and persistent, and says she is willing to listen to other opinions.[21]
“even though we might not always agree, everybody's opinion is valid, and it should be heard.”
People she respects. She names outgoing Coun. Tim Lavery as a mentor since about 2010, the late Coun. Kevin Flynn, and the late Steve Naylor, an English teacher and fellow clarinetist in the community band.[22]
“Tim Lavery has always been a sort of a mentor for me.”
Key issues. She names climate change and climate action, citing recent wildfires, plus civic participation, noting the roughly 30% turnout in the last election.[23]
“the main issues that we need to be addressing right away surround the ideas of climate change and climate action.”
2018 campaign. She ran for council in 2018 and was not elected. She says that run and her board work give her a base of experience.[24]
“although I wasn't successful, the experience was phenomenal.”
Goals: wastewater vs. rec centre. She says she would continue the current council's work, which she says has not hurt the community. She calls the wastewater plant the priority over a new recreation centre and pool.[25]
“as much as I would love a new rec centre, I believe that the waste water plant is actually going to be a priority for us.”
Goals: public information. She wants decisions that directly affect the community discussed more publicly. If elected, she would keep her website up to explain topics before council.[25]
“if you've ever tried to read the minutes from a council meeting, it can get a little bit tedious”
Role of a councillor. She describes a councillor as a bridge between residents and decision-making, responsible for hearing every voice.[26]
“as councillors, we have the responsibility to make sure that every voice is being heard, not just the popular voices.”
Legacy. She wants to be remembered as hard-working, devoted, fair and firm, and says she does not make "wishy-washy" statements.[27]
“I'm not the kind of person to make a wishy-washy sort of statement.”
Where to find her. She points to her website and says she is at her Downtown Farmers' Market booth, which she has run for five years, every Saturday before the election.[28]
“I have a booth there that I've been running for five years”
Downtown Salmon Arm questionnaire
Q1: Community priorities and leadership. Her three priorities are climate action (including curbside glass recycling and business access to composting), expanding resources and infrastructure for a growing and younger population, and communication between residents and city government.[11]
“The main pillar of my campaign is built on the concept of communication.”
Q2: Year-round economic vitality and resilience. For year-round vitality she proposes marketing off-season activities (skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, biking), supporting 'shop local' with the city buying locally first, an online small-business directory, and city help with promotion and networking for volunteer-run events.[11]
“If the city can promote these activities, we can start attracting more visitors in what have been traditionally known as the off months.”
Q3: Growing and protecting our downtown. She favours better transit and cycling infrastructure over parkades, wants long-vacant downtown sites (such as the former 7-Eleven) assessed and made viable, and opposes new high-density housing in the downtown core.[11]
“If and when high-density housing needs to be built, it should be built away from the downtown core.”
Q4: Infrastructure, economic growth and community attractions. She says council should reassess the Corporate Strategic Plan's priorities, put the wastewater upgrade ahead of the proposed recreation centre, and support low-cost downtown festivals and more cultural events.[11]
“if we have to delay the start of other projects to make sure that our infrastructure can handle the growth of our city, it's a sacrifice that might have to be made.”
Q5: A safe, welcoming and compassionate downtown. She says there is no blanket answer to homelessness. She wants the city to support service organizations beyond funding, and to give affected businesses resources such as aid-organization contacts and in-person connections with bylaw and RCMP officers.[11]
“each person in these situations needs to be treated as the individual that they are, and not as part of a larger group.”
Financial disclosure
- Statement of Disclosure (dated Aug. 27, 2026): holds shares in Gaia's Pantry Bakery & Market Ltd.; income from Gaia's Pantry Bakery & Market Ltd. (capacity: owner). No creditors or real property (other than residence) are listed.[1]
- Corporate assets (more than 30% family voting control): Gaia's Pantry Bakery & Market Ltd., described as "A Gluten Free bakery and market, soon to be a brick & mortar store within Salmon Arm"; the corporation owns no land, has no current creditors and holds no other corporations.[1]
- She states she is acting as her own financial agent; no elector organization endorsement is listed.[1]
In the news
- 2026-10-08 — Answered the Observer's question on the Corporate Strategic Plan, focusing on wastewater and food security.[6]
- 2026-10-06 — Castanet published her verbatim candidate Q&A.[2]
- 2026-10-01 — The Vote4Tomorrow climate and environment voter guide (pages published Oct. 1, 2026) lists McDermott as committing to 20 of 24 climate policies and designates her a "Climate Leader" (more than 80% of policies). It lists her as having 17 years in the community.[29][30]
- 2026-09-28 — Provided a self-introduction for the Salmon Arm Observer's candidate feature.[5]
- 2026-09-21 — According to her website, she attended the Sept. 21 draw for ballot order; her name was drawn first among council candidates.[15]
- 2026-09-12 — Castanet described her as the "Gaia's Pantry owner" making another run for council after seeking a seat in 2018.[4]
- 2026-09-02 — Listed among the first eight council candidates to file nominations on Sept. 1, 2026.[7][8]
- 2018-10-20 — Finished 10th of 13 council candidates in Salmon Arm's 2018 election with 1,399 votes (unofficial results).[16]
Find them online
- Campaign website
- Castanet candidate profile
- Castanet Q&A
- Downtown Salmon Arm questionnaire
- CKVS-FM radio interview (audio)
- Nomination documents & disclosure
References
- Nomination documents & Statement of Disclosure — City of Salmon Arm (Jo McDermott) · City of Salmon Arm · 2026-09-01
- ELECTION 2026: Salmon Arm city council candidate profile for Jo McDermott · Castanet · 2026-10-06
- Jo McDermott, Salmon Arm Councillor candidate - Civic Election 2026 · Castanet · 2026
- Fifteen newcomers, three incumbents make up Salmon Arm council field · Castanet · 2026-09-12
- Introducing Salmon Arm's mayoral and council candidates · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-28
- Salmon Arm candidates speak to strategic priorities · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-10-08
- Salmon Arm council race growing with 8 candidates filed, more to come · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-02
- Salmon Arm council candidates begin filing · Frequency News (CKVS-FM 93.7) · 2026-09-02
- General Local Election — City of Salmon Arm · City of Salmon Arm · 2026
- CivicInfo BC 2026 candidates — Salmon Arm (City) · CivicInfo BC · 2026
- Jo McDermott — Council Candidate (Downtown Salmon Arm candidate questionnaire) · Downtown Salmon Arm (Salmon Arm Downtown Improvement Association) · 2026-10
- Elect Jo McDermott — Home · Jo McDermott campaign · 2026
- About Jo | Elect Jo McDermott · Jo McDermott campaign · 2026
- My Perspective | Elect Jo McDermott · Jo McDermott campaign · 2026
- Campaign Updates | Elect Jo McDermott · Jo McDermott campaign · 2026
- Salmon Arm Election Results (2018, unofficial) · Radio NL · 2018-10-20
- Salmon Arm, B.C. municipal election 2018 · Global News · 2018-10-21
- CKVS-FM interview with Jo McDermott (at 00:08) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Jo McDermott (at 00:44) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Jo McDermott (at 01:29) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Jo McDermott (at 03:17) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Jo McDermott (at 04:11) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Jo McDermott (at 05:40) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Jo McDermott (at 07:13) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Jo McDermott (at 09:04) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Jo McDermott (at 11:01) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Jo McDermott (at 12:24) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Jo McDermott (at 13:18) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- Jo McDermott | Vote4Tomorrow · Vote4Tomorrow · 2026-10-01
- Salmon Arm | Vote4Tomorrow (2026 local election voter guide) · Vote4Tomorrow · 2026-10-01
Anthony McLean
First-time candidate; owner/chef of a private dining business and part-time delivery driver who moved to Salmon Arm permanently about a year ago
Biography
Anthony David McLean is running for Salmon Arm city council under the ballot name Anthony McLean.[1]
In his Observer introduction, McLean wrote that he was "born and raised in Southern Alberta while frequently spending 2-3 months every year in Salmon Arm over the past 40 years." In his CKVS-FM interview he said he is "from central Alberta, born and raised" and has family in the Okanagan and in Salmon Arm.[5][11]
He told CKVS-FM he had been a permanent resident of Salmon Arm for about nine months, and that family, including an elderly grandmother, drew him to the area.[11][12]
On his Statement of Disclosure he lists income as owner/chef of Dave Antony Private Dining Experience and as a part-time driver for Busy Bee Delivery Services.[1]
He told CKVS-FM he has "a personal background in events" and has done volunteer work in the community, including helping with a family carnival.[15][12]
McLean told Castanet he had not been thinking of running until a neighbour suggested he would make a good candidate.[2]
Experience
- Owner/chef of Dave Antony Private Dining Experience (financial disclosure).[1]
- Part-time driver for Busy Bee Delivery Services (financial disclosure).[1]
- Says he has a personal background in events.[15]
- Says he has done volunteer work in Salmon Arm since moving there.[12]
Previous campaigns and public roles
- McLean has not run for elected office before; he described 2026 as his "first campaign for an elected official position."[5][17]
Platform
Homelessness and substance use. McLean told Castanet that residents identify homeless encampments and substance abuse as the greatest problems, and said these can be solved within a four-year term. He did not specify how.[2]
“these can easily be solved within a four year term and I have access to the resources needed to make that happen.”
Fiscal accountability. He calls for greater openness and accountability and an end to municipal processes that he says add unnecessary costs, plus "legal accountability" for officials who misuse their positions.[2]
“complete financial openness and legal accountability for those who misuse their position for personal gain over the best interests of the people.”
Local contracting / self-sufficiency. He proposes limiting or ending the outsourcing of city projects to firms from outside the community, and wants Salmon Arm to be more self-sustaining.[2][20]
“limiting or eliminating the outsourcing of projects from firms outside of our community”
Parks and outdoor spaces. He wants more inclusive outdoor spaces and public outdoor facilities, saying the city's parks are "the same four parks." He suggests adding amenities beyond the skate park and connecting residents more with nature.[19][13]
“I would like to bring in, uh, more inclusive outdoor spaces.”
Environment. He says he wants to "enrich nature integration over 'pavement progress'" and bring in "more climate savvy" practices.[5][19]
“enrich nature integration over "pavement progress."”
Democracy and government. He says government has taken power away from taxpayers and that he wants to be "the voice in the room which gives the power back to the people."[5][20]
“I am running to be the voice in the room which gives the power back to the people.”
Growth and housing. He says space and affordable living will determine how the city handles growth. He wants council to help keep costs down from builders and material makers, and to plan ahead for infrastructure upgrades.[2]
Corporate Strategic Plan / wastewater. Asked by the Observer about the Corporate Strategic Plan, he called the current plan "long overdue, especially with the sewage treatment facility" and a "great stepping stone."[6]
“I think the current strategy is a great stepping stone to what needs to be accomplished.”
Stated goals and commitments
- Says homeless encampments and substance abuse can be "easily" solved within a four-year term.[2]
- Add one or two new outdoor recreation amenities beyond existing parks and the skate park.[19]
- Limit or eliminate the outsourcing of city projects to firms from outside Salmon Arm.[2]
In their own words
“My main goal is to give the voice back to the people and to enrich nature integration over "pavement progress."”
“We are seeing too many societal discrepancies because government has taken the power away from the taxpayers, the ones paying elected officials' salaries”
“the homeless encampments and substance abuse are the greatest problems. And these can easily be solved within a four year term and I have access to the resources needed to make that happen.”
“elected officials have kind of forgotten the fact that we work for the people.”
“sometimes that stubbornness of not wanting something to happen can also prevent the community from being, becoming something great.”
“It's going to be a definite learning curve for me. But, you know, I, I like that challenge.”
CKVS radio interview
Background. McLean says he is from Alberta and has family in the Okanagan and Salmon Arm. He says he has visited the area for 35 to almost 40 years and became a permanent resident about nine months before the interview.[11]
“I'm from central Alberta, born and raised, but I have family here in the Okanagan and here in Salmon Arm specifically.”
What he dislikes / wants to add. He says the area is quite secluded and that more public outdoor facilities and activities would help.[13]
“perhaps if we had a, a few more public outdoor facilities and activities for people to get out and about and enjoy the community”
Values. He names accountability, helping each other and community-mindedness as his core values.[14]
“accountability, you know, being willing to help each other”
People he respects. He names Coun. David Gonella and his work with Roots and Blues, mentioning his own background in events. He also names a local delivery-business owner who helped him with networking.[15]
“I have a personal background in events and, you know, it's near and dear to my heart.”
Key local issues. He says resistance to change is blocking progress in the community and calls for open-mindedness.[16]
“change is scary, but, you know, it's inevitable and great things can come from it.”
Why he is running. He says he has watched Salmon Arm change over 20 to 30 years. He decided to run after an acquaintance suggested it. This is his first run for office.[17]
“So I thought, why not? Let's give it a try and see what happens.”
Goals if elected. He wants more inclusive outdoor spaces beyond the existing parks and skate park, a stronger connection to nature, and more climate-savvy practices.[19]
“We have, uh, parks, little nature parks, but they're the same four parks.”
Role of a councillor. He says elected officials work for taxpayers. He wants Salmon Arm to be more self-sustaining because of its geographic separation.[20]
“I think as a councillor, it would be good to, uh, bring Salmon Arm into a more self-sustainable, uh, community too.”
Legacy. He says he does not need a personal legacy. His focus is the impact he can have with council and the mayor.[21]
“I don't even think that I need a legacy for myself”
Contact / online. He says he can be reached by email and is on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. He says he has adjusted his LinkedIn page toward his campaign.[22]
“my LinkedIn page, uh, I've, uh, tweaked that a little bit to be more, more toward the political aspect”
Downtown Salmon Arm questionnaire
Anthony McLean did not appear among the responses Downtown Salmon Arm published.
Financial disclosure
- Statement of Disclosure under the Financial Disclosure Act (filed in the name Anthony McLean): lists no shares in any corporation ("NA"), no creditors ("NA"), and no real property other than his residence ("NA").[1]
- Income sources: Dave Antony Private Dining Experience (capacity: owner/chef) and Busy Bee Delivery Services (capacity: driver, part time).[1]
- Answered "no" on the corporate assets question (no family holding of more than 30% of voting shares in a corporation). He states he is acting as his own financial agent, and no elector organization endorsement is listed.[1]
In the news
- 2026-10-08 — Castanet published his verbatim candidate Q&A. He gave one combined answer to the primary-issue and homelessness questions.[2]
- 2026-10-08 — Gave a two-sentence answer to the Observer's question on the city's Corporate Strategic Plan.[6]
- 2026-10-01 — The Vote4Tomorrow climate and environment voter guide lists McLean as "Did not respond" to its questionnaire (0 of 24 policies).[23][24]
- 2026-09-28 — Provided a self-introduction for the Salmon Arm Observer's candidate feature. The photo caption in that article (and in the Observer's Oct. 8 article) calls him "Andrew McLean."[5][6]
- 2026-09-12 — Castanet reported McLean had filed for council but had "not yet released campaign information."[4]
- 2026-09-02 — Listed among the first eight council candidates to file nominations on Sept. 1, the first day of the nomination period.[7][8]
Find them online
- Castanet candidate profile
- Castanet Q&A
- CKVS-FM radio interview (audio)
- Nomination documents & disclosure
References
- Nomination documents & Statement of Disclosure — City of Salmon Arm (Anthony McLean) · City of Salmon Arm · 2026-09-01
- ELECTION 2026: Salmon Arm city council candidate profile for Anthony McLean · Castanet · 2026-10-08
- Anthony McLean, Salmon Arm Councillor candidate - Civic Election 2026 · Castanet · 2026
- Fifteen newcomers, three incumbents make up Salmon Arm council field · Castanet · 2026-09-12
- Introducing Salmon Arm's mayoral and council candidates · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-28
- Salmon Arm candidates speak to strategic priorities · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-10-08
- Salmon Arm council race growing with 8 candidates filed, more to come · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-02
- Salmon Arm council candidates begin filing · Frequency News (CKVS-FM 93.7) · 2026-09-02
- General Local Election — City of Salmon Arm · City of Salmon Arm · 2026
- CivicInfo BC 2026 candidates — Salmon Arm (City) · CivicInfo BC · 2026
- CKVS-FM interview with Anthony McLean (at 00:18) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Anthony McLean (at 01:17) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Anthony McLean (at 02:12) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Anthony McLean (at 02:49) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Anthony McLean (at 03:17) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Anthony McLean (at 04:07) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Anthony McLean (at 04:54) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Anthony McLean (at 05:49) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Anthony McLean (at 06:56) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Anthony McLean (at 08:08) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Anthony McLean (at 09:09) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Anthony McLean (at 09:59) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- Anthony McLean | Vote4Tomorrow · Vote4Tomorrow · 2026-10-01
- Salmon Arm | Vote4Tomorrow (2026 local election voter guide) · Vote4Tomorrow · 2026-10-01
Adam Meikle
Downtown Salmon Arm artist and co-owner of Meikle Studios Social Art House and The Night Café; first run for office
Biography
Meikle told CKVS-FM he was born in Lacombe, Alberta, and that his family moved to the Shuswap "11 years ago, on purpose." He said his wife would only move to the Shuswap if they got involved in the community, so they opened an art studio and "started joining boards."[13]
In his candidate self-introduction published by the Salmon Arm Observer, Meikle says the first half of his adult life was spent "as a blue-collar Northerner"; that by age 22 he was "married, mortgaged and in management"; and that as a Red Seal tradesman and "the single point of accountability on large-scale projects" he learned how to plan, operate, maintain and replace what gets built.[2]
In January 2016 the Observer reported that Meikle and his wife Jenna had recently arrived from Alberta and opened Meikle Art Studio at 311 Ross St. NE. The article described him as a self-taught artist who had worked in oils for about 15 years, specializing in realism and impressionism, and said he got his start as a youngster at an art club in Red Deer.[7]
According to the Observer, the Meikles moved the studio to 148 Lakeshore Drive in 2017 and opened The Night Café in the adjoining space on Oct. 31, 2020. The café shares space with Meikle Studios Social Art House, where Meikle paints and teaches painting.[6]
Meikle told the Observer in 2021 that COVID-19 caused about 80 per cent of the business to drop off and that the couple "had to take some loans."[6]
Castanet describes Meikle as an "artist and business owner" who operates Meikle Social Art Studios and the Night Cafe downtown.[3][4]
Meikle told CKVS-FM he has had teenagers who have since moved out, and that his family has lived in the same place for eight years.[13]
Experience
- Says he served for years on the board of the Salmon Arm Chamber of Commerce and on the Economic Development Society board, and that he paused those roles to run for council.[13][2][3]
- Says he paints portraits of performers at the ROOTS&BLUES festival.[13]
- Co-designed, with his brother Chris and an engineer, Salmon Arm's 45-foot steel treble clef sculpture at Shuswap Park Mall, conceived by mall owner Bill Laird. The sculpture won Municipal World's 2025 Great Canadian Landmark Contest.[11][12]
- In August 2020 created a giant interactive downtown mural featuring local wildlife with collaborator Sara Wiens; the Observer reported it was the largest painting project he had been involved with. That month he and a crew from Meikle Studios also painted a section of Alexander Street in Salmon Arm's colours.[8][9]
- In 2021 painted a large mural of larch trees in the foyer of Larch Place, an affordable housing building led by the Canadian Mental Health Association and BC Housing, as the first of a planned tree-themed series for the project's three buildings.[10]
- In 2016 joined the Mt. Ida Painter's Guild and planned to offer art classes and workshops at his studio, according to the Observer.[7]
Previous campaigns and public roles
- First run for elected office. Meikle told CKVS-FM: "No, never. Never have. I am a bit of a political junkie."[13]
Platform
Downtown safety and homelessness. Names safety as the most important issue. Says he walks downtown nearly every night and has noticed a large increase in unhoused people and open drug use over 11 years.[13]
“In my humble opinion, I believe that safety is a growing concern.”
