Every Saturday at 3:00 PM since February 24, 2022, we have stood together near Kamloops City Hall in solidarity with Ukraine. Before every election since 2022, I have also asked every candidate the same questions, so residents can read candidates’ own words and decide for themselves.
This year, all 51 candidates for Mayor, City Council and School Trustee were invited to answer six questions: three about Kamloops and three about standing with Ukraine. Thirteen replied by the deadline. Every answer is below, in full, unedited and unranked, and grouped by question so you can compare candidates side by side.
📄 Download the full report (PDF), with how the questionnaire was designed, who answered, every answer, and a way to reach all 51 candidates.
Answers are not scored or ranked, and this is not an endorsement of any candidate.
How to vote
- Last advance voting: Wednesday, October 14, 8 AM to 8 PM, at Heritage House (100 Lorne Street) or McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre (1665 Island Parkway)
- General voting day: Saturday, October 17, 8 AM to 8 PM, at any of 16 locations. Find addresses, accessibility details and bus routes at Maps.Kamloops.ca/Election2026
- You do not need to register in advance. Bring ID.
- Provincial election: Saturday, October 24
The six questions
- A1. Your priorities. What are the most important issues you will work on for Kamloops, and what is the first step you will take?
- A2. Hold me to this. Name one specific result residents can measure and hold you to by the end of your term.
- A3. Everyone belongs. How will you make sure every resident, including newcomers, Indigenous neighbours, seniors and people with disabilities, is heard and can reach the services they need?
- B1. Showing up. Have you attended a Stand with Ukraine gathering in Kamloops?
- B2. In your role. If elected, how will you stand with Ukraine, and with the Ukrainian families who have made Kamloops their home since 2022?
- B3. Remembering together. Would you help Kamloops mark February 24 (the anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion), August 24 (Ukrainian Independence Day) and Holodomor Memorial Day (the fourth Saturday of November, remembering the 1932 to 1933 famine-genocide in Ukraine)?
Mayor
Two of six mayoral candidates replied.
A1. Your priorities
What are the most important issues you will work on for Kamloops, and what is the first step you will take?
Ray Dhaliwal
Priorities are Bringing Stability back into Council Chambers….staff are on edge as well as council and it affects their ability to do their job when on the defensive most of the time,..as the cost to taxpayers as the meeting run longer than needed. 2nd lower our tax rate, we used to have 0.9 % tax rate a few years ago and should be able to get it back to stable levels again…safety and security is important as well…we need more visibility with our Law enforcement and CSO’s..i would try to boost our numbers up if Council approves….as the Mayor is only 1 vote just like a councilor.
Ivory Winston
That council is a place of respect and that our elected team is empowered. I will lead by example and strive to bring out the best in each elected councillor and staff by encouraging, supporting, praising and empowering.
A2. Hold me to this
Name one specific result residents can measure and hold you to by the end of your term.
Ray Dhaliwal
The result you can hold me to is to bring back stability in council….the tone will be set in the first two meetings .then everyone will be at ease and work on the tasks of running the CIty.
Together we grow stronger.
Ivory Winston
At the beginning of my term and throughout: Peace in the council chambers. Council meetings will be civil, respectful places where all feel welcome and voices are heard.
A3. Everyone belongs
How will you make sure every resident, including newcomers, Indigenous neighbours, seniors and people with disabilities, is heard and can reach the services they need?
Ray Dhaliwal
I am President of the Kamloops Multicultural Society and have members from many different countries, we all come together monthly and plan the Canada Day Celebrations for the past 54 years…i have been chair for the past 20 years….Also we have a great relationship with the Kamloops Immigration Society i am a member {my mother has been a board member for 40 years of the Kamloops Immigration Services} and the Tk’emlups Band..they participate in our Celebration with food Dance and Prayer… Yes, I am involved with welcoming people from all walks of life and abilities already and make them feel welcome and involve them in organising our event to make them feel comfortable, we have members up 91 years of age in our group{ My Mother} and some of them have members since the start me included….
Ivory Winston
I agree, everyone belongs and everyone matters. I propose a new digital and in-person connection platform where people can truly interact with our City staff including Mayor and Council to share ideas, receive information and be heard.
B1. Showing up
Have you attended a Stand with Ukraine gathering in Kamloops?
Ray Dhaliwal
No i have not stood with the group on 1st avenue, Saturday is my day to work at the shop.
Ivory Winston
YES! I had the honour of stopping by today (Oct 10, 2026). It meant taking a stand for peace in the world and specifically peace and the preservation of Life in Ukraine. I am part Ukrainian and yet know very little of my heritage and look forward to further connecting with my ancestry and standing by Ukraine as an independent and free country.
B2. In your role
If elected, how will you stand with Ukraine, and with the Ukrainian families who have made Kamloops their home since 2022?
