RDCO Vice-Chair to run as an Independent in new Kelowna-Lake Country-Coldstream riding

Another Independent has entered the race for the Kelowna-Lake Country-Coldstream riding.

Kevin Kraft, vice-chair of the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) and Conservative Party of Canada nominee, says he will run in the provincial election without ties to any party.

“Traditional party lines often fall short in addressing our specific concerns,” Kraft said in a written statement.

“By running independently, I can focus solely on the best interests of our communities without the constraints of party politics.”

Kraft added he was concerned about how the provincial parties have represented the local communities in the past, noting “the current candidates have been appointed without a true nomination process, depriving residents of a genuine local choice. This lack of meaningful engagement undermines our democratic process and fails to address the unique needs of our riding.”

The now Independent candidate stated the riding encompasses a diverse region that includes agricultural land and producers, key high-elevation water reservoirs, valley bottom lakes, wood lots and rural interface areas, and expanding educational systems, adding the communities support vital economic sectors such as business, tourism and recreation. Kraft stated he believes candidates who lack previous local government experience would face challenges in addressing the needs associated with all these factors, which is why he decided to seek to be the area’s representative in Victoria.

“My goal is to be a relatable and reliable representative who can engage with all constituents and motivate the younger demographic to get involved. As a father of three young children, I share the frustrations surrounding rising living costs, safety concerns, and the growing disconnect between the government and the people. I want to represent young families like mine and the many others who have concerns with the existing political landscape and the policies that are further impacting our day to day lives,” Kraft said.

“Despite these challenges, I remain hopeful and committed to advocating and bringing the voices of Kelowna-Lake Country-Coldstream to Victoria.”

Kraft added that this is a brand new riding this year, and said “it would be imprudent to think that candidates who are from outside of the riding are the best fit for an area where the demands require someone with some experience and multi-layered understanding of the interconnected issues at hand.”

He also said he understands there are issues facing key sectors such as agriculture, wildfire management, freshwater management, and forestry, all of which he wishes to address.

“These are crucial provincial responsibilities, and I am dedicated to ensuring that our natural resources are respected, services are improved, fiscal responsibility and fair taxation are upheld, while advocating to elevate these priorities in the legislature” he stated.

“Knowing the local issues like development pressures and growing population, the need for investment dollars, community safety concerns, Rutland Middle School, upcoming highway projects, local industry issues, agricultural concerns, and an understanding of both rural and municipal communities gives me a strong leg up in true local representation in the legislature”

With the announcement, Kraft became the fourth candidate for the Kelowna-Lake Country-Coldstream riding. He will have his name on the ballot alongside Anna Warwick Sears (NDP), Tara Armstrong (Conservative Party), and Stephanie Hendy (Greens).

General voting for the provincial election will be held on October 19.