All Candidates Forum – Village of Kaslo

Thank you to everyone who attended the Kaslo & Area Chamber of Commerce All Candidates Forum on October 2, and to the candidates who participated.

The forum provided Kaslo voters with an opportunity to hear directly from candidates for School Trustee, Mayor and Council ahead of the October 17, 2026 municipal election.

Watch the All Candidates Forum

A recording of the October 2 All Candidates Forum is available below for those who were unable to attend or watch the livestream.

Recording of the Kaslo & Area Chamber of Commerce All Candidates Forum held October 2, 2026 at the Kaslo Legion.

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Business-Focused Candidate Questionnaire

In addition to the forum, the Chamber invited all candidates for Mayor and Council to respond to the same four questions focused on issues affecting local businesses and the broader local economy.

Ten of the eleven candidates invited to participate submitted responses.

Candidates were asked to keep each response to a maximum of 150 words. Responses are published exactly as submitted, with only basic formatting applied for consistency. Where a candidate did not submit responses by the deadline, this is indicated as “No response received.”

1. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNITY VITALITY

What do you see as the municipality’s role in supporting local businesses and economic development? What specific actions would you prioritize to strengthen Kaslo’s economy, including downtown vitality, tourism, events and year-round business activity?

Erika Bird – Mayoral Candidate
The municipality cannot offer benefits to individual businesses, unless it is through tax incentives allowed under a Downtown Revitalization Program or if a business is in a registered Historic Building. Both these options mean that other taxpayers would have to make up the difference. We already have a local procurement policy and have agreed that the hotel tax be directed to Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism. As for events, the Village should support the work of event planners through an expanded Special Events Committee, whose members could actually help with May Days, etc. We need to develop a Special Events Policy with input from event organizers with the view to making permitting more timely and fees more appropriate. We need to sit down with Chamber members to find out what obstacles businesses are facing, and find ways to streamline approvals. Perhaps after-school care would enable entrepreneurs with young children devote more time to establishing or expanding their businesses.

Suzan Hewat – Mayoral Candidate (Incumbent)
The Village should continue supporting the street front patios. I would like to see cooperation with the Chamber on improved signage. This could include directional signage pointing to local amenities and attractions. The Village and Chamber could jointly write a letter to the Ministry of Transportation and Transit to request highway signage directing traffic toward Front Street. The heritage zone should also be maintained and promoted. There are many communities that don’t have anything to set them apart from others, and our historic downtown does that. I would also like to promote cooperation between event organizers and local businesses: when planning events there can be cross promotion.

Matthew Brown – Council Candidate (Incumbent)
I see the municipalities role in supporting businesses and economic development as that of a partner and advocate. While the village cannot directly financially support any particular business, through championing and supporting the Chamber of Commerce we can ensure that our local businesses have the strong supports they need. When looking at bylaws and fees affecting local businesses I believe we need to take a common sense approach and deeply consider the real world implications of legislation to ensure there aren’t unintended negative consequences for businesses to navigate or needlessly complicated rules. I feel we need to ensure there aren’t any financial or legislative barriers to new businesses starting up in Kaslo so that our storefronts are full and entrepreneurs see opportunity in Kaslo.

Donna Cormie – Council Candidate
No response received.

Linden Gibbons – Council Candidate
I believe that the role of the municipality is to provide opportunity for business to thrive, while also maintaining careful stewardship of the natural beauty, community, and activities that drive people to come to our village. One of the core draws to the Village over the course of the year are our many events, and this year the Kaslo Block Party provided a test case for large scale events that occur in the Kaslo downtown area; the village could consider continuing such events to ensure benefit to local businesses rather than out of town vendors.

Jim Holland – Council Candidate
Kaslo businesses are sustained to a large extent by tourism.  And tourists very often become residents, maintaining Kaslo’s population.  We know that a visitor that has a great experience will come back and even the children of visitors will return when they have great memories.  I’d like the Village and Council to look at ways to increase visitation, especially catering to families and events.  One option would be the 7 acres of Village owned waterfront land at the South Beach area that has proven itself as a very viable campground area (similar Kokanee Park Campground) for seasonal camping and events.  The community does have some calendar space for more events. KORS trail work especially on Mt Buchanan has put Kaslo on the outdoor enthusiast “must do” list – bringing more low impact, tenting style visitors. Along with Nordic skiing.  Kaslo has identified the desirability and need for more tenting/camping space.