Ray Dhaliwal
I would welcome everyone from where ever they are from…I grew up with a Ukrainian family on our street since the 1960s…The Kinachucks , the newcomers i would like to meet with them and welcome them when they arrive…as the journey for them and the turmoil and hardship is something we can only imagine…It would make them feel welcomed if an Official met with them when they settled to make them feel like we all care..which we all do.
Ivory Winston
I would love to get to know this community and if invited would be honoured to attend any events and see how the City can further support this community, especially newcomers who have arrived since the war started.
B3. Remembering together
Would you help Kamloops mark February 24 (the anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion), August 24 (Ukrainian Independence Day) and Holodomor Memorial Day (the fourth Saturday of November, remembering the 1932 to 1933 famine-genocide in Ukraine)?
Ray Dhaliwal
YES On Each of these Important Days i would welcome a delegation to come to Kamloops to present what these days mean and give a brief explanation and yes i believe we will be able to do a proclamation..i would have to check with our legal staff of course…it would be as close as we can to the date but at a regular council meeting before the dates in question.
Ivory Winston
Yes, I would be glad to personally mark these dates and am willing to attend events if invited. As for whether I would support the City in marking these dates I’m not sure and only for the reason of there likely being a lot of key dates in the various cultures represented in Kamloops and I would like our City to be a representation of many cultures and peoples. I would be very much open to continuing this conversation.
City Council
Nine of 29 council candidates replied. Eight councillors will be elected.
A1. Your priorities
What are the most important issues you will work on for Kamloops, and what is the first step you will take?
Nancy Bepple
Housing – ensuring there is a range of housing options for diverse needs
Economy – working with others to grow the mine supply sector. There are already 420 mine supply companies in Kamloops, and this is a good opportunity to strengthen our economy
Sustainability- we are being hammered by climate change. We need to invest more in fire smart, flood protection and emergency support services
Kathrine Blair-Wunderlich
My priorities are fiscal responsibility, transparency, safer neighbourhoods proper decorum at city hall, and housing that people can afford. Residents need confidence that their taxes support essential services and that public decisions are made openly.
My first step would be to seek council support for a public review of our finances and service priorities, including debt, reserves, staffing and major capital commitments. That would help us identify savings while protecting the services residents depend on.
Bryce Eberle
My priorities are building a safer, more affordable and more liveable Kamloops. That means improving public safety, encouraging responsible growth, attracting businesses and families, and making better use of the money we already have.
My first step would be to review where our money is going and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and remove unnecessary barriers to development. I believe we need to understand the challenges before we can effectively address them.
Ian Head
I am a Seniors Advocate focused on affordable housing and issues of safety and their ability to access amenities and services that already exist and those that need attention like dedicated transport services.
Crime prevention
Public safety
City Hall accountability
Audits ,(forensic) of all harm reduction and housing shelters and services
Tourism and & use of facilities as well as affordability for growing youth involvement in sports and the arts.
Lyndsay McDonald
My priorities are housing affordability, safer neighbourhoods, responsible spending, transparency, and meaningful public participation. I believe sustainable solutions begin by examining root causes rather than repeatedly managing the symptoms. My first step is to examine existing municipal programs, spending commitments, and service gaps, while listening directly to residents, frontline workers, businesses, and community organizations. I want to identify opportunities to improve outcomes by working with what we already have, strengthening collaboration, and making City Hall more accessible and accountable to the people it serves.
Christopher Mitra
My top priority revolves around street disorder and clean, safe neighbourhoods. My first step would be to create a city services “Rapid Response” team that deals exclusively with many of the visible signs of street disorder (litter, biological waste, vandalism and graffiti)
Katie Neustaeter
Economic development (fiscal responsibility), increased public safety, and further expansion of the housing continuum are high priorities for me.
Economic development (fiscal responsibility): the airport lands post-rezoning is a great opportunity for expanded investment that will increase commercial property taxes, promote job growth, and create business diversity. These kinds of expansions will help diversify our revenue streams and lessen dependency on residential taxpayers.
Increased public safety: I’m proud of the work I have done to strengthen public safety in my first term and look forward to advancing this work in another term. This will include an Integrated Court and continued pursuit of a Sobering and Assessment Centre in Kamloops.
Further expansion of the housing continuum: housing options must exist for all people in our community. Currently there are gaps that are barriers for identified demographics including young adults, low income seniors, and those in need of second stage housing. We began to see progress in smoothing the housing continuum in my first term and options like Coops, creative land use, digitized application tools, provincial investment, and more will be part of the solution.
Kadin Rainville
With the cost of living ever increasing, I will have a large focus on creating efficiencies at the municipal level to streamline processes. The goal here is to expedite wait times thus reducing staff workloads and reducing costs to the municipality as well as end users of various departments like permitting, zoning and document requests.
Randy Sunderman
For me, three priorities if elected are:
- Community safety and well-being, specifically, we need to continue to work on providing the supports to help people experiencing homelessness and trauma to find stability and security. At the same time, we can no longer allow businesses and residents to be subjected to crime. How we weave together a more supportive plan that is collaborative, implementable and leads to measurable change is key over the next four years.
