Penticton residents will go to the polls on April 5 to vote for a candidate to replace MLA Amelia Boultbee at the city council table.
Ahead of voting, including advance voting on March 26 and 27, the Western News provided a series of questions to the candidates to find where they stand on important local issues.
All seven candidates were provided the same questions and space to respond, as well as an opportunity to provide a short biography.
The questions asked were as follows;
1. What do you think the city can and should do to address the need for affordable housing in the community?
2. What do you think the city can and should do to address the perception of worsening crime in the community?
3. What do you think the city can and should do to support local businesses during the U.S.-Canada trade war?
Here are the candidates responses in alphabetical order:
Aaron Baisarowicz:
Aaron Baisarowicz moved the Penticton in 1978. He went through Grades 1-12 here and started working in restaurants at 15. By 22 he received his first kitchen management position at Sambuca’s Italian restaurant. Aaron spent 10 years in restaurants before moving on to sales for six years, two years as a restaurant owner and then seven years corporate management. He attended business administration at Okanagan college 2011-2013. Aaron was a member and president of the Penticton Auxiliary Fire Department for five years. In 2013 he purchased Servco Carpet Care (a defunct business) and grew it into the largest carpet cleaner in Penticton. This was sold in 2023, and Aaron has since been semi-retired, working part-time at the BC liquor store. Aaron lives an active lifestyle with a broad range of interests including weightlifting, hiking, cycling, camping, rock climbing, and kayaking with a great love for animals and the outdoors.
1. The city should look at reducing property taxes, development fees, permit times and bureaucratic red tape to reduce housing costs and encourage development.
2. Statistics state that crime is declining, this may be a decline in reported crimes as many businesses and residents have given up reporting issues. Penticton needs to work with other cities to pressure provincial and federal governments to give us the tools required to clean up our city and protect vulnerable populations.
3. I don’t think the city is in a position to make a significant impact on international tariff issues. Our best option is to encourage local food production and the purchasing of local goods when available. We should not try to institute further punitive costs on the purchase of foreign products.
Juliana Buitenhuis
My vision is for an inclusive, safe and supportive City that is vibrant year-round. I moved here 7 years ago for my dream job as Campus Manager at Okanagan College with my (now) husband who hails from Summerland. Raising our son with a genetic condition, we became aware of both the opportunities and gaps in navigating child-care and community social services. Previously, I worked in Community Planning for the City of North Vancouver where I oversaw the homelessness portfolio, started the Placemaking program in the Economic Development department, and developed the Child, Youth and Family Friendly Strategy.
I currently sit on the board of OneSky Community Resources and Community Futures and am a member of the City’s Parks and Recreation Committee. This experience has given me a strong understanding of both the business and community needs of Penticton, so that I can help lead the City with strategic governance.
1. The City can designate empty parcels of land for affordable housing, while seeking funding from the Feds and Province. Increasing housing stock will lower the overall cost of market housing, so fast-tracking development in areas appropriate for density is also important. The city also needs to support housing for youth.
2.Addressing the root causes of crime is important, including addiction and mental health supports. The Temporary Shelter has reduced calls to bylaw and should be continued with the support of the province. Initiatives like Car 40 (RCMP and mental health professional) and the downtown security camera program should be expanded.
3. The silver lining of the trade war could be an increase in domestic tourism. Visit Penticton and the Conference Bureau (Meet in Penticton) should enhance efforts to attract visitors, conferences and sports teams from across the country. An Economic Development Officer should be hired to support local business. Buy Local!
Jason Reynen
I’m Jason Reynen, a business owner, husband, and father of four, born and raised in Penticton, where my entire family still resides. As a municipal tax-paying business owner, I understand the financial pressures facing both residents and local entrepreneurs. I own and operate Performance Auto Care and have built my career on hard work, problem-solving, and accountability. I believe in responsible governance that prioritizes smart spending, community needs, and economic growth.