Molly Leathwood – Council Candidate (Incumbent)
In my opinion, the best way to encourage economic development is to make Kaslo as sustainable as possible. It reminds me of the 100 mile diet where everything you need is within a small radius so people do not need to go too far or order online. To support business viability we need, as a Council, to find ways to offset the tax burden. Business taxes are 2.5 times higher than residential. There are so many amazing opportunities for communities to attract tourists and keep downtown alive. Night markets; mural fest; something like the Baker Street market; more music downtown. We need to ensure our bylaws work with business and not deter them. The Special Events committee could be expanded to work with the Chamber and other representatives to support tourism

Merryjill Milne – Council Candidate
Supporting local business and economic development in Kaslo includes licencing, zoning, tax incentives, attracting tourism, and prioritized parking. Our Front Street is our focal point of businesses. ‘Museum on Main Street’ is an innovative approach to filling vacant downtown windowfronts with works of local artists, history, photos and local school projects for the curious passersby. Walking the downtown of Nakusp recently I was very impressed with the revitalization of their downtown core. A model we can learn from.

Our strong digital connection through KIN and other providers has enabled work-from-home professionals to move rurally. Kaslo is a magnet to those seeking a stunning natural setting, active outdoor lifestyle, strong community spirit and honoured historical landmarks.

Most events occur within the warmer months. May Days, Wild Ultra, Wild Turkey, Jazz etc., Museums, landmarks, car shows, motorcycle routes. November is burger month,

Winter in the Forest, we need more in winter.

Rick Nay – Council Candidate
I believe that there are a number of ways that the municipality can support local business and economic development. First of all as a facilitator by connecting local businesses, with like-minded entrepreneurs in the Kooteney’s the municipality can help find opportunities. Secondly, the municipality itself can look for opportunities to show the rest of the province what Kaslo has to offer and why it is worthwhile to come out here to invest.

Specifically, I would look for opportunities where the municipality could either waive the charging of a permit fee or possibly look at temporary licensing so that tourism in particular can take advantage of the rather short summer season.

John Rasmussen – Council Candidate
I believe that the municipality’s role is key. We need to do everything we can within our proscribed limits to ensure that local businesses not only surive but thrive. My two main priorities would be downtown vitality (or maybe, revitaliztion would be better) and events. Vacant store fronts in the downtown core are greater than I’ve seen. I don’t believe that’s what anyone wants to see! As for events, we have these amazing stages around town that are barely being put to use! A couple of summers ago, the SummerConcert Series ran and people came downtown to listen. We need more creative ideas like this to attact people to Kaslo.

Sarah Sinclair – Council Candidate
I believe a municipality’s role is to create the conditions for local businesses to succeed, not to run them. Success always starts with listening, clear and predictable processes, and working together, alongside the Chamber, community groups, neighbouring communities and regional partners.

Kaslo’s economy is strongest when people can make a living here, downtown feels welcoming, and visitors connect with the true community. I’d focus on regular conversations with business owners, practical support for events and tourism, and the everyday details that keep our business district inviting year-round. We should also make it easier to buy local, support entrepreneurs and create opportunities for young people.

In small communities, economic development grows through relationships, steady follow-through and respect for the people already investing here. Strengthening existing businesses can create lasting local prosperity. A circular economy supports that by keeping more money and resources in Kaslo: buying local, reusing and repairing what we can, and helping businesses and organizations work together.

2. HOUSING & WORKFORCE

The availability and affordability of housing can make it difficult for local businesses to attract and retain employees. What role do you believe the municipality should play in addressing housing and workforce challenges?

Erika Bird – Mayoral Candidate
Our best bet to create workforce housing is to develop Kaslo’s South Area. I propose a task force to get that underway. The first step is a geo-technical review, then a civil engineering plan. Then consult and get a business plan. Should we create a Kaslo Housing Corporation? Seek a partnership agreement with Nelson Cares, or a not-for-profit development firm? To benefit from federal grants like the Build Communities Strong Fund (not yet rolled out in BC) we will need a shovel-ready project. To get to that point we will need to decide to use some of our reserve funds, or take a loan so that this generation is not burdened with the total cost of developing a new neighbourhood that will be needed for decades to come.