- Disciplined Fiscal Responsibility, as City taxes and charges rise, pressure is mounting on the City to become more respectful on how it spends taxpayer money. Businesses, seniors, and residents on fiscal incomes are all finding their own finances becoming increasingly under pressure living in the City. The next council will need to find ways to drive spending into service delivery over management expenses. It will also need to determine which capital projects are true priorities and clearly linked to core service delivery in the City.
- Local Economic Vitality is the key to generating the wealth that supports our overall quality of living. Within the City we are seeing businesses struggle with fees and costs of doing business in Kamloops. Externally, we are on the verge of a generational shift in our trade partners that will bring with it short-term pain for Kamloops and British Columbia. Already we can see effects of the collapse of the forest sector in the province. Kamloops needs to get ahead of the curve, working to protect what we have and forging new relationships with institutions like TRU to build new areas of employment and wealth for our community.
A2. Hold me to this
Name one specific result residents can measure and hold you to by the end of your term.
Nancy Bepple
I will support housing for diverse community members. 1 in 3 in Kamloops lives alone. 1 in 3 households is 2 people. Single parents are the largest group in core housing needs. All types of housing are required.
Kathrine Blair-Wunderlich
By the end of my term, I want residents to have a publicly accessible quarterly financial report showing the City’s debt, reserve balances and major capital projects, including budget changes and explanations for cost overruns.
Residents could measure this commitment by whether those reports are published consistently and clearly. I would bring forward the proposal, work to secure council’s support and publicly report on its progress.
Bryce Eberle
I want to be held accountable for making it easier to build more homes in Kamloops.
With almost 20 years of experience in building design, I understand the challenges developers and homeowners face. Increasing housing supply is one of the most important ways we can help ease pressure on housing costs.
I want to see measurable improvements in development approval timelines and the number of new homes being approved and built by the end of my term.
Ian Head
I want to be a true advocate and put into place better life and ease of living measures for the Elderly who for all intent built this City and so well deserve the respect that in my mind is dismal at best.
Lyndsay McDonald
I want residents to be able to see exactly how their input influences municipal decisions. By the end of my term, I will work toward establishing a transparent, publicly accessible process for residents to propose, rank, and help prioritize eligible community projects within a designated municipal budget. Progress should be measured through published participation numbers, project rankings, budget allocations, and implementation updates. Residents deserve more than opportunities to speak; they deserve clear evidence of what happened after they were heard.
Christopher Mitra
This is a tough one. No single person on council has any power to do anything on their own. Change only happens when you work as a team and get 5 or more council people to agree on a change. I guess my answer would be that you can hold me to ensuring I always work effectively with the rest of the council and approach the job as a team member
Katie Neustaeter
This question always makes me uncomfortable as the nature of a City Council demands consensus building and not individual, niche promises. It can become divisive when members of Council insist that their own tactics and objectives should trump that of the group because they made promises during a campaign without input from the whole. I commit to working with my colleagues on the issues that matter to Kamloops, advancing opportunities that will help Kamloops thrive, and working on the broader priories I set out above while including the ideas, concerns, and information staff identify in the process.
That being said, the development of the airport lands is very high on my list of To Dos.
Kadin Rainville
When a motion needs to pass by 5 votes I am very conscious that an individual needs the buy-in from other councillors to move an item forward. One thing that will be easy to do by myself though is a concept I have been calling “Coffee with a Councillor”. This gives the public a non formal way to engage with council and put forth their thoughts and concerns. With AI technology these days, you can use an AI recorder for those meetings, put it into a program like ChatGPT to analyze common themes and create action plans. This takes the time of the councillor and 10 minutes after 6 months of meetings to consolidate the information and create that next step.
Randy Sunderman
A diversified tax base driven by economic development initiatives that grow good paying jobs and include collaboration with key organizations in Kamloops.
A3. Everyone belongs
How will you make sure every resident, including newcomers, Indigenous neighbours, seniors and people with disabilities, is heard and can reach the services they need?
Nancy Bepple
In this council I brought forward the motion that council adopted the Kamloops joined the Canadian Commission for UNESCO’s Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities(formerly the Coalition of Municipalities Against Racism and Discrimination). It has resulted in a conference co-sponsored with T’Kemlups featuring diverse people. I continue look at ways of supporting diverse voices in the community.
Kathrine Blair-Wunderlich
People should not have to know someone at City Hall to be heard. I support restoring public inquiries, opportunities for non-agenda public comment and two-way neighbourhood town halls.
I would work with newcomer organizations, Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, seniors’ groups and disability advocates to identify barriers to participation and services. That includes accessible meeting spaces, plain-language information, telephone and in-person options, and help finding the right service.
I also support a permanent Seniors Advisory Committee. My experience advocating for workers, seniors and tenants has taught me that listening must lead to follow-through.
