Where Teresa stands

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.