Suzan Hewat – Mayoral Candidate (Incumbent)
The Village isn’t in a financial position to build housing, but we can support our current housing providers: Kaslo & District Senior Citizens Shelter Society (Abbey Manor), and Kaslo Housing Society with advocacy efforts to other orders of government for funding.

This could be for the required infrastructure to support a housing development and/or for the construction of housing. We can also offer letters of support for project planning and construction projects.

Another possibility would be working with our local builders to develop purpose-built housing for our workforce. The Village has worked with a few of them in recent years and they have done very good work for us. The lands south of the bridge: Kaslo South, could be an ideal area for this. The plan gives examples of different housing types that could be developed on the different areas.

Matthew Brown – Council Candidate (Incumbent)
I think this is the most important issue facing our business community. I often hear from business owners who are able to find employees, but can’t retain them due to housing shortages. I believe the village needs to use every tool at our disposal to help facilitate more housing in our village. The Kaslo South lands owned by the village have big potential to meaningfully address affordable workforce housing. Partnering with the Kaslo Housing Society and other local community groups will be instrumental in seeing these homes realized. The village plays a key role in facilitating community conversations around housing to ensure what is built is representative of our community. The village is also responsible for ensuring our infrastructure can support new development and that when we are ready to put shovels in the ground to build houses, the foundations such as water, sewer, and energy have been laid thoughtfully to enable growth.

Donna Cormie – Council Candidate
No response received.

Linden Gibbons – Council Candidate
This is a primary concern of mine, and I think that council might take a two-fold approach – continuing to work with local organizations such as the Kaslo Housing Society to develop affordable housing, and also supporting the development of seniors’ housing, which may, as our population continues to age, open up options for new homeownership or rental spaces

Jim Holland – Council Candidate
This is a really tough issue.  But primarily, “for some low hanging fruit” I feel there are a lot of older folks in Kaslo that would downsize if it was easy, affordable and attractive.  Housing for Seniors I think could open up space for families and workers and with some creative investment, maybe Kaslo could facilitate and find investors for some sort of real estate pool to house Seniors and make homes available.  The Council could look for avenues to utilize Kaslo’s vacant land and maybe into consideration that selling Village land assets does not optimize long term sustainability.  Council could consider what BC jurisdictions have been doing, issuing 99-year leases to developers – which also gives a great deal of control to the community on the type of development.  And Village land remains a very valuable asset, forever.

Molly Leathwood – Council Candidate (Incumbent)
The best way for the village to support housing is to work with organizations that are already focussed on Housing. In a perfect world, the Village could take on these projects but the reality is that, even though we know how important it is, we do not have the staff capacity to take on housing projects. Kaslo South is a good opportunity to be able to work with Kaslo Housing Society to build some multi-residential, workforce housing. We have the land but need to money for the infrastructure. There are phases to that project that will promote getting money for infrastructure for the next phase. As a Council as well, we need to work toward expanding the sewer system so there could be more densification.

Merryjill Milne – Council Candidate
Employees arrive at Kaslo as individuals, couples, or family units seeking housing. Kaslo’s August 2026 Official Community Plan (OCP) assesses housing needs: five years at 102 new units; 20 years at 295.

For new or established housing, the municipality is responsible for implementing bylaws, zoning/permits, water, waste, roads, parks/recreation, policing, fire protection, and maintenance.

A new mixed housing neighbourhood is proposed in an area named South Kaslo. To accelerate building at lower cost, some communities have implemented a strategy known as PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes). In this scenario, the Village collaborates directly with private builders to negotiate a contract. The agreement explicitly defines the contract length and the PILOT payment amount. E.g., payment of 15% rental income over a 20-year lease.

33% of our population are seniors: some are ready to downsize or move to assisted living. Exploring funding/planning for assisted-living space will help free up real estate.