Bryce Eberle
I believe representing people starts with listening to them.
Throughout this campaign, I’ve made an effort to get out into the community, meet with organizations, and better understand the challenges residents face.
I want to continue building relationships with Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, newcomers, seniors, people with disabilities, and the organizations supporting them. I also want to make it easier for residents to find information, access services, and have their voices heard.
Ian Head
I will apply equal attention to all residents and make no less of an attempt to support all you have mentioned . I would want to see inclusion and unity for all walks of life and push for more interactions at the community level to build community and allow for all citizens to share their voice in the planning of our future as opposed to the shutting out we are seeing with the current administration. I will put motions forward to create community Town Halls that will share the wants and needs of us in chambers and at the same time bring our members of said communities together to share our diversities and promote talent and creative ideas. Together we are better.
Lyndsay McDonald
Inclusion requires more than an invitation to attend a council meeting. I will advocate for accessible engagement options, plain-language information, outreach beyond City Hall, and meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities, disability advocates, seniors, newcomers, and frontline organizations. I also want to strengthen connections between existing housing, healthcare, education, employment, and community supports so residents can navigate services without falling through the gaps. Every person deserves dignity, a sense of belonging, and a genuine opportunity to contribute, regardless of their circumstances.
Christopher Mitra
We can always do better in this area. I would like to see us bring back public input at council meetings and start to hold open community forums every quarter where any resident can show up and say their piece. I’d also like to see City Hall have a much improved customer service mindset that revolves around ensuring people can easily find the resources they need.
Katie Neustaeter
The City of Kamloops takes pride in the strong relationship we have with our local social service sector. In my first term I showed strong support for community building and the partners that make this possible. A good government knows when to get out of the way so that experts can do the work with support from leadership.
We should look through an inclusive lens when considering policy while asking: who is not at the table for this decision-making? Whether it’s Kamloops Immigrant Services, the Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society, Kamloops Society for Community Inclusion, Centre for Seniors Information BC Interior Society, or others, we have local resources who we should lean on to ensure we’re building a city that works for all.
Kadin Rainville
This is the beautiful thing about Canada. My wife is a first generation Canadian who’s parents arrived as refugees so I have a fulsome appreciation for newcomers to Canada and the challenges they face when they arrive. The city can have lists of resources to provide on all aspects listed above. There is an ever growing challenge of trying to navigate resources. Some organizations are building AI systems that can assist with this, streamlining the process for people reaching out and allowing 24 hour support without an increase in staffing.
Randy Sunderman
Communication between residents and the City needs to improve and we need to formalize several key opportunities including:
a) Allowing room for all people to attend council meetings and again Bring Enquiries – it is critical that residents have access to council meetings. Utilizing the Kia Lounge on a regular basis to accommodate attendees may be required. Bringing back resident enquiries is an important part of connecting with residents and should be reinstated.
b) Establishing Neighbourhood Associations as “Stakeholders” – Currently organizations like the Business Improvement Associations (BIAs) and Chamber are considered stakeholders and are given opportunities to directly participate on a variety of City outreach programs. This is a good thing. For example, the Chamber participates in budget feed back in a formal setting that offers tangible input. In 2014, the Kamloops Voters Society asked to have Neighbourhood Associations included as Stakeholders, but so far, the City has declined. Allowing Neighbourhood Associations to formally participate in the budgeting process (66% of property tax comes from residents) and on developments in their neighbourhoods would strengthen community involvement and better reflect local knowledge when projects are developed.
c) Revamp the Budget Consultation Process – The Kamloops Voters Society pushed for the establishment of the budget meetings and saw them come into place about a decade ago. While the first couple were interactive, they have steadily moved towards information sessions. While it is a good opportunity to meet staff, the process has become less about input and more about presentations. The process would be improved by having a community committee that includes representatives from residents, businesses, developers, non-profits, etc. and serve as a sounding board through the early development of the budget each year. This can be done by having it earlier in the budget cycle and better articulate how citizen input has been incorporated.
d) Enhanced Follow Up to Resident Enquiries- The City has increasingly turned to digital and on-line tools such as “Let’s Talk Kamloops” to communicate with residents. While this can be a helpful step in having simple enquiries addressed, it needs to be aware of its limitations. The City should assign a specific staff person to follow up challenging enquiries and to make sure the question has been adequately addressed in a timely fashion. We have seen instances where an individual has been passed from department manager to department manager with no resolution coming until the individual gets frustrated and leaves. This is not a good use of staff time, nor does it support the resident’s information needs. By having an individual responsible to follow up and advocate, questions should be resolved quicker with more satisfactory outcomes.
B1. Showing up
Have you attended a Stand with Ukraine gathering in Kamloops?
Nancy Bepple
Yes, I have attended a number of times and as I am able will do so again in the future.
Kathrine Blair-Wunderlich
Yes I have attended one of your gatherings along with Randy Sunderman.
