Kendall Eyford
2026 Election Candidate
Environmental
Coldstream's Official Community Plan focuses on directing growth to designated “growth areas” while limiting development in “rural protection areas.”
a) Under what conditions do you think Council should make exceptions to this growth strategy?
b) Please give local examples of 'good' and 'not good' building development in Coldstream, and state why.
Coldstream's Official Community Plan was updated in January of 2026... Here is what I think about it in regards to this question:
To preface my answer, I believe Coldstream Council should make community development a priority while also keeping our community quaint and as supportive of local businesses as possible.
A) Exceptions should be made to this growth strategy under extreme circumstances and when residents believe there needs to be change, elected officials should investigate further. Examples such as an imminent need for housing, substantial tax increases or when there is an infill opportunity (when infrastructure is available such as water or sewage, but the land sits vacant)
B) Some examples of 'good' building developments would be Back to Earth, Friesens, Rail Trail Cafe, etc. A business that is locally ran and operated and supports our residents while creating a vibrant community should be our priority. An example of a 'not good' development would be massive chain businesses being placed in our small community.
Coldstream has experienced significant climate impacts for the last few years. How do you propose to address these crises, both in preparing ahead for disasters like drought, wildfires, heat domes and floods, as well as reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that lead to climate change?
Coldstream has experienced many significant climate impacts in the last few years. Some solutions that I would like to implement include a new and updated cell tower for Coldstream and Lavington residents. This would create more consistent communication for our community, especially during crises. I would also like to implement the development of resilient infrastructure, ensuring when we build something as a community, that it will withstand extreme weather.
Do you support the use of public funds to contribute to acquiring natural lands for environmental conservation purposes? Under what conditions would the perceived need for more housing, businesses, roads and other infrastructure prompt you to trade away natural lands with high ecological value for urban expansion?
The use of public funds to acquire natural lands for conservation purposes is largely used in other parts of the world as well as within our community. I believe that there needs to be ongoing research of the districts needs for housing, roads, etc; then, with that data we can see how large the priority would be for trading away our natural land with development for urban expansion. The results should be shared with the residents, and they should be able to voice their own opinions and views with the council prior to council making any sort of decision. Especially when it regards something incredibly important to all beings (not just the people) of our community.
Drought, contamination, increasing demand are just some of the water issues. What actions would you prioritise to protect our creeks, lakes, aquifers, and groundwater for home and agricultural water sources, habitat for fish and wildlife, and human recreation?
There are many actions that the district can take to improve our current water issues (contamination, drought, etc) Water limits our ability to grow as a community and continue to meet the municipal needs. I would prioritize working with other Okanagan communities in creating and revising the rules for reclaimed water, finding and repairing leaks, replacing old metres. As well, I would ensure farms, orchards and other agricultural businesses receive help in securing grants and better irrigation technology.
Our water is precious and it needs to be treated as such. We need to start preserving it now; for our future generations.
Social
In smaller communities, we need to be creative in how we help one another; how do you see the role of local government in this?
The role of the local government to support our community with being creative in helping one another, can start by being the 'glue' for the community. Providing networking, fostering partnerships, and providing open communication, would be excellent stepping stones to creating a healthy environment for helping one another.
How do we tackle misinformation and growing distrust in local government as well as uncivil behaviour on social media and in person?
Tackling misinformation as well as ensuring residents trust their local government should be paramount. We can start by providing open communication and being transparent. As council, we want our residents to feel safe enough to share their thoughts and concerns, this is how we can progress and grow as a municipal government and community.
Cultural
Describe what arts and culture are in the Coldstream area from your perspective, and how do you think local government should support these features of our community?
In my perspective, Coldstream is still developing and implementing arts and culture into our community. We have our new municipal hall, which provides visual and written exhibits about Coldstream's history. We have our cenotaph that serves as a monument for recognizing and thanking our fallen soldiers and current military members. We have the Mackie Lake House which is a historic site as well as a venue that has been used in the past for 'Music at Mackie'
I think that Coldstream has lots of room for growth for local arts and culture. This can be supported by inviting local artists and other people to share their exhibits or work, and displaying them publicly, while sharing the artists story.
Is the current structure of funding for arts & culture and recreation, which is currently through the RDNO, working for Coldstream? Why or why not?
Coldstream currently works directly with RDNO to provide residents with funding or options for recreation, arts and culture. I think working with them has been an excellent stepping stone for our community; but as Coldstream grows, we need to give residents more options... supporting Lavington Community Association (as well as other local organizations) would be a great way of giving the community more of these opportunities.
Economic
What is your understanding of how small local governments can support our economic development, including the success of our small local businesses?
Our local government can support our communities economic development as well as the success of small local businesses by lowering administrative and start up fees, offering financial incentives to the small businesses, and fast tracking permits. The municipal government can further support the businesses success by assisting in networking and marketing as well as consistent engagement from council and other members of our community.
What is one action the municipality should take to strengthen our local food system and improve access to healthy, affordable food? Why that action?
The municipality can take action to strengthen our local food system and improve access to healthy and affordable food by reviewing and updating our bylaws surrounding community gardens, farms, and markets. Ensuring that local farmers feel supported by their community as well as their government. This will help to ensure that every resident has an opportunity to access fresh and local food (and other products), on their own terms.
Health
As Mayor / Councilor, how would you work to attract and retain medical professionals in Coldstream?
As a healthcare and social services worker, I know how hard it can be to find a job that provides ample income, a healthy work/life balance, etc. The best way to attract and retain medical professionals would be by partnering with local and regional health authorities as well as other local governments and providing incentives to these working professionals, making it a smoother administrative process for them, as well as supporting them in finding a clinic space if needed.
How will you ensure that our planning of our built environment, our programs and our policies support the diverse physical and mental health needs of our population?
The only way to ensure that our environment, programs, and policies are supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of our residents would be by conducting evidence based research and ensuring that our communities health equity is is integrated at every stage of community development. Health equity assessments are used by many other bodies of government to ensure that health needs are being met.