Property taxes. Says property taxes need to keep pace with inflation, acknowledging the position may be unpopular, but says the increase does not have to be "monstrous."[13]
“If we don't increase taxes to match inflation, our community goes behind.”
Garbage collection. Proposes returning to weekly curbside garbage pickup, with an option for households to opt out. Says bi-weekly pickup leads to garbage pile-ups and pests, and that his household now has rats.[13]
“if we don't have curbside garbage, which is a basic city service, if we don't have that every week, then we have a pile up of garbage, increased pests.”
Direction of the city. Says he believes the current council is moving the community in the right direction and on the right track on policy, and wants to help that continue as part of a team.[13]
“I want to be a part of a team that continues to grow our community in the right direction, which I believe the team has, and I just want to make sure that it continues.”
Senior-government policy. Says the city should adopt provincial and federal policies that are good and change those that do not make sense for a small city, rather than accepting everything that "trickles down."[13]
“I guess we have to protect our community and adopt policies if they're good, or change policies if they don't make sense for our small city.”
Accessibility. His campaign introduction says he aims to be the most accessible councillor and to ask hard questions and listen.[2]
“By being the most accessible city councillor, we can create a future that reflects actual Salmon Arm realities.”
Small business. His campaign introduction says running a small family business taught him about making decisions with limited resources, making payroll, dealing with regulations and reinvesting in the community.[2]
Stated goals and commitments
- Return to weekly curbside garbage collection, with an opt-out for households that do not need it (which he called his "unpopular legacy move").[13]
- Keep annual tax increases in line with inflation.[13]
In their own words
“By being the most accessible city councillor, we can create a future that reflects actual Salmon Arm realities.”
“I've noticed over the 11 years, a huge increase in the unhoused, I guess is maybe how you put it. Open drug use. It's just a little bit scarier now to walk around town than it was a decade ago.”
“I want a seat at the table. I want to be a part of a team that continues to grow our community in the right direction”
“If we don't increase taxes to match inflation, our community goes behind. And I know it's not a popular thing, but it doesn't have to be a monstrous increase, it just has to go with pace with the inflation.”
“I think if you want to opt out of garbage every week, that'd be fine. But families in town, they're going to the dump every other week, which just is an inconvenience.”
“I expect I'm going to grow and learn whether I want to or not.”
“Feeding people is pretty important I think.”
CKVS radio interview
Background. Says he was born in Lacombe, Alberta, moved to the Shuswap 11 years ago, opened an art studio and joined community boards, including years on the Chamber of Commerce and economic development boards, which he paused to run.[13]
“I sat on the Chamber of Commerce for years, and EcDev as well for years. I paused it to run”
Personal values. Lists problem solving, critical thinking, logic and being part of a team. Names landlord and philanthropist Bill Laird as a person he respects.[13]
“I love problem solving, critical thinking, using logic”
Most important issue. Names downtown safety, citing an increase in unhoused people and open drug use that he has observed on his walks downtown.[13]
“In my humble opinion, I believe that safety is a growing concern.”
Reason for running. Says he wants a seat at the table and to be part of a team continuing what he sees as the right direction for the community.[13]
“I want a seat at the table.”
Prior campaigns. Says he has never run for office before and calls himself a "political junkie."[13]
“No, never. Never have. I am a bit of a political junkie.”
Taxes. Says taxes should rise in step with inflation so the community does not fall behind, while acknowledging the view may be unpopular.[13]
“it doesn't have to be a monstrous increase, it just has to go with pace with the inflation.”
Role of council. Says council should protect the community, adopting senior-government policies that are good and changing those that do not suit a small city.[13]
“every policy that trickles down from the Ivory Tower from Upper Canada.”
Legacy. Says he would like to bring back weekly curbside garbage pickup with an opt-out, citing pests; calls it his "unpopular legacy move."[13]
“We never had rats. Now we do.”
Downtown Salmon Arm questionnaire
Adam Meikle did not appear among the responses Downtown Salmon Arm published.
Financial disclosure
- Statement of Disclosure (dated Sept. 1, 2026) lists one income source: The Night Cafe, in the capacity of part owner.[1]
- No corporate shareholdings, no creditors and no real property (other than his residence, which is not required to be listed) are disclosed. He answered "no" to holding, with family, more than 30% of voting shares in any corporation.[1]
- Nomination documents name Jenna Wade Meikle as his financial agent; no elector organization endorsement is listed.[1]
In the news
- 2026-10-08 — In the Observer's survey of candidates on the city's Corporate Strategic Plan, Meikle's entry reads "No answer submitted."[5]
- 2026-10-01 — The Shuswap Climate Action Society's Vote4Tomorrow guide lists him as "Did not respond" to its climate and environmental policy questionnaire.[17]
- 2026-09-12 — Castanet's roundup of the council field describes Meikle as an artist and business owner who has served on the Salmon Arm Chamber of Commerce board.[3]
- 2026-09-03 — Observer lists Meikle among council candidates who had filed nomination papers as of Sept. 3.[15]
- 2025-10-21 — Observer reports the downtown treble clef sculpture, designed by Adam and Chris Meikle with an engineer, won Municipal World's 2025 Great Canadian Landmark Contest.[11]
- 2021-10-13 — Observer reports Meikle is painting a larch-tree mural in the foyer of the Larch Place affordable housing building.[10]
- 2021-03-08 — Observer profiles the Meikles' opening of The Night Café beside their Lakeshore Drive art studio.[6]
- 2020-08-26 — Observer reports on a giant interactive wildlife mural downtown created by Meikle and collaborator Sara Wiens.[8]
- 2016-01-20 — Salmon Arm Observer reports Adam and Jenna Meikle have arrived from Alberta and opened Meikle Art Studio on Ross Street.[7]
Find them online
References
- Nomination documents & Statement of Disclosure — City of Salmon Arm (Adam Meikle) · City of Salmon Arm · 2026-09-02
- Introducing Salmon Arm's mayoral and council candidates · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-28
- Fifteen newcomers, three incumbents make up Salmon Arm council field · Castanet · 2026-09-12
- Adam Meikle, Salmon Arm Councillor candidate - Civic Election 2026 · Castanet
- Salmon Arm candidates speak to strategic priorities · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-10-08
- Artistic Salmon Arm entrepreneurs branch into culinary arts with The Night Café · Salmon Arm Observer · 2021-03-08
- Art studio opens on Ross Street · Salmon Arm Observer · 2016-01-20
- Giant interactive mural brings local wildlife to downtown Salmon Arm · Salmon Arm Observer · 2020-08-26
- Grey of Alexander Street brightened up with Salmon Arm colours · Salmon Arm Observer · 2020-08-19
- Adding warmth and light to the foyer of Salmon Arm's Larch Place · Salmon Arm Observer · 2021-10-13
- VIDEO: Salmon Arm's giant treble clef stands tall among Canadian landmarks · Salmon Arm Observer · 2025-10-21
- PHOTO: National contest ends on a high note for Salmon Arm · Salmon Arm Observer · 2025-11-12
- CKVS-FM interview with Adam Meikle (00:00-10:00; timestamps given in quote context) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CivicInfo BC 2026 candidates — Salmon Arm (City) · CivicInfo BC
- Salmon Arm business owner puts hat in race for seat on city council · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-03
- Meikle Studios + Night Cafe · Meikle Studios
- Adam Meikle — Salmon Arm candidate profile, Vote4Tomorrow 2026 · Vote4Tomorrow (Shuswap Climate Action Society) · 2026-10-01
Drayson Netzelwood
Commercial real estate appraiser, property investor, business owner and pastor running as a self-described conservative; first run for office
Biography
Netzelwood told CKVS-FM he was born in Prince George, moved to Airdrie, Alberta, in elementary school, and after graduating moved to Kelowna for his undergraduate degree. He said he spent five years in Shanghai, China, where he met his wife and completed a master's degree.[14]
He said he and his wife moved back to Canada in 2018 and, because his family had traditionally lived in Falkland, first settled in Vernon before moving to Salmon Arm.[14]
In his self-introduction to Observer readers he describes himself as "a 34-year-old businessman, commercial real estate appraiser, property investor, husband, Christian and father of six."[2]
His campaign website says he has earned undergraduate and master's degrees, learned to speak Mandarin, built multiple businesses and "helped to shepherd a local church." He told CKVS-FM he is a pastor at his church and the "headmaster" of a homeschool co-op for children aged about five to 17.[8][14]
In the Downtown Salmon Arm questionnaire he describes himself as "a businessman, commercial appraiser, and owner of several downtown commercial buildings."[7]
InfoNews reported in April 2026 that Netzelwood and a friend, Caylen Klassen, co-own Vernon Rat Experts, a rodent-exclusion business serving the Okanagan Valley and parts of the Shuswap that the pair had started less than a year earlier.[13]
Castanet describes him as "a business owner and father of six" who wants to bring a "conservative, practical approach" to council.[3][5]
Experience
- Commercial real estate appraiser. His Statement of Disclosure lists contract income from Quality Appraisals Inc. and L.E. Rivard & Associates Ltd. (both through his company 1442640 BC Ltd.) and from Okanagan Machinery & Equipment Appraisals Ltd., where he is also a director.[1][2]
- Property investor; his disclosure lists several real-estate holding companies with properties in Salmon Arm, including downtown (see Financial disclosure).[1][7]
- Director of Grandsons Landscaping Inc., according to his disclosure.[1]
- Says he is a pastor at his church and headmaster of a homeschool co-op.[14]
- Says he attended every Salmon Arm city council meeting in 2026 before running, and that most times he was the only member of the public there. At the July 13, 2026 meeting he asked council whether the city was working with the Ministry of Transportation and Transit on the Highway 97B/10th Avenue NE encampment, citing cleanup costs in Vernon.[8][14][12]
Previous campaigns and public roles
- First run for elected office, he told CKVS-FM: "Yes, this is my first time."[14]
Platform
Public safety and downtown. Calls safe communities "the first duty of local government." Proposes regular, visible bylaw patrols at recurring problem locations, consistent follow-through on the overnight-sheltering rule requiring shelters to be packed up before 9 a.m., closer coordination among bylaw, RCMP and public works, written response agreements for provincial land, and quarterly public reporting on repeat incidents and cleanup times.[9]
“Firm on public order. Clear on responsibilities. Dignified in how we help people regain stability.”
Homelessness and addiction. Says people facing poverty, mental illness or addiction need help, but residents and businesses should not have to tolerate intimidation, open drug use or public indecency. Supports pressing the Province and Interior Health for detox, treatment and recovery services, and exploring sponsored transportation home for homeless people from other communities who wish to return.[4][7][9]
“Compassion and accountability belong together.”
Spending and taxes. Proposes an annual spending and savings report, reviews of administration, consulting contracts, software subscriptions, discretionary grants and subsidized programs, public reporting of taxpayer subsidies for facilities, and testing technology for repetitive tasks. Says he would recommend axing or modifying some planned expenditures in the Corporate Strategic Plan.[8][10][6]
“Spend less, focus on essential services, make government smaller where possible, and work to reduce pressure on property taxes.”
Infrastructure. Says essential infrastructure must take priority, citing the sewage treatment upgrade estimated at about $78 million, and that he would scrutinize its scope and lifetime costs, assess alternatives and pursue senior-government funding before supporting it. Supports building reserves so necessary work does not become "a knee-jerk tax emergency."[4][7][6]
“Essential infrastructure must take priority, particularly with the sewage treatment upgrade estimated at approximately $78 million.”
Economic development and industry. Wants to grow the tax base through industrial and commercial development rather than across-the-board property tax increases; proposes servicing plans for industrial lands, more predictable permits, and an industrial advisory committee to bring employers' concerns to council.[6][4][7]
“Growing our tax base through industrial and commercial development, rather than relying on across-the-board property tax increases, must be a priority.”
Housing, development and red tape. Identifies affordability as a central concern and says the city drives up some housing costs through red tape and over-regulation. Supports simpler approvals for applications meeting basic standards, published processing targets, reconsidering zoning and OCP designations, and housing above and alongside downtown commercial space.[14][11][6][7]
“We must shorten development timelines, cut unnecessary red tape obstacles, reconsider zoning and OCP designations”
Beautification and design. Proposes clear design expectations for the town centre (well-proportioned buildings, attractive storefronts, durable finishes, respect for heritage), dependable maintenance standards for litter, weeds and public landscaping, and pressing the Ministry of Transportation and Transit to keep the highway corridor tidy. Also wants a "fresh look" at the City's downtown tax exemption program.[11][7]
“Good architecture and beautiful public spaces are important to the community's present growth and continued future prosperity.”
Recreation. Favours lower-cost, higher-utility recreational upgrades in the near term while setting aside funds for larger future projects, and recreation improvements that can be funded without additional tax increases. Suggests sponsorship or crowdfunding for suitable amenities.[6][4][7]
Wildfire and off-season economy. Wants measurable progress on wildfire resilience and work with the Chamber, Downtown Salmon Arm and event organizers to support spring, fall and winter events, including ways for facilities and events to remain usable during smoky periods.[7]
Stated goals and commitments
- A credible, funded infrastructure plan, measurable progress on wildfire resilience, and a clean, safe downtown by the end of the term.[7]
- Quarterly reporting to council on repeat incidents, cleanup response times and enforcement outcomes at recurring problem locations.[9]
- An annual City spending and savings report, with deeper reviews of selected departments each year.[10]
- An industrial advisory committee to bring local employers' concerns and ideas to council.[4]
- Published processing targets for development approvals.[11]
In their own words
“I am seeking election to council to bring a clear conservative voice and practical business experience to those decisions. I believe every tax dollar represents your hard work and deserves responsible stewardship.”
“I am not running because I want politics to occupy more of our lives. I am running because I think good local government is that which simply enables us to get on with living.”
“Homelessness has different causes, including poverty, mental illness and addiction, but residents and business owners should not have to tolerate intimidation, open drug use or public indecency downtown.”
“As a father of six, I know that caring for someone includes both offering help and expecting responsibility. Our approach downtown should reflect both.”
“I was attending all of the city council meetings, and I was very surprised that most times I was the only person there.”
“the best thing that we can do is try to steady the ship in the storm and to guide it through the storm because many of the things that impact us are far beyond our control.”
“Altogether, major proposals outlined in the report need a clear business case, cost-benefit analysis and credible funding plan before moving ahead.”
CKVS radio interview
Background. Born in Prince George; grew up in Airdrie, Alberta; undergraduate studies in Kelowna; five years in Shanghai where he met his wife and completed a master's degree; returned to Canada in 2018, settling first in Vernon and then Salmon Arm.[14]
“My family traditionally has lived in Falkland, and so we decided to first land in Vernon and eventually wound up here.”
Community involvement. Says most of his involvement is through his church, where he is a pastor, and as headmaster of a homeschool co-op.[14]
“I'm a pastor at that church”
Affordability. Says his appraisal work has shown him rising costs that price people out, citing property tax sale notices he saw in the Observer; says the city contributes to some housing costs through red tape and over-regulation.[14]
“I've just seen things get so expensive. People are priced out of the market.”
