Maxine DeHart
Council · Kelowna
Kelowna 55 yrs
About
I have been a councillor since 2011. Also a Director on the RDCO and Chamber of Commerce. I am employed at the Ramada Hotel and have been in media for 29 years. Founded the Maxine DeHart United Way Drive-Thru Breakfast that has raised $1.2M.
Policy commitments
Buildings
We all want healthy, affordable, and comfortable homes. These policies will help to lower energy bills, cut pollution, and improve indoor air quality.
✓
Support electrification of new buildings.
Supportive
✓
Incentivize electric heat pumps and air filtration systems.
Supportive
✓
Incentivize renewable energy, battery storage, and smart-grid technologies in new and existing buildings to improve energy security.
Supportive
✓
Scale up energy retrofits for existing homes, businesses, and public buildings.
Supportive
✓
Implement a 'right to cool' bylaw to protect tenants during extreme heat events.
Supportive
Climate Justice
Our community is already experiencing the harmful impacts of climate change caused by fossil fuel pollution, and taxpayers are on the hook to upgrade and repair critical infrastructure.
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Endorse the fossil fuel treaty and commit to phase out fossil fuels.
Neutral
✓
Enact a moratorium on AI data centres to protect our energy and water resources.
Supportive
✓
Pursue available legal options to recover a fair share of the climate costs facing our community from fossil fuel companies and other big polluters.
Supportive
✓
Collaborate with Indigenous peoples as partners in the stewardship of the land, air, and water, and work towards reconciliation.
Supportive
Ecosystems
The air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat all rely on healthy ecosystems. Nature can also help protect our community from extreme weather by controlling floods, protecting shorelines, and cooling neighbourhoods. Access to nature improves the health and well-being of residents, and supports biodiversity.
✓
Protect and restore ecosystems, which are essential to human survival, health, and economic well-being.
Supportive
✓
Expand and protect tree canopy, parks, and green infrastructure to cool neighbourhoods, clean air, and manage stormwater.
Supportive
✓
Prioritize native tree planting in all areas, especially those with low tree cover, higher population densities, and more vulnerable residents.
Supportive
✓
Create connected urban greenways for people and wildlife.
Supportive
Land Use
We envision vibrant, walkable communities that protect nature and improve food security.
✓
Build affordable homes near jobs, schools, shops, and transit.
Supportive
✓
Upgrade critical infrastructure for heat, fire, flood, and storm resilience.
Supportive
✓
Increase food security by supporting local agriculture and community gardens.
Supportive
Transport
Connecting neighbourhoods through public transit and active transportation networks will cut pollution, improve public health, and make our communities more affordable (and fun!).
✓
Deliver reliable, frequent, affordable local transit.
Supportive
✓
Advocate to improve regional public transit between communities.
Supportive
✓
Build bike and roll networks that are safe for everyone.
Supportive
✓
Expand EV charging infrastructure.
Supportive
Watersheds
Climate change, increasing populations, and overconsumption threaten our water security. Healthy watersheds and forests are critical to support clean drinking water, stormwater management, climate resilience, and biodiversity for future generations.
✓
Implement water conservation plans and educate the public to conserve drinking water.
Supportive
✓
Protect and restore watersheds as vital municipal infrastructure.
Supportive
✓
Develop and implement a water security plan.
Supportive
Zero Waste
Zero waste policies reduce pollution, keep waste out of landfills, build resilient local economies, and safeguard public health by shifting society away from a disposable culture toward a sustainable circular economy.
✓
Implement zero waste bylaws to divert organic waste and recyclables from disposal.
Supportive
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Support the development of a circular economy to eliminate waste and improve resilience.
Neutral
✓
Implement bylaws to eliminate waste from new buildings, renovation, and demolition projects and to use existing buildings as efficiently as possible.
Supportive
✓ Supportive
~ Neutral
× Opposed
– No response
Climate action
How have you contributed to climate action in your community through advocacy, past work, advisory committees, volunteer work, and/or reducing your personal carbon footprint?
I have supported sustainable land use, greener transportation options, energy efficiently & clean building standards, protecting our natural environment, reduce emissions, collaborate with other levels of government to find solutions for a more sustainable future.
I walk everyday to various venues, choose energy efficient products and appliances, support local and sustainable food products, recycle and am extremely mindful of water usage.
2026 - Kelowna received a Climate & Energy Action Award at UBCM; 2026 - Community Excellence Award for Environment Sustainability - DeHart Park; 2025 - Two Climate & Energy Actions Awards UBCM Community Energy Association (Climate Resilient Kelowna Strategy and DeHart Community Park's carbon neutral design); 2023 - Climate & Energy Action Award UBCM; (Fire Smart Chipping); 2019 - BC Climate Action Leader; 2020 - Tree Cities of the World Recognition.