Thank you for the invitation to join you. These gatherings give people an opportunity to show solidarity, remember those affected by the war and remind Ukrainian families that their neighbours care.
Bryce Eberle
I haven’t attended a Stand with Ukraine gathering, but I appreciate the invitation.
I’ll admit I’m not fully knowledgeable about the history and complexities of the conflict. What I do understand is the devastating impact war has on families.
As a father, I can’t imagine having to leave my home and everything I’ve worked for to keep my children safe. I respect those who continue showing their support and would welcome the opportunity to attend and learn more.
Ian Head
I have not previously attended but have honked extensively at passing you all during my passing. I would love to attend and meet you as it is my attention to meet as many new and current citizens. Unfortunately I have commitments in caring for my 92 year old mother in Oliver B.C. that gets priority if I am required to be present as I share this obligation with My sister who may or may not be available. Please understand my situation.
Lyndsay McDonald
Ultimately, I have not yet attended one of these gatherings, but I respect the consistency and commitment of residents who have gathered peacefully since February 2022. Showing up week after week demonstrates that solidarity is not simply a statement made during a moment of public attention; it is an ongoing commitment to remembering people affected by war and ensuring their experiences are not forgotten. Thank you for extending the invitation. I appreciate knowing that this community connection continues beyond election day.
Christopher Mitra
Thank you very much for this opportunity. While I haven’t participated in the past, I welcome the open invitation and commend your continued commitment to the Stand With Ukraine gathering
Katie Neustaeter
Yes. I have been proud to stand with Ukraine since demonstrations started in 2022. I have attended the gatherings and anniversaries. This is a profound and personal experience that reminds us all that oppression, violence, and displacement are real things happening to real people every day. We need to be present and vocal in our demand that sovereignty and freedom are the birthright of every Ukrainian.
I have also helped to fundraise and coordinate programming for those who have been displaced and are arriving in Canada while fleeing violence.
Kadin Rainville
I have not attended an event of Stand with Ukraine yet.
Randy Sunderman
Yes, I have been there. I was struck by the first rally in front of the court house when the war first started. I stood with a couple of young Ukraine students who were heading home to fight for their country. It highlighted that there comes a time in our lives when we have to place our own plans and goals on hold to defend our democracy and our families.
B2. In your role
If elected, how will you stand with Ukraine, and with the Ukrainian families who have made Kamloops their home since 2022?
Nancy Bepple
The best way is to work with and support groups in community who work with immigrants and families. Ensuring there is adequate housing and employment opportunities is also important.
Kathrine Blair-Wunderlich
If elected, I would stand with Ukraine’s right to sovereignty and independence and support Ukrainian families building their lives in Kamloops.
In my municipal role, I would listen to families and community organizations about practical needs, including housing, transportation, recreation and access to services. I would help connect people with settlement supports and support cultural events that build understanding and belonging.
Families who have fled war deserve a welcoming community where they can participate, contribute and feel at home.
Bryce Eberle
I believe everyone deserves to feel safe, welcome, and supported in the community they call home.
As a councillor, I would support opportunities for Ukrainian families to connect with our community and access the services they need.
While international conflicts are outside municipal jurisdiction, how we welcome and support families who have made Kamloops their home is something we can influence.
Ian Head
As I mentioned in my opening remarks, I support any and all events as a Counsellor should. Our demands are extensive and availability is as it should be shared equally with all community support groups. Adding that my traveling to Oliver puts added restraints on my time. I will be able to assist in the welcoming of my Ukrainian friends and look forward to what the city provides when I have a better understanding as to what is being done at present. I would be open to pushing motions to increase our cities efforts in making an easier and welcoming experience for all future and previous people.
Lyndsay McDonald
As a councillor, I would support appropriate municipal recognition of Ukraine, promote inclusive community events, and listen to Ukrainian residents about the challenges they face building a life here. I would also advocate for accessible connections to local settlement supports, community services, and opportunities for participation. Municipal government cannot resolve an international war, but it can help ensure that people displaced by conflict are welcomed with dignity, that their contributions are valued, and that our community continues to recognize the human cost of war.
Christopher Mitra
I would be very interested in meeting with someone to talk more about your cause. I know many of the details, but it’s only what I read in the news, and I would like to get a more personal perspective
Katie Neustaeter
By continuing the various support outlined above.
Kadin Rainville
A friend of mine immigrated from Ukraine 15 years ago to Kamloops. He has since moved to Calgary for work opportunities but he provided in depth perspective to the challenges his family that is still in Ukraine has been facing since 2022. I believe our country can provide a safe haven for people seeking refuge from war in their home country. This is also how my wife’s family came to Canada. I stand with all refugees who seek a safe country to call home. I would like to learn more from your organization on what you could see a partnership with the City would look like.
Randy Sunderman
On a personal level, I do not plan to change anything. I plan to try and make as many Stand With Ukraine weekends as I can and participate in the fundraisers and community events that come along.