Personal attributes. Describes a capacity for heavy workloads; says since 2018 he has grown his household from two to eight, started several businesses, invested in and managed properties, pastored a church and is pursuing two degrees, and cites familiarity with zoning bylaws and OCPs.[14]
“I bring experience in starting things, keeping things going, balancing budgets, ensuring that companies cash flow well, managing risk.”
Key issues. Lists affordability, development red tape, public safety (open drug use and campsites) and infrastructure, saying the city needs to set money aside for big-ticket items.[14]
“We have some big-ticket items on the agenda that we need to start setting money aside for.”
Reason for running. Says as a father of six he wants Salmon Arm to be a safe place where his children can build careers and raise families.[14]
“as a father of six children and potentially more, I want Salmon Arm to be a place that they will also want to call home in the future.”
Goals if elected. Wants strong accountability for how taxpayer dollars are spent.[14]
“They want to know that their money is not just being frivolously spent, that every tax dollar counts”
Legacy. Hopes to look back in 20 years and know he helped bring prosperity, safety, economic development and needed infrastructure.[14]
“it's a better place than it was when I came into office.”
Downtown Salmon Arm questionnaire
Q1: Community priorities and leadership. Names three issues: the cost of essential infrastructure and its pressure on property taxes, vulnerability to wildfire and smoke, and downtown public safety. Says council must plan full project costs and build reserves, act on wildfire preparedness, and provide consistent bylaw enforcement.[7]
“build reserves so necessary work does not suddenly become a knee-jerk tax emergency”
Q2: Year-round economic vitality and resilience. Says a year-round economy starts with local jobs; would prioritize servicing industrial lands, more predictable permits, and work with the Chamber, Downtown Salmon Arm and event organizers on off-season events, including ways to keep facilities usable during smoky periods.[7]
“A stronger year-round economy starts with more local jobs and paycheques.”
Q3: Growing and protecting our downtown. Envisions more residents downtown and durable, attractive new buildings; supports clear design standards, efficient permit reviews, a fresh look at the downtown tax exemption program, and housing above and alongside commercial space.[7]
“Any incentive should have a clear public benefit and a known cost.”
Q4: Infrastructure, economic growth and community attractions. Would start with the budget and condition of existing assets, test major proposals against lifetime costs, pair infrastructure work with modest beautification, and limit tax pressure through savings, phasing, grants, partnerships, sponsorship or crowdfunding.[7]
“Beautifying Salmon Arm and maintaining its infrastructure are not mutually exclusive.”
Q5: A safe, welcoming and compassionate downtown. Says compassion and accountability belong together; calls for consistent enforcement of the street solicitation and other bylaws, making downtown safety a priority in discussions with the RCMP, and pressing the Province for detox, treatment, recovery and mental-health services.[7]
“The City should enforce its street solicitation and other applicable bylaws consistently, without double standards”
Financial disclosure
- Lists shares in nine corporations: White Horse Holdings Ltd., 422172 BC Ltd., Post Tenebras Lux Holdings Ltd., Post Mill Holding Corporation, Grandsons Landscaping Inc., Okanagan Machinery & Equipment Appraisals Ltd., 1442640 BC Ltd., Netzelwood Family Holdings Ltd. and Neighbourly Okanagan Home Management Inc.[1]
- Personal creditors: none ("N/A").[1]
- Income sources: managing director of White Horse Holdings, 422172 BC Ltd., Post Mill Holding Corporation and Netzelwood Family Holdings; contractor to Quality Appraisals Inc. and to L.E. Rivard & Associates Ltd. (both via 1442640 BC Ltd.); director of Grandsons Landscaping Inc.; contractor and director of Okanagan Machinery & Equipment Appraisals Ltd.; director (no active income) of Post Tenebras Lux Holdings and Neighbourly Okanagan Home Management.[1]
- Real property (other than residence): five parcels in Salmon Arm — three on 50 Street NE, one on Hudson Avenue NE and one on Alexander Street NE.[1]
- Corporate assets (more than 30% ownership): Post Tenebras Lux Holdings Ltd. (real estate investment, none in Salmon Arm; creditors Prospera, Cascadia and VantageOne credit unions); Grandsons Property Services (landscaping; creditor Wells Fargo); Okanagan Machinery & Equipment Appraisals Ltd. (appraisal services); 1442640 BC Ltd. (management/contracting/appraisal services); Netzelwood Family Holdings Ltd. (two properties on 50 Street NE; creditor VantageOne Credit Union); Neighbourly Property Services Ltd. (real estate investment; creditor VantageOne Credit Union); White Horse Holdings Ltd. (a property on 50 Street NE; creditors VantageOne Credit Union, Bank of Montreal, Scotiabank); 422172 BC Ltd. (a property on Hudson Avenue NE; creditor VantageOne Credit Union).[1]
- Acting as his own financial agent; no elector organization endorsement.[1]
In the news
- 2026-10-08 — Observer publishes his answer on the city's Corporate Strategic Plan.[6]
- 2026-10-06 — Castanet publishes his verbatim candidate Q&A.[4]
- 2026-10-01 — The Shuswap Climate Action Society's Vote4Tomorrow guide records his responses to 24 climate and environmental policy commitments: 12 supportive, 9 neutral and 3 opposed (opposed: a 'right to cool' tenant bylaw, endorsing the fossil fuel treaty, and pursuing legal action to recover climate costs from fossil fuel companies). He did not receive the guide's 'climate leader' designation, which requires support for more than 80% of policies. In his profile he wrote: "I am not a climate advocate but I do firmly support wise initiatives supporting good stewardship of God's creation."[17]
- 2026-09-12 — Observer lists Netzelwood among declared candidates for Salmon Arm council after nominations closed.[16]
- 2026-09-12 — Castanet's roundup of the council field quotes his aim of a "conservative, practical approach" focused on safe neighbourhoods, responsible spending and preserving Salmon Arm's beauty and character.[3]
- 2026-07-15 — Observer reports that Netzelwood asked council during the July 13 question period whether the city was working with the province on the Highway 97B encampment; Mayor Harrison said the land is provincial and the city continues to lobby.[12]
- 2026-04-12 — InfoNews profiles Vernon Rat Experts, a rodent-exclusion business co-owned by Netzelwood and Caylen Klassen.[13]
Find them online
References
- Nomination documents & Statement of Disclosure — City of Salmon Arm (Drayson Netzelwood) · City of Salmon Arm · 2026-09-11
- Introducing Salmon Arm's mayoral and council candidates · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-28
- Fifteen newcomers, three incumbents make up Salmon Arm council field · Castanet · 2026-09-12
- ELECTION 2026: Salmon Arm city council candidate profile for Drayson Netzelwood · Castanet · 2026-10-06
- Drayson Netzelwood, Salmon Arm Councillor candidate - Civic Election 2026 · Castanet
- Salmon Arm candidates speak to strategic priorities · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-10-08
- Downtown Salmon Arm candidate questionnaire — Drayson Netzelwood · Downtown Salmon Arm (Salmon Arm Downtown Improvement Association) · 2026-10
- D. Netzelwood for City Council (home page) · Drayson Netzelwood campaign
- Safe Communities | Drayson Netzelwood for City Council · Drayson Netzelwood campaign
- Efficient Government | Drayson Netzelwood for City Council · Drayson Netzelwood campaign
- A Beautiful Salmon Arm | Drayson Netzelwood for City Council · Drayson Netzelwood campaign
- Salmon Arm council frustrated by inaction on Hwy. 97B encampment · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-07-15
- 'Riddled with rats': New Vernon company getting into a growing industry · InfoNews · 2026-04-12
- CKVS-FM interview with Drayson Netzelwood (00:00-14:00; timestamps given in quote context) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10
- CivicInfo BC 2026 candidates — Salmon Arm (City) · CivicInfo BC
- Declaration of candidates: long slates show high interest in the Shuswap · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-12
- Drayson Netzelwood — Salmon Arm candidate profile, Vote4Tomorrow 2026 · Vote4Tomorrow (Shuswap Climate Action Society) · 2026-10-01
Scott Syme
Structural engineer, organic dairy farmer and agricultural-association volunteer from a family with a century in Salmon Arm
Biography
Syme says he was born and raised in Salmon Arm, "with family roots in this community going back more than a century." He told Castanet that every time he moved away he ended up coming back and that his family is settled here.[2][4][3]
Syme told CKVS-FM he was born in Salmon Arm and "graduated here", left in 2009 to attend UBC Okanagan, where he completed a bachelor's degree in engineering, then lived a year in Summerland while his future wife finished school in Penticton. In 2014 the couple bought a home in Enderby while both worked in Salmon Arm, and in 2021 they moved back to Salmon Arm, buying his parents' property and taking over the family farm.[19]
He told CKVS-FM the dairy operation he and his wife started about two years earlier began milking 20 cows and had grown to 45.[19]
He describes himself as "a professional engineer, small business owner, farmer, husband to Brittny," and a father of three.[2]
According to his firm's website, Syme founded Syme Structural Engineering Ltd. (SSEL) in 2017 and is its principal engineer; the firm serves the North Okanagan/Shuswap area.[16]
Syme says he and Brittny recently started Torphichen Farms Ltd., an organic dairy farm on land that has been in his family for generations.[2]
He says he owns two small businesses and employs eight people.[8]
He announced his candidacy in a social media post on Aug. 22, 2026, framing it around his family's 100th year in the community, and filed nomination papers on the first day of the nomination period, Sept. 1.[6][18]
Experience
- Professional engineer and principal of Syme Structural Engineering Ltd., founded in 2017.[16]
- In 2025, as a newly appointed Shuswap Agricultural Association board member, assessed the roughly 38-year-old fairgrounds grandstand and led a volunteer effort to repair and upgrade it ahead of the demolition derby; the Observer reported he volunteered his own time and designed the repairs through his firm.[9][10][2]
- In June 2025 wrote to city council on behalf of the SAA requesting $7,500 for a new frost-protected foundation on the grandstand, reporting about $15,000 in financial donations, $15,000 in in-kind materials and over $40,000 of donated labour. Council approved $3,750 from council initiatives as a one-time contribution.[12][11]
- As an SAA director, wrote to council in 2025 about the north fairgrounds being left vulnerable after the Memorial Arena demolition; the Observer reported that council's Nov. 24, 2025 vote to fence the site was in part a response to his concerns.[13]
- President of the Salmon Arm Farmers Society, formed in 2026 to advocate for commercial agriculture in Salmon Arm and the Salmon Valley. Syme told the Observer the society grew out of work he and others did during the review of the city's official community plan adopted in December 2025.[14][6]
- Member of the City's Agricultural Advisory Committee and has served on the Climate Resiliency Committee; says he is leading an irrigation feasibility study on long-term water security for farms in the Salmon Valley.[2][4]
- In his DSA answers, says that through his engineering business he has worked with destination-tourism clients whose customers spent up to $50,000 per person for a week-long experience.[8]
- Says he has sat on the Shuswap Agricultural Association board for two years and the city's Agricultural Advisory Committee for about a two-year term, and coached youth soccer for the first time in 2026.[19]
Previous campaigns and public roles
- First run for elected office; asked by CKVS-FM if he had run before, he said: "I've not, no." He said he had been thinking about running since the 2022 election.[19][17]
Platform
Infrastructure. Calls aging infrastructure and facilities the primary issue facing residents; says water, wastewater and roads come first, the wastewater treatment plant upgrade must be completed, and existing assets must be maintained before taking on new priorities. On CKVS-FM he said the city must be realistic about the size of its tax base relative to its geographical footprint and keep reinvesting in maintenance to avoid failures such as major water main breaks.[4][7][8][19]
“These projects may not be exciting, but they are the critical infrastructure our community relies on.”
Fiscal responsibility. Says fiscal responsibility starts with efficiency, including reviewing city design standards and requirements that may unnecessarily raise infrastructure and development costs; wants council to look beyond a single budget year at long-term commitments.[4][7]
“Fiscal responsibility isn't just spending less, it's about getting better value.”
Tax base and economy. Wants to grow the commercial and industrial tax base to fund infrastructure and services and create higher-paying jobs; frames affordability as an income issue as well as a cost issue.[4][8]
“Grow the tax base. Attracting commercial and industrial investment brings high value tax dollars, creates jobs and helps fund the cost of the infrastructure and services.”
Tourism and recreation. Suggests treating recreation facilities as economic infrastructure that can attract off-season tournaments and events, and pursuing higher-spending tourism markets suited to the community; wants infrastructure decisions to include an "economic lens."[8]
“We should look at recreation facilities as economic infrastructure, not just facilities for local use.”
Homelessness and safety. Supports services that prevent homelessness, advocacy to the province for mental-health and addiction services, and continued work with bylaw and the RCMP to keep public spaces safe; says municipalities often lack jurisdiction over the underlying systems. He told CKVS-FM homelessness is a complex, multi-level problem for which he does not have a simple answer.[4][8][19]
“Perception is reality. If people perceive downtown as unsafe, they will avoid it and businesses will suffer.”
Downtown. Describes himself as pro-business and wants to protect downtown's character, but says adding density downtown is constrained by land and that most people still travel by car, so long-term parking and active-transportation connections need planning.[8]
“Downtown has a character and charm that big-box retail simply can't compete with, and I want to protect that.”
Youth and the next generation. Lists opportunity for young people as a top issue, through recreation, safe public spaces, economic opportunity and connections to local careers.[8]
“Young people need to be able to see a future for themselves in Salmon Arm.”
Approach to governance. Says he wants to bring a business mindset and technical perspective, focus on needs over wants, and prioritize infrastructure, water, protection services and fiscal responsibility.[6][2]
“That means understanding the difference between wants and needs and focusing on the things that matter most: infrastructure, water, protection services and fiscal responsibility”
Affordability. Says many cost pressures (gas prices, interest rates) are outside the city's control, but the city can influence incomes by attracting higher-paying jobs and businesses.[19]
“there's ways to potentially influence the economy here, attract, um, attract more higher paying jobs and businesses here.”
Stated goals and commitments
- A stronger commercial and industrial tax base resulting in more high-paying jobs by the end of the term.[8]
- Measurable progress on major infrastructure needs and a realistic long-term plan for community facilities.[8]
- Complete the wastewater treatment plant upgrade.[7]
- Review city design standards and requirements to reduce infrastructure and development costs.[4]
In their own words
“Salmon Arm has been good to my family for 100 years. I'd like to do my part to make sure it's just as good – or better – for the next 100.”
“I'm not running because I think I have all the answers – I don't. I'm running because I care about this community.”
“Fiscal responsibility isn't just spending less, it's about getting better value.”
“If we don't plan for that now, we'll face increasing pressure to raise taxes, reduce services, delay new facilities, or some combination of all three.”
“The goal should be good-paying year-round jobs, stronger off-season tourism and events, and an economy that supports our local businesses in January as well as July.”
“if I have to dump a couple hundred hours of my spring into it to make it work, then so be it.”
“the population's grown, but the services and infrastructure hasn't caught up with it. The tax base hasn't grown to advance the investment in those services.”
“I think this council and past councils have left Salmon Arm fairly fiscally healthy and that allowed, um, future councils to not be tied down by debt obligations.”
“to leave, leave the job in a better condition than I found it.”
CKVS radio interview
Background. Born and raised in Salmon Arm; earned a Bachelor of Engineering at UBC Okanagan; lived in Summerland and Enderby before returning in 2021 to take over his parents' farm. Runs a structural engineering firm started in 2017-18 and a dairy farm now milking 45 cows.[19]
“My family's been here for well over 100 years.”
Community involvement. Lists the Shuswap Agricultural Association board, the Salmon Arm Farmers Society, the city's Agricultural Advisory Committee, and coaching his oldest child's soccer team.[19]
“I sit on the city's Agriculture Advisory Committee as well.”
Personal attributes. Describes himself as a logical systems thinker and long-term thinker with an engineering approach to problem solving.[19]
“I'm a systems thinker.”
Key issues. Names the wastewater treatment upgrade as the biggest technical project, and affordability and homelessness as the key issues; says the city can't control many costs but can work to attract higher-paying jobs.[19]
“I think, like, on the technical side of things, like wastewater treatment. Um, that is probably the biggest project”
Reason for running. Says he has considered running since 2022 and that working with the city through his career, the Farmers Society and the OCP review gave him an appreciation of council's work.[19]
“I think that I could contribute to that in a positive way.”
Goals if elected. Affordability and infrastructure, including the sewage treatment plant and water system, with realistic planning and continued maintenance funding.[19]
“we have to be realistic about, like the, the size of our tax base relative to our geographical footprint.”
Role of council. Sees councillors as forward-thinking problem solvers who consider effects on future councils and generations; credits current and past councils with leaving the city fiscally healthy.[19]
“how the implications of that are going to affect future councils and future generations.”
Legacy. Wants to avoid decisions that burden future generations and leave the job in better condition than he found it.[19]
“five minutes of my time might save the next person 20, 20 minutes.”
Downtown Salmon Arm questionnaire
Q1: Community priorities and leadership. Names three issues: affordability and economic opportunity, managing growth and infrastructure, and opportunity for the next generation. Wants a stronger commercial and industrial tax base, measurable infrastructure progress and more opportunities for young people by the end of the term.[8]
“Affordability is about more than housing. It is also about good-paying jobs, taxes and the cost of living.”
