Okanagan Echo Civic Series: Maxine DeHart
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.
Maxine DeHart has served on Kelowna City Council since 2011 and is seeking a fifth term in the 2026 municipal election. Outside council, she has spent more than three decades in the hotel industry and is well known for her long-running Straight from DeHart business column. Her community involvement has also included work with the Regional District of Central Okanagan, the Downtown Kelowna Association, the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce and the United Way.
Here are Maxine DeHart’s responses.
OE: What made you decide to run for Kelowna City Council in 2026?
MD: After much thought, I have decided to run for re-election. I would be honoured to continue serving Kelowna and working together to build an even stronger, more vibrant community. I am proud of what we have accomplished from opening many new parks, advancing new recreation facilities, supporting our agriculture community, investing in vital infrastructure improvements across the city and making many positive contributions to public safety.
Throughout my time in office, I have worked hard to remain accessible and connected to the people of Kelowna. I have had the privilege of speaking to thousands of residents, community leaders, business owners, and stakeholders, listening to their ideas, concerns, and hopes for our city. It is from these conversations that I believe my work is not done. I want to continue to be a part of making Kelowna a safer, healthier, and a more prosperous city. There’s still more work to do, and I am ready to get it done.
OE: What are the three issues you believe should be priorities for the next council?
MD:
Crime & Safety: CONTINUE to press senior levels of government for stronger action to keep chronic offenders off our streets, increase prosecutorial resources and establish mandatory care facilities for individuals who are unable to care for themselves. CONTINUE to work with RCMP and bylaws for safer streets, reduce break-ins, theft and property crime.
Attainable Housing: Kelowna met their provincially “mandated” objectives in rental housing and exceeded the Housing Targets. Four years ago, Kelowna's rental vacancy rate was below 1% and today it is closer to 7% giving residents real choice, although affordability still remains a challenge for our citizens.
Economy: A strong economy is the cornerstone of a thriving community. We must continue to create opportunities for economic growth and diversification. Having spent 40 years working in a medium-large business, I understand firsthand the importance of economic growth and the need for the city to support all businesses.
OE: What experience or perspective would you bring to council?
MD: My four terms on Council demonstrate my experience, knowledge, and commitment to Kelowna along with the understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our fast-growing city. My experience being employed in a local business for many years and my nearly 30 years of writing a local business column have offered me the ability to build thousands of relationships with business owners, community leaders and residents.
I have served on many other provincial, federal, and local boards. My greatest strength is my ability to connect with people and bring people together. I have a proven track record of showing up, being accessible, listening to residents and working hard on their behalf. I bring experience, past perspective, and knowledge, and strong relationships with other levels of government. Most importantly, I bring energy and determination to keep Kelowna moving forward. Bringing new ideas to the table is welcoming, but “continuity” also matters.
OE: What is one thing you want Kelowna residents to understand about you before they cast their ballots?
MD: I am deeply connected to Kelowna. I know its history, its businesses, and its people. I am extremely accessible, and I answer all my phone calls, text, etc. in a timely manner. I will never shy away from an uncomfortable situation. I have business experience, working in the hotel industry for 40 years, and understanding the pressures of employers and employees. I do not need a learning curve to understand how City Hall works. I attend city events, community events, and support all types of organizations.
I understand and can balance the challenges of our fast-growing city, but I also understand the opportunities that are brought before us. I truly care about getting things done – experience is necessary and valuable. I take very vote on city council seriously and strive to do what is best for the city as a whole, not just one piece of it. I know Kelowna and its people!
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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