Issues for Regional District of Central Kootenay
Where do candidates stand on environment and climate?
To find out more, we sent a questionnaire on these topics to all RDCK Rural Area candidates.
Why? Because climate change and environmental issues affect all of us and all the things we care about – our health and well being, our pocket books and our future. Our region regularly experiences climate impacts like drought, extreme heat, flooding, wildfires, and smoke. In rural areas, we are impacted more personally than in urban areas.
The region we build together reflects what we value and shapes how we connect with one another and with the natural world around us. Regional government plays a vital role in putting those values into practice through decisions about how we build, move around, care for one another, and the public spaces we share.
These decisions can make us more resilient to climate change while also reducing climate pollution. Regional projects and policies keep us healthy and safe by improving things like getting around safely with better transit and walking, protecting our natural environment, and keeping our air and water clean.
The upcoming local election is critical. Who we elect for the next 4 years will shape the future of our region for many years to come.
Click on the Candidates tab to learn more about who is running and their views on these important issues. Please take some time to get familiar with their views. And most importantly, vote! You can find voting details in the Vote tab.
Thank you to all the candidates who participated!
More resources:
- Ideas for Climate Action plan
- State of Climate Action in the RDCK
- Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Program
Learn more about the West Kootenay Climate Hub: westkootenayclimatehub.ca/
Policy commitments for Regional District of Central Kootenay
Summary of candidates' policy commitments, grouped by category. Click on each candidate's name to learn more and read their responses to the questionnaire.
| Candidate | Total | Buildings | Climate Justice | Ecosystems | Land Use | Transport | Watersheds | Zero Waste |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Director | ||||||||
| Anna Bundschuh | 14/14 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Susan Chew | 14/14 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Forrest Demman | 0/14 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Erin Fitchett | 0/14 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Henny Hanegraaf | 0/14 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Garry Jackman | 0/14 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Tina Knooihuizen | 0/14 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Mike Martell | 0/14 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Tom Newell | 0/14 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Will Parker | 13/14 | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Chris Popoff | 0/14 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Nathen Rushforth | 0/14 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Kevin Shaw | 0/14 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Roger Tierney | 13/14 | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Danny Turner | 8/14 | ~ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | ~ |
| Kelly Vandenberghe | 0/14 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Landon Veregin | 14/14 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Aimee Watson | 8/14 | ~ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | ~ |
| Teresa Weatherhead | 0/14 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Gordon Zaitsoff | 13/14 | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Candidates for Regional District of Central Kootenay
Click on each candidate's profile to learn more and read their responses to the questionnaire.
Director
Anna Bundschuh
Director
Public service professional with five years’ experience supporting constituentsthrough provincial programs, followed by service in the Premier’s Office advising on local government and rural communities. Passionate about solutions-focused leadership.
Susan Chew
Director
I have lived, volunteered and worked here for 30 years, connecting people and organizations with a focus on understanding different perspectives, establishing shared goals and taking action at the local, regional and provincial levels.
Forrest Demman
Director DID NOT RESPOND
Erin Fitchett
Director DID NOT RESPOND
Henny Hanegraaf
Director DID NOT RESPOND
Garry Jackman
Director DID NOT RESPOND
Tina Knooihuizen
Director DID NOT RESPOND
Mike Martell
Director DID NOT RESPOND
Tom Newell
Director DID NOT RESPOND
Will Parker
Director
I have a BA in Psychology, a Masters in Environmental Studies, and a Provincial Instructors Diploma. I teach environmental education, and wrote the book "The Golden Salamander: Environmental Education & Art Therapy with my mother Monica Carpendale.
Chris Popoff
Director DID NOT RESPOND
Nathen Rushforth
Director DID NOT RESPOND
Kevin Shaw
Director DID NOT RESPOND
Moved to Canyon in 2019 from Kimberley. Worked for BC Parks for 35 years, last 15 as the Recreation Section Head for the Kootenays. Board member of the NC Improvement District. Member of the Canyon Community Association. Area B Director since 2022.
Danny Turner
Director
Third-generation Creston Valley family. Organic cherry, blueberry and hydroponic strawberry farmer in Erickson. Oxford MBA; built and sold companies, including a food hub; worked in Europe, California and Toronto. Agricultural board experience.
Kelly Vandenberghe
Director DID NOT RESPOND
Landon Veregin
Director
I’m Landon Veregin. Born and raised here, I’m running for Area Director to be your voice at the RDCK. I’m committed to smart planning, protecting our water, and transparent, responsive leadership. Let’s build a strong future together.
Moved to the Kootenays for community and nature. Spent 20 years in farming and food system work. Built the Kaslo Food Security Project/Food Hub. Elected to LG in 2014, acclaimed for my 4th term. RDCK board chair for 8 years.
Teresa Weatherhead
Director DID NOT RESPOND
I have been a long term resident of Area J within the RDCK.I was previously a director from 2003-2014.I have been employed in the natural resource industry my entire working career.I pride myself on results and hard work.
How to vote
On October 17, 2026, RDCK voters will elect their Rural Area directors.
Voting details
Find out when, where and how to vote at RDCK’s elections website
Advanced Voting Day: Wednesday, October 7, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Additional Advanced Voting Day for Electoral Area H: Wednesday, October 14, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
General Voting Day: Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Not sure what electoral area you are in?
This map can help (type in your civic address).
(Please ignore voting tip below -- only relevant for municipalities. You will be voting for only one candidate for your Area.)
Voting tip
When you vote, only vote for the candidates you want elected. If that is one mayor and five councillors, only put down those names. For council, the top candidates with the most votes are elected, so if you vote for someone that you don't really want elected, that may bump your preferred candidates off the list.
Compiled & presented by
Vote4Tomorrow is an independent voter guide to evaluate where local candidates stand on climate and environmental policies that will affect our future.