Rick Nay – Council Candidate
I believe the biggest area of opportunity on this subject relies on the municipalities use of zoning and bylaws.  We can make it more affordable and easier to build things like tiny homes on properties, above garage living areas and look at other unique ways to make it easier for people to add additional housing to their properties.

John Rasmussen – Council Candidate
Housing, both it’s affordability and it’s availability, remains one of my highest priorities. The lack of suitable housing for staff affects not only our local businesses but also all of our services including health care. It’s not an issue that the municipality can solve on its own, but by collaboration with all the local non-profits who have been advocating for and working on this for years I believe we can get the process started.

Sarah Sinclair – Council Candidate
Accessible, affordable, attainable housing is essential for a healthy local economy. When workers, families and seniors can’t find a suitable place to live, businesses struggle to hire and retain staff, and the whole community feels the effects. Unfortunately, a municipality can’t solve housing alone, but it can help by planning for a range of housing options, reviewing barriers in local bylaws and processes, and working with non-profits, landowners, builders and other levels of government.

I would support practical, community-scale solutions that fit Kaslo, such as more rental housing, smaller homes and gentle infill, while respecting the character of the village and the needs of residents. We should also listen to local employers and workers so our decisions respond to real workforce needs.

Progress will take partnerships, clear information and a willingness to explore the many opportunities, visions, and options thoughtfully.

3. INFRASTRUCTURE & MUNICIPAL COSTS

Reliable infrastructure and reasonable municipal costs are important to the viability of local businesses. What infrastructure, fees, taxes, regulations or municipal processes do you believe should be priorities for review or improvement?

Erika Bird – Mayoral Candidate
Infrastructure: More seating areas off Front Street in the Market lot and the library lot. Both these spaces could be leased to entrepreneurs wanting to set up on Sundays in the summer, when there is not much for tourists to do. Support the Historical Society/visitor centre with their idea of a gathering place at street level.

Costs: Keep business licensing fees low.

To help businesses hoping to renovate or expand: Review the efficiency with which building permits are issued and inspections conducted. In the case of obvious inefficiencies, lobby for better service from our RDCK partners who deliver the building compliance service.

Suzan Hewat – Mayoral Candidate (Incumbent)
Having heard of the challenges experienced by those in the building community, completing the Development Approvals project should be a priority. This is intended to develop systems to improve the efficiency, clarity and effectiveness of development approvals for quicker housing delivery and increasing housing supply.

We should advocate to the provincial and federal governments for an infrastructure funding program like the Canada Community Building Fund, which is a reliable, noncompetitive grant. This would allow for infrastructure to be built with limited taxation impacts on residents and businesses.

Once the wastewater treatment plant upgrades have been completed, grants should be pursued to expand the sewer service area. We have recently completed 2 important infrastructure projects: installation of UV treatment at the water treatment plant and replacement of the A Avenue waterline to reduce significant loss in the system.

Other system improvements should be pursued as staff time and budget allow.

Matthew Brown – Council Candidate (Incumbent)
I believe core infrastructure needs to be looked after first and foremost, such as our roads, water and waste management systems. These core systems are integral to the success or our community and the businesses that call Kaslo home. I believe the voice of business owners needs to be heard and heeded when council is making decisions that will affect them. Business owners are best positioned to understand the challenges they face and provide possible solutions to address them. I believe working closely with the chamber to identify these priorities is critical to getting this right. Removing impractical parking requirements for businesses, looking at licenses and fees charged to ensure they are reasonable and equitable, and caring for and preserving our historic heritage downtown core are priorities for review and improvement.

Donna Cormie – Council Candidate
No response received.

Linden Gibbons – Council Candidate
I believe that council should consider reviewing the regulations and process surrounding the Kaslo Building Design Guidelines; the cost of building or renovating is already significant, a cost which is inflated by the process of meeting the specific requirements laid out in the guidelines. Council should also consider reviewing the report written by the Accessibility Committee established in 2023 to see if improvements to accessibility might improve access to businesses for seniors or people with disabilities.