I also believe strong leadership prioritizes relationships with residents, businesses, and all levels of government, to find solutions that work for our community. As a council candidate, I want to ensure your tax dollars are spent wisely by pushing for a Budget Oversight Committee to audit city spending and eliminate waste. I also want to advocate for housing solutions, crime reduction strategies, and strong support for local businesses.
Penticton deserves leadership that listens, engages, and takes action.
1. The city should streamline permit approvals, offer density incentives, and prioritize partnerships with developers and non-profits to build more attainable housing. I will push for a Permit Review Committee to cut red tape and speed up application processing. Securing increased provincial and federal funding will also help address the housing crisis.
2. We need a stronger police presence, better mental health and addiction services, and increased enforcement against repeat offenders. The city must work with the RCMP and provincial agencies to improve response times and intervention programs. Proactive crime prevention and community engagement will help restore safety and confidence in our neighborhood’s.
3. The city should reduce red tape, offer tax incentives, and prioritize local procurement. Expanding tourism, advocating for fair trade policies, and promoting Penticton-made products beyond our borders will help. Additionally, creating grant programs and business support networks will strengthen our local economy during uncertain times.
Ankit Sachdeva
I’m Ankit Sachdeva, running for Penticton City Council in the April 5th by-election. Having lived in big cities, I’ve seen smooth operations planned for the future—ideas I’ll bring here after observing the gaps in these past two years of living in Penticton. Through my volunteering work—with Snakebite Film Festival, Peach Fest and my 2nd year with Penticton Access Center doing taxes for low income individuals—I’ve met some amazing residents and heard their concerns: safety, jobs, housing. My vision is a vibrant Penticton where the gap between ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’ reduces. I’ll tackle homelessness and crime with housing and services, boost our economy with year-round business support, and fight climate change with greener infrastructure. Vote for me to make Penticton vibrant for all!
1. The city should partner with 100 More Homes for affordable units and incentivize rentals with developers over luxury condos. Using city land for co-ops or tiny homes can cuts costs fast. Tax relief for low-income owners eases pressure, ensuring a vibrant Penticton where everyone has a home.
2. The city must boost supportive housing and addiction services to cut crime’s roots, partnering with local groups. More community policing and downtown lighting will restore safety. A vibrant Penticton means secure streets—big-city lessons show compassion and action work for all.
3. The city should offer tax breaks and grants to local businesses hit by trade war costs. A business council can guide policy, while job training keeps workers competitive. Promote ‘buy local’ to boost Penticton, helping our province flourish and Canada go global.
Riley Thompson:
My name is Riley Thompson and I’m running for City Council in the byelection. I am an apprentice electrician working on obtaining my Red Seal and I rent an apartment on Rigsby Street. At 24, I’m the youngest candidate but what I lack in experience, I make up for in passion for good governance and community. I grew up here and like you, I love this town, its parks, its beaches and its energy. I want to help navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead and help Penticton be a great place to live, work and play for today and future generations. I believe smart decisions and investments made today can pay dividends in the future. Some of my main concerns I plan to address are housing and affordability, increasing supports for the homeless, and bringing back some of the cultural vibrancy from the 80’s and 90’s.
1. The city should continue encouraging multi-unit developments. I believe smart density located in the downtown will increase housing supply. Strengthening our relationship with BC Housing will also be instrumental in improving affordability. Through collaboration with the province, I aim to build more low-income housing.
2. Increase supports for our homeless population. More supported housing and drug addiction services will have a two-fold impact on crime. By helping people get off the streets and into jobs we will reduce small-scale property crime which will allow our RCMP to focus their efforts more efficiently and effectively.
3.I will support the Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce in promoting the sale of our wines and beers across Canada. Canadians will be looking to travel within Canada and Penticton will be ready with the best lakes, beaches, restaurants and events. I would like to use this opportunity to invite doctors and nurses to come to Penticton.
Nicholas Stulberg and Bradley Bartsch did not provide a response by the provided deadline.
