2026 Candidate Profile Submissions

Candidates for Mayor

Voters will elect ONE (1) Mayor. 

Matt Mosteller

Powder Matt Mosteller is running for Mayor to build a resilient, vibrant Kimberley that balances economic opportunity with our cherished outdoor lifestyle and cultural identity.

Matt brings a strong record in economic development and tourism innovation. As a senior executive for Resorts of the Canadian Rockies and a former small business owner, he understands local commerce. He has championed sustainable job creation through his roles on the boards of Destination British Columbia and Kootenay Rockies Tourism. Matt co-founded KORE Outdoors, a local social enterprise supporting rural entrepreneurs who craft outdoor gear—proving that economic growth can directly align with our mountain lifestyle while securing livable-wage jobs.

Matt’s vision is for Smart Growth: a resident-driven process that engages the entire population. Locals have shared what they love most about Kimberley, their hopes for the future, and a roadmap the community embraces and executes together.

Deeply committed to the outdoors and public health, Matt is a dedicated community crusader. He leverages his platform to launch youth health initiatives, focusing on getting children active outside to combat childhood obesity. Matt will protect our natural spaces, ensuring they remain foundations for health, recreation, and tourism.

Matt knows that Arts and Culture are essential to a thriving community. By supporting creative entrepreneurs, public art, and local festivals, he will foster an inclusive environment that honours our heritage.

Vote Matt Mosteller for Mayor—for a connected economy, a healthy community, and a sustainable future.

Sandra Roberts

Sandra Roberts was elected for her first term in office in 2014 and has completed 12 years as a Councillor for the City of Kimberley.  She arrived in Kimberley in 1950 and was educated here.  After a time living in Alberta, Sandra returned to Kimberley, met and married her husband, Bill.  Making a home for their two children, she became an ardent community volunteer.  Sandra initiated the development of the Kimberley Arts and Craft Society and the creation of Center 64. She travelled regionally with the ‘The Lost Dawg Singers’ for 28 years. 

Sandra retired as Manager from Kootenay Savings Credit Union and her financial experience has been an asset in her role as a City Councillor, an Advisor for Tembec Ltd.( a Forestry Company), as a Governor of the College of the Rockies, as a Strategic Planning Facilitator for Non-profits, and as the President of Kimberley Chamber of Commerce as well as the Area Representative on the British Columbia Chamber of Commerce.  Most recently, Sandra has been the Project Manager and Fundraiser for the Upgrade at the Rotary Playground.

Sandra and her husband maintain Hardrock Publishing.  Sandra is a committed Rotary member and presents sessions on the ‘Positive Peace Initiative.’

Shara Bakos

Hi, I’m Shara Bakos. I was raised in a small town in Saskatchewan and have lived in small communities throughout my life. I understand the connection, pride, and belonging that make small town life special. 

I have been lucky enough to call Kimberley my home for the past 13 years. I’ve raised my boys here, and the community of Kimberley is an important part of our family’s life. Anyone who knows me has probably heard me say “I live in paradise”, and I want to help keep it that way. 

I’ve worked as a care aide for nine years, caring for some of our community’s most vulnerable residents. Working with a multidisciplinary team, has taught me to respect the expertise of others, and collaborate alongside family for the best outcome of the residents we care for. I believe that caring for one another is the heart of a strong community.

Through my volunteer work as Chairperson and steward for my union, I’ve had many opportunities to advocate for others, and ensure a fair and equitable workplace. 

As a member of Marysville PAC I was a small part of the fight to get the crosswalk across Jim Olgilvie Way and providing free swim lessons for all students in the school. 

I am proud of the impact I have had thus far and I’m running for City Council because I want to continue to affect change and give back to the community that has given me so much. 

Aubrey Blair-Pattison

Aubrey and her family moved to Kimberley in 2024, and quickly felt right at home in this beautiful mountain town. As a long time mountain biker, runner, climber, and anything-outside kind of person, the draw of the town is obvious, and making Kimberley home was an easy decision.