These awards were given during my time on council and I have been proud to support initiatives that have helped make our community more environmentally sustainable and climate resilient.
One strong fact is that Kelowna was the only community in B.C. to receive TWO Climate & Energy Action awards in 2025.
For me, climate action is about practical, local solutions that make Kelowna healthier, safer, and more resilient for our future generations.
I walk everyday to various venues, choose energy efficient products and appliances, support local and sustainable food products, recycle and am extremely mindful of water usage.
2026 - Kelowna received a Climate & Energy Action Award at UBCM; 2026 - Community Excellence Award for Environment Sustainability - DeHart Park; 2025 - Two Climate & Energy Actions Awards UBCM Community Energy Association (Climate Resilient Kelowna Strategy and DeHart Community Park's carbon neutral design); 2023 - Climate & Energy Action Award UBCM; (Fire Smart Chipping); 2019 - BC Climate Action Leader; 2020 - Tree Cities of the World Recognition.
These awards were given during my time on council and I have been proud to support initiatives that have helped make our community more environmentally sustainable and climate resilient.
One strong fact is that Kelowna was the only community in B.C. to receive TWO Climate & Energy Action awards in 2025.
For me, climate action is about practical, local solutions that make Kelowna healthier, safer, and more resilient for our future generations.
Questions for Kelowna
Would you accelerate Kelowna's adoption of the Zero Carbon Step Code, and what other measures would you support to improve building efficiency and resilience to extreme heat?
I have supported all the Step Codes that have come forward to me in council.
Support stronger energy-efficient building stands for new construction and major renovations for better insulation, better windows, heat pumps (we personally own a heat pump in our home) and energy efficient cooling systems (we personally have this in our home also).
Support stronger energy-efficient building stands for new construction and major renovations for better insulation, better windows, heat pumps (we personally own a heat pump in our home) and energy efficient cooling systems (we personally have this in our home also).
What policies would you support to protect mature trees, expand Kelowna's tree canopy, and increase shade on both public and private land?
The City has already done quite a bit in this area.
I would support stronger requirements to retain mature trees during development wherever practical and strong replacement requirements where removal is unavoidable.
Expand tree planting on both public and private property and would support expanding programs such as NeighbourWoods which I have participated in. More than 8,300 discounted trees have been planted in this program.
I would support making shade a larger part of development and public-space design.
Kelowna's OCP calls for protecting and expanding the urban forest , with 20250 canopy targets ranging from 15% to 25% depending on the area of the city.
Kelowna has an important Tree Protection Bylaw.
I have been on council with all the above taking place.
I would support stronger requirements to retain mature trees during development wherever practical and strong replacement requirements where removal is unavoidable.
Expand tree planting on both public and private property and would support expanding programs such as NeighbourWoods which I have participated in. More than 8,300 discounted trees have been planted in this program.
I would support making shade a larger part of development and public-space design.
Kelowna's OCP calls for protecting and expanding the urban forest , with 20250 canopy targets ranging from 15% to 25% depending on the area of the city.
Kelowna has an important Tree Protection Bylaw.
I have been on council with all the above taking place.
What would you fund or change over the next four years to improve public transit, walking and cycling, and reduce transportation emissions?
Over the next four years, I would support investing in practical transportation improvements that give residents more choices. WE need to work with BC Transit and improve frequency and reliability in transit. Kelowna/BC Transit is investing in electric buses and will have a fleet soon. Continue to develop safe cycle routes. Support electric vehicle charging stations.
Would you support expediting composting programs and invest in the required facilities in Kelowna? If so, what would you do to make it happen sooner?
Kelowna already has composting infrastructure and expertise at the Glenmore Landfill including its aerated static pile composting system. I have toured the landfill several times and seen all that it has to offer. The city has also began to design/procurement for Phase 2 of that system.
What two climate actions would you champion during your term, and what measurable progress should Kelowna residents expect within four years?
A greener and cooler city by protecting mature trees and expanding our urban tree canopy with more shade in our parks and streets to help deal with hotter summers and the extreme het that we are forecasting.
As I mentioned I walk considerably and we need to keep our streets shaded to protect us from the extreme sunny conditions.
Cleaner transportation - electric buses.
As I commented previously, I believe an action plan should be practical, measurable and focused on making Kelowna a healthier more liveable community. I believe that city staff are bringing this to the attention of council.
As I mentioned I walk considerably and we need to keep our streets shaded to protect us from the extreme sunny conditions.
Cleaner transportation - electric buses.
As I commented previously, I believe an action plan should be practical, measurable and focused on making Kelowna a healthier more liveable community. I believe that city staff are bringing this to the attention of council.
Campaign contributions
Public records from Elections BC — 36 contributions totalling $13,912.88.
