Okanagan Echo Civic Series: Teresa May
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.
Teresa May has called Kelowna home for more than 20 years and has a background spanning entrepreneurship, education, residential construction and community service. She has owned and managed businesses in several sectors, worked as a teacher and published author, and volunteered with organizations supporting families, children, health care and people experiencing hardship. She currently works in the residential construction industry and is running for Kelowna City Council in the 2026 municipal election.
Here are Teresa May’s responses.
OE: What made you decide to run for Kelowna City Council in 2026?
TM: I’m running because I believe Kelowna is at an important point in its growth, and the decisions we make today will shape our city for generations.
I’ve spent much of my life building businesses, teaching, volunteering and working with people. I decided to run because I believe that experience can be put to work for our community.
During my 1,000 Conversations Tour, I’ve been listening directly to residents, business owners, seniors and young people. I hear concerns about affordability, public safety, homelessness, taxes and whether people are being heard before major decisions are made.
I’m running because I believe leadership starts with listening, but it can’t end there. We need to turn what we hear into practical action, measure the results and be accountable for how taxpayers’ money is spent.
I want to help build a Kelowna where our children and grandchildren can afford to stay, work and raise their families.
OE: What are the three issues you believe should be priorities for the next council?
TM:
My first priority is public safety and homelessness. We need safer streets and public spaces while treating people with dignity. That means strong enforcement where necessary, combined with prevention, recovery partnerships and better coordination of services.
Second is housing and affordability. We need more housing choices for young people, families, workers and seniors. I support responsible density in appropriate locations, faster and more predictable approvals, and reducing unnecessary barriers to building.
Third is fiscal responsibility and economic strength. Every tax dollar matters. I want clearer priorities, greater transparency around major spending decisions and a stronger focus on value for taxpayers.
These priorities are connected. A strong local economy helps fund the services we need; housing helps us retain workers and families, and safer neighbourhoods help businesses and communities thrive.
OE: What experience or perspective would you bring to council?
TM: I bring a combination of business, education and community experience.
I’ve been a teacher, an author, a business owner and entrepreneur, and I’ve spent years volunteering and working with community organizations. Those experiences taught me how to manage budgets, solve problems, work with different personalities and, importantly, listen before making decisions.
My business and construction experience has also given me a practical understanding of the challenges facing employers, builders and families trying to make Kelowna home.
But I don’t believe a councillor needs to walk into City Hall pretending to have every answer. Good governance requires asking difficult questions, examining evidence and being willing to change your mind when better information emerges.
I would bring that approach to council: practical, collaborative and independent-minded, with a focus on whether decisions actually produce better outcomes for Kelowna residents.
OE: What is one thing you want Kelowna residents to understand about you before they cast their ballots?
TM: I want residents to know that I will listen, but I will also act.
Throughout this campaign, I’ve made a deliberate effort to meet people where they are; at their doors, in coffee shops, on hikes, at businesses and community events because decisions at City Hall affect real people.
I won’t agree with everyone, and I won’t promise that every problem has a simple solution. What I can promise is that I will ask questions, examine the facts, explain my decisions and remember that the money council spends belongs to taxpayers.
I’m not running to represent one neighbourhood, one interest group or one point of view. I’m running to represent Kelowna as a whole.
For me, public service comes down to three things: listen carefully, make responsible decisions, and be accountable for the results.
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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