Issues for Summerland
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.
What about other issues?
On October 1st, Destination Summerland and the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce will host two all-candidates forums at the Summerland Waterfront Resort:
The first will be for the two mayoral candidates, starting at 12:30 p.m.
The second will be for the nine council candidates, starting at 4:30 p.m.
Policy commitments for Summerland
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 | Ecosystems | Land Use | Transport | Watersheds | Zero Waste |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates for Mayor | |||||||
| Lake Dennison | 0/16 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Doug Holmes | 0/16 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Candidates for Council | |||||||
| Richard Barkwill | 0/16 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Brad Besler | 0/16 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Adrienne Betts | 0/16 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Taryn Davis | 0/16 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Amie Harbor | 0/16 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Dee McWatters | 14/16 | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Doug Patan | 13/16 | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Janet Peake | 16/16 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Erin Trainer | 16/16 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Candidates for Summerland
Click on each candidate's profile to learn more and read their responses to the questionnaire.
Candidates for Mayor
Lake Dennison
Mayor 0/16 Climate Policies
Human 63 male . Hiking working friends family are my interests. Ruthlessly happy. Love the Human race and the natural world The best time to be alive ever in Human history and I'm loving every minute. Completely positive about the future of mankind
Doug Holmes
Mayor DID NOT RESPOND
Candidates for Council
Richard Barkwill
Council DID NOT RESPOND
Brad Besler
Council DID NOT RESPOND
Adrienne Betts
Council DID NOT RESPOND
Taryn Davis
Council DID NOT RESPOND
Amie Harbor
Council DID NOT RESPOND
Dee McWatters
Council 14/16 Climate Policies
Lived in Summerland since 1979, raised here, career here, raised my own family, volunteered. 30 year operational management career in the wine industry, now an inclusion consultant and professional speaker.
Doug Patan
Council 13/16 Climate Policies
Background; • Municipal Governance & Public Service: I have worked in local government for over 26 years, notably serving as the Building & Permitting Branch Manager and Chief Building Official for the City of Kelowna prior to my retirement
Janet Peake
Council 16/16 Climate Policies
North Toronto burgeoning suburbs while there were still farms, Ryerson Polytechnic- Psychology Travelled Ministry of the Attorney General, Muskoka- Owner/Operator of my own business, while working, 19 yrs municipal government finishing as the Mayor
Erin Trainer
Council 16/16 Climate Policies
I'm running for my 4th term on council. I live in Trout Creek with my husband with three children. I enjoy hiking, reading and yoga. On council, my passions include enhancing our local parks, infrastructure planning and improving communications.
How to vote
On October 17, 2026, Summerland voters will elect a Mayor and six Councillors.
Are you registered to vote?
Update your voter information such as your residential or mailing address with Elections BC: elections.bc.ca/register
Voting Locations are listed below. Find out more on the District of Summerland's website: 2026 General Local Election
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 | Summerland Arena Banquet Room - 8820 Jubilee Road E. | 8:00am | 8:00pm |
| Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | Advanced Voting Day | Summerland Arena Banquet Room - 8820 Jubilee Road E. | 8:00am | 8:00pm |
| Saturday, October 17, 2026 | General Voting Day | Summerland Arena Banquet Room - 8820 Jubilee Road E. | 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.