Contenders in upcoming municipal election surfacing in Okanagan

For the second time today a press release in the Central Okanagan promised big news about the fall municipal election.

First term Peachland councillor Patrick Van Minsel is set to make his big announcement tomorrow, June 28, at 10:30 a.m. in front of the Rotary Clock in downtown Peachland and earlier today, Tom Dyas, who finished second in his run for mayor of Kelowna in 2018, announced that his announcement will be on June 29.

READ MORE: Former Kelowna mayoral candidate may run again

“Councillor Van Minsel has proudly served Peachland residents for four years on council and is ready to take further steps to continue to make Peachland an even better place to live, work and play,” his press release says. It does not say if “taking further steps” means running for mayor.

He’s the general manager of the Peachland Chamber of Commerce as well as “owning and operating a wine tour company, fitness and wellness club chain and financial consulting business, among other ventures,” the release says.

In 2018, Mayor Cindy Fortin won re-election after her name was drawn from a hat after she and challenger Harry Gough finished tied with 804 votes each.

She was first elected mayor in 2014. She has not yet announced her intentions for this year’s election.

Municipal election day in B.C. is Oct. 15.

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