Q2: Year-round economic vitality and resilience. Says the city should create conditions for a diversified year-round economy by growing the industrial and commercial tax base, treating recreation facilities as event-attracting economic infrastructure, and targeting higher-spending tourism markets.[8]
“Visitor numbers alone don't measure economic impact.”
Q3: Growing and protecting our downtown. Says he is pro-business and appreciates downtown's character; notes density downtown is constrained by land and most growth is along 10th Avenue and Uptown, and calls for planning for parking and walking and cycling connections.[8]
“I'm pro-business. I own two small businesses and employ eight people”
Q4: Infrastructure, economic growth and community attractions. Says core infrastructure (water, sanitation, roads) is the primary municipal role and that decisions on new infrastructure should weigh maintenance costs and an economic return on tourism, business attraction and attracting qualified people.[8]
“I would really like see infrastructure decisions to include an economic lens.”
Q5: A safe, welcoming and compassionate downtown. Says perceptions of safety affect businesses, that the actions of a few should not define all people experiencing homelessness, and that the city's role is to maintain safe spaces, enforce its bylaws, support helping organizations and lobby other governments.[8]
“Perception is reality.”
Financial disclosure
- Lists shares in Torphichen Farms Ltd. and Syme Structural Engineering Ltd.[1]
- Lists creditors Syme Structural Engineering Ltd. and CIBC.[1]
- Income sources: president of Torphichen Farms Ltd.; principal of Syme Structural Engineering Ltd.[1]
- Real property (other than residence): one parcel on 70th Street SW in Salmon Arm.[1]
- Corporate assets (more than 30% ownership): Syme Structural Engineering Ltd. (professional engineering services; no debt or land assets) and Torphichen Farms Ltd. (dairy farming; land on 70th Street SW; creditors CIBC and Syme Structural Engineering Ltd.).[1]
- Acting as his own financial agent; no elector organization endorsement listed.[1]
In the news
- 2026-10-08 — Observer publishes his answer on the city's Corporate Strategic Plan.[7]
- 2026-10-07 — Castanet publishes his verbatim candidate Q&A.[4]
- 2026-10-01 — The Shuswap Climate Action Society's Vote4Tomorrow guide lists him as "Did not respond" to its climate and environmental policy questionnaire.[20]
- 2026-08-24 — Observer and Castanet report his announcement that he is running for council.[6][5]
- 2026-08-14 — Observer quotes Syme, who lives near 70th Street SW, describing neighbours responding to several roadside brush fires before firefighters arrived.[15]
- 2026-06-01 — Observer reports formation of the Salmon Arm Farmers Society with Syme as president.[14]
- 2025-06-24 — Castanet reports council approved $3,750 of the $7,500 Syme requested on behalf of the SAA for grandstand restoration.[12]
- 2025-05-06 — Observer reports Syme is leading volunteer renovation of the grandstand, with donated materials and labour from the construction community.[10]
- 2025-04-09 — Observer reports newly appointed SAA board member Syme is assessing the fairgrounds grandstand, which needed repairs for the demolition derby to proceed.[9]
Find them online
- Campaign Facebook page
- Syme Structural Engineering Ltd.
- Castanet candidate page
- CKVS-FM interview (audio)
References
- Nomination documents & Statement of Disclosure — City of Salmon Arm (Scott Syme) · City of Salmon Arm · 2026-09-01
- Introducing Salmon Arm's mayoral and council candidates · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-28
- Fifteen newcomers, three incumbents make up Salmon Arm council field · Castanet · 2026-09-12
- ELECTION 2026: Salmon Arm city council candidate profile for Scott Syme · Castanet · 2026-10-07
- Local dairy farmer with long history in Salmon Arm looks to run for city council · Castanet · 2026-08-26
- Syme marks family centennial in community with bid for Salmon Arm council · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-08-24
- Salmon Arm candidates speak to strategic priorities · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-10-08
- Downtown Salmon Arm candidate questionnaire — Scott Syme · Downtown Salmon Arm (Salmon Arm Downtown Improvement Association) · 2026-10
- Effort underway to complete needed repairs at Salmon Arm fairgrounds before demo derby · Salmon Arm Observer · 2025-04-09
- Construction community steps up for Salmon Arm fairgrounds and demo derby · Salmon Arm Observer · 2025-05-06
- Council meets Shuswap Agricultural Association half way on funding for grandstand · Salmon Arm Observer · 2025-06-26
- City council approves half of the amount requested for grandstand restoration at Salmon Arm fairgrounds · Castanet · 2025-06-24
- Staff recommend Salmon Arm fairgrounds parking lot remain as is for summer events · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-07-10
- Farmers unite as voice for commercial agriculture in Salmon Arm · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-06-01
- Firefighters respond to several brush fires along stretch of rural Salmon Arm road · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-08-14
- About Us — Syme Structural Engineering Ltd. · Syme Structural Engineering Ltd.
- CivicInfo BC 2026 candidates — Salmon Arm (City) · CivicInfo BC
- Salmon Arm council race growing with 8 candidates filed, more to come · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-02
- CKVS-FM interview with Scott Syme (00:00-13:56; timestamps given in quote context) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10
- Scott Syme — Salmon Arm candidate profile, Vote4Tomorrow 2026 · Vote4Tomorrow (Shuswap Climate Action Society) · 2026-10-01
Kari Toliver Wilkinson
Owner of Toliver Advertising & Design Inc. and longtime Rotary and community-board volunteer
Biography
Toliver Wilkinson says she moved to Salmon Arm in 1996 to work at the Shuswap Sun. She says that job led to a career in local media and then to her own graphic design and advertising business, Toliver Advertising & Design Inc., which has clients in the Shuswap, Western Canada and the United States.[2][3]
In her CKVS-FM interview she said she grew up in Cranbrook and first came to the Shuswap for a three-day vacation relief job that stretched to three months. She later moved to Salmon Arm for work and met her husband there.[25]
She says she and her husband Gary married 24 years ago at the end of the Salmon Arm Wharf. They raised three children. Gary is a retired Canadian Forces member who runs a commercial and residential refrigeration and HVAC business. He has also worked for School District 83.[2]
In 2023 she received the King Charles III Coronation Medal. MLA Greg Kyllo presented it during the 55 Plus Games downtown street concert.[2][3]
Asked why she is running now, she said she had been encouraged to run in several earlier elections. She said her daughter is entering her fourth year of university, her husband has retired, and she is 'ready to move into a calmer pace in my business.'[4]
In a candidate questionnaire from the group Aim High Salmon Arm, which she republished on her website, she said she cannot vote in the Salmon Arm election: 'No – my home address places me in Area F of the RDNO.' She added that her connection to the city is shown by '30 years of building a business and volunteering in Salmon Arm.'[8]
She says she worked in the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) Emergency Operations Centre during the 2023 Bush Creek wildfire. She says she has personally been through both a flood and a wildfire.[9]
In March 2015 the Salmon Arm Observer reported that a breached man-made pond above her property in the Grandview Bench area sent a debris flow down the slope. It carried away a barn, a water tank, three snowmobiles and a quad.[13]
Aim High Salmon Arm, a blog run by outgoing councillor Tim Lavery, asked candidates whether they can vote in the Salmon Arm election. She answered no, saying her home is in RDNO Area F. She also said she owns her business and has 'added support to my team' so she has time for council duties.[8][26]
Experience
- Founder and President of Toliver Advertising & Design Inc. The company does creative services, marketing, graphic design, web design and social media.[24][2]
- She is a past president of the Shuswap Daycare Society and the Shuswap Youth Soccer Association. She has also been a director of the Salmon Arm Chamber of Commerce and chair of the District Parents Advisory Council.[2][3][6]
- For 10 years she helped lead the Salmon Arm Canada Day Children's Festival. In 2023 she was vice-president of the festival society when it announced it was looking for new organizers.[2][14]
- She is a member and former president of two Salmon Arm Rotary clubs. News reports from 2012, 2021 and 2022 quote her as a Rotary Club of Salmon Arm spokesperson on donations to the Shuswap Hospital Foundation and to food banks.[3][6][15][16][17]
- She currently sits on the boards of the SALMAR Community Association and the Larch Hills Nordic Society.[2][3]
- She says she helped create the Rotary Christmas Parade about four years ago. She still co-chairs it with fellow council candidate Morgan Turland.[23]
- In 2014 the Observer named her as a board member of the Shuswap Society for Arts & Culture, which was campaigning for a Shuswap Centre for the Performing Arts. In 2022 she was listed as handling branding and marketing for the Tsuts'weye Women's Entrepreneur and Innovation Network.[18][19]
- She was president of the SD83 District Parents Advisory Council from at least 2015 to 2017. In that role she pressed the school board for greater spending transparency, lower administration costs and limits on district vehicle use.[29][30][33]
- In 2017, after the province dismissed the SD83 board and appointed an official trustee, she wrote for DPAC that it opposed an early by-election. She said it was 'a democratically elected board ... who got us into the mess we are in,' referring to the transfer of surplus funds to build new district offices while programs were being cut.[31][32]
- She told CKVS-FM she was president of the Daybreak Rotary Club, later moved to the Noon club, and recently rejoined Daybreak. She said she was the first female member of the Larch Hills Nordic Society's track-setting team.[25]
- In 2019 she was one of three members of the Salmon Arm Children's Festival Society who asked city council for help keeping the festival going.[37]
- In 2026 she was named to the Larch Hills Ski Club team for Dancing with the Shuswap Stars. On air she said the team is fundraising for hospice.[35][25]
Previous campaigns and public roles
- No previous run for municipal office was found. She says she has been encouraged to run 'for several elections' but had not done so before 2026.[1][4]
- On air she said she considered running four years earlier (2022) but decided the timing was not right.[25]
Platform
Infrastructure. She ranks upgrades to water and wastewater systems as a top issue. She names the Stage IV wastewater treatment plant upgrade and the replacement of the 54-year-old Zone 2 (Canoe) water pump station, and says upgrades should not be postponed.[23][4]
“We can't keep putting necessary infrastructure improvements off.”
Recreation / pool. She wants the pool and recreation centre moved into the city's short-term priorities. She proposes funding it through grants, partnerships with the CSRD and public-private partnerships.[1][7][23]
“Recreation is not a luxury. It is an investment.”
Taxes and spending. She says the city will need alternative funding, public-private partnerships and 'realistically, some modest property tax increases', with each increase tied to clear priorities.[4][1]
“Fiscal responsibility cannot mean automatically saying no to new ideas.”
Homelessness and public safety. She would back a local task force of partners to identify gaps, pursue supportive and transitional housing, and press senior governments for mental-health and addiction services. She also supports practical measures against theft and vandalism.[4][7][23]
“I believe compassion and accountability can go hand in hand.”
Water. She wants universal water metering moved into the short-term priorities, citing growth, leaks and drought.[7]
Agriculture and economy. She wants agriculture and local food planning moved up the priority list. She supports agricultural processing, manufacturing and knowledge-based businesses so the economy relies less on summer tourism.[7][23]
Economic development accountability. She notes the City gave $673,427 to the Salmon Arm Economic Development Society in 2024. She says residents should see measurable results, such as new businesses, jobs created and off-season activity.[23]
Downtown and housing. She supports higher-density housing downtown where it makes sense, provided it accounts for parking, traffic, accessibility and green space. She also supports incentives for reusing vacant properties and help with business succession.[23]
Climate. She supports emissions reduction, but says the 48% by 2030 target 'needs to recognize the realities of our community.' She prefers information, incentives and partnerships to mandates.[10]
Lower priorities. She calls the Canoe Beach Master Plan worthwhile but 'more as a nice to have' for now.[7]
Emergency preparedness. She supports emergency planning, FireSmart and wildfire preparedness. She also lists gender-based violence as a community safety issue.[1][11]
Water supply. She says water will become 'a huge bone of contention'. She notes that rural residents with dry wells already fill up at the city's Blackburn station, which adds load to the system.[25]
“as a community and as a region, we have to really pay attention to what we are doing with our water.”
Climate policy (Vote4Tomorrow). In the Vote4Tomorrow questionnaire she was rated supportive on 20 of 24 climate policies. She was neutral on electrifying new buildings and on expanding EV charging, and opposed endorsing the fossil fuel treaty and pursuing legal action against polluters.[27]
Stated goals and commitments
- By the end of the term: major water and wastewater projects 'progressing on schedule, within budget, with clear timelines.'[23]
- By the end of the term: 'a clear plan for funding, building and operating' a pool and multi-use recreation facility, with a realistic timeline.[23]
- By the end of the term: a coordinated local strategy on homelessness, addiction and public safety with 'measurable goals.'[23]
- Move the pool/recreation centre, water metering, and agriculture and local food planning into short-term strategic-plan priorities.[7]
- Has committed to serving the full 2026–2030 term and not running provincially or federally during it.[12]
In their own words
“I've called Salmon Arm home since 1996. I've built my career here, raised my family here and had the privilege of being involved in many aspects of our community.”
“We need to stop kicking these issues down the road, set clear priorities, build realistic budgets and timelines for infrastructure, plan recreation facilities around where our community is growing, and work with the province and community partners on housing, treatment and public safety.”
“We'll need to look at alternative funding, public-private partnerships and, realistically, some modest property tax increases.”
“No – my home address places me in Area F of the RDNO. My connection to Salmon Arm runs much deeper than my mailing address.”
“The status quo is not a strategy.”
“We are talking about human beings - daughter, son, sister or brother—and I believe we need to approach this with compassion. But compassion also means getting people the appropriate help, and having reasonable expectations around behavior.”
“I don't think we always need to agree on everything, but healthy debate is healthy debate, and it gets you to sometimes see a perspective that you didn't think of before.”
“With all due respect, it was a democratically elected board ... who got us into the mess we are in.”
CKVS radio interview
Background (00:18). She first came to the Shuswap nearly 30 years ago for a short relief job, then moved to Salmon Arm for work while still single. She grew up in Cranbrook.[25]
“So no, I grew up actually in Cranbrook, in the East Kootenays.”
Rotary (01:48). She joined the Daybreak Rotary Club and became its president. She moved to the Noon club when she had a baby and has recently returned to Daybreak.[25]
“I was invited to join the Daybreak Rotary Club, and then became president of that club, had a baby.”
Daycare society (02:59). As president of the daycare society she helped raise funds for an out-of-school care building and a bus to pick up children after school.[25]
“So we fundraised, and we built the out-of-school facility at Shuswap Daycare, and we bought a bus that went and picked up kids after school.”
Schools and other boards (03:55). Through PAC and DPAC she was involved in the school-sale debate and the new school district office about 10–12 years ago. She has also served on the youth soccer, Larch Hills and Salmar boards.[25]
“must say first female member of the track setting team”
Values (06:26). She names listening and weighing different perspectives as her key attributes, citing the Rotary Four-Way Test.[25]
“If it fails that rotary test, it usually fails as well in life.”
Key issues (09:05). She names homelessness, addiction and mental health, and the cost of fixing or replacing major city facilities without 'kicking it down the road.'[25]
“some big ticket items in our community need to be fixed or updated, and that's going to cost us a lot of money.”
Why now (12:22). She says she almost ran four years ago. Her daughter is now at university and her husband has retired.[25]
“So if she can do the things that she is doing, then surely to God I can run for city council.”
Goals (12:48). She wants a serious plan for the water treatment work and for a pool and indoor recreation facility. She notes the current rec centre is aging and the Memorial Arena was lost.[25]
“The longer it takes to get done, the more expensive it's going to get.”
Water (15:53). She raises regional water scarcity, including rural residents filling up at the Blackburn station, and cites Lake Powell as a warning.[25]
“It's going to become a huge bone of contention, so to speak.”
Wildfire, policing and advocacy (17:14). She calls for FireSmart preparation and for attention to policing and emergency costs. She says council should lobby senior governments even on matters outside municipal jurisdiction.[25]
“we are the mayor and council or the mayor and council is the representatives and the voice of our community. And we need to be loud about things that we need.”
Downtown Salmon Arm questionnaire
Q1: Community priorities and leadership. She names three main issues: essential infrastructure (wastewater plant, Canoe pump station), a pool and multi-use recreation facility, and homelessness, addiction and public safety. For each she sets a target for the end of the term.[23]
“we should be able to show our residents real, measurable progress, not just plans and reports.”
Q2: Year-round economic vitality and resilience. She wants a year-round economy beyond summer tourism, including manufacturing, knowledge-based firms and agricultural processing. She also wants measurable results from city funding of the Economic Development Society.[23]
“Wildfire smoke and unpredictable fire seasons are a reminder that we can't put all our eggs in one basket.”
Q3: Growing and protecting our downtown. She supports thoughtful downtown density with attention to parking, accessibility and green space, fewer barriers to investment, business retention and succession, and continued downtown events.[23]
“Growth shouldn't mean losing our character.”
Q4: Infrastructure, economic growth and community attractions. She would prioritize core infrastructure while treating a recreation centre and pool as an investment in sport tourism. She would fund it through grants, CSRD partnerships and creative financing.[23]
“I would like to see the recreation centre and pool moved higher on our priority list, while being realistic about what we can afford.”
Q5: A safe, welcoming and compassionate downtown. She describes the costs of vandalism and damage to the SALMAR Community Association, where she is a board member. She supports a task force, supportive and transitional housing, advocacy for mental-health and addiction services, and municipal safety measures. Her answer does not directly address Bylaw 4273.[23]
“Homelessness is not technically a municipal responsibility, but this is our community, and we can't simply sit back and wait for another level of government to fix it.”
