Issues for Salmon Arm
Where do candidates stand on environment and climate?
This election is critical, and who we elect will shape the future of our community for decades to come. We engaged with candidates and asked them to complete a questionnaire to find out where they stand on climate and environmental policies we care about.
How did we designate climate leaders?
To be designated as a climate leader, candidates needed to commit to more than 80% of the climate policies.
What about other issues?
In line with this platform's commitment to transparency, candidate profiles include their municipal campaign contributions (if available for candidates who have previously run for municipal office), sourced directly from Elections BC's public records.
Where to find additional information?
The Salmon Arm Observer has several articles on Salmon Arm candidates where they share a bit about themselves and why they’re running for office. Salmon Arm's FridayAM, now an online publication, is carrying election information, as is the Salmon Arm Castanet media outlet. We urge you to check out all these media sources of information to help you cast this important vote.
The Voice of the Shuswap CKVS - 93.7 radio station has conducted interviews with the Salmon Arm municipal candidates on a wide range of topics, from their backgrounds, attributes and values, to what they believe are the most important issues facing Salmon Arm and area.
Aim High Salmon Arm is an online blog launched by councillor Tim Lavery, who is not running again in 2026, where you can find links to candidate question/answers and other key links to election information available online.
The Salmon Arm Chamber of Commerce will be holding an all-candidates open house on Tuesday October 6, from 5:30 to 8:00 pm in the gymnasium at the Salmon Arm Recreation Centre. Don't miss your opportunity to speak directly with all the candidates vying for the Mayoral, Council and School District Trustee positions. This venue allows you to meet the candidates, ask your questions and have real conversations about the issues that matter to you. That will give you a deeper understanding of what they will prioritize if elected on things like housing affordability, development, transit, childcare, parking, and the climate crisis. Go to this link for details.
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Policy commitments for Salmon Arm
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates for Mayor | ||||||||
| Daniel Bardy | 0/24 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Alan Harrison | 0/24 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Candidates for Council | ||||||||
| Aaron Canart | 17/24 | ~ | × | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ~ |
| Debbie Cannon | 0/24 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Shelley Desautels | 22/24 | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| David Gonella | 22/24 | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| River Grabowsky | 21/24 | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ~ |
| Ian Gray | 11/24 | ~ | ~ | ~ | ~ | ~ | ✓ | ~ |
| Vic Hamilton | 0/24 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Owen Madden | 23/24 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ~ |
| Jo McDermott | 20/24 | ✓ | ~ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ~ | ~ |
| Anthony McLean | 0/24 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Adam Meikle | 0/24 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Drayson Netzelwood | 12/24 | ~ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ~ | ~ | ~ |
| Louise Wallace Richmond | 0/24 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Scott Syme | 0/24 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Morgan Turland | 24/24 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Marianne VanBuskirk | 24/24 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Robin Wiens | 22/24 | ~ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Kari Wilkinson | 20/24 | ~ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ |
Candidates for Salmon Arm
Click on each candidate's profile to learn more and read their responses to the questionnaire.
Candidates for Mayor
Daniel Bardy
Mayor DID NOT RESPOND
Alan Harrison
Mayor DID NOT RESPOND
Candidates for Council
Aaron Canart
Council 17/24 Climate Policies
Aaron grew up in Kamloops and was raised in the cattle business then later attended Olds College, University of Lethbridge, and then University of Saskatchewan before he was pulled into a large Agribusiness in the United States. Aaron worked in the
Debbie Cannon
Council DID NOT RESPOND
Shelley Desautels
Council 22/24 Climate Policies
Climate Leader GIS professional, small business owner, educator and community volunteer. I want to help maintain stability on Council while making thoughtful decisions that consider the needs of the whole community.
David Gonella
Council 22/24 Climate Policies
Climate Leader David Gonella is a Salmon Arm City Councillor seeking re-election for the 2026–2030 term. A strong believer in community involvement, David brings experience in local government, committee work, emergency preparedness, and community development.