2022 GENERAL LOCAL ELECTIONS
8 contributions · $5,000.00
| Contributor | Date | Amount | Office | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KERI FIELDS | Sep 28, 2022 | $200.00 | COUNCILLOR | KELOWNA |
| ANDREW & REBECCA GAUCHER | Sep 28, 2022 | $1,200.00 | COUNCILLOR | KELOWNA |
| ERNEST WALTER GRAY | Sep 10, 2022 | $300.00 | COUNCILLOR | KELOWNA |
| SANDY LAWRANCE | Sep 21, 2022 | $1,250.00 | COUNCILLOR | KELOWNA |
| BILL & CHERYL MCKINNON | Sep 1, 2022 | $100.00 | COUNCILLOR | KELOWNA |
| MOSTAFA SHORANICK | Sep 14, 2022 | $500.00 | COUNCILLOR | KELOWNA |
| JORDAN-RAE VANCE | Sep 28, 2022 | $200.00 | COUNCILLOR | KELOWNA |
| STEVE & HELEN WELLS | Sep 22, 2022 | $1,250.00 | COUNCILLOR | KELOWNA |
2018 GENERAL LOCAL ELECTIONS
7 contributions · $3,150.00
| Contributor | Date | Amount | Office | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LOUIS BLOM | Oct 2, 2018 | $100.00 | COUNCILLOR | KELOWNA |
| TOM BUDD | Sep 13, 2018 | $1,200.00 | COUNCILLOR | KELOWNA |
| WALTER GRAY | Oct 1, 2018 | $250.00 | COUNCILLOR | KELOWNA |
| LEONARD KERKHOFF | Oct 6, 2018 | $500.00 | COUNCILLOR | KELOWNA |
| NELLIE KERKHOFF | Oct 11, 2018 | $500.00 | COUNCILLOR | KELOWNA |
| BILL MCKINNON | Sep 18, 2018 | $100.00 | COUNCILLOR | KELOWNA |
| RUSS WATSON | Oct 2, 2018 | $500.00 | COUNCILLOR | KELOWNA |
2014 GENERAL LOCAL ELECTIONS
21 contributions · $5,762.88
| Contributor | Date | Amount | Office | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KELOWNA RAMADA HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTRE | Dec 8, 2014 | $277.88 | COUNCILLOR | KELOWNA |
| TRAK CONSTRUCTION | Nov 7, 2014 | $150.00 | COUNCILLOR | KELOWNA |
| SUPERIOR SIDING CONTRACTORS | Oct 24, 2014 | $100.00 | COUNCILLOR | KELOWNA |
| MARK DICKIE | Oct 24, 2014 | $100.00 | COUNCILLOR | KELOWNA |
| DOREEN GRAY | Oct 24, 2014 | $200.00 | COUNCILLOR | KELOWNA |
| REG HENRY | Nov 3, 2014 | $500.00 | COUNCILLOR | KELOWNA |
| MARGARET HOBSON | Dec 8, 2014 | $100.00 | COUNCILLOR | KELOWNA |
| DOWNTOWN MARINA INC | Nov 3, 2014 | $500.00 | COUNCILLOR | KELOWNA |
| WESTCORP PROPERTY INC | Nov 3, 2014 | $500.00 | COUNCILLOR | KELOWNA |
| MKS RESOURCES INC | Nov 7, 2014 | $150.00 | COUNCILLOR | KELOWNA |
| CROWE MACKAY LLP | Nov 3, 2014 | $150.00 | COUNCILLOR | KELOWNA |
| T.D. PROFESSIONAL SIGNS LTD | Nov 7, 2014 | $560.00 | COUNCILLOR | KELOWNA |
| EVERGREEN LANDS LTD | Nov 6, 2014 | $500.00 | COUNCILLOR | KELOWNA |
| PWM ENTERPRISES LTD | Nov 6, 2014 | $200.00 | COUNCILLOR | KELOWNA |
| LEXINGTON ENTERPRISES LTD | Nov 7, 2014 | $175.00 | COUNCILLOR | KELOWNA |
| LA MISSION ESTATES LTD | Oct 24, 2014 | $100.00 | COUNCILLOR | KELOWNA |
| BILL MCKINNON | Oct 24, 2014 | $100.00 | COUNCILLOR | KELOWNA |
| PHILIP PATARA | Dec 8, 2014 | $100.00 | COUNCILLOR | KELOWNA |
| DEBBIE ROBERT | Dec 8, 2014 | $1,000.00 | COUNCILLOR | KELOWNA |
| FRANK SINGER | Dec 8, 2014 | $200.00 | COUNCILLOR | KELOWNA |
| TERRY WARDROP | Nov 6, 2014 | $100.00 | COUNCILLOR | KELOWNA |
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