Financial disclosure
- Lists shares in Toliver Advertising & Design Inc. Lists income from Toliver Advertising & Design Inc. in her capacity as President.[24]
- Lists no creditors and no real property other than her residence.[24]
- Under corporate assets (over 30% of voting shares), she lists Toliver Advertising & Design Inc. (creative services, marketing, graphic design, web design, social media), operating in Salmon Arm, with 'No debts.'[24]
- No elector organization endorsement. She is acting as her own financial agent. The nomination was declared in Salmon Arm on 2026-09-01.[24]
In the news
- 2026-10-08 — The Observer published her answer on the city's Corporate Strategic Plan priorities.[7]
- 2026-10-07 — Castanet published her verbatim candidate Q&A.[4]
- 2026-10-01 — The Vote4Tomorrow climate and environment voter guide, compiled by the Shuswap Climate Action Society, reports she committed to 20 of 24 climate policies and labels her a 'Climate Leader' (its label for candidates committing to more than 80% of the policies).[27]
- 2026-09-02 — She was among the first eight council candidates to file nominations on Sept. 1.[20][21]
- 2026-09-01 — Castanet reported her campaign launch, describing her as a local graphic designer and business owner.[3]
- 2026-08-31 — The Salmon Arm Observer reported that she is running for council in her 30th year in Salmon Arm.[6]
- 2021-12-04 — As a Rotary Club of Salmon Arm spokesperson, promoted a downtown chili cook-off raising money for B.C. flood relief.[36]
- 2021-04-09 — Wrote a letter to the Observer opposing an SD83 option to create two separate Grade 9–12 high schools in Salmon Arm.[34]
- 2017-08-18 — As DPAC president she said parents opposed an early by-election to replace the appointed SD83 trustee.[31]
- 2016-06-21 — After the province dismissed the SD83 board, DPAC, which she led, called the dismissal 'a necessary first step.'[32]
- 2016-04-22 — As DPAC president she urged the SD83 board to move capital funds to operating budgets to protect programs, and to cut administration from 3.9% to 3.5% of the budget.[30]
- 2015-06-23 — She won the Above and Beyond category at the Salmon Arm Observer's first community leaders volunteer awards.[28]
Find them online
References
- Elect Kari Toliver Wilkinson for Salmon Arm Council (home page) · Kari Toliver Wilkinson campaign · 2026-10-03
- About Kari · Kari Toliver Wilkinson campaign · 2026-09-15
- Local graphic designer and business owner aims to win a seat at Salmon Arm city council table · Castanet · 2026-09-01
- ELECTION 2026: Salmon Arm city council candidate profile for Kari Toliver Wilkinson · Castanet · 2026-10-07
- Introducing Salmon Arm's mayoral and council candidates · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-28
- Longtime Salmon Arm business owner, volunteer running for seat on city council · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-08-31
- Salmon Arm candidates speak to strategic priorities · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-10-08
- Q&A #3 for Council Candidates · Aim High Salmon Arm (Tim Lavery) · 2026-10-01
- Shuswap Climate Action Q3 (candidate's posted answer) · Kari Toliver Wilkinson campaign · 2026-10-03
- Shuswap Climate Action Q1 (candidate's posted answer) · Kari Toliver Wilkinson campaign · 2026-10-03
- Friday AM questions (candidate's posted answer) · Kari Toliver Wilkinson campaign · 2026-10-03
- Q&A #1 for Council Candidates · Aim High Salmon Arm (Tim Lavery) · 2026-09-22
- Mudslide demolishes barn in Grandview Bench · Salmon Arm Observer · 2015-03-17
- New organizers sought for Salmon Arm Canada Day Children's Festival · Salmon Arm Observer · 2023-04-18
- A healthy donation · Salmon Arm Observer · 2012-06-15
- Holiday Train, community groups raise more than $17,000 for Salmon Arm food banks · Salmon Arm Observer · 2021-12-22
- Donations at successful Larch Hills Lantern Ski doubled by Rotary · Salmon Arm Observer · 2022-01-12
- Click daily at Aviva · Salmon Arm Observer · 2014-11-19
- Celebration touches on successes of Shuswap entrepreneurial program for women · Salmon Arm Observer · 2022-04-05
- Salmon Arm council race growing with 8 candidates filed, more to come · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-02
- Salmon Arm Council Candidates Begin Filing · Frequency News · 2026-09-02
- Salmon Arm (City) 2026 candidates · CivicInfo BC · 2026
- Kari Toliver Wilkinson – Council Candidate questionnaire · Downtown Salmon Arm (Salmon Arm Downtown Improvement Association) · 2026-10
- Nomination documents & Statement of Disclosure — City of Salmon Arm · City of Salmon Arm · 2026-09-01
- CKVS-FM interview with Kari Toliver Wilkinson (timestamps noted in entries) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-10
- Q&A #2 for Council Candidates · Aim High Salmon Arm (Tim Lavery) · 2026-09-27
- Kari Wilkinson — Vote4Tomorrow candidate profile · Vote4Tomorrow (Shuswap Climate Action Society) · 2026
- Honouring our community leaders · Salmon Arm Observer · 2015-06-23
- Future budgets worry DPAC · Salmon Arm Observer · 2016-05-03
- Public tells board to leave student programs intact · Salmon Arm Observer · 2016-04-22
- Parents reject call for early election · Salmon Arm Observer · 2017-08-18
- Changes begin for North Okanagan-Shuswap School District following board dismissal · Salmon Arm Observer · 2016-06-21
- SD#83 examines vehicle policy · Salmon Arm Observer · 2015-10-01
- Letter: Two high school option for Salmon Arm will create 'have, have not' situation · Salmon Arm Observer · 2021-04-09
- Full constellation announced in lineup for 2026 Dancing with the Shuswap Stars · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-07-22
- Chili cook-off to heat up downtown Salmon Arm for Rotary fundraiser · Salmon Arm Observer · 2021-12-04
- Popular Shuswap children's festival could face demise · Salmon Arm Observer · 2019-04-12
- School board rejects suggestion for mass resignation · Salmon Arm Observer · 2016-04-13
Morgan Turland
SD83 District Parent Advisory Council president, bookkeeper and past president of Salmon Arm Daybreak Rotary
Biography
Turland describes herself as 'an educator and community advocate who has called Salmon Arm home for 25 years.'[5]
On CKVS-FM she said she was raised in Salmon Arm but born elsewhere. She left after high school for her education, then moved back to raise her two children, and has lived in the city again for the last 16 years.[14]
On her campaign website she describes herself as 'a mom, a bookkeeper, an education professional, a volunteer, and someone who genuinely enjoys getting involved.'[2]
Her website lists more than ten years working in public education and a background in engineering design and drafting technology.[2]
Her website says that outside work and volunteering she curls, skis, enjoys the lake and reads.[2]
She announced her candidacy on social media in August 2026. Her slogan is 'Rooted in Community. Focused on the Future.'[3][4]
Asked why she is running now, she told Castanet she has spent years in leadership roles with boards, committees and community organizations and wants to help make 'the decisions that will shape what our community looks like in the future.'[6]
In her Vote4Tomorrow questionnaire she says she previously worked as an environmental advisor helping people make their homes more energy efficient. She says that as part of university studies she recently completed an assessment of Salmon Arm's Climate Resiliency Plan.[18]
She told Aim High Salmon Arm she has a flexible schedule and is 'accustomed to balancing work, education, family, and community leadership roles.'[16]
Experience
- President of the School District 83 District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC). In June 2024 she was DPAC vice-president and organized an 'I Love My Education Assistants Day' opposing proposed cuts to certified education assistant positions.[2][3][9]
- Treasurer of the Literacy Alliance of the Shuswap Society (LASS) board.[2][3]
- Past president of Salmon Arm Daybreak Rotary. The Observer reports that in that role she coordinated the annual Rotary Food Drive and the Salmon Arm Christmas Parade.[2][4]
- Fellow candidate Kari Toliver Wilkinson says she co-chairs the Rotary Christmas Parade with Turland.[10]
- Her website lists her as a former 2nd Vice-President of CUPE Local 523.[2]
- Her website says she owns a local bookkeeping and accounting business.[2][3]
- On air she said she is currently president of the Salmon Arm Secondary PAC as well as of the district PAC (DPAC), and that she curls on Friday nights.[14]
- In the Vote4Tomorrow questionnaire she says she is a high school Interact club sponsor and has supported student participation in the SD83 Environmental Expo. She also says she has joined Rotary highway and community clean-ups.[18]
Previous campaigns and public roles
- No previous candidacy for municipal, school board or other office was found.[7][3]
- Asked on CKVS-FM whether she had run for office before, she said: 'I have not.'[14]
Platform
Responsible growth. She supports more housing and economic development, provided infrastructure keeps pace.[1]
“development should make Salmon Arm better, not simply bigger.”
Fiscal responsibility. She calls for careful scrutiny of spending, debt and major capital projects, budgets the public can understand, full-cost decision making, and use of grants and partnerships.[1][6]
“Fiscal responsibility isn't always about spending less. It's about prioritizing what we need, planning ahead, and making sure we're getting good long-term value for taxpayers.”
Affordability and housing. She calls affordability, especially housing, one of the biggest challenges for residents. She says the city can encourage more housing options and make thoughtful decisions about how and where to grow.[6]
Homelessness and safety. She favours 'a compassionate but practical approach to homelessness, addiction and public safety' and continued advocacy with the province, BC Housing, health services and community groups.[1][6]
Recreation / pool. She says the pool and recreation centre retrofit, a medium-term priority, should now be 'seriously' explored for funding, including grants and partnerships.[7]
Parks and active transportation. She wants continued progress on Canoe Beach, Blackburn Park and the West Bay Connector Trail, and implementation of the Active Transportation Network Plan.[7]
Climate resilience. She wants wildfire, extreme heat and water management considered in infrastructure decisions, and actions in the Climate Resiliency Plan implemented.[7][6]
Core infrastructure. She says water, wastewater and road infrastructure must keep pace with growth, and that projects need to be prioritized because 'not everything can be done at once.'[7][6]
Climate Resiliency Plan. She supports the proposed dedicated climate resilience staff position. For transportation she would prioritize the Active Transportation Network Plan, transit (including to industrial areas) and EV infrastructure. For buildings she supports energy-efficient retrofits and lower-emission new construction 'while considering affordability.' On Vote4Tomorrow she was rated supportive on all 24 listed climate policies.[18]
“having a strong plan is only the first step, implementation, accountability, and measurable progress are what will determine its success.”
Emergency recovery. She would prioritize preparedness, identifying vulnerable residents in advance, coordination with the CSRD, Indigenous communities and senior governments, and advocacy for recovery funding.[18]
Stated goals and commitments
- Move existing plans in the Corporate Strategic Plan 'toward implementation' rather than continually deferring projects.[7]
- Begin implementing actions identified in the Climate Resiliency Plan.[7]
- Make Salmon Arm 'a community where people can build a life, raise a family, and stay as they get older.'[6]
- Committed to serving the full 2026–2030 term and not running provincially or federally.[15]
- See new recreational facilities and implementation of the newly approved climate resiliency plan.[14]
In their own words
“I love this community. It's where I'm raising my family, working, volunteering, and spending a probably unreasonable amount of my free time getting involved in things I care about.”
“I'm not running because I want to be a politician. I'm running because I care about this community, I enjoy bringing people together to solve problems, and I believe I have something valuable to contribute at the council table.”
“I believe in leadership that is progressive but practical, fiscally responsible, collaborative, and willing to look at new ideas.”
“There isn't a simple solution to homelessness, but that doesn't mean we should stop trying.”
“We are now well into the period identified for its medium-term priorities, and I don't want to see important projects continually pushed further into the future.”
“I'm a doer. I'm a planner. I'm somebody with initiative, and I just want to get started.”
“I want to make sure that Salmon Arm is a community where young people can afford to stay, where families can find housing, and where seniors can age in their own community, and where local businesses can thrive.”
CKVS radio interview
Background (00:14). She was raised in Salmon Arm after being born elsewhere, left after high school, and returned to raise her children. She has been back for 16 years.[14]
“I had a wonderful childhood in Salmon Arm, I think my kids would have a wonderful time there, and so that really is what brought me back.”
Community involvement (01:30). She is president of the Salmon Arm Secondary PAC and the district PAC, a Rotarian, on the literacy association board, and a curler.[14]
“I am somebody who loves to advocate on behalf of families and parents in the school district”
Growth (03:11). Asked what she dislikes, she joked about wanting a closer Costco and said the city is at a point where it must prepare for growth.[14]
“I think we're sort of on the precipice right now of growth”
Personal attributes (03:58). She describes herself as a hard worker who brings people together, advocates, and finds ways to get things done.[14]
“I'm a doer. I'm a planner.”
Key issues (05:26). She names growth as the biggest issue: whether roads, water, sewer and recreation facilities can keep up. She also stresses parks, walkability and transportation.[14]
“We need to make sure that our roads, our water, our sewer, and our recreation facilities can keep up with the changes that Salmon Arm is making.”
Why she is running (06:28). She says decisions being made now on housing, infrastructure, transportation and development will shape the community long-term, and she wants to bring a different perspective.[14]
“We're not the small town quite in the same way that we used to be”
Experience and expectations (07:03). She has never run for office. She cites board, budget and advocacy experience and commits to doing her homework.[14]
“I'm not going to pretend like I know everything there is to know about municipal government”
Goals (08:05). She wants good decision-making, responsible growth planning, new recreational facilities, and implementation of existing city plans such as the newly approved climate resiliency plan.[14]
“the city has a lot of plans and ideas, and I really want to help be at the table”
Role of a councillor (09:17). She describes the role as two parts: representing community views and staying informed in order to make decisions.[14]
“the decisions that you're making should be representing what they want to see in the community.”
Legacy (10:06). She hopes for growth that keeps the city's character, with affordability for young people, families and seniors, walkable and bikeable neighbourhoods, better parks and a vibrant downtown.[14]
“I would love to see Salmon Arm growing without losing the things that make people really love to be here in the first place.”
Downtown Salmon Arm questionnaire
Morgan Turland did not appear among the responses Downtown Salmon Arm published.