B3. Remembering together
Would you help Kamloops mark February 24 (the anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion), August 24 (Ukrainian Independence Day) and Holodomor Memorial Day (the fourth Saturday of November, remembering the 1932 to 1933 famine-genocide in Ukraine)?
Nancy Bepple
Council does not do proclamations, but I would be interested in attending community events. I have attended Holodomor Memorial Day events and other community unit events in the past.
Kathrine Blair-Wunderlich
Yes. I would support council proclamations recognizing February 24, Ukrainian Independence Day on August 24, and Holodomor Memorial Day on the fourth Saturday of November.
I would work with the local Ukrainian community on respectful commemorations, help raise awareness through City communications and attend whenever possible. I would also encourage partnerships with schools and community organizations, while respecting their authority over their own programming.
Bryce Eberle
Yes, I’m open to exploring appropriate ways to recognize these dates.
I respect the importance of remembering history and recognizing the experiences of others. While I’m not prepared to commit to specific proclamations without understanding the process, I certainly wouldn’t stand in the way of having that conversation.
I believe being a good councillor means listening, learning, and making informed decisions. I would welcome the opportunity to hear from our local Ukrainian community about what these dates mean to them.
Ian Head
YES ! I support all the ideas you have mentioned and I will be honest, as a new councillor I will need to investigate our charter and find out how and any motions I am able to put forward in recognizing the plight and future of our Ukrainian brothers and sisters. I spent years working in a Group of entertainers in the Music Business Years Ago in Winnipeg Manitoba , rich in Ukrainian heritage, and attended many weddings and cultural events most notably Folklarama. I would love to get behind any function that caters to uniting our many cultures we have now in Kamloops and look at motions to build on our own Folklarama event. As for our schools I will definitely inquire about your suggestions once we know who will be involved as trustees.
Lyndsay McDonald
Yes. In my role as a councillor, I would support appropriate council proclamations and public recognition of February 24th, Ukrainian Independence Day on August 24th, and Holodomor Memorial Day. I would encourage collaboration with Ukrainian community members to ensure these commemorations are respectful, historically informed, and meaningful. Where appropriate, I would also support educational partnerships and community events that help residents understand Ukraine’s history, honour those who suffered, and recognize the importance of freedom, human dignity, and peaceful coexistence.
Christopher Mitra
Yes, I would certainly support you bringing this forward to council. As a new candidate running, I’m not entirely sure of the process required to obtain a council proclamation, and anything that would happen in the schools would probably need to go through a school trustee, but I would help you to get this issue in front of council
Katie Neustaeter
I would be open to discussing how the City could support these efforts. The City of Kamloops does not issue proclamations, but creative alternatives can be found.
Kadin Rainville
This is much larger than a municipal issue. IF the municipality were to support something like this then I’d like to see an action plan to help some specific charitable organizations involving community engagement. I find too often that dates are set with no call to action for our citizens to actually help a cause.
I know these are brief answers. This is a topic that I am not the most knowledgeable on so I would conduct a certain amount of research before committing to certain actions. Part of my campaign is to consistently engage with our community to see what their needs are and come to collaborative solutions.
Randy Sunderman
Yes, I have tried to attend these events over the past four years and would like to see the City make the Band Shell available as a more appropriate venue for these periods of remembering when the community comes together. In addition, I like the event that displayed the artwork from young people living in the war zones that was held at the Old Court House. I found this to be a powerful reflection of the pain and suffering the Ukrainian community is facing. A presentation like this is critical to remind us of the terror that is taking place.
School Trustee (SD73)
Two of 16 trustee candidates replied. Five trustees will be elected.
A1. Your priorities
What are the most important issues you will work on for Kamloops, and what is the first step you will take?
Alexandra Bercea
My priorities are student safety, mental health, literacy and numeracy, attendance, belonging, and stronger communication with families. I also want resources to reach students facing the greatest barriers. My first step would be to listen to students, families, educators and community partners, review the data and existing supports, and identify where gaps are preventing students from fully participating and succeeding in school.
James Blenkhorn
My priorities are safe, welcoming schools; student success; clear communication with families; and responsible use of taxpayer dollars. I want every student to feel safe, respected and accepted, and every family to know their concerns matter. My first step would be listening to parents, students, teachers, support staff and community members to understand their experiences and identify practical solutions. I believe effective decisions begin with listening to understand, not simply to respond. I would work collaboratively with fellow trustees, ask thoughtful questions and advocate for decisions that keep students’ well-being and success at the centre.
A2. Hold me to this
Name one specific result residents can measure and hold you to by the end of your term.
Alexandra Bercea
One result I would want residents to hold me accountable for is greater transparency around student supports. By the end of my term, families should be able to clearly understand what supports exist, how to access them, where gaps remain, and how the district is measuring progress in areas such as attendance, student well-being, literacy and numeracy. I would honour an invitation from school to sit in the classrooms and see first hand the issues emerging .
