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Basran to seek third term as mayor

Long-term lawmaker eager to keep seat against familiar challenger

The best-kept secret in Kelowna is no more, as Colin Basran officially chucks his hat into the ring to seek a third term as mayor of Kelowna.

The 44-year-old announced his plans to a boisterous and supportive crowd of movers and shakers at Red Bird Brewing Co.

Basran waited to the eleventh hour to make the news official, just one day ahead of the filing deadline.

“This has been a tough term. We just went through unprecedented times, so I just wanted to take some extra time to spend it with my family,” he told Kelowna10. “Just try and get through the summer to spend some quality time with them, and then hit the ground running.”

The two-term mayor and single-term councillor, however, doesn’t want his delay to hint at any wane in desire for the job.

“My passion for the city is stronger than ever, and I am ready to go,” he added.

Rumours have swirled for months about whether or not Basran would shift his political aspirations. Late in 2021, media types floated the notion of Basran and provincial Liberal MLA Norm Letnick pulling a seat shift.

Basran shied away at the idea, noting his long-term commitment to municipal politics.

“I’m not sure what more I need to do to sort of prove I am committed to this city,” he laughed.

Asked what he wants to get done, Basran pointed to the ongoing housing affordability issues, criminal justice and prolific offender reform, and weighing in on major developments.

“For example, the Tolko Mill site. The redevelopment of that will be a game changer for our city and I want to be the one to lead us through that process,” Basran said.

Basran was first elected to council in 2011 and mayor in 2014.

As of Sept. 8, Tom Dyas, Glendon Charles Smedley, and Silverado Socrates have put their names forward for mayor.

Residents will head to the polls on Oct. 15 to elect local lawmakers and school board trustees.

Published 2022-09-08 by Tyler Marr

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