Okanagan Echo Civic Series: Lee-Ann Tiede
Okanagan Echo asked all 11 women running for council the same four questions about why they’re running, the priorities they would bring to City Hall, the experience they offer and what they want residents to know before voting.
Kelowna voters will head to the polls on October 17, 2026, to elect a mayor and eight city councillors. The official field includes 37 candidates for council, including the 11 women featured here. Advance voting begins October 7.
Lee-Ann Tiede has called Kelowna home for more than 34 years and brings more than two decades of elected public service experience. She served three terms as a trustee with Central Okanagan Public Schools, including two years as Board Chair, and three terms with the Glenmore-Ellison Improvement District. Her professional background spans business operations, finance, healthcare, technology and construction, with experience in governance, administration and organizational leadership.
Here are Lee-Ann Tiede’s responses.
OE: What made you decide to run for Kelowna City Council in 2026?
LT: Kelowna has been my home for the past 34 years. It is where my family has built our life, where I have served my community, and where I have invested my time because I genuinely care about its future.
I believe Kelowna deserves experienced, principled leadership that listens to residents, represents their interests, and makes thoughtful decisions that will benefit our community for years to come. Through my years of public service, I have learned the importance of listening carefully, working respectfully with others, and making decisions based on facts, good judgment, and the long-term interests of the community.
I am running for City Council because I want to continue giving back to the city that has given so much to me. I will bring experienced, practical and accountable leadership to City Hall, work hard on behalf of residents, and always strive to make decisions that are in the best interests of Kelowna and the people who call it home.
OE: What are the three issues you believe should be priorities for the next council?
LT:
Growth that keeps pace
Kelowna is growing, but our roads, utilities, parks, and public services need to keep up. Council must plan carefully, make responsible land use decisions, and ensure growth does not put pressure on our neighbourhoods.
Safe neighbourhoods
People want to feel safe where they live, work, and play. Council should listen to residents, support community partnerships and crime prevention efforts, and work with others to address homelessness, addiction, and disorder. I don't pretend to have all the answers, but residents have experience and ideas, and we need to listen to those directly affected.
Responsible management of public money
Residents work hard for their money and expect the City to do the same. Council must focus on essential services, make wise decisions, and be accountable for every taxpayer dollar.
OE: What experience or perspective would you bring to council?
LT: I bring 12 years of experience as an elected School Trustee with Central Okanagan Public Schools (SD23), along with 9 years serving on the Glenmore-Ellison Improvement District (GEID) Board. Through my work with the School District, I have also developed experience working with both the Teachers' Union and CUPE.
My experience includes serving on public and private boards, overseeing significant budgets, and understanding the important distinction between the governance role of elected officials in setting direction and the operations responsibilities of staff. I will bring this experience, along with a commitment to listening to understand, responsible decision-making, and finding common ground, to my service on Kelowna City Council.
OE: What is one thing you want Kelowna residents to understand about you before they cast their ballots?
LT: I want voters to know that Kelowna is home to me. My family has lived here for 34 years, and I’ve spent much of that time serving this community.
For 12 years as a school trustee, including two years as board chair, I’ve had to weigh difficult decisions, manage public money responsibly and answer to the people I represent. I’ve learned to listen carefully and to speak up when something needs to be questioned.
I’m running for City Council because I want to put that experience to work for Kelowna. I won’t pretend to have an easy answer to every issue. I will do my homework, tell residents where I stand and remember whose interests I’m there to serve.
Explore the full Civic Series This interview is part of Okanagan Echo’s 2026 Civic Series featuring the women running for Kelowna City Council. Visit the main series page to read the profiles and responses from all 11 candidates.
Okanagan Echo thanks all participating candidates for sharing their time and perspectives with residents.
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