River Grabowsky
Council 21/24 Climate Policies
Climate Leader I am a dedicated community member with a love for the rich lands and culture developed by the passionate people of Salmon Arm. I work in health care and emergency services, and thrive within the diverse recreational and social impact activities here!
Ian Gray
Council 11/24 Climate Policies
Married for 35 years, to adult children that live in Blind Bay and Enderby with their spouses and our 4 grandchildren. I was a Rotarian for 19 years and roughly 5 of that in Salmon Arm. Owner operator of SA GM car dealership.
Vic Hamilton
Council DID NOT RESPOND
Owen Madden
Council 23/24 Climate Policies
Climate Leader I first practiced criminal law in Ireland before re-educating in Global Climate Change Law and then uprooting to Vancouver where I worked for Ecojustice and Wilderness Committee. I now farm organic vegetables which we deliver to Salmon Arm households
Jo McDermott
Council 20/24 Climate Policies
Climate Leader Jo is a passionate, hard-working individual who plans to bring a different perspective to council, if elected. Her diverse background in business ownership, management & customer service has set her up well for the challenges city council brings.
Anthony McLean
Council DID NOT RESPOND
Adam Meikle
Council DID NOT RESPOND
I own several businesses but primarily work in the fields of real estate appraisal, renovation and development. I am not a climate advocate but I do firmly support wise initiatives supporting good stewardship of God's creation.
Louise Wallace Richmond
Council DID NOT RESPOND
Scott Syme
Council DID NOT RESPOND
Morgan Turland
Council 24/24 Climate Policies
Climate Leader Morgan is an educator and community advocate with experience in governance, budgeting, and leadership. She is running for Council to bring a fresh perspective and support practical, forward-thinking decisions that consider our environment and future.
Marianne VanBuskirk
Council 24/24 Climate Policies
Climate Leader Marianne VanBuskirk has lived in Salmon Arm for 33 years as a community volunteer & local leader with a proven track record in effective governance, protecting the environment, and establishing good Indigenous relationships.
Robin Wiens
Council 22/24 Climate Policies
Climate Leader Father: Three thriving teenagers Husband: Married to Sara Wiens- 24 years Teacher: KCS - ERS - JLJ - SASF (25 years) Education: B.Ed (UBC). - B.H.K.(UBC) - M.Ed Member/President of multiple boards over last two decades. Coach: Volleyball Soccer
Kari Wilkinson
Council 20/24 Climate Policies
Climate Leader I have owned and operated a creative services company for nearly 30 years. I met and married my husband in Salmon Arm and together we raised our children—and five dogs—here. I’m proud of the connections and relationships I’ve built in this community.
How to vote
On October 17, 2026, Salmon Arm voters will elect one Mayor and six Councillors.
We know how important this election is to our community so we encourage everyone to get out and VOTE!
Please note: you must have two pieces of ID that prove who you are (identity) and where you live (residence) and one of those pieces must have your signature.
Are you registered to vote?
Update your voter information such as your residential or mailing address with Elections BC: elections.bc.ca/register
Find out more about how and where to vote from: General Local Election | Salmon Arm, BC - Official Website
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.
Voting opportunities
| Date | Type | Location | Start time | End time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | Advanced Voting Day | 5 Avenue Seniors Activity Centre, 170 5 Avenue SE, Salmon Arm | 8:00am | 8:00pm |
| Tuesday, October 13, 2026 | Advanced Voting Day | 5 Avenue Seniors Activity Centre, 170 5 Avenue SE, Salmon Arm | 8:00am | 8:00pm |
| Saturday, October 17, 2026 | General Voting Day | 5 Avenue Seniors Activity Centre, 170 5 Avenue SE, Salmon Arm | 8:00am | 8:00pm |
| Saturday, October 17, 2026 | General Voting Day | Little Mountain Fieldhouse, 250 30 Street SE, Salmon Arm | 8:00am | 8:00pm |
| Saturday, October 17, 2026 | General Voting Day | North Canoe Elementary School, 6451 50 Street NE, Salmon Arm | 8:00am | 8:00pm |
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.