Unsure who to vote for? Want to know more about your local candidates? Black Press Media has asked candidates to provide a short biography as well as answer key questions to help readers understand more about who is running from Peachland to Coldstream in this upcoming B.C. election. Be sure to check back for updates and videos.
Kevin Acton is a dedicated civic leader with a passion for community service and extensive experience in local governance. Acton has proudly served five terms as the mayor of Lumby and 15 years as a director of the Regional District of North Okanagan, including the last four years as chair. Acton also chairs the regional Hospital District and is a board member of the regional Economic Trust (ETSI-BC) and Municipal Finance Authority.
With over 25 years as a small business owner and partner at Bloom Wellness Centre in Lumby, Acton combines his entrepreneurial spirit with a commitment to public service. His background includes experience as a contractor/builder and six years as a paramedic with the B.C. Ambulance Service.
Acton is a registered massage therapist, holds an executive certificate in local government from Dalhousie University and a level three certificate of excellence in local government from the Local Government Leadership Academy.
Outside of work, Kevin enjoys white water kayaking, cycling, playing guitar, and practicing yoga. He is a proud father and grandfather, deeply committed to his family and community.
What do you think of the new Vernon-Lumby boundary which used to include Cherryville and Coldstream?
I believe the new Vernon-Lumby boundary is flawed, as was the process that established it. While the government claims they could not change it, there was a first draft and then a final version that was different. There was no input process that I am aware of, and no appeal process. The final version removed Coldstream and Cherryville. It was absurd to remove Cherryville, which has a population of around 900. Now Cherryville residents have to make a seven-hour round trip to Castlegar to see their MLA. This is unacceptable. The process should have included meaningful local government consultation and included a feedback process prior to the final version being adopted.
What is the biggest issue in the Vernon-Lumby riding and how do you plan to address it?
The biggest issue in the Vernon-Lumby riding is affordability, which influences almost every other issue we encounter. Economic hardship leads to rising homelessness and increased rates of substance abuse, placing additional pressure on law enforcement, healthcare facilities, and overall community well-being. To tackle these interconnected problems effectively, we must approach them collectively. It鈥檚 crucial that our community prioritizes both health and economic stability in future planning.
The government needs to set the conditions to encourage doctors to set up walk-in clinics again. We need the long-overdue and repeatedly promised mental health facility to help with local mental health and addiction treatment.
The government needs to stop increasing the cost of operating a small business, and look for ways to ensure their success. This might include reducing regulations and easing small business tax burdens so they have more money available to reinvest and expand, pay wages, and provide for their families.
What makes you a better candidate than the others?
Of the four candidates in Vernon-Lumby, I鈥檓 the only one who actually lives in the riding. (EDITORS NOTE: Harwinder Sandhu lives in Coldstream.) There are more than 57,000 people in this riding 鈥� and I鈥檓 one of them. This is my home. None of the other candidates can say the same. My deep connection to Vernon-Lumby, personally and as a local politician, is what sets me apart from the other candidates.
In 1991 I moved from Victoria to build a home and start a family. I started a construction company and worked as a paramedic for six years. I went back to college to certify as a registered massage therapist (RMT), working at a local sawmill while I studied. I understand what it means to work hard for every dollar, and just how valuable that dollar can be. I had three children and finances were tight.
In 2008, after volunteering with Rotary for several years, I ran for Lumby council and became mayor shortly thereafter. For 15 years I鈥檝e been mayor, while continuing to practice as an RMT. As a result of the confidence of my elected peers, I鈥檝e had the privilege to serve as chair of the RDNO and the regional Hospital Board.
These elected positions and experiences provide me a unique perspective of local and regional issues that none of the other candidates have.