Jim Holland – Council Candidate
Well, as a Councillor, in order to make informed decisions and viable judgements on these issues there would have to be solid information provided.  All the issues stated here are very important and interrelated.  And it seems to me this comes down to very solid planning.  Of course there are many approaches, but I would rely heavily on the OCP to set priorities and policies and then use well considered judgement and fiscal accountability to chart an efficient plan to move forward.  I think in order to get the best situation out of the issues raised here, you have to know or have a solid vision of where you’re going or what outcomes are desired.  It’s a big job that should span years.

Molly Leathwood – Council Candidate (Incumbent)
There are some regulations that the Village has no control over. We do not regulate requirements for septic or what is in the building code. What the Village can do is work toward decreasing the expectation on taxes in a world where operating costs continue to grow. The more we expand the sewer system the less fees we need to collect. I think we can ensure that business license fees do not continue to rise and again we work toward making our community sustainable. Encourage business that services all we need without having to drive to Nelson or order online. We can continue to support KIN in upgrading the network so businesses can differentiate.

Merryjill Milne – Council Candidate
Our first infrastructure priority is expanding wastewater treatment. The Village has been awarded $3.8 million from the Strategic Priorities Fund to upgrade our capacity. Prioritizing multi-unit housing developments because cluster housing water systems are more cost-effective than long pipes to a few buildings spaced apart. The Village can use licensing and zoning as tools to mitigate the impact of short-term rentals on housing supply.

Residents have been respectful of water restrictions during drier months, helping maintain a flat-water rate versus a metered fee system.

Extending the Village boundary to include the Allen Subdivision is passed due now that they are connected to the Kaslo Village potable water system. This will increase our tax base and allow residents to be included in municipal elections, having a voice in municipal affairs, enjoying Village benefits.

Other suggestions, streamlining permit applications to speed processing times, dedicating funds towards village beautification, and hiring local contractors.

Rick Nay – Council Candidate
On this topic, I would prefer to go to the source. Rather than me deciding what it is, that should be reviewed or needs to  be improved I would find a way to communicate with the local businesses to see what it is that they require. This is a good example of where communication and collaboration could result in a win for the community.

John Rasmussen – Council Candidate
Hopefully, the recent grant will improve downtown core infrastructure. I would like to review our signage bylaw further to see what might be possible to advertise businesses in town. I know there are signs already, but the one is so far away, hardly anyone stops. Maybe there is something that can be done to direct more people towards out downtown businesses. I’m sure there are many others we cn sit down and discuss.

Sarah Sinclair – Council Candidate
That’s a good question. I don’t have every municipal process or regulation memorized, so I want to be honest about what I know and what I’d want to learn. One thing is clear: small businesses do best when the basics work, reliable water, sewer, roads and internet, welcoming public spaces, and municipal costs and processes they can understand and plan for. Trying to run a business while figuring out bylaws and budgeting for possible cost increases can feel like building the plane while flying it.

I’d support a careful review of infrastructure needs and long-term maintenance, so Council can make sound investments before problems become more costly. Council should be open about priorities, timelines and how decisions affect taxpayers and utility users.

I’d also look at fees, rules and application processes from a small-business perspective: Are they clear? Are timelines reasonable? Can we simplify steps without compromising safety or accountability?

In a rural community like ours, resources are limited. We need practical improvements, good use of grants and regional partnerships, and honest conversations with residents and businesses. Kaslo’s strength is its people; we should make decisions with them, and explain them clearly.

4. ONE SPECIFIC COMMITMENT 

If elected, what is one specific action or initiative you would commit to pursuing during your term that you believe would have a positive impact on local businesses?

Erika Bird – Mayoral Candidate
The Village should take a greater role in protecting our commercial core from the embers that would flow over our downtown in the event of a nearby wildfire. Public Works should assess areas on Municipal land – the verges of the alleyways, the library lot – and remove leaf litter and keep grasses trimmed. Review and update the Heritage and Commercial Core DPA with FireSmart principles in mind. The goal should be to ensure the empty lots and the alleyways off Front Street are Firesmarted. To encourage business owners to replace flammable materials in fences and sheds, work with Kaslo Building Supplies to offer non-flammable flashing, fence material and screening at a discount. Purchase rooftop sprinklers in bulk, perhaps in coordination with neighbouring districts and municipalities. These sprinklers provide a moist “bubble” above structures. Studies have shown that embers fly over these pockets of moist air. The sprinklers could be activated by the fire department when necessary.

