TODD ROBERT SANDERSON — CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE OK, Let’s Vote — Kelowna’s 2026 Election Guide Office: Kelowna City Council Submitted: September 16, 2026, 07:37 AM (time displayed by CRM) Reviewed and published September 16, 2026 Answers supplied by the candidate or authorized campaign representative and published with saved authorization. Private contact emails and private upload links are excluded. Wording follows the original response; paragraph spacing is normalized. Claims are attributed statements, not independently audited results. Conditional and undecided answers receive no binary score. Hypothetical answers about past council motions are not recorded votes. PROFILE AND PRIORITIES 01 · Your candidacy and priorities Answer: City of Kelowna Councilor https://sites.google.com/view/toddsandersonforkelowna Give a short biography focused on experience relevant to the office. What would you bring that voters cannot learn from a job title? Answer: I am a CPA, CA, CEPA with over 35 years experience working with entrepreneurs and organizations achieve their personal and financial goals. This includes 5 years as part of the City of Kelowna's external financial audit team. I have also served as President of the DKA, Chamber of Commerce and URBA. In addition, I have direct development experience having been a controller with a residential development company, and Treasurer of the local UDI chapter. What are your three highest priorities for the next term? For each, give a first-year action, a measurable result and a realistic timeline. Answer: *Rebuilding transparency and public trust - Advocate for a “Public Accountability Report” after every closed Council meeting. If elected, I will advocate for greater disclosure around closed Council meetings, including clear reasons for going in camera and the timely public release of decisions once confidentiality is no longer required *Taxes, spending and financial accountability - Advocate for a property-tax guideline tied to inflation. If elected, I will advocate that municipal property-tax increases not exceed inflation unless exceptional circumstances are clearly demonstrated and Council publicly explains the measurable value taxpayers will receive. *Housing affordability and responsible growth - Advocate for a Housing Fast Track in existing serviced areas. If elected, I will advocate for a Housing Fast Track that gives priority to affordable, rental and missing-middle housing in areas where existing infrastructure and services can responsibly support growth. How would you handle conflicts of interest, lobbying, gifts, campaign support, closed meetings and recusal? What additional disclosure or independent oversight would you support? Answer: I would remain accountable by clearly explaining how and why I make decisions, particularly on major spending, taxation and development issues. I will listen to residents before decisions are made, disclose any potential conflicts of interest and report regularly on the commitments I make during the campaign. Residents may not always agree with my vote, but they will know where I stand, why I voted as I did and how to reach me. Disclose business ownership, employment, directorships, development interests, paid advisory roles or other financial interests relevant to the office. Give public sources and explain how you would handle related decisions. Do not include home addresses, account numbers or confidential documents. Answer: To maintain my independence and avoid being influenced by organizational affiliations, I have intentionally stepped back from the day-to-day activities of the Uptown Rutland Business Association, Downtown Kelowna Association and Kelowna Chamber of Commerce. However, my experience serving and leading all three organizations has given me a strong foundation in integrity, collaborative leadership and the importance of finding practical compromises among diverse interests. QUICK POSITIONS 1. The City should shorten and simplify the process for approving new homes. Answer: Yes / Support 2. The City should reduce development cost charges on new housing. Answer: Conditional / Depends Explanation: Whether Development Cost Charges should be reduced depends on the project, because DCCs help fund the parks, roads, utilities and other infrastructure needed to support growth. However, I would support considering targeted reductions for housing built in well-serviced areas where existing infrastructure can accommodate additional density without shifting significant costs onto current taxpayers. 3. Restrictions on short-term rentals should be loosened. Answer: Yes / Support 4. The City should pursue expanded public transit service. Answer: Yes / Support 5. Infrastructure and service capacity should be ready before major additional growth is approved. Answer: Yes / Support 6. The City should advocate for expanded involuntary addiction-treatment capacity. Answer: Yes / Support 7. The City should invest in wildfire prevention and preparedness. Answer: Yes / Support 8. The City should carry out additional spending audits or operational reviews. Answer: Yes / Support 9. The City should make individual councillors’ voting records easier to find and search. Answer: Yes / Support 10. Would you have supported the October 27, 2025 electoral-reform study and conditional referendum-preparation motion? This bundled decision did not implement wards. Answer: Conditional / Depends Explanation: I would have supported examining whether Kelowna’s electoral system still serves a rapidly growing city, but I would have wanted the review’s cost, scope and timeline clearly established before committing up to $200,000 of taxpayer money or preparing a referendum. Electoral reform deserves meaningful public consultation, but the process must be evidence-based, financially responsible and neutral regarding the final outcome. 11. Would you have supported the March 16, 2026 second and third land-use and rezoning readings for part of Kelowna Springs? These were not final adoption. Answer: No / Oppose 12. Would you have supported the April 20, 2026 financial-plan and tax-funding motion, with its stated average net property impact of 4.40%? Individual bills vary. Answer: Conditional / Depends Explanation: I would have supported the important investments in public safety, essential services and critical infrastructure contained in the financial plan, but I would not automatically have supported the full 4.40% tax increase. Because that increase exceeded the prevailing rate of inflation, I would first have required a detailed review of spending, available reserves and potential efficiencies to determine whether it could be reduced. My commitment is that property-tax increases should not exceed inflation unless exceptional circumstances or clearly beneficial projects justify the additional cost. If the City could demonstrate that the amount above inflation was necessary for urgent priorities—such as frontline police and fire protection—and would produce measurable results for residents, I would consider supporting it; otherwise, I would vote to send the budget back for further reductions. 