Experience. Responsible Growth. A Stronger Community.
Lake Country has been my home for nearly 40 years. It’s where my wife and I raised our family, where I’ve volunteered, and where I’ve had the privilege and honour of serving our community for the past 12 years, eight as a councillor and four as Mayor.
My priorities for the next four years
1. Protect What We Value
Agriculture, water, environment, neighbourhoods and rural character.
2. Prepare for What’s Ahead
Infrastructure, transportation, housing, public safety, recreation and municipal services.
3. Strengthen Our Local Economy
Local jobs, businesses, commercial tax base and appropriate economic development.
4. Invest in Our Quality of Life
Parks, trails, recreation, community spaces and connected neighbourhoods.
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Experience Matters
Leadership, governance, regional relationships and accountability.
My vision: Provide experienced, accountable leadership that brings people together, builds strong partnerships and gives Lake Country a strong voice at every level of government.
Why it matters: Many of Lake Country’s biggest issues — including water, healthcare, transportation and infrastructure — require us to work effectively with regional, provincial and federal governments.
What we’ve done: I currently serve as Chair of the Okanagan Basin Water Board and Vice Chair of both the Regional District of Central Okanagan and Central Okanagan Regional Hospital District. These roles have helped build strong working relationships that strengthen our ability to advocate for Lake Country, secure support and respond when it matters most. I have also helped lead our community through the 2017 fires and floods, the 2023 wildfires and recovery, and the 2026 Fortis gas shutdown.
“Lake Country needs leadership that is prepared, connected and able to respond.”
Protect What We Value
Agriculture, water, environment, neighbourhoods and rural character.
My vision: Protect our agricultural lands, water, environment, neighbourhoods, parks, trails and the rural character of Lake Country.
Why it matters: Growth should not come at the expense of the things that make Lake Country special. Our farms, orchards, lakes and natural spaces are fundamental to our identity and our future.
What we’ve done:
Adopted a 20-year Water Master Plan
Secured $5.5 million for the Beaver Lake Dam
Secured $15 million for Aberdeen Plateau fire mitigation
Continued wildfire mitigation and land acquisition
Prepare for What’s Ahead
Infrastructure, transportation, housing, public safety, recreation and municipal services.
My vision: Plan responsibly for infrastructure, transportation, housing, public safety, recreation and municipal services while being careful with taxpayers’ dollars.
Why it matters: For too long, some of our infrastructure and services have struggled to keep pace with growth. Good planning means looking ahead instead of constantly playing catch-up.
What we’ve done:
Adopted a new Official Community Plan through 2046
Taken a more strategic approach to infrastructure and reserves
Expanded policing capacity
Established in-house civil construction and paving crews
Connected housing planning to infrastructure and community services
“Good planning means looking ahead instead of constantly playing catch-up.”
Strengthen Our Local Economy
Local jobs, business, commercial tax base and appropriate economic development.
My vision: Create more opportunities for local jobs and services, grow our commercial tax base and make it easier to do business in Lake Country.
Why it matters: More jobs and services close to home can mean less commuting, while a stronger commercial and industrial tax base can reduce our reliance on residential property taxes over time. We must diversify our tax base so that community costs don’t fall so heavily on the homeowner.
What we’ve done:
Continued advancing the Lake Country Business Park
Rezoned approximately 200 acres in the Business Park
Rezoned another 80 acres elsewhere in the community
Improved development processes and business relationships
“200 acres rezoned in the Lake Country Business Park creates opportunities for investment, employment and a more diversified tax base.”
Invest in Our Quality of Life
Parks, trails, recreation, community spaces and connected neighbourhoods.
My vision: Continue improving our parks, trails, recreation facilities, community spaces and neighbourhood connections for every generation.
Why it matters: A strong community needs more than roads and buildings. It needs places where children can play, families can gather, youth can participate, seniors can stay active, neighbours can connect, and the arts flourish.
What we’ve done:
Revitalized Swalwell Park
Acquired land for future parks and recreation
Acquired the former BC Tree Fruits property beside Winfield Arena
Continued trail and active transportation improvements
“I am proud of what we have accomplished and ready to go to work for the community that I love.”
Momentum Matters
A lot of important groundwork has been laid over the past four years.
The next four are about continuing that work, delivering on plans already underway and making thoughtful decisions about the Lake Country we leave to future generations.
I am proud of what we have accomplished and am ready to go to work for the community that I love.
Let’s keep the conversation going.
I’d love to hear your thoughts about the future of Lake Country.
250-826-0071 irelandblair@gmail.com