James Blenkhorn
By the end of my term, I want residents to see measurable improvements in communication and transparency between the Board and the community. I would commit to regularly sharing updates about the concerns I hear, the questions I raise, and the actions or decisions that follow. Trustees make decisions collectively, so I cannot promise every outcome on my own. However, I can promise to listen, ask questions, explain my positions and report back to residents. Families should not have to wonder whether their concerns have been heard. I want people to hold me accountable for how I represent them.
A3. Everyone belongs
How will you make sure every resident, including newcomers, Indigenous neighbours, seniors and people with disabilities, is heard and can reach the services they need?
Alexandra Bercea
I believe every person deserves to feel included, respected and able to access the support they need. I would support accessible communication, meaningful consultation and stronger relationships with Indigenous communities, newcomers, seniors, people with disabilities and community organizations. Families should not have to navigate complicated systems alone. Services should be clear, accessible and connected, and community voices should be heard before decisions are made, not only afterward.
James Blenkhorn
I believe everyone deserves dignity, respect and a sense of belonging. As a trustee, I would advocate for accessible communication between schools, families and the district, ensuring people can share concerns regardless of their background or circumstances. I would support inclusive school environments, listen to diverse perspectives and encourage partnerships with community organizations to help families access appropriate resources. I recognize that trustees do not control every community service, but we can help identify barriers and work collaboratively toward solutions. My approach is straightforward: listen without assumptions, treat people fairly, and follow up when concerns are raised.
B1. Showing up
Have you attended a Stand with Ukraine gathering in Kamloops?
Alexandra Bercea
I have not yet attended the Saturday gathering, but supporting Ukraine has been personal for my family. I am Romanian, and through our connections in Romania, my family personally has helped send humanitarian aid into Ukraine, including seven containers of food, clothing, children’s supplies and other necessities. That support continues today. I have seen how neighbouring communities can step forward when families are displaced by war, and I would be honoured to stand alongside the Kamloops community in that same spirit of solidarity.
James Blenkhorn
I have not yet attended a gathering, but I respect those who continue to show their support. I believe showing up matters, particularly when people are experiencing hardship and uncertainty. These gatherings remind us that behind the headlines are real people, families and children whose lives have been profoundly affected by war. To me, standing together represents compassion, freedom, human dignity and community solidarity. It is important that Ukrainian families know they have not been forgotten and that their neighbours care about their experiences and the future of their country.
B2. In your role
If elected, how will you stand with Ukraine, and with the Ukrainian families who have made Kamloops their home since 2022?
Alexandra Bercea
If elected, I would stand with Ukrainian families while applying the same principle to every student and family in our district: everyone deserves to feel safe, included and that they belong. My family has supported humanitarian efforts for Ukraine through Romania, so this is personally meaningful to me. Whether a family is Ukrainian, Indigenous, Romanian, newly arrived in Canada or has lived here for generations, their culture and identity should be respected. Schools should be places where every child feels seen, supported and welcome.
James Blenkhorn
As a school trustee, I would stand with Ukraine by helping ensure Ukrainian students and families feel welcome, safe, respected and included in our schools. Children who have experienced war and displacement deserve understanding and the opportunity to succeed. I would advocate for appropriate student supports, strong communication with families, and school environments free from bullying and discrimination. I would also support age appropriate educational opportunities that help students understand Ukrainian history, culture and experiences. Most importantly, I would listen to Ukrainian families, take their concerns seriously and work with fellow trustees, school staff and community organizations to address barriers within the school district’s responsibility.
B3. Remembering together
Would you help Kamloops mark February 24 (the anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion), August 24 (Ukrainian Independence Day) and Holodomor Memorial Day (the fourth Saturday of November, remembering the 1932 to 1933 famine-genocide in Ukraine)?
Alexandra Bercea
Yes. I would support appropriate recognition of these dates in our schools, particularly where they connect to existing curriculum and meaningful learning. I would want any recognition to go beyond symbolism and help students understand the history, human rights issues, war, displacement and resilience connected to these events. I would also want to understand how each date would be approached in practice, what students would actually learn, and ensure the learning is age-appropriate, balanced and respectful of the many communities represented in our schools.
James Blenkhorn
Yes. I support recognizing these important dates and ensuring Ukrainian history is not forgotten. February 24 marks the anniversary of Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine, August 24 is Ukrainian Independence Day, and Holodomor Memorial Day honours the victims of the 1932 to 1933 famine genocide in Ukraine. As a trustee, I would support appropriate educational opportunities within SD73 and encourage respectful, age appropriate recognition in our schools. I would also welcome collaboration with Ukrainian community organizations and appropriate civic representatives to explore community remembrance events or a City proclamation. Remembering these events helps teach compassion, freedom, human rights and the importance of standing together.