13. The City should help expand co-operative housing and community land trusts. Answer: Yes / Support 14. The City should strengthen protections for tenants displaced by redevelopment or renovations. Answer: No / Oppose 15. The City should allow more small shops and cafés within residential neighbourhoods. Answer: Yes / Support 16. The City should advocate for a second bridge crossing of Okanagan Lake. Answer: Yes / Support 17. The City should invest in filling gaps in its sidewalk and cycling networks. Answer: Yes / Support 18. The City should expand foot patrols in commercial areas experiencing crime and disorder. Answer: Yes / Support 19. The City should support expanded non-police response teams for suitable mental-health and substance-use calls. Answer: Yes / Support 20. The City should increase access to public washrooms. Answer: Undecided 21. The City should prioritize protecting agricultural land when making land-use decisions. Answer: Yes / Support 22. The City should strengthen protection for existing trees. Answer: Undecided 23. The City should limit annual property-tax increases to inflation. Answer: Conditional / Depends Explanation: See my previous answers especially this: My commitment is that property-tax increases should not exceed inflation unless exceptional circumstances or clearly beneficial projects justify the additional cost. If the City could demonstrate that the amount above inflation was necessary for urgent priorities—such as frontline police and fire protection—and would produce measurable results for residents, I would consider supporting it; otherwise, I would vote to send the budget back for further reductions. 24. Mayor and council pay increases should take effect only after the next election. Answer: Yes / Support 25. Would you support a ward system for Kelowna, where residents elect councillors to represent defined geographic areas? Answer: Undecided AFFORDABILITY AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS Which actions would you prioritize to make housing more affordable in Kelowna? Answer: "Speed up and simplify housing approvals, Allow more housing in areas with infrastructure and services, Use public land for affordable housing" Beyond housing, which actions would you prioritize to make everyday life more affordable in Kelowna? Answer: "Review municipal spending to limit taxes and fees, Partner to improve access to affordable childcare, Support local jobs and business opportunities" What important issue did we miss? Add any policy position, clarification or response to the existing guide that you want voters to consider. Answer: Not answered SUPPORTING MATERIAL The submitted portrait and all five pages across two campaign press releases were reviewed. The existing City-directory portrait remains on the profile. The releases are transcribed below as candidate-supplied material, with contact details omitted. Their dates are the dates printed on the originals. The September 10 release announces future sessions; attendance details should be confirmed through the campaign website. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Todd Sanderson Announces Five “Meet the Candidate” Zoom Sessions for Kelowna Residents KELOWNA, B.C. — September 10, 2026 — Kelowna City Council candidate Todd Sanderson will host a series of five virtual “Meet the Candidate” sessions, giving residents an opportunity to meet Todd, learn more about his platform, and discuss the issues facing Kelowna. The Zoom sessions will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the following dates: ● Tuesday, September 22 ● Tuesday, September 29 ● Tuesday, October 6 ● Tuesday, October 13 ● Thursday, October 15 The final week before the October 17 election will include two sessions, providing residents with an additional opportunity to connect with Todd before election day. “Listening to residents must be at the heart of effective public service,” said Sanderson. “These sessions are intended to provide an open, accessible, and respectful forum where Kelowna residents can ask questions, share their concerns, and discuss the opportunities and challenges facing our city.” Residents are invited to attend one or more sessions. Discussions may include Todd’s campaign platform, priorities for Kelowna City Council, or any other municipal issue participants would like to raise. The virtual format is consistent with Todd’s commitment to running an accessible, responsible, and environmentally conscious campaign. By using online meetings and limiting the widespread use of disposable flyers and campaign signs, the campaign aims to reduce its environmental footprint while still creating meaningful opportunities to connect with residents throughout Kelowna. To attend, please RSVP by emailing [contact email omitted]. A Zoom link and attendance information will be provided. Media and Event Contact: Todd Sanderson Candidate for Kelowna City Council Email: [contact email omitted] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TODD SANDERSON ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR KELOWNA CITY COUNCIL Longtime community leader makes transparency, public trust and responsible growth central to council campaign KELOWNA, B.C. —September 8, 2026— Todd Sanderson, a longtime Kelowna resident, business leader and community volunteer, has announced his candidacy for Kelowna City Council in the October 17, 2026 municipal election. Sanderson brings decades of business, financial and community leadership experience to his campaign. His municipal and community service includes serving as President of the Downtown Kelowna Association, President of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, and founder and first President of the Uptown Rutland Business Association. In addition, he has served as Treasurer of many organisations including the Okanagan Sun and Okanagan Symphony Society. Todd also brings in an in-depth understanding of City finances. He was a senior member of the City of Kelowna’s audit team for five years and has served on numerous City committees, giving him firsthand knowledge of municipal finances, governance and decision-making. “Kelowna is a remarkable city, and I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to serve this community,” Sanderson said. “I am running because I believe my financial background, business experience and history of bringing people together can help Council make practical, responsible decisions as Kelowna continues to grow.” Sanderson, a Chartered Professional Accountant and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, has more than 35 years of experience advising businesses and organizations on financial management, strategy, accountability and long-term planning. His campaign will focus on five priorities: 1. Rebuilding transparency and public trust Sanderson believes residents deserve clear, timely and straightforward information about major developments, spending decisions and community projects. “Transparency must be more than releasing information after a decision has effectively been made,” Sanderson said. “It means listening before deciding, explaining the available options and trade-offs, and being