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Questions & answers

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers about who I am, where I stand, and how to take part.

Meet Teresa

Who is Teresa May?
I'm a Kelowna business owner, community volunteer, mother and grandmother, and I'm running for Kelowna City Council in the October 2026 election. I've spent decades serving this community through local charities and organizations, and I've built and run businesses here. I believe in a listening-first approach to City Hall that's practical, not ideological.
Why are you running for City Council?
I'm running because Kelowna is my home, and I care deeply about what kind of city we're leaving for the next generation. Becoming a grandmother changed how I look at our community. I think about whether my grandchildren will be able to afford to live here, feel safe here, and build a life here. I've spent much of my life trying to make a positive difference through volunteering and community service, and now I'm ready to serve in a different way. I believe the future deserves experienced leadership, practical solutions, and a council that never loses sight of the people it serves.
What makes you different from other candidates?
I'm approachable, I listen, and I genuinely care, and I'm practical rather than ideological. I understand business and I understand development, and I bring decades of hands-on community service rather than talking points. I want to leave this community stronger than I found it, not for myself, but for the generations that come after us.
What experience do you bring to City Council?
I'm a community leader with decades of volunteer service, an entrepreneur who has built and run businesses, an educator, and a job provider. One thing I'm proud of is starting “Get Your Onesie On,” a fundraiser for mental health awareness that we ran for several years, raising money and getting people talking about something that really matters. That's how I like to work: see a need, bring people together, and make something happen. I bring practical leadership, fiscal responsibility, and a listening-first approach, because I've spent my life bringing people together to solve real problems.

Where Teresa stands

What's your position on housing affordability?
Kelowna's rapid growth is putting real pressure on housing affordability, and we need more housing options in the right locations while respecting our established neighbourhoods. I support streamlining development approvals without compromising good planning. I know this issue firsthand, because I work alongside my husband in residential construction, so I understand what actually makes a home affordable or unaffordable to build.
How would you improve public safety?
Kelowna residents deserve to feel safe in their homes, parks, neighbourhoods and businesses. I support strengthening the partnerships between the City, the RCMP, Interior Health, BC Housing, outreach organizations and local businesses, and continuing to invest in community safety initiatives. I'd also push for clearer communication on measurable results, so residents can see what's actually working.
What's your approach to homelessness and mental health?
We have to keep our community safe while making sure people experiencing homelessness and addiction have real pathways to recovery. I support advocating for more recovery-focused treatment and mental health services, and working with senior levels of government to bring resources to our community. Mental health has mattered to me for a long time. Years before this campaign, I started “Get Your Onesie On,” a fundraiser to raise money and awareness for mental health. These are complex challenges, and they need genuine partnership, not blame.
How would you support local businesses and the economy?
Local businesses are the backbone of Kelowna's economy, and City Hall needs to make it easier, not harder, for them to succeed. I'd focus on reducing red tape and unnecessary delays, creating safer commercial areas, and helping our existing businesses grow, while giving smaller local companies a fair shot at City contracts. It always makes me sad to see a new business open and only survive a few months. I want us to keep more businesses here and help them thrive.
What would you do for seniors and families?
Supporting seniors and families comes down to making Kelowna a city where people can afford to stay, feel safe and stay connected to their community. For seniors, that means more opportunities to age in place, better accessibility, and housing choices that let someone downsize while staying close to the friends and services they know. For young families, it means attainable housing, safe neighbourhoods, good parks and recreation, and responsible City spending. A safe sidewalk, an accessible bus stop, or an affordable home makes an enormous difference at both ends of life.
How would you approach city spending and taxes?
Kelowna is growing, and residents expect reliable services and infrastructure, but every tax increase needs to be justified, clearly explained, and connected to measurable results. My role as a councillor would be to ask clear questions, examine the evidence, and make sure residents get real value for the taxes and fees they pay. I pride myself on spending wisely in my own life and businesses, and I'd bring that same discipline to City Hall.
Why do you talk about transparency at City Hall?
Because it's the thing I've heard most in my conversations with residents. Part of it is simple: many people don't realize they can go to the City of Kelowna website and sign up for email updates on everything that's happening. The other part is spending. Taxpayers deserve confidence that their money is being used responsibly. I pride myself on spending wisely, and I'll bring that same care to City Hall.

The campaign

What is the 1,000 Conversations Tour?
The 1,000 Conversations Tour is my commitment to sit down one-on-one with residents in every part of Kelowna and simply listen. I'm building my whole campaign around listening first, because the best ideas come from the people who actually live here. Every week I share what I'm hearing, because I believe listening comes before leading.
How can I get involved or reach the campaign?
I'd love to hear from you. You can share your thoughts anytime through the website, come find me at one of my 1,000 Conversations Tour stops, or reach the campaign by email at [email protected]. Whether you want to volunteer, host a coffee, or just tell me what matters to you, every conversation counts.

Voting

When and where do I vote?
Election day is Saturday, October 17, 2026, with advance voting available beforehand. For registration, dates, and your voting locations, see the voter information page on this site. It has everything you need to cast your ballot.

Still have a question?

Email me at [email protected] or come find me on the 1,000 Conversations Tour. Every conversation counts.