Financial disclosure
- Lists no corporate shareholdings, no creditors and no real property other than her residence.[13]
- Lists one income source: School District 83 (Salmon Arm), as an employee.[13]
- Answers 'no' to holding more than 30% of the voting shares of any corporation. Her campaign materials describe her as a bookkeeping business owner, but the disclosure lists no business income.[13][2]
- No elector organization endorsement. She is acting as her own financial agent. The nomination was declared in Salmon Arm on 2026-09-01.[13]
In the news
- 2026-10-08 — Castanet published her verbatim candidate Q&A. The Observer published her answer on strategic priorities.[6][7]
- 2026-10-01 — The Vote4Tomorrow climate and environment voter guide, compiled by the Shuswap Climate Action Society, reports she committed to all 24 of its climate policies and labels her a 'Climate Leader' (its label for candidates committing to more than 80% of the policies).[18]
- 2026-09-22 — Aim High Salmon Arm, a blog run by outgoing councillor Tim Lavery, published her commitment to serve a full term. Later posts reported she has a flexible schedule (Sept. 27) and is a resident elector (Oct. 1).[15][16][17]
- 2026-09-02 — She was among the first eight council candidates to file nominations on Sept. 1.[8][11]
- 2026-08-24 — Castanet reported her bid for council, describing her as a 'Salmon Arm community leader.'[3]
- 2026-08-22 — The Salmon Arm Observer reported her candidacy announcement.[4]
- 2024-06-14 — As SD83 DPAC vice-president, she spoke to the Observer about parent concerns over proposed cuts of 22 certified education assistant positions.[9]
Find them online
References
- Morgan Turland for City Council 2026 (home page) · Morgan Turland campaign · 2026
- About Morgan · Morgan Turland campaign · 2026
- Salmon Arm community leader announces bid for city council seat · Castanet · 2026-08-24
- New Salmon Arm city council candidate 'Rooted in Community. Focused on the Future' · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-08-22
- Introducing Salmon Arm's mayoral and council candidates · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-28
- ELECTION 2026: Salmon Arm city council candidate profile for Morgan Turland · Castanet · 2026-10-08
- Salmon Arm candidates speak to strategic priorities · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-10-08
- Salmon Arm council race growing with 8 candidates filed, more to come · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-02
- Shuswap parents share support for SD83 CEAs · Salmon Arm Observer · 2024-06-14
- Kari Toliver Wilkinson – Council Candidate questionnaire (answer to Q3) · Downtown Salmon Arm (Salmon Arm Downtown Improvement Association) · 2026-10
- Salmon Arm Council Candidates Begin Filing · Frequency News · 2026-09-02
- Salmon Arm (City) 2026 candidates · CivicInfo BC · 2026
- Nomination documents & Statement of Disclosure — City of Salmon Arm · City of Salmon Arm · 2026-09-01
- CKVS-FM interview with Morgan Turland (timestamps noted in entries) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- Q&A #1 for Council Candidates · Aim High Salmon Arm (Tim Lavery) · 2026-09-22
- Q&A #2 for Council Candidates · Aim High Salmon Arm (Tim Lavery) · 2026-09-27
- Q&A #3 for Council Candidates · Aim High Salmon Arm (Tim Lavery) · 2026-10-01
- Morgan Turland — Vote4Tomorrow candidate profile · Vote4Tomorrow (Shuswap Climate Action Society) · 2026
Marianne VanBuskirk
Two-term School District 83 trustee for Salmon Arm (2018–2026) and former teacher and principal
Biography
VanBuskirk says she moved to Salmon Arm in 1993 and is a parent of two adult children. She says she has rented two homes and owned two homes in Salmon Arm. (Her School District 83 trustee biography gives her arrival year as 1994.)[4][17]
She told CKVS-FM she moved to Salmon Arm from the Lower Mainland for a teaching position. She and her then-husband, a geotechnical engineer, bought TerraTech Consulting and owned it together.[32]
She began her career in education in 1987 and has worked in B.C. school districts as an education assistant, teacher, vice-principal and principal, according to her campaign site and her SD83 trustee biography. She describes herself as an educator for 40 years.[4][17]
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in French and Math, a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Arts in Administration, Curriculum and Instruction. According to her biographies, her 1996 thesis, "Developing an Elementary French Immersion Program," was presented to SD83 to assist with Early French Immersion in the district.[4][17]
Her campaign site says she is a former Salmon Arm business owner (Terratech Consulting) and currently does clerical work in the healthcare sector at Good Samaritan Society, Hillside Village.[4]
She was elected in 2018 as one of two Salmon Arm trustees on the School District 83 board and re-elected in 2022. In August 2026 she told the Observer she was stepping back from the board because she is returning to her career in education, which makes her legally ineligible to seek re-election as a trustee.[13][16][11]
Her campaign site says she referees basketball and volleyball in school gyms, plays tennis and sings with a local band.[4]
On the radio she said she has refereed basketball for just over 30 years, after being recruited by the late educator Barry Dearing, whom she calls her "top mentor." She later replaced him as principal at North Shuswap.[37]
Experience
- School District 83 trustee for Electoral Area 4 (Salmon Arm) since 2018. She was elected board chair by a 4–1 vote at the board's inaugural meeting in November 2018, and SD83 listed her as "Area 4 Trustee and Chair" when the board was sworn in on Nov. 15, 2018.[15][13]
- As a trustee she has chaired the Education Directions committee. Her campaign site says she also chaired the Budget committee and served on Equity/Diversity/Inclusion and French Immersion Advisory committees, and attended SD83's Indigenous Education Council table as a guest.[17][4]
- She was named alternate to the B.C. Public School Employers' Association (BCPSEA) board representative in November 2024 and again in November 2025.[20]
- She served on the City of Salmon Arm's Active Transportation Task Force and on its successor, the Active Transportation Advisory Committee. She says she has served on the committee for eight years. She also sat on Salmon Arm's BC 55+ Games Appointment Committee.[4][31][17]
- Her volunteer roles have included director, vice-president and president of the Salmon Arm Tennis Club (vice-president in 2026), volunteer head supervisor for the Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival, director on the Salmon Arm Folk Music Society board, and Chief of Equipment at Larch Hills for the Reino Keski-Salmi Loppet.[4][10][31]
- In her Vote4Tomorrow responses she says she approved and oversaw SD83's Environmental Advisory Working Group and has volunteered with the Shuswap Trail Alliance.[30]
- She told CKVS-FM she works at Hillside Village (Good Samaritan Society), a complex-care seniors' home, as well as being an SD83 trustee. She also said she is now a board member of Roots & Blues and sits on the Salmon Arm Folk Music Society and Salmon Arm Tennis Club boards.[34][33][39]
Previous campaigns and public roles
- 2018 SD83 trustee election (Salmon Arm, two seats, 10 candidates): VanBuskirk topped the polls with 1,436 votes, according to preliminary results reported by the Observer.[13]
- 2022 SD83 trustee election (Electoral Area 4, Salmon Arm): VanBuskirk and fellow incumbent Amanda Krebs were re-elected. Vote totals were not found in the sources reviewed.[16]
- In March 2024, on whether the school board should support a proposed Salmon Arm heritage trail across a district property, she said she did not think the issue fell within the board's mandate: "I don't think it's our prerogative or duty to engage."[18]
- In June 2024 she spoke in favour of moving Salmon Arm schools to a K-7, 8-12 configuration. She said the change was needed because of the number of transitions students currently make.[19]
- In May 2025 the board supported a motion to dock trustees $400 for missed meetings. VanBuskirk said that dedication to their roles is important for elected representatives.[21]
- In June 2025 she said five trustees "isn't quite enough" because quorum problems could leave three trustees making "very impactful decisions." In October 2025 she voted with the board to keep five trustees after public input favoured the status quo.[22][23]
- In November 2025, as the board considered ending recorded meetings, she said livestreaming and recording were started mainly for transparency and documentation, and because the district's size makes attending in person difficult.[24]
- In March 2026 she abstained on a motion to revisit the board's public-events policy for events serving alcohol on school property. She said the board had to be careful about setting a precedent. In January 2026 she had suggested honouring an existing booking for that year's Sled Sicamous event after checking liability with the legal department.[26][25]
- Elections BC records listed by Vote4Tomorrow show contributions of $650 to her 2018 trustee campaign and $360 to her 2022 campaign.[30]
Platform
Growth & infrastructure. She calls for "sustainable growth": expanding at a rate that infrastructure can support without financial or environmental harm. She calls rapid growth and keeping infrastructure up to date the primary issue facing residents.[6][27]
“Expanding at a steady, manageable rate that our infrastructure can support over the long term without causing financial or environmental harm.”
Housing. She lists housing affordability as a top-three issue. She supports removing municipal barriers to viable housing projects, modernizing land-use rules through the Zoning Bylaw Review, and supporting rental and owned housing near the city's core areas.[31]
Fiscal accountability & transparency. She calls for open spending records, transparent budgeting, "clear, measurable goals for all projects," and vetting the long-term operating costs of major capital projects before adding or fast-tracking them. She told Castanet the current mayor and council "have done a very good job of being fiscally responsible."[5][9][12][27]
“Taxpayers have an absolute right to know exactly how their hard-earned dollars are allocated”
Homelessness. She proposes a "common sense" approach focused on preventing people from losing housing: listening to people experiencing homelessness, transition planning for people leaving hospitals, foster care or treatment, short-term emergency assistance, wrap-around supports, and an updated registry of homeless individuals. She supports the street solicitation bylaw (Bylaw 4273) paired with health-led partnerships and advocacy for complex care, mental health and addiction services.[7][5][31]
“the most logical and cost-effective way to reduce homelessness is to prevent people from losing their homes in the first place”
Wildfire & climate. She lists wildfire resilience and climate preparedness as a top-three issue. She wants full implementation of the Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan and a community forest agreement with local First Nations such as the Neskonlith and Adams Lake Indian Bands.[31]
Active transportation. She supports keeping active transportation projects on the short-to-medium-term list and investing in multi-use paths and pedestrian and bike corridors linking neighbourhoods to businesses. She says she wants to continue serving on the Active Transportation Advisory Committee.[12][31]
Local economy. She proposes year-round economic ideas: off-season support through the Salmon Arm Innovation Centre, a downtown community campus for training, continued promotion of the Zest Commercial Food Hub, and MRDT-funded shoulder-season marketing. She suggests tax incentive structures to compete with larger cities and says uptown, Westgate, SmartCentres and Industrial Park businesses also need support.[31][5]
Open dialogue & Indigenous relations. She emphasizes listening to citizens, local businesses and Indigenous Rightsholders, including consulting with Rightsholders "in pre-planning stages," and working with city staff on operational questions.[5][11]
Seniors. She proposes advisory groups that include seniors, non-digital emergency notices (radio and bulletin boards at seniors' centres), door-to-door checks during long power outages, and joint drills with the Shuswap Emergency Program.[8]
Highway safety. She says she has long been concerned that the Trans-Canada Highway runs through town and uptown near schools, and cites student safety. She acknowledges debate over the highway's benefits to business.[35]
“I'm really worried about something going wrong with a highway running through town.”
Stated goals and commitments
- By the end of the term: streamlined approvals for purpose-oriented rentals and multi-family developments.[31]
- Completion of targeted upgrades identified in the city's Long-Term Financial Plan for Asset Management.[31]
- Full implementation of the Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan and a community forest agreement in partnership with local First Nations.[31]
- Continue serving on the Active Transportation Advisory Committee as a council member.[31][8]
- Lobby senior governments for long-term investment in local complex care housing, mental health and addiction treatment services.[31]
In their own words
“As a former teacher and principal, and now an elected school board trustee for two terms (8 years), it is a natural time for me to transition those successful school board years into collaborative and effective governance at the city level”
“Salmon Arm's current Mayor and Council have served our region well, and it would truly be an honour to bring my collaborative leadership style to the table”
“I pledge to champion absolute transparency and practical common sense in every decision made at City Hall”
“Homelessness is a very complicated issue, but the first thing we can do is listen to first-account stories of people experiencing homelessness”
“Careful research is very important, along with consulting with city staff — they are the true experts in finding out this information and reporting to council.”
“Before adding or fast-tracking new initiatives, we must thoroughly vet their long-term operational costs to protect local taxpayers.”
“I realize that this questionnaire comes from Downtown Salmon Arm - but we cannot forget about our Uptown businesses, or satellite ones such as Westgate or Smart Centre and more.”
“the most important thing I can do as an individual or as a council person would be to just listen to the stories of the homeless people.”
“The main thing to do is to remain calm. Whenever there's tumultuous times, uh, if we react suddenly, uh, or too quickly, we can make the wrong decisions.”
CKVS radio interview
Background. She says she has lived in Salmon Arm for 33 years after moving from the Lower Mainland for a teaching job. She and her then-husband, a geotechnical engineer, owned TerraTech Consulting.[32]
“I moved from the Lower Mainland and moved here for a teaching position.”
Community involvement. She lists the Salmon Arm Tennis Club (director, vice-president, president), Roots & Blues (volunteer, now board member) and the Larch Hills loppet (chief of equipment). She also notes the city's growth from about 12,000–13,000 people to about 21,000 and its increasing diversity.[33][34]
“I just wanted to dive right in and learn.”
Dislikes. She says she worries about the highway running through town and uptown, where students cross, and welcomes the underpass at 20th Street.[35]
“I'm really worried about something going wrong with a highway running through town.”
Values. She describes herself as honest, outspoken, hard-working and curious. She says she expects a steep learning curve as a new councillor and would research before acting.[36]
“I'm outspoken in the sense that I definitely speak what's on my mind.”
People she respects. She names Mayor Alan Harrison, a fellow former SD83 principal, as a "steady component of our community and a good mentor." She also names the late Barry Dearing, who recruited her into basketball refereeing and whom she succeeded as principal at North Shuswap.[37]
“I'd say he's my top mentor.”
Key issues. She names homelessness, saying it is the number one question she hears, and rapid growth and infrastructure. She describes listening to people experiencing homelessness while putting up campaign signs.[38]
“if I don't get to the root of the story, I can't solve that problem.”
Why she is running. She cites eight years of school board governance, collaboration with staff, and relationships with the five First Nations bands in the school district and the Métis Society of Salmon Arm. She says three open seats make this an opportune time.[39]
“I've served eight years with the school district, and I'd just like to bring all of those strengths to the city table now.”
Past campaigns. She recalls 10 candidates running for two Salmon Arm trustee seats in 2018, after the previous school board had been removed and replaced by an appointed trustee.[40]
“it was very humbling to gain the confidence of the community.”
Goals if elected. She says her first priority would be to learn, choose committees (she already sits on the city's active transportation committee), and help develop a new city strategic plan, since the current one ends this year. She says SD83's budget is larger than the city's.[41]
“We're actually juggling a budget that's larger than what the city of Salmon Arm has.”
Role of council. She says councillors should stay calm in tumultuous times, research, and consult staff and the "stewards of the land" before deciding.[42]
“we need to remain calm, take a deep breath, pause, do some research and make a decision.”
Legacy. She says she wants no plaque; she hopes to be remembered as honest, fair, effective and collaborative.[43]
“I hope that people would remember me as being honest and fair and effective in my governance.”
Downtown Salmon Arm questionnaire
Q1: Community priorities and leadership. She names housing affordability, asset management, and wildfire resilience and climate preparedness as the top issues. By the end of the term she wants streamlined rental and multi-family approvals, completed asset-management upgrades, and full implementation of the Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan with a First Nations community forest agreement.[31]
“Housing Affordability; Asset Management; Wildfire Resilience and Climate Preparedness”
Q2: Year-round economic vitality and resilience. She proposes expanding shoulder-season and winter activity in consultation with SAEDS. Her ideas include tech support through the Salmon Arm Innovation Centre, a downtown community campus, promoting the Zest food hub, and MRDT-funded off-season marketing.[31]
“we should protect local businesses against wildfire impacts by expanding shoulder-season and winter activities”
Q3: Growing and protecting our downtown. She supports business walks, tax incentive structures to compete with larger cities, high-density housing near core areas, and active transportation links, since she calls parking "rather limited." She notes that uptown and satellite business areas also need attention.[31]
“we must make easy access to business as much as possible without requiring the use of automobiles since parking is rather limited”
Q4: Infrastructure, economic growth and community attractions. She calls for balanced capital spending that maintains essentials (water, utilities, roads) while funding active transportation networks, climate-resilient public spaces such as multi-use indoor facilities and cooling areas, and downtown beautification.[31]
“Capital spending can maintain the essentials (water, utilities, roads) but dipping into those extra funds for unique projects like creating vibrant and accessible spaces will be key.”
