Kimberley mayoral candidate Matt “Powder Matt” Mosteller said strengthening the city’s craft economy, creating opportunities for young people and bringing residents together are among his priorities heading into the Oct. 17 municipal election.
Mosteller is one of two candidates seeking the mayor’s chair, alongside Sandra Roberts. The City of Kimberley has confirmed general voting will take place Oct. 17, with advance voting scheduled for Oct. 7 and 14.
Mosteller has spent more than 30 years working in the mountain resort industry and is also board chair and co-founder of KORE Outdoors, an organization supporting outdoor recreation businesses and entrepreneurs in the Kootenays.
He said his connection to the outdoors began when someone introduced him to skiing as a child, an experience that eventually led to his career in the ski industry.
Mosteller said Kimberley’s combination of arts, local businesses and access to outdoor recreation is what makes the community distinctive.
“This is a special place; that’s Kimberly’s secret sauce. We have so many artisans here with the platzel, one of Canada’s only few walking plazas where there are shops lining it, and it’s very unique with incredible outdoor and quality accessibility to the outdoors from the community and the incredible, passionate people that live here.”
Mosteller said he sees an opportunity to build on the city’s existing community of artisans and small businesses.
“This is our opportunity to find a way forward, and really build on that, where we have so many people that are artisans in this community.” he said.
“And giving that opportunity to grow craft businesses and create job diversification through craft because it’s in the DNA of the community already.”
Mosteller said his campaign is also focused on collaboration, economic development and creating opportunities for younger residents.
“I want to create a healthy environment. I want to bring everybody together. I want to collaborate. I want to build relationships, and I want to build deeper care and more commerce for the community,” he said.
“Creating jobs and a bright future for our youth here. And I think the artisan and craft is something that all ages can participate in.”
“We’ve shown that as a community, and we’re the best city in British Columbia, and I want to continue to see that happen and, uh, thrive for the next generation.”
Mosteller encouraged residents to participate in the election and approach conversations about the city’s future positively.
“Carry a smile and joy, and good energy, and get out and vote,” he said.
“This is an opportunity for fresh starts and bringing people together and collaborating, which I think is what is vital in today’s world.”
General voting runs from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 17 at McKim Middle School. Advance voting will be held from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 7 and 14 at Centennial Hall.
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