Thank You Ron Dewhurst, appreciate your Support.

When someone steps back from a local election, it can change the conversation quickly. Ron Dewhurst has now stepped down from the race for Regional Director for Central Okanagan West, and I want to publicly thank him for directing his support my way.

That is not something I take lightly. Local representation matters here. The North Westside, Killiney Beach, Westshore Estates, Fintry, Valley of the Sun, La Casa, Wilsons Landing/Traders Cove, Trepanier, Brent Road and the surrounding communities all need a strong voice that understands the roads, water, fire protection, emergency access, land use, and day-to-day concerns that shape life in this area.

Thank you to Ron Dewhurst for his support

Ron’s decision to step down reflects a concern many people have raised during this campaign. If the vote is split among candidates who are focused on the broader Central Okanagan West area, there is a real risk that the final result may not reflect the needs of the North Westside communities.

I understand Ron’s position, his concern is that if a candidate from WFN lands wins, residents in other parts of Central Okanagan West may feel underrepresented if that candidate’s main focus is their own community and governance priorities.

That is a fair issue to discuss openly and respectfully.

This election should never be about dividing people. It should be about making sure every part of Central Okanagan West is heard, including communities on the west side of Okanagan Lake, rural neighbourhoods and waterfront areas.

A Regional Director must be prepared to represent the whole area. That means showing up, listening, asking hard questions, and staying accountable after election day.

The all candidates forum is October 13 at the Killiney Beach Community Hall

The most important next step is simple. Come out and hear from the candidates directly.

All Candidates Forum

Date

October 13

Time

7:00 p.m.

Location

Killiney Beach Community Hall

This forum is your opportunity to ask practical questions, not just broad political ones.

Ask about governance. Ask about fire protection. Ask about water systems. Ask about development decisions. Ask about emergency planning. Ask about how the successful candidate will stay connected with communities that are spread out and sometimes overlooked.

Why local knowledge matters in this election

Central Okanagan West is not one single neighbourhood with one single set of needs. It is a large and varied area. Some residents are worried about road conditions and winter maintenance. Others are focused on wildfire risk, building rules, taxation, short-term rentals, or long-term planning.

A Regional Director must understand that small communities can be deeply affected by decisions made far away from them.

That is why this election matters.

Representation is not only about having a seat at the table. It is about knowing what to bring to that table. It is about recognizing when a policy that looks fine on paper may create real problems for people living on rural roads, near the lake, or in areas with limited services.

Ron has made his decision because he does not want to see the vote divided in a way that weakens local representation. I appreciate his confidence, and I respect the seriousness behind it.

My commitment to Central Okanagan West

My commitment is to be present, direct, and accessible. I believe residents deserve a Regional Director who will listen before making decisions and explain decisions after they are made.

That includes being clear about priorities such as:

• Community safety

  Fire protection, evacuation planning, and emergency access must stay front and center.

  
  

• Responsible development

  Growth should make sense for the area, respect local conditions, and consider long-term impacts.

  
  

• Roads and basic services requiring Advocacy

  Rural residents should not have to fight constantly to have basic infrastructure concerns heard. The RDCO has a strong ability to advocate on behalf of residents for services that do not fall within their mandate.

  
  

• Clear communication

  People should know what is happening, when decisions are being made, and how to speak up before it is too late.

Please take part and ask questions

A local election is strongest when people show up. Not everyone follows every post online. Not everyone knows the names on the ballot. That is why the October 13 All Candidates Forum matters.

Come prepared. Bring questions. Listen carefully. Decide who is best positioned to represent the whole of Central Okanagan West.

You can also learn more about my campaign at vote4waynecarson.ca.

Thank you again to Ron Dewhurst for his support and for putting the community first in his decision. I hope to see many residents at the All Candidates Forum on October 13 at 7:00 p.m. at the community hall in Killiney Beach. Your questions, concerns, and participation matter.