Q5: A safe, welcoming and compassionate downtown. She calls Bylaw 4273 a necessary enforcement tool but says enforcement must be paired with partnerships addressing root causes. She proposes resources for merchants, partnerships with the RCMP, Interior Health and CMHA, and lobbying senior governments for complex care, mental health and addiction services.[31]
“bylaw enforcement cannot act in isolation; it must be paired with compassionate, proactive partnerships that address the root causes of homelessness, poverty, and mental health challenges”
Financial disclosure
- Statement of Disclosure (dated Aug. 21, 2026) lists no corporations in which she holds shares and no creditors.[1]
- Income sources listed: School District 83 (capacity: School Board Trustee) and Hillside Village, Good Samaritan Society (capacity: clerical, scheduler).[1]
- No real property interests (other than her residence) listed. She answered "no" to holding more than 30% of the voting shares of any corporation.[1]
- Nomination documents: she is acting as her own financial agent, and no elector organization endorsement is listed.[1]
In the news
- 2026-10-09 — Castanet published her verbatim candidate Q&A.[27]
- 2026-10-08 — In the Observer's strategic-priorities feature she called the Corporate Strategic Plan "our guide for accountability" and backed keeping active transportation projects on the short-to-medium-term radar.[12]
- 2026-09-28 — The Observer published her self-introduction, which highlights 33 years in Salmon Arm, eight years as a trustee and her volunteer roles.[10]
- 2026-09-12 — Castanet's roundup of the council field described her as a former SD83 trustee coming off two consecutive terms who wants to bring a collaborative leadership style to council.[28]
- 2026-09 — In the Shuswap Climate Action Society's Vote4Tomorrow questionnaire she was listed as supportive of 24 of 24 climate policies. She described her climate-related volunteer and trustee work and her plans for transit, active transportation and building emissions.[30]
- 2026-08-18 — The Observer reported that VanBuskirk had announced her council campaign in an Aug. 8 social media post. She said she was leaving the school board because returning to her education career makes her ineligible to run again as a trustee.[11]
- 2018-10-21 — She was first elected SD83 trustee for Salmon Arm, topping the polls with 1,436 votes.[13]
Find them online
- Campaign website
- Castanet candidate page
- Vote4Tomorrow climate questionnaire
- CKVS-FM radio interview (audio)
References
- Nomination documents & Statement of Disclosure — City of Salmon Arm (Marianne VanBuskirk) · City of Salmon Arm · 2026-09-02
- General Local Election (candidate list) · City of Salmon Arm · 2026
- CivicInfo BC 2026 candidates — Salmon Arm (City) · CivicInfo BC · 2026
- About Marianne · Marianne VanBuskirk campaign · 2026
- Key Priorities · Marianne VanBuskirk campaign · 2026
- Marianne VanBuskirk (campaign home page) · Marianne VanBuskirk campaign · 2026
- Addressing Homelessness · Marianne VanBuskirk campaign · 2026
- Oct. 12 — My response to a community member regarding senior citizens · Marianne VanBuskirk campaign · 2026-10-12
- Marianne's Pledge to the Citizens of Salmon Arm · Marianne VanBuskirk campaign · 2026
- Introducing Salmon Arm's mayoral and council candidates · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-28
- From school board to council table, Salmon Arm trustee announces election candidacy · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-08-18
- Salmon Arm candidates speak to strategic priorities · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-10-08
- ELECTION 2018: Marianne VanBuskirk, Amanda Krebs new school trustees · Salmon Arm Observer · 2018-10-21
- Shuswap school trustees anxious to get going · Salmon Arm Observer · 2018-10-26
- Congratulations! (Board sworn in) · School District No. 83 (North Okanagan-Shuswap) · 2018-11-15
- Preliminary election results · School District No. 83 (North Okanagan-Shuswap) · 2022-10-15
- The Board of Education (trustee biographies) · School District No. 83 (North Okanagan-Shuswap) · 2026
- School board stays in its lane on Salmon Arm Heritage Trail support · Salmon Arm Observer · 2024-03-14
- SD83 moving towards K-7, 8-12 model for Salmon Arm · Salmon Arm Observer · 2024-06-25
- Grayston moves to head of the class as Shuswap school board chair · Salmon Arm Observer · 2024-11-20
- Missing school board meetings will now cost Shuswap trustees $400 · Salmon Arm Observer · 2025-05-28
- Quorum, coups join discussion on trustee variation at Shuswap school district · Salmon Arm Observer · 2025-06-24
- Shuswap school district remains status quo at 5 trustees as per public input · Salmon Arm Observer · 2025-10-30
- Shuswap school district trustees consider pulling plug on recorded meetings · Salmon Arm Observer · 2025-11-05
- School board policy changes could put Sled Sicamous event off track · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-01-23
- Sicamous council cheers school board for decision to revisit public events policy · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-03-13
- ELECTION 2026: Salmon Arm city council candidate profile for Marianne VanBuskirk · Castanet · 2026-10-09
- Fifteen newcomers, three incumbents make up Salmon Arm council field · Castanet · 2026-09-12
- Marianne VanBuskirk, Salmon Arm Councillor candidate - Civic Election 2026 · Castanet · 2026
- Marianne VanBuskirk — Vote4Tomorrow candidate profile · Vote4Tomorrow (Shuswap Climate Action Society) · 2026
- Marianne VanBuskirk — 2026 Municipal Election Candidate Questions · Downtown Salmon Arm (Salmon Arm Downtown Improvement Association) · 2026-10
- CKVS-FM interview with Marianne VanBuskirk (at 00:22) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Marianne VanBuskirk (at 01:28) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Marianne VanBuskirk (at 02:36) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Marianne VanBuskirk (at 04:11) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Marianne VanBuskirk (at 05:13) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Marianne VanBuskirk (at 06:10) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Marianne VanBuskirk (at 09:03) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Marianne VanBuskirk (at 11:02) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Marianne VanBuskirk (at 13:01) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Marianne VanBuskirk (at 16:22) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Marianne VanBuskirk (at 18:27) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Marianne VanBuskirk (at 20:01) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
Louise Wallace Richmond
Three-term councillor (since 2014) and owner of Mediability Corporate Communications; former Okanagan College business instructor
Biography
According to her city biography, she was born in Quebec City and raised in North Bay, Ontario, and graduated from the University of Ottawa with a degree in economics. She told CKVS-FM her father was in the navy and the family lived in Halifax, Winnipeg and Toronto before North Bay.[4][51]
Her city biography says she worked on Parliament Hill as a Page and then as a legislative assistant in the Chief Opposition Whip's office, moved to the West Coast in 1990, worked in publishing and completed a master's degree at SFU.[4]
She moved to Salmon Arm in 1999 with Dave Richmond, whose family she says has been in Salmon Arm since before the city was incorporated, and founded Mediability Corporate Communications, a design and marketing business.[4][7][50]
She taught at the Okanagan College School of Business, about 10 years by her account; Castanet and the Observer describe her as a former professor there.[4][52][12][9]
She and her husband have two sons and live in Canoe.[4][9]
She has written council columns for the Salmon Arm Observer on topics including FireSmart and the Official Community Plan review.[47][48]
Experience
- Salmon Arm city councillor since 2014 (elected 2014, 2018, 2022).[13][15][16]
- Current council appointments listed by the city: Council Select Parking Committee; Development and Planning Services Committee; District Arts Council; Housing Task Force; Social Impact Advisory Committee; Shuswap Regional Airport Commission; Shuswap Regional Airport (CSA) Committee; Kelowna Airport Committee; MIABC voting delegate (1st alternate); Okanagan Regional Library (alternate).[4]
- Deputy mayor Jan. 1-March 31, 2024; April 1-June 30, 2025; and Sept. 1-Dec. 31, 2026 (rotating role).[4]
- Elected to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) board in 2023; co-chair of its environmental issues and sustainable development committee. In February 2026 she testified as a witness before a House of Commons standing committee on extreme weather, which Castanet reported was a first for a Salmon Arm councillor.[19]
- Council's social issues chair (2024) and a former chair of the city's Heritage Commission.[20][49]
Record in office
- Election history: elected in 2014 in sixth place with 1,783 votes (preliminary), 60 votes ahead of seventh-place Ivan Idzan (1,723); re-elected in 2018 with 2,758 votes (48.3 per cent, fifth, unofficial); re-elected in 2022 with 2,900 votes (fifth of six elected).[13][15][16]
- May 2026: was the only member of council to vote against setting deputy-mayor compensation at 45 per cent of the mayor's salary, saying that with council's rotating deputy-mayor system she did not see the extra pay as necessary; she supported linking council pay to a policy benchmark.[21][22]
- May 2026: voted against allowing small-wheeled devices on sidewalks, citing liability and the need for consultation; the motion was defeated.[25]
- November 2025: voted against Coun. Cannon's motion to spare a resident's hedge (motion defeated). March 2024: voted against re-closing part of 10 Ave. SE, calling the lot 'perfect infill.' November 2024: voted against a staff review to add cats to the domestic animals bylaw.[26][27][28]
- Housing: spoke in favour of the six-storey rental apartment at the former bowling alley site (2024); in July 2026 noted building permits for 80 new units in the first half of the year compared with 38 a year earlier.[34][45]
- Encampments: in November 2025, after meeting with a resident near a long-standing encampment on provincial land at Highway 97B, she said the province must provide clarity and that it 'cannot be left in our hands alone.' At UBCM in September 2026 she opened the city's meeting with the public safety minister by outlining Salmon Arm's housing projects.[32][46]
- In the 2022 campaign she said people without homes are not the problem, that encampments are dangerous and not viable, and that temporary shelter is an emergency response rather than a long-term solution. At the 2022 Chamber forum she said a public park is for the public and that private, commercial or political gatherings customarily require a permit.[18][17]
- January 2024: supported Coun. Gonella's motion to advance a Food and Urban Agriculture Plan, saying she had previously voted not to move it up in priority but saw it as preparatory work.[35]
- Supported setting up a multi-agency situation table (2024) as social issues chair.[20]
- Moved a 2024 noise-bylaw motion asking staff to consult the construction industry before allowing earlier summer start times, and a 2024 letter of support for a Rise Up Indigenous Wellness grant application.[42][43]
- Supported the city's anti-racism policy (2025) and accessible downtown patios ('accessibility is not a want, it's a requirement').[41][31]
- Proposed 'compassionate care' parking for seniors and non-profit groups in December 2025; supported a veterans crosswalk for the Legion's 100th anniversary in 2026 but preferred a simpler design.[33][44]
- Argued against strictly applying the permissive tax exemption bylaw to small groups such as the horseshoe club (2025).[38]
- Declared conflicts of interest on matters involving clients: a 2015 Observer correction said she stepped out of a ROOTSandBLUES discussion because the festival was a client of hers; she also stepped out of a 2024 BCHL All-Star weekend vote.[36][37]
- According to the city's 2024 annual report as cited by the Observer, she received $29,948 in remuneration plus $21,023 in expenses in 2024 (the highest expense total among councillors that year).[23]
Platform
Wastewater and senior-government funding. Says securing provincial and federal funding for the wastewater treatment upgrade is the top priority, arguing Salmon Arm residents pay the same taxes as everyone else and deserve a fair share.[3][56][10]
“We pay the same PST, GST, income and corporate tax as everyone else. We need our fair share.”
Recreation. Advocates planning a multi-purpose, multi-partner regional community centre that could include a new pool and indoor sports facility, after wastewater funding is secured; says doing both at once would be irresponsible given borrowing limits.[3][10][8]
“It would be irresponsible to promise that we can do both at the same time because of legislated borrowing maximums.”
Taxes and finances. Says the city should follow its long-term financial plan, manage borrowing carefully, build reserves and keep tax increases at or below inflation where possible; will not commit property taxpayers to costs she considers provincial responsibilities.[10][3]
“I will never agree to make you pay twice.”
Homelessness and downtown safety. Points to three added bylaw officers providing seven-day coverage and the 2023 Use of Public Spaces bylaw banning encampments on city land; calls for provincial action on prevention, re-housing, treatment and repeat offenders, and for a public community dashboard to track outcomes.[3][10]
“you cannot fix what you do not measure”
Housing. Supports continued densification and diversification of housing; cites the Housing Task Force council set up in 2018 and record multi-family construction.[53][3][10]
Downtown and tourism. Supported the OCP direction for a long-term downtown development plan and the creation of Tourism Salmon Arm in 2025 after the city left Shuswap Tourism; wants small design improvements and events such as the Yuletide Village; suggests e-bike storage.[3]
Downtown parkade. Says a publicly funded downtown parkade should move to the much longer term.[8]
Provincial advocacy. Wants continued lobbying on Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 97 upgrades, rural policing staffing, a Shuswap Lake General Hospital upgrade and support for the forestry sector.[56]
Stated goals and commitments
- Secure funding for, and begin, the wastewater treatment upgrade.[56][3]
- Then plan a multi-user, multi-partner regional community facility with a pool and indoor sports field.[3][8]
- Establish a community dashboard reporting on homelessness and safety work.[3][10]
- Keep tax increases at or below inflation as much as possible.[10]
In their own words
“I won in 2014 by a very slim margin and that was an important lesson for me.”
“With only three incumbents running, it's time to pay that forward.”
“For $4.78 per day, my household of four benefits from 24/7 fire and police, water, waste water, roads, parks, snowplowing and garbage collection among many other services.”
“I will not commit Salmon Arm property tax payers to cover the cost that the province collects for.”
“While the only constant is change, we are living through a time of profound transition.”
“I always say that if there were no friction, there would be no motion.”
CKVS radio interview
Background. Says she has been on council since 2014 and moved to Salmon Arm about 25 years ago after finishing a master's in publishing, deciding it was home the week of the fall fair.[50]
“I thought, yeah, I don't need to wait a year. This is home.”
Upbringing. Born in Quebec City to a navy family that lived in Halifax, Winnipeg and Toronto before North Bay; attended the University of Ottawa; is bilingual.[51]
“I went away to school at Ottawa U, because it was bilingual, and I'm bilingual.”
Attributes. Describes herself as inquisitive and a systems thinker, and says council often splits on votes, which she calls healthy.[52]
“I'm a systems thinker, so I don't jump to conclusions.”
People she respects. Names Mayor Alan Harrison, who was her sons' grade-school principal, and the late Coun. Kevin Flynn.[59]
“running a grade school is great training for being a mayor”
Key issues. Discusses housing diversification since council's 2018 Housing Task Force (when vacancy was about 0.3 per cent) and the need for a fair share of senior-government funding for hard and soft infrastructure.[53]
“we're actually punching way above our weight compared to some other municipalities.”
Reason for running. Says that with only three incumbents running she wants to mentor new councillors as Alan Harrison, Ken Jamieson and Kevin Flynn mentored her.[54]
“It's my turn to make sure that the next crop of councillors also get the benefit of that wisdom and guidance.”
Governance. Sees the job as a non-partisan governance role and says she could not work in a system where a party told her how to vote.[55]
“I really see it less as a political role and more as a governance role.”
Campaign. Says she has pledged not to engage in dirty politics.[58]
“In fact, I have a campaign pledge that I will not engage in any of that.”
Goals. Wants wastewater upgrade funding secured, then an aquatic centre; continued provincial lobbying on highways, rural policing, the Shuswap hospital and forestry.[56]
“It would be the largest infrastructure project ever in the city of Salmon Arm.”
Legacy. Hopes to provide young newcomers the opportunities Salmon Arm gave her: housing, jobs and community connection.[57]
“I want to pay forward what Salmon Arm paid to me all those many years ago.”
Downtown Salmon Arm questionnaire
Q1: Community priorities and leadership. Cites 469 additional housing units since 2023 and pressure on retail from online sellers; lists three priorities: senior-government funding for the wastewater plant, a multi-partner regional community centre with a pool and indoor sports, and a long-term downtown development plan.[3]
“We need our fair share.”
Q2: Year-round economic vitality and resilience. Credits event organizers and Downtown Salmon Arm; supports Tourism Salmon Arm (created 2025) to focus MRDT funds locally after the Shuswap Tourism partnership, and attracting more events and tournaments.[3]
“Salmon Arm can now better leverage our MRDT (hotel tax) funds”
Q3: Growing and protecting our downtown. Wants more downtown amenities, small design touches and housing in the core, citing Quebec City as inspiration and praising the Forage General Yuletide Village.[3]
“To keep that going and growing, we must continue to add and enhance downtown amenities and events.”
Q4: Infrastructure, economic growth and community attractions. Says the wastewater plant upgrade must come first, noting Salmon Arm serves a larger regional population; then a regional community facility; and efficient core services, with an e-bike storage location in the near term.[3]
“While it's not very glamorous, given our record building stats, we must upgrade our wastewater plant.”
Q5: A safe, welcoming and compassionate downtown. Notes three added bylaw officers with seven-day coverage, the 2023 encampment ban on city land, provincial responsibility for social housing and justice, and advocates a community dashboard.[3]
“I will never agree to make you pay twice.”