Aubrey has a broad range of experience from bike shops and lifeguarding to two degrees in engineering, working in a corporate setting and running a small business. Based on this experience, she knows how to balance the financial considerations with the needs of a community, while supporting the enrichment that the community groups bring to the city. 

Aubrey’s vision for Kimberley is to

• Support the creation of a full active transportation network to connect the needs (shopping, school, work) and the wants (trails, playgrounds, recreation) for all ages and abilities.
• Support small businesses to keep Kimberley unique and vibrant.
• Ensure the community’s needs are heard and balanced with consideration and action.

• To look to the future for the community while honouring the history of Kimberley.

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Sue Cairns

I believe Kimberley thrives when our decisions reflect the values we share: clean air and water, fiscal responsibility, affordable housing, a vibrant regional economy, connected community, and healthy, functioning ecosystems.

After serving my first term on City Council, I am committed to continuing to support sound governance for lasting prosperity. I welcome perspectives from across our community -understanding one another is essential to building effective long term solutions. I am engaged, practical, honest, and open-minded, and will openly share my thoughts.

I bring 25 years of experience working with provincial natural-resource agencies and Indigenous governments. A UBC Forest Sciences graduate and former Registered Professional Forester, I have deep expertise in collaborative problem-solving, planning, administration, relationship-building, policy and natural-resource stewardship.

I currently serve as a board director with the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC), EK Climate Hub, SPARK Youth Centre, and Kimberley Seniors Project Society. I also serve on the BC Municipal Climate Leaders Steering Committee and contribute to other community and provincial initiatives.

I moved to Townsite in 2021 for 'community’ after many years of living rurally nearby. My adult sons also live in Kimberley.

The times we are in demand fresh thinking, innovation, and clarity about the future.  We must thoughtfully address our current challenges and not push hard decisions and impacts down the road.

Sue wants to hear what matters most to you and your ideas for Kimberley’s future.

Email: cairns4040@gmail.com
Web: CairnsForKimberley.ca
Facebook: Cairns for Kimberley

Kevin Dunnebacke

Candidate did not submit a bio.

Grant Farquhar

I’m a lifelong member of the Kimberley community — I was born and raised here, and now I’m raising my own family in the city that shaped me. My roots here run deep, built over decades of connection to local people, organizations, and outdoor traditions.

Professionally, I work as a paramedic and serve as an athletic therapist with the Kimberley Dynamiters. My experience in emergency services and sport has strengthened my commitment to teamwork, calm decision-making, and practical problem-solving.

I’m active in curling, golf, skiing, and many of our outdoor pursuits, and I like to think I reflect the spirit of Kimberley’s recreational culture. I’m a lifelong learner who continues to grow through professional development and community involvement.

My vision for Council is grounded in three core principles:

1. Community-based decisions, shaped by open dialogue and meaningful engagement with residents.

2. Fiscal responsibility, to maintain stability and ensure public resources are used wisely.

3. Thoughtful stewardship, to maintain and improve our infrastructure and community assets through long-term planning and clear communication about priorities.

My story — and my approach to public service — is rooted in Kimberley’s people, landscape, and shared values.

Khadija Flynn

Khadija Flynn has called Kimberley home for almost 8 years, after moving here from Vancouver. She is a healthcare professional with more than 15 years of experience in healthcare and eyecare, and has always believed in the importance of being involved in the community she calls home.

Khadija currently serves as President of the Kimberley Pride Society, where she provides leadership to the board, helps coordinate its work, organizes community events, and builds connections with local organizations and residents. Through this work, she has seen firsthand the value of bringing people together, listening to different perspectives, and working collaboratively to make Kimberley a welcoming community for everyone.

Her professional experience has taught her the importance of listening, problem solving, communication, and thoughtful decision making. Her community involvement has given her a deeper understanding of the people, organizations, and volunteers who contribute to making Kimberley what it is.

