Fernie mayoral candidate Kyle Hamilton is campaigning on infrastructure improvements, housing availability and economic development as voters prepare to head to the polls this Saturday.
Hamilton, who has served two terms on Fernie city council, said his experience in local government and business has prepared him to take on a greater leadership role.
Hamilton said he decided to seek the mayor’s office after learning incumbent Mayor Nick Milligan would not run for re-election.
“I decided after two terms on council, it was time for me to step up in my leadership role in our community and run for mayor.”
An entrepreneur, Hamilton has launched several businesses in Fernie, including a photography studio, marketing agency and technology startup focused on virtual reality safety training.
He identified infrastructure as his top campaign priority, saying the city faces issues that need to be addressed.
Housing is another major concern, with Hamilton pointing to the challenges local employers face in recruiting workers because of limited housing availability.
Economic development rounds out his three main priorities, with a focus on diversifying Fernie’s economy, expanding its commercial and light industrial tax base and creating long-term employment opportunities.
“We need to start looking at how we are going to expand our economic base, both from a development perspective, from a commercial and light industrial tax base, but also how are we building our community to ensure that there remains a variety of well-paying jobs well into the future in our community.”
Hamilton said his approach to municipal decision-making has been guided by a desire to ensure future generations can continue to live and work in Fernie.
Since first being elected to council, he said he has considered how decisions made today could affect his daughter’s ability to remain in the community.
He said he would carry that principle into the mayor’s office, prioritizing long-term community needs over short-term political considerations.
“I think it’s important to think not just about the next 4 years, but about what the next 10, 20 years are going to look like, ensuring that the candidates you are choosing are thinking beyond their re-election and to what life is going to look like in their communities well into the future.”
B.C.’s general local elections are scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17.
