Profiles

Lee-Ann Tiede (https://lee-anntiede.ca/) declared for Kelowna councillor.

The move up to Kelowna Council seems a natural progression for Tiede.

She has served three terms as school trustee, including two years as Board Chair, and three terms (9 years) as a Trustee with the Glenmore-Ellison Improvement District.

Central Okanagan school trustees gave themselves a raise in 2026. Eyebrows were raised on the optics of handing themselves raises while the Central Okanagan Public Schools is facing a $4.2 million deficit in the 2026-27 budget. Lee-Ann Tiede was the lone trustee to oppose the resolution. She refused the pay hike. The bump was from $25,564 to $26,102 for trustees. Kelowna councillor pays $58,080 for part-time duties. Lee-Ann Tiede has taken an interest in the plight of the folks on Gordon Drive and good on her for that.

_______________________________ Tim Down, a Kelowna real estate broker and property tax advisor is seeking a seat on Kelowna council. (https://www.timdown.ca/)

Down said his campaign will focus on practical judgment, fiscal responsibility and measurable results. Down's background is verifiable. He has advanced skills and extensive career experience in ICI property management. He holds the CAE, CCIM and RI professional designations and brings nearly four decades of experience in valuation, property assessment, taxation, real estate and business analysis. Here. (info@timdown.ca)

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Susan Ames is a name well recognized in Kelowna. Here. http://susanames.ca Susan Ames has over 30 years experience as an environmental consultant, recently in the mining industry. She has a PhD with a focus on climate change, an MSc, and a BSc. We posted about a letter from Susan Ames many moons ago. Here.

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Julia Fraser (https://juliafraser.com/ - jfraser2@telus.net) is running for Kelowna City Council. For 15 years, Julia Fraser has served the Central Okanagan community as an elected School Trustee, former Board Chair, Vice-Chair, and the current Chair of the Finance & Planning Committee. Fraser brings 30 years of experience in business-to-business sales, including 15 years as a regional sales manager for a local hotel chain.

Responsible Growth is among Julia Fraser's concerns. She wants better planning for housing, infrastructure, parks, schools, and complete communities that support long-term growth.

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Todd Sanderson (sandersoncaforkelowna@gmail.com) has announced for Kelowna City Council. Here. Sanderson is a longtime Kelowna community and business leader with more than 35 years of experience in accounting, finance, business advice and organizational leadership. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant and Chartered Accountant—CPA, CA and a Certified Exit Planning Advisor. Among his priorities is 'Rebuilding Transparency and Public Trust.' Amen to that. Todd Sanderson is no enigma, he was in the thick of municipal politics a decade ago. "As a “Rutland boy,” it was my honour to work to try to save the hall and pay homage to the founders of the hall and park. I wish nothing but the best for a new board."

"I will not ask taxpayers to accept financial discipline from City Hall unless I am prepared to demonstrate it in my own campaign."

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Businesswoman and educator Laura Thurnheer is seeking a seat on Kelowna council. (laura@lauraforkelowna.ca) Thurnheer is a local HR services business owner and former associate dean at Okanagan College. That HR expertise is valuable if Ron Cannan and new councillors tackle growth in Kelowna's unionized payroll. 8% year over year growth in employee costs while the City's growth has stalled is a problem. Thurnheer is chair, BC Chamber of Commerce and past president, Kelowna Chamber of Commerce. She is a director of the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation.

https://www.turnheresolutions.com/

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