Khadija is running for City Council because she wants to bring her experience and leadership to local government. She believes residents deserve a councillor who is approachable, accessible, willing to listen, and committed to working collaboratively on practical solutions.

Khadija believes Kimberley’s future should be one where people can afford to live, build a life, participate in their community, and feel that they belong. She is committed to being a thoughtful and hardworking representative for the people of Kimberley.

She is proud to call Kimberley home and ready to put her experience, leadership, and community connections to work for the city’s future.

Travis Fooks

I've called Kimberley home my entire life. I was born here in 1975, attended school from Watkins Elementary through Selkirk, and have lived through Kimberley's ups and downs across six different decades.

My family's roots here span generations, beginning in 1957 when my grandparents moved to the old airport near Tata Creek, where my Grandpa was an aviation radio operator. My family has been involved in local businesses, Scouts/Guides, JulyFest, Songfest and KIOTAC.

Like many young people, I left for a short time, but when my wife and I had our daughter, we knew this was where we wanted to raise her. She's now a fourth-generation Kimberley resident. I've spent much of my working life here, including ten seasons at the ski hill, more than two decades owning local businesses, and several years serving on the board of our local Independent School, including as Board Chair.

I've watched Kimberley prosper, struggle, recover and reinvent itself. Protecting what makes our community special doesn't mean resisting change. We've survived and prospered by adapting.

I believe we're at a crossroads. Decisions about growth, infrastructure, housing, development and municipal spending will shape Kimberley for decades. Our children and grandchildren will benefit from our successes, but they'll also inherit our failures.

We need to welcome responsible investment, scrutinize major expenditures, strengthen and diversify our tax base, and ensure residents have a meaningful voice.

My goal is simple: keep Kimberley a place where the next generation will choose to build their lives and raise their families.

Diana Fox

Diana Fox is seeking her second term as Councillor after being elected in Kimberley’s 2024 by-election. Originally from Alberta, Diana moved to Kimberley in 2018 to open a small business, which she operated until spring 2026. Her local experience and dedication to Kimberley make her a strong advocate for residents.

In addition to bringing firsthand knowledge of the unique challenges facing Kimberley’s small business community, Diana brings experience from our non-profit sector. As a grant writer and consultant, she understands the struggles this sector faces. Her background in health care, human services, arts, and academia gives her a broad perspective and a practical, considerate approach to decision-making.

In her second term, Diana wants to continue working toward a Kimberley that prioritizes Meaningful Engagement + Transparent Governance, supports A Community That Works for Everyday Life, and embraces Thoughtful Development.

Craig Janzen

Craig Janzen and his wife, Susi, have raised their family in Kimberley. Together they have five children and are now enjoying life as grandparents. They share a love of the outdoors and backcountry hiking, and Craig can often be found mountain biking Kimberley’s trails or enjoying the Nordic Centre in winter.

Craig brings extensive experience in business, management and community leadership, including public-sector management and leadership roles with a variety of community and non-profit boards. Those experiences have shaped his practical, collaborative approach to leadership and decision-making.

Craig is running for Council because he believes he has something useful to contribute to Kimberley’s future. His priorities include infrastructure renewal and responsible stewardship of taxpayers’ money, while supporting thoughtful growth, economic opportunity and the quality of life that makes Kimberley such a desirable place to call home.

He believes good decisions begin with good information, clear priorities and an understanding of long-term costs. He also believes an effective Council should include independent voices that can respectfully disagree, listen to one another, find common ground and move forward together.

Craig is optimistic about Kimberley’s future. He wants to build on the community’s strengths, welcome good ideas and opportunities, and help ensure Kimberley remains a great place to live, work, raise a family, build a business and enjoy an exceptional outdoor lifestyle.

Scott MacLeod

A passionate community advocate, Scott MacLeod cannot think of any more honourable way to serve his hometown than as a member of Council for the City of Kimberley.

