Kelowna’s challenges are interconnected. Growth affects housing, transportation, infrastructure, public safety and municipal finances. Council must consider these relationships and make decisions based on their combined long-term effect on residents.
Transparency is the foundation of responsible local government. Residents should receive important information early enough to understand a proposal and influence the decision—not simply after the direction has effectively been determined.
I will advocate for:
• Clear, plain-language explanations of major proposals, costs and alternatives
• Earlier and more meaningful public consultation
• Transparent reporting on major projects, including budgets, timelines and results
• Clear explanations when project costs, schedules or priorities change
• Respectful Council debate in which reasonable disagreement is welcomed
• Decision-making that residents can follow and understand
Public trust is earned when Council listens, explains its choices, acknowledges challenges and reports honestly on outcomes.
Kelowna needs more housing that people with different incomes, occupations and family circumstances can realistically afford. At the same time, growth must be supported by roads, utilities, parks, emergency services and community amenities.
I will support:
• A practical mix of rental housing, ownership opportunities, townhomes, duplexes, apartments and other appropriate housing forms
• Development in locations where infrastructure and services can support it
• Clear measurement of whether housing initiatives actually improve affordability
• Timely and predictable approval processes without sacrificing appropriate review
• Fair allocation of growth-related costs between development and existing taxpayers
• Neighbourhood consultation that begins early and focuses on workable solutions
The question is not whether Kelowna will grow, but whether it will grow responsibly.
Residents experience the consequences of congestion every day. Kelowna needs practical improvements that can be implemented during the next Council term, as well as sustained advocacy for long-term regional and provincial investments.
I will advocate for:
• Better traffic-flow management and intersection planning
• More reliable and useful public transit
• Safe walking and cycling connections where they are practical and well used
• Infrastructure planning that is coordinated with new development
• Transparent prioritization of capital projects
• Continued pressure on the Province regarding Highway 97 and regional transportation constraints
Every major infrastructure investment should have a defined purpose, realistic budget and measurable benefit.
Kelowna needs an approach that is both compassionate and effective. People experiencing homelessness, mental-health challenges and addiction require appropriate assistance, while residents, visitors and businesses have a right to safe and accessible public spaces.
I will support:
• Clear coordination among the City, Province, health authorities, police and service organizations
• Strong advocacy for treatment, mental-health services, supportive housing and complex-care resources
• Appropriate enforcement of laws and bylaws that protect people, property and public spaces
• Focused attention on repeat offending and chronic public-safety problems
• Real regular public reporting on results rather than relying solely on activity or spending measures
• Clear recognition of which responsibilities belong to the City and which require action from senior governments
Compassion and accountability are not opposing ideas. An effective strategy requires both.
Kelowna must invest in infrastructure and services while recognizing that residents and businesses face their own financial pressures. Council has a responsibility to establish priorities rather than treating every worthwhile proposal as immediately affordable.
I will advocate for:
• Clear differentiation between essential needs and desirable projects
• Realistic capital budgets that include long-term operating and maintenance costs
• Careful review of borrowing and its effect on future taxpayers
• Public reporting that compares approved budgets with actual costs and results
• Examination of existing programs before introducing new spending
• A commitment to keeping annual property-tax increases at or below the rate of inflation unless a higher increase can be clearly justified by an essential community need, demonstrated program effectiveness or a measurable improvement in services
Financial responsibility does not mean refusing to invest. It means controlling costs, setting clear priorities and demonstrating measurable value for every public dollar.