Financial disclosure
- Statement of Disclosure (dated Aug. 26, 2026): holds shares in Mediability Corporate Communications Ltd.; no creditors.[2]
- Income sources: City of Salmon Arm (councillor); Mediability Corporate Communications Ltd. (owner).[2]
- No real property (other than residence) listed.[2]
- Corporate assets: owns more than 30 per cent of Mediability Corporate Communications Ltd., described as a corporate communication consultancy; the corporation has no creditors and owns no shares in other corporations.[2]
- Nomination: office sought councillor; acting as her own financial agent; no elector organization (marked N/A). Filed Sept. 1, 2026.[2][6]
In the news
- 2026-10-09 — Castanet published her verbatim Q&A, including a breakdown of her own 2025 property tax bill to illustrate municipal costs.[10]
- 2026-10-01 — The Vote4Tomorrow climate and environment voter guide lists Wallace Richmond as "did not respond" to its questionnaire (shown as 0/24 policy commitments).[1]
- 2026-09-23 — She was part of the council delegation at UBCM raising highway safety, rural policing and a Highway 97B encampment with provincial ministers.[46]
- 2026-09-03 — Castanet reported she was running again, quoting her wish to guide the city through 'an important time of transition.'[12][11]
- 2026-09-01 — The Observer reported she formally announced her candidacy on Sept. 1 and is seeking a fourth term.[9]
- 2026-05-14 — In the compensation review, she noted pay conversations are 'very awkward for all councils' and stressed changes would apply only to the next council.[24]
- 2026-03-03 — Castanet reported she testified in Ottawa before a House of Commons standing committee on protecting vulnerable Canadians from extreme weather, on behalf of FCM.[19]
- 2025-12-20 — Supported moving ahead with a phased increase to development cost charges.[39]
- 2025-10-28 — Supported the mayor's push for faster repair of Trans-Canada Highway ruts, quipping no one could cross the highway with a carton of eggs without breaking one.[30]
- 2025-04-17 — On a $1.1-million wastewater plant design contract, she noted the project could cost up to $100 million.[29]
- 2024-07-09 — Responded to a letter criticizing Salmon Arm's Canada Day events, calling the suggestion the city does not care about Canada Day 'misinformed.'[40]
Find them online
References
- Vote4Tomorrow — Salmon Arm 2026 candidate guide · Vote4Tomorrow · 2026-10-01
- Nomination documents & Statement of Disclosure — City of Salmon Arm (Louise Wallace Richmond) · City of Salmon Arm · 2026-09-01
- Louise Wallace Richmond — Downtown Salmon Arm candidate questionnaire · Downtown Salmon Arm (Salmon Arm Downtown Improvement Association) · 2026-10
- Councillor Louise Wallace Richmond · City of Salmon Arm · 2026
- CivicInfo BC 2026 candidates — Salmon Arm (City) · CivicInfo BC · 2026
- General Local Election · City of Salmon Arm · 2026
- Introducing Salmon Arm's mayoral and council candidates · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-28
- Salmon Arm candidates speak to strategic priorities · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-10-08
- Salmon Arm mayor, 3 council incumbents to seek re-election · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-01
- ELECTION 2026: Salmon Arm city council candidate profile for Louise Wallace Richmond · Castanet · 2026-10-09
- Louise Wallace Richmond, Salmon Arm Councillor candidate - Civic Election 2026 · Castanet · 2026
- Salmon Arm councillor Louise Wallace Richmond will run again in fall election · Castanet · 2026-09-03
- Election 2014 update: Cooper wins mayoralty race · Salmon Arm Observer · 2014-11-15
- Council candidate Louise Wallace Richmond running for Salmon Arm council · Salmon Arm Observer · 2014-10-16
- Election night: Strong night for incumbent councillors · Salmon Arm Observer · 2018-10-21
- Alan Harrison soundly defeats challengers to return as mayor of Salmon Arm · Castanet · 2022-10-15
- Salmon Arm council hopefuls share views on housing, vaccine mandates and more · Salmon Arm Observer · 2022-10-08
- Salmon Arm Election 2022: Candidates address city's approach to homelessness · Salmon Arm Observer · 2022-10-03
- Salmon Arm councillor discusses extreme weather for House of Commons standing committee · Castanet · 2026-03-03
- City of Salmon Arm seeking funding to set up multi-agency situation table · Castanet · 2024-03-01
- Salmon Arm council votes in favour of pay increases for next round of mayor and councillors · Castanet · 2026-05-30
- City of Salmon Arm councillors support proposed salary increases for 2027 · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-05-29
- Salmon Arm council to be hands-off on pay review · Salmon Arm Observer · 2025-09-12
- Compensation review recommends raises for Salmon Arm mayor, councillors · Castanet · 2026-05-14
- Salmon Arm city council delays decision on e-scooters and bikes riding on sidewalks · Castanet · 2026-05-26
- Salmon Arm council struggles over decision to have hedge removed over safety concerns · Castanet · 2025-11-04
- Salmon Arm council votes against upholding 20-year-old decision to close part of 10 Ave SE · Castanet · 2024-03-02
- Adding cats to domestic animal bylaw not seen as a priority by Salmon Arm city council · Castanet · 2024-11-26
- Salmon Arm council award $1.1 million design contract for wastewater plant upgrade · Castanet · 2025-04-17
- Salmon Arm mayor wants faster fix for deep grooves in the Trans-Canada Highway · Castanet · 2025-10-28
- Council shows appetite for Salmon Arm business patios accessible to all · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-07-20
- Salmon Arm seeks clarity around unauthorized encampment on Highway 97B · Salmon Arm Observer · 2025-11-27
- Salmon Arm businesses, non-profits ask city for parking options · Salmon Arm Observer · 2025-12-05
- Salmon Arm council supports amendments for bowling alley apartment complex · Salmon Arm Observer · 2024-03-07
- Salmon Arm council gets ball rolling on food security plan · Salmon Arm Observer · 2024-01-26
- Correction over conflict · Salmon Arm Observer · 2015-02-05
- Council supports bid to bring BCHL All-Star weekend to Salmon Arm · Salmon Arm Observer · 2024-07-12
- Council limits tax exemption for 3 Salmon Arm churches to one year · Salmon Arm Observer · 2025-11-05
- City of Salmon Arm preparing to raise DCCs with bylaw favouring phased approach · Castanet · 2025-12-20
- Letter complaining about lack of Canada Day events in Salmon Arm draws passionate response from councillors · Castanet · 2024-07-09
- Salmon Arm council votes to endorse new anti-racism policy · Castanet · 2025-11-01
- Salmon Arm council considers noise bylaw change allowing for earlier summer construction work · Castanet · 2024-09-06
- Salmon Arm council to pen letter of support for Rise Up Indigenous Wellness $1.5 million grant application · Castanet · 2024-12-16
- Salmon Arm veterans crosswalk proposal prompts concerns with cost, durability · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-03-10
- Residential construction off to strong start for 2026 in Salmon Arm · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-07-15
- Traffic safety, rural policing among concerns raised by Salmon Arm council at UBCM · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-23
- Column: Time to start your FireSmart in Salmon Arm · Salmon Arm Observer · 2024-04-01
- Column: It's your city and your ideas are key for Salmon Arm OCP review · Salmon Arm Observer · 2024-01-30
- City council honours Salmon Arm's archivist of 35 years · Salmon Arm Observer · 2025-12-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Louise Wallace Richmond (at 00:22) - background · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Louise Wallace Richmond (at 01:54) - where she grew up · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Louise Wallace Richmond (at 05:22) - personal attributes · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Louise Wallace Richmond (at 08:24) - key issues · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Louise Wallace Richmond (at 11:56) - reason for running · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Louise Wallace Richmond (at 12:53) - role as an elected official · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Louise Wallace Richmond (at 17:22) - goals · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Louise Wallace Richmond (at 21:19) - legacy · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Louise Wallace Richmond (at 16:11) - the campaign · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- CKVS-FM interview with Louise Wallace Richmond (at 06:36) - people she respects · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
Robin Wiens
School District 83 teacher at Salmon Arm Storefront School and longtime community volunteer
Biography
On CKVS-FM he said he grew up and went to school in Fort St. John, then spent six years at UBC Vancouver earning a Bachelor of Human Kinetics and a Bachelor of Education. He taught for two years before he and his wife left Vancouver.[13]
He said they picked Salmon Arm by drawing a five-hour radius around Vancouver on a map, camping their way around it and applying for jobs within it.[13]
According to his candidate introduction in the Salmon Arm Observer, Wiens moved to Salmon Arm with his wife 24 years ago and has taken part in the community 'as a coach, friend, father, volunteer and participant.'[1]
The introduction says he has taught with SD83 for about 20 years and works at Salmon Arm Storefront with 'complex learners, their families, and community services.'[1]
He holds two bachelor's degrees from UBC and a master's degree from Gonzaga.[1]
In 2020 the Observer reported on a carving program for students at Storefront School, quoting Wiens as a teacher there. The program was run with Métis carver and elder John Sayer.[4]
In 2024 Wiens and fellow Storefront teacher Geoff Porter represented the school at the unveiling of a new Salmon Arm Tennis Club sign carved in collaboration with John Sayers.[5]
He plays competitive tennis. In 2023 he was on the Salmon Arm men's 3.5–4.0 team that won its event at the Interior playoffs.[6]
His Vote4Tomorrow profile lists him as married to Sara Wiens for 24 years, with three teenage children, and as a teacher for 25 years at schools abbreviated KCS, ERS, JLJ and SASF. On air he described his wife as an artist and said he supports her art work.[17][13]
In the Vote4Tomorrow questionnaire he lists personal climate actions: rooftop solar panels, an EV with a level-two charger, a home energy audit and electric yard tools.[17]
Experience
- Teacher with School District 83 for about 20 years.[1][12]
- His introduction says he has served on several boards, including the Salvation Army, Lakeside Community Church, Salmon Arm Tennis Club and the Okanagan Valley Athletic Association.[1]
- Coach and volunteer, according to his candidate introduction.[1]
- On air he said he has coached Salmon Arm soccer, Shuswap volleyball and high school ultimate, tennis and badminton.[13]
- On air he said he has been president of both the North Okanagan Athletic Association and the Okanagan Valley Secondary School Association, which run high school sports. His Observer introduction names the 'Okanagan Valley Athletic Association.'[13][1]
Previous campaigns and public roles
- No previous candidacy for municipal, school board or other office was found.[3]
- On air he said he had thought about running in the last two or three elections but held off for family reasons, and because he trusted the sitting council and 'didn't need to split votes.'[13]
Platform
Recreation facilities. He says recreation facilities are a major concern and that it is 'frustrating that facility enhancement projects have not been prioritized.' He suggests a coordinated proposal with the regional district, private enterprise, user groups and grants, put to voters by referendum or a similar process.[11]
“It is time for our city to be bold.”
Regional cost-sharing. He notes that the regional district has greater borrowing capacity and that involving it would expand the user tax base from about 18,000 to 30,000.[11]
Wastewater. He calls the sewage treatment plant upgrade 'a necessary cost that must be done.'[11]
Industrial / local economy. He wants the city to deliberately look for ways to grow business in the industrial park, possibly through an industrial park business association similar to the downtown one.[11]
Climate and disaster preparedness. He wants the city to prepare for and mitigate the likelihood of climate disasters, noting their impact on businesses and the effect of summer smoke on downtown.[11][1]
Strategic plan. He would push to accelerate priority projects and to include more financial transparency for each project: grants secured, borrowing required, possible user-pay portions and cost to taxpayers.[2]
“We should be bolder as we address infrastructure, climate, and recreational priorities.”
Data-driven recreation planning. He wants community usage data used to prioritize recreation services, and community user groups empowered to lead projects with city support.[2]
Downtown safety and homelessness. He sees street solicitation Bylaw 4273 as 'a necessary step to keep our downtown core vibrant' but says it does not address homelessness. He supports shelters, affordable housing, health supports and work opportunities for unhoused people.[11]
“The unhoused members of our community are valuable human beings.”
Climate Resiliency Plan. He would follow regional climate experts and staff to implement the most impactful and attainable actions step by step, strengthen the plan over time, and move climate action up the strategic plan's priority list. On Vote4Tomorrow he was rated supportive on 22 of 24 climate policies, with neutral answers on a 'right to cool' bylaw and an AI data-centre moratorium.[17]
“A plan is well and good, but bold steps need to be taken. And then take another step.”
User-pay recreation. He cites the volunteer-built Salmon Arm tennis facility as a user-pay model. He suggests user groups could lead recreation projects with city coordination and grants, limiting the cost to taxpayers.[13]
“Maybe there's user groups ready to take on projects themselves”
Stated goals and commitments
- Have Salmon Arm 'act boldly' on the strategic plan so that recreational facilities, climate initiatives and local industry develop 'in a timely manner.'[1]
- Add project-by-project financial transparency (grants, borrowing, user-pay share, taxpayer cost) to the strategic plan.[2]
- Within four years, have the city 'intentionally look for ways to enhance business in the industrial park.'[11]
- Committed to serving the full 2026–2030 term.[14]
- Pursue recreational facilities, the sewage treatment plant, a community forest and the climate action plan by asking 'how can we accomplish it' in a fiscally responsible way.[13]
In their own words
“Life here is good; he is committed to making it better for everybody.”
“I recognize the financial difficulty of the present time; however, I would like to consider how projects could be completed rather than viewed through a limited mindset.”
“Accessible and high quality information creates the context for good decisions.”
“Support for the marginalized community, as necessary as they are, should not come at the expense of the vitality of the downtown core.”
“Regular smoke in the summer puts a damper on the downtown core business in the summer; a climate disaster could bring irrecoverable economic devastation.”
“I didn't want a council coming in who would go sideways, either left or right.”
“I want to accomplish all of it. ... I know it's not possible. I am realistic. I do know how to say no.”
CKVS radio interview
Background (00:14). He was raised in Fort St. John and studied human kinetics and education at UBC. He has lived in Salmon Arm for 24 years and his children were born and raised there.[13]
“Me and my wife have lived here longer than anywhere else in our lifetime, but I was raised in Fort St. John.”
Choosing Salmon Arm (01:12). He and his wife drew a five-hour radius around Vancouver, went camping and applied for jobs inside it, and found a job in Salmon Arm.[13]
“we actually looked at a map, and we pinpointed and drew a five-hour radius circle around Vancouver.”
Community involvement (01:51). He has coached soccer, volleyball and several high school sports, served on the Salvation Army and Lakeside Community Church boards, and been president of two high school athletic associations.[13]
“I was president of both the North Okanagan Athletic Association and the Okanagan Valley Secondary School Association.”
Climate vulnerability (03:33). He says heat waves and wildfires make the region feel isolated and vulnerable in summer.[13]
“We're a long ways away from big city services, and when it comes to climate disaster, I can really sense it”
Attributes (04:05). He says his main strength is handling complexity: listening to all community voices and working through large volumes of staff information and budget constraints.[13]
“the attribute that I bring, which I think will best serve on council, is an ability to deal with next level complexity.”
People he respects (06:08). He names the Salmon Arm Art Gallery's former long-time leader and Phil McIntyre-Paul of the Shuswap Trail Alliance. He highlights Winston Payne and Ken Hecker for leading the user-funded Salmon Arm tennis facility.[13]
“It's a user pay recreational facility, which is the envy of the Okanagan.”
Key issues (09:28). He names climate disaster preparation, attracting industry to grow the tax base and jobs, and recreation facilities. He says he would not reshuffle the strategic plan but ask how to accomplish more of it.[13]
“asking the questions of how can we accomplish more of them without being a tax burden for future generations.”
Why he is running (10:43). Kids growing up and more flexible work freed his time. He trusted the outgoing council's plan and wanted it carried forward. He says outgoing councillor Sylvia Lindgren encouraged him and donated her old campaign signs, which he repainted.[13]
“Sylvia encouraged me and she was generous to donate her signs to me.”
Goals (15:35). He wants to pursue recreation, the sewage treatment plant, a community forest and the climate action plan, using grants, fundraising and user groups to limit tax impacts.[13]
“How can we, in a fiscally responsible way, accomplish it?”
Role in tumultuous times (18:25). He says councillors must hear legitimate concerns past the tone or fear, plan for climate disasters, and stay calm.[13]
“you need leaders who will remain calm, who won't join the noise.”
Legacy (20:45). He says he hopes to leave a stronger sense of community and belonging rather than a building.[13]
“It's a sense that we're Salmon Arm and we're a community and we belong here”
Where to learn more (22:31). He pointed listeners to his Facebook and Instagram and to Tim Lavery's Aim High Salmon Arm site for information on all candidates.[13]
“don't just look me up for more information. Look us all up.”
Downtown Salmon Arm questionnaire
Q1: Community priorities and leadership. He names his top issues as recreational facilities, developing the local economy, and climate preparedness. He says the sewage treatment plant upgrade must go ahead.[11]
“It is frustrating that facility enhancement projects have not been prioritized.”
Q2: Year-round economic vitality and resilience. He proposes building up the industrial park, possibly with its own business association, to add jobs and steady year-round spending. He also links climate preparedness to the downtown economy.[11]
“perhaps we need a similar association for the industrial park.”
Q3: Growing and protecting our downtown. He supports all current downtown activities and is open to new ideas to keep up momentum and extend vitality beyond summer. He recalls how quiet downtown was when he arrived 24 years ago.[11]
“We have even gotten to the point where parking is a concern. What a positive problem to have created.”
Q4: Infrastructure, economic growth and community attractions. He favours bold, regionally coordinated recreation projects with grants and private and user-group partners, possibly decided by referendum, alongside the required wastewater upgrade.[11]
“Enhanced recreational facilities, will attract and retain local shoppers.”
Q5: A safe, welcoming and compassionate downtown. He calls Bylaw 4273 necessary for downtown safety and says it gives the city enforcement options. He also says it does not address homelessness and calls for dignified supports for unhoused residents.[11]
“I see this bylaw as a necessary step to keep our downtown core vibrant.”
Financial disclosure
- Lists no corporate shareholdings and no creditors ('None').[12]
- Lists one income source: SD83 (Salmon Arm), as a teacher (employee).[12]
- Discloses an interest in one property other than his residence: a lot on 11th Street SE in the City of Salmon Arm.[12]
- Answers 'no' to holding more than 30% of the voting shares of any corporation. No elector organization endorsement. He is acting as his own financial agent. The nomination was declared in Salmon Arm on 2026-09-02.[12]
In the news
- 2026-10-08 — The Observer published his answer on Corporate Strategic Plan priorities.[2]
- 2026-10-01 — The Vote4Tomorrow climate and environment voter guide, compiled by the Shuswap Climate Action Society, reports he committed to 22 of 24 climate policies and labels him a 'Climate Leader' (its label for candidates committing to more than 80% of the policies).[17]
- 2026-09-22 — Aim High Salmon Arm, a blog run by outgoing councillor Tim Lavery, published his commitment to a full term. Later posts reported he is available for Monday council meetings and consulted outgoing councillors on the time commitment (Sept. 27), and that he lives within city limits (Oct. 1).[14][15][16]
- 2026-09-12 — Castanet's summary of the council field described him as a 'Teacher and father' who 'wants to help Salmon Arm move forward with purpose.'[3]
- 2026-09-02 — Listed by Frequency News and the Observer among candidates who had publicly said they would run for council.[9][10]
- 2024-04-27 — Represented Storefront School at the unveiling of the Salmon Arm Tennis Club's new carved sign.[5]
- 2023-06-09 — Quoted in the Observer as a neighbour objecting to trees cleared on a hillside site during bird nesting season. He said he believed the clearing contravened federal, provincial and municipal laws. The city's bylaw department was investigating.[7]
- 2020-11-23 — Quoted as a Salmon Arm Storefront School teacher in an Observer story about a student carving program led by Métis carver John Sayer.[4]
Find them online
- Instagram (rwiens77)
- Castanet profile
- City of Salmon Arm candidate listing (campaign email robinwiens2026@yahoo.com)
References
- Introducing Salmon Arm's mayoral and council candidates · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-28
- Salmon Arm candidates speak to strategic priorities · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-10-08
- Fifteen newcomers, three incumbents make up Salmon Arm council field · Castanet · 2026-09-12
- VIDEO: New faces to emerge from the forest in Salmon Arm's Little Mountain Park · Salmon Arm Observer · 2020-11-23
- Salmon Arm Tennis Club nets new sign with collaborative project · Salmon Arm Observer · 2024-04-27
- Salmon Arm tennis teams among champs at Interior playoffs · Salmon Arm Observer · 2023-07-11
- Rapid clearing of trees on a Sunday in Salmon Arm shocks neighbours · Salmon Arm Observer · 2023-06-09
- General Local Election · City of Salmon Arm · 2026
- Salmon Arm Council Candidates Begin Filing · Frequency News · 2026-09-02
- Salmon Arm council race growing with 8 candidates filed, more to come · Salmon Arm Observer · 2026-09-02
- Robin Wiens – Council Candidate questionnaire · Downtown Salmon Arm (Salmon Arm Downtown Improvement Association) · 2026-10
- Nomination documents & Statement of Disclosure — City of Salmon Arm · City of Salmon Arm · 2026-09-02
- CKVS-FM interview with Robin Wiens (timestamps noted in entries) · CKVS-FM 93.7 Voice of the Shuswap · 2026-09
- Q&A #1 for Council Candidates · Aim High Salmon Arm (Tim Lavery) · 2026-09-22
- Q&A #2 for Council Candidates · Aim High Salmon Arm (Tim Lavery) · 2026-09-27
- Q&A #3 for Council Candidates · Aim High Salmon Arm (Tim Lavery) · 2026-10-01
- Robin Wiens — Vote4Tomorrow candidate profile · Vote4Tomorrow (Shuswap Climate Action Society) · 2026
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