Driven by a desire to improve community safety, Scott has spent his career in law enforcement in varying capacities, initially as a police officer with the Edmonton Police Service where he worked in roles ranging from Community Policing to serving as a Tactical (SWAT) team member. Scott served 26 years with the service, before retiring in 2005.

Upon retirement, Scott was able to move with his family (wife Deb and daughters Kelly Anne and Katie) to the mountains of B.C., specifically the Kootenays in 2007. Scott and Deb fell in love with Kimberley. In 2014 they were able to purchase a house there and now proudly call Kimberley home.

Scott’s career in the policing field did not end upon arrival in the Kootenays, though, as he now serves as a Police Based Victim Support worker. Employed by Summit Community Services for the past 17 years and the current program manager, Scott works out of the Kimberley RCMP detachment in close collaboration with the police members and staff. Scott has helped many victims survive the effects of trauma, navigate the criminal justice system and access the services available to them. Most importantly Scott stands up for the victims of crime and trauma when they need support the most.

Scott now desires to bring his proven community advocacy background to council chambers. He will provide strong support for core services and city infrastructure, work to bolster community safety by supporting and advocating for the fire service, community policing and all emergency services. Most importantly demonstrating a continued commitment to the great City of Kimberley.

Woody Maguire

I am running for a second term on council from a continued desire to serve the people of Kimberley. I envision a robust community with a vibrant and welcoming culture. While on council I will listen to and consider the merit of differing perspectives and make informed decisions that best serve the larger community.

I aim to keep taxes low while still maintaining the level of service our community deserves. Aging infrastructure is top of mind as well as issues around affordable housing, wildfire mitigation, facility maintenance, recreational opportunities and economic development. I commit to remaining open and taking a non-partisan, fact-based approach to these and other issues facing council.

I have a Bachelors of Engineering and years of experience managing municipal infrastructure projects. I am an actively engaged citizen and participate in a wide variety of organizations and events within our community. I am directly engaged in community work focused on food security, affordable housing, arts/culture, environment and youth. I also have 20 years of experience sitting on non-profit boards. I have the passion and the experience to serve you as a responsible and effective councillor.

I care deeply for this community and would be honoured by the opportunity to serve you on the Kimberley City Council for another four years. 

Michelle Nex

Michelle Nex has called Kimberley home for 25 years and has spent her entire adult life in the Kootenays.

Many residents know Michelle as “Blondie” from her former business, Blondie's Karaoke, or as “The Zipper Lady” through her sewing and repair work.

Michelle has a long history of community involvement. She currently organizes the JulyFest bocce tournament and serves with the Kimberley Dynamiters as Co-Treasurer and team seamstress. She previously served for 10 years as President of the Kimberley Pool League and is a Senior Referee in cue sports, twice named American CueSports Alliance Referee of the Year.

Professionally, Michelle brings extensive experience in administration, operations, finance, payroll and budgeting, along with experience as a small-business owner. Throughout her career, she has learned to ask questions, manage limited resources, solve problems and be accountable for results.

Michelle is running because she believes Kimberley needs to move forward without losing what makes it special. She wants to see Kimberley support the businesses already here, welcome responsible new investment and economic development, and broaden its tax base to reduce its heavy reliance on residential property taxation.

If elected, Michelle will bring a practical, independent approach to Council: gather the facts, listen to residents, consider professional advice, ask questions and look for workable solutions.

She believes good local government requires accountability, transparency and responsible use of taxpayers' money. 

Instead of asking “Why can't we?”, Michelle believes Council should ask:

“How can we make this work?”

For Michelle, that's what COMMON SENSE MATTERS is all about.

Angela Symes

My Name is Angela Symes; 

I am grateful for the opportunity to run for council for the next 4 year term.

I have been a Kimberley resident since 2013.  I worked the First 5 years at the Kimberley Independent School as an Education Assistant. I am grateful for that opportunity and remain in contact with many parents’ teachers and students today. 

