Kelowna entrepreneur and community volunteer Teresa May has formally launched a campaign for city council, saying she wants to help shape the municipality’s future for coming generations. Her announcement, issued in a news release, positions her as a candidate focused on neighbourhood safety, responsible growth and the fiscal stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
Campaign priorities emphasise safety, practical solutions
May described herself as a business leader, author, educator and long‑time volunteer. She framed her candidacy around service to families and seniors and a desire to leave a better city for her grandchildren. The campaign theme, as stated in her release, is “Building a Stronger Kelowna, Together.”
She said her motivation is personal and civic: "Kelowna has given so much to my family over the years,” the release quoted her as saying. “Now, as a grandmother, I think about the kind of city my grandchildren will grow up in.”
- Public safety — creating safer neighbourhoods
- Social supports — practical responses to homelessness, addiction and mental health
- Economic focus — supporting businesses and responsible growth
- Fiscal responsibility — managing taxpayer dollars and planning for the future
In presenting her platform, May emphasised listening, collaboration and measured decision‑making rather than pursuing a career in politics. "I am not running to be a career politician. I am running because I care deeply about our community," the release said.
Background and community involvement
May and her husband, Peter Teschner, have a family of four children and four grandchildren, which her campaign statement said remains central to her outlook. Professionally, she has owned and operated several businesses and worked in education. Her release lists an extensive record of volunteer work with local and national organisations, including the Canadian Cancer Society, Kelowna Children's Festival, Community Food Bank, Canadian Blood Services and the Gospel Mission, among others.
| Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Family | Four children, four grandchildren |
| Professional | Business owner, educator |
| Volunteer work | Multiple local charities and initiatives |
May’s announcement arrives as Kelowna prepares to elect a new council on Saturday, Oct. 17, when voters will choose at least four new councillors. Several current councillors will not return, creating an opportunity for significant turnover on the nine‑member council.
Her platform places emphasis on collaborative problem‑solving and a community‑first approach. If elected, May said she intends to prioritise pragmatic policies that address immediate neighbourhood concerns while keeping long‑term fiscal health in view.
“I believe good leadership begins with listening, understanding different perspectives and making thoughtful decisions that serve the long‑term interests of our city.”
With the nomination season underway, May joins a growing field of candidates competing for seats at City Hall. Voters will weigh experience in business and community service against other candidates’ priorities as the municipal campaign unfolds.