How to reach every candidate
Candidates who answered:
| Candidate | Office | How to reach them |
|---|---|---|
| Ray Dhaliwal | Mayor | rayformayor26@gmail.com, 250-214-7297 |
| Ivory Winston | Mayor | Ivory@winstonformayor.ca |
| Nancy Bepple | City Council | nancybepplekamloops@gmail.com, nancybepplekamloops.com |
| Kathrine Blair-Wunderlich | City Council | kathrine@pivotkamloops.com |
| Bryce Eberle | City Council | bryceeberleforcouncil@gmail.com, 250-819-0897 |
| Ian Head | City Council | ianforcouncillor@gmail.com |
| Lyndsay McDonald | City Council | ask.lyndsaymcd@gmail.com, 236-313-2884 |
| Christopher Mitra | City Council | info@christophermitra.ca, http://www.christophermitra.ca |
| Katie Neustaeter | City Council | katie4kamloops@gmail.com |
| Kadin Rainville | City Council | kadin4council2026@gmail.com, http://www.kadin4council2026.ca, 778-538-2453 |
| Randy Sunderman | City Council | rsunman@telus.net |
| Alexandra Bercea | School Trustee | vote.bercea@gmail.com, votebercea.ca |
| James Blenkhorn | School Trustee | JamesDBlenkhorn@gmail.com, jamesblenkhorn4sd73.com |
Candidates who did not respond by the October 11 deadline:
| Candidate | Office | How to reach them |
|---|---|---|
| Nelly Dever | Mayor | nelly@pivotkamloops.com |
| Reid Hamer-Jackson | Mayor | hamer4mayor@gmail.com |
| Kris Lloyd-Middleton | Mayor | kris.middleton@telus.net |
| Mike O’Reilly | Mayor | mike@electmikeoreilly.ca |
| Brian Andrews | City Council | brian@andrewsforkamloops.ca |
| Dave Baker | City Council | baker4council@gmail.com |
| Dale Bass | City Council | votedalebass@gmail.com |
| Rob Bertrand | City Council | rob@robforkamloops.ca |
| Steve Bucher | City Council | steve@stevebucher.ca |
| Bonnie Cleland | City Council | bonnieclelandforcouncil@gmail.com |
| Alberto De Marni | City Council | albertodemarni@gmail.com |
| Dennis Giesbrecht | City Council | cor_den@telus.net |
| Mac B Gordon | City Council | macgordonbc@gmail.com |
| Kelly Hall | City Council | KellyHall2727@outlook.com |
| Stephen Karpuk | City Council | stephenkarpuk@gmail.com |
| Margot Middleton | City Council | margot@margotmiddleton.ca |
| Barbara Morin | City Council | barbmorin@gmail.com |
| Robin Reeb | City Council | Robinreeb@gmail.com |
| Jesse Ritcey | City Council | jesse@ritceyforcouncil.ca |
| Doug Ronnquist | City Council | dougronnquist@gmail.com |
| Bill Sarai | City Council | billsarai4kamloops@gmail.com |
| Cindy Sonne | City Council | cindysonne2026citycouncil.org (no public email) |
| Greg Unger | City Council | gregungerforkamloops@gmail.com |
| Nevin Webster | City Council | nevinwebster@gmail.com |
| Tyler Aviss | School Trustee | http://www.aviss.ca (no public email) |
| Shahriar Behmanesh | School Trustee | shahriarbfortrustee@gmail.com |
| Sean Campbell | School Trustee | seancampbell4schooltrustee@gmail.com |
| Heather Grieve | School Trustee | heathergrieve@shaw.ca |
| Katherine Gulley | School Trustee | katherineforsd73@gmail.com |
| Cole Hickson | School Trustee | votehicksonsd73@gmail.com |
| Jimmy Johal | School Trustee | info@JimmyJohal.com |
| Jo Kang | School Trustee | jodhbirkang@gmail.com |
| Kathleen Karpuk | School Trustee | kkarpuk@gmail.com |
| Aaron Krausert | School Trustee | aaronk@remax.net |
| Troylana Manson | School Trustee | troylana63@gmail.com |
| Bonnie McBride | School Trustee | beans6@telus.net |
| John O’Fee | School Trustee | jofee@sd73.bc.ca |
| Deb Piggin | School Trustee | pigginfortrustee@gmail.com |
Thank you
Thank you to Ray Dhaliwal, Ivory Winston, Nancy Bepple, Kathrine Blair-Wunderlich, Bryce Eberle, Ian Head, Lyndsay McDonald, Christopher Mitra, Katie Neustaeter, Kadin Rainville, Randy Sunderman, Alexandra Bercea and James Blenkhorn for taking the time to answer, and to everyone who put their name forward to serve our city and our schools.
These questions grew from Where the Rivers Meet, my spring 2026 report on the strengths of our city. You can read about it here: Where the Rivers Meet: What I Learned About Kamloops.
Whoever is elected, our community will offer to meet with you and keep working together. Everyone is welcome to join us any Saturday at 3:00 PM near City Hall.
Kamloops is strengthened by everyone who shows up for it. Please vote.
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