Suzan Hewat – Mayoral Candidate (Incumbent)
I would commit to helping the Choose Local committee with promoting their ‘Shop Local’ campaign. We have many goods and services available in our community. Our local volunteer organizations in the Kaslo area look to local businesses to support their fundraising efforts and I would like to see them reciprocate. We are dependent on each other. Businesses need locals to support them year-round and residents need businesses to be there when they need products. I think encouraging the use of Chamber Cash is a great way to offer that support to local businesses. Since introducing Chamber Cash, the Village has been providing it to staff for their annual Christmas gratuity.

Matthew Brown – Council Candidate (Incumbent)
I feel the best commitment I can make is to listen to businesses and let their concerns and dreams drive the conversation around the council table. I feel when we work in collaboration we can affectively address issues, meet challenges, and create a more prosperous future for our village. Our business owners are community leaders, and they have a unique and powerful perspective on what is causing stagnation in our community and how we can create positive growth. If re-elected I pledge to be a strong voice and advocate for our business community around the council table.

Donna Cormie – Council Candidate
No response received.

Linden Gibbons – Council Candidate
The action I would take would be to call for a review of either the Kaslo Building Design Guidelines, or the processes involved in determining whether plans would meet their specifications. I believe that some modification should be possible to reduce costs to new and existing businesses trying to build or modify their shop fronts, while still maintaining the historic nature and aesthetics of our downtown.

Jim Holland – Council Candidate
I would like to see Council have a much tighter engagement and communication with both businesses and the non-profit organizations that are also businesses in their own right.  The businesses and npo’s of Kaslo have first hand experience and knowledge of how to operate in a fiscal and sustainable way, and that knowledge could be utilized and made available to the policy makers as much as is practical.  At a minimum these groups should have easy convenient ways to interact and provide information to Council.  The position typically filled by the Chamber/Council representative needs to be much more than just an observer, ensuring Chamber is aware of priorities Council is working on and vise versa.

Molly Leathwood – Council Candidate (Incumbent)
The initiative I would commit to would be to find a way to hear from the business owners more and find out what their specific issues are and how we can support them. The Chamber does a very good job o promoting local business and working with them in a bigger capacity would be good as well. I do not believe in re-inventing the wheel so focus on the issues we, as a Council, can control but we need to know what the issues really are.

Merryjill Milne – Council Candidate
I will continue open communication with business owners and business consumers alike. I will research solutions, bring them to the “table” and with the collaboration of fellow councillors and the mayor implement results. I come to council with a listening ear, solution-oriented mind, a seat and a vote to represent the constituents of Kaslo.

As an example: One simple solution to an issue addressing businesses and those with mobility issues is parking on Front Street. Many a morning I have seen seniors sitting in their cars before the grocery store opens just to secure a spot by the door. If no spot is available… they do not shop.

Proposal: Two short-term (2-hour window) handicap parking spaces on the southside of Front Street.

Rick Nay – Council Candidate
If I am elected I would commit to setting up a series of meetings between local business people, and the council to look for suggestions, opportunities, and ways that we could support them.

John Rasmussen – Council Candidate
Housing has to be the answer. Without housing, we will continue to see staffing shortages which only harms local businesses. It’s going to take time but now, if it’s not already too late, is the time to get the ball rolling.

Sarah Sinclair – Council Candidate
If elected, I would bring my skills and experience in community economic development and business development to support local businesses, organizations and the Chamber, including taking part in Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) walks. These conversations help us understand what local businesses and community organizations need, identify barriers and build on the many initiatives that bring so much joy and richness to our community.

I’d be happy to develop and lead regular, structured check-ins with the Chamber and local business owners. We could talk about what’s working, what’s challenging and where follow-up is needed, from municipal processes and infrastructure to seasonal pressures, staffing, events and downtown vitality.

I would bring recurring municipal issues forward so business feedback can inform Council’s work. Check-ins wouldn’t replace individual conversations, or mean every request can be met, but they would offer a dependable way to listen, share information and report back.

In a small community, relationships and follow-through matter. I want to support the people and initiatives that make Kaslo such a vibrant, caring place to live and work.