In 2018, my husband and I started a bike and ski business. We had a vision of what we wanted to provide, one employee and an empty building.  We have just finished our 8^th year in business, and although we have faced many challenges, our unwavering optimism and community support have been life-changing.  

My passion outside of business has always been service. I have volunteered in every community I have lived in. I love being a part of a team and will jump in whenever I can and give 100%. I have organized many large events since a young age, and I love the challenge of putting together events that have a positive impact on my community.  I am also a huge supporter of the Arts and have been in many stage productions.  I think any community that is lucky enough to have a supported Arts sector should fight to protect it and help it thrive.  

I look forward to mindfully working with a productive and collaborative team to ensure responsible investment, mindful spending, and setting achievable goals for the future of the city and those who live here.

Betty Lou Barrett

I am a third generation trustee and a rancher, butcher, mechanic  I live just outside Kimberley I also am the Base Administrator at YXC. I have two children and four grandchildren
I have been a school Trustee for twenty plus years
Education is the future of our community it needs to be protected that is what I believe everyone needs to protect it
I worked underground at the Sullivan for twenty years
 I am vested in this community tans our schools

Glenna McClenahan

My family and I moved to Kimberley in 2019.

I am an active community member, parent, small-business owner, and advocate for children, families, and inclusive communities. I am running for Public School Trustee because I believe strong schools are at the heart of a healthy, connected community.

I bring a diverse background in education, administration, community programming, and working with diverse populations. I also have experience in a variety of professional and community settings and have been involved in volunteer roles that support our local children and families.

As a parent of two young children in SD6, I understand the importance of having schools that support students, staff, and families. I believe trustees should take the initiative to be accessible, approachable, and willing to listen—not only during elections, but throughout their term. I value open communication, collaboration, and making sure community voices are heard when decisions are being made.

I am particularly interested in student success and well-being, mental health, inclusion and support for diverse learning needs, staff well-being, responsible use of public funds, transparency, and ensuring students, families, staff, and the broader community have a meaningful voice in school district decisions.

I am committed to bringing a practical, collaborative, and community-minded perspective to the Board. I hope to help foster open communication, thoughtful decision-making, and strong support for students, staff, and families.

Ron McRae

There are several reasons why I am seeking re-election as a School Trustee in the Kimberley Zone of the Rocky Mountain School District.

My many years of experience in elected positions such as a Kimberley City Councilor and two terms as Mayor of Kimberley have allowed me as an elected member of the School Board to make a valuable contribution to the governance and operations of SD6. It is my desire to continue to leverage these experiences, a long with my senior management experience at the Post-secondary level and my history of volunteering in our community, to enhance learning opportunities for the students, staff and families in our School District.

Much as been accomplished over my 8 years on the School Board to enhance equity and inclusion for all learners, particularly Indigenous learners. A renewed relationship with our Indigenous communities based on recognition of rights, mutual respect, cooperation and partnership will certainly facilitate our commitment to closing the gap for our Indigenous learners. Additionally, a comprehensive Strategic Planning process has been undertaken to support the Vision for the District “Opportunity, Equity, and Success for each learner”. Our District is very progressive and I believe I have much more to offer in our pursuit of excellence for our students.

The new Ministry of Education and Childcare is cutting edge in providing services to Pre -K learners and their families. Our District is moving forward on implementing this new mandate and I am excited about the prospect of being involved for the next 4 years as this new mandate unfolds.

Please feel free to reach out( 250-427-0883 or ronaldmcrae@shaw.ca) if you have questions or comments for me.

Darryl Oakley

I was born and raised in Kimberley, and attended public school here. After graduating from Selkirk Secondary School, I attended the University of Alberta and Simon Fraser University graduating with a science degree in arctic ecology and professional teacher certification respectively. Subsequently, many years were spent working on research projects in the Canadian high arctic. I also spent time teaching in aboriginal schools and public colleges in Prince George and Calgary. 

I am a huge supporter of a healthy public education system that embraces and fully supports our children , physically, emotionally, and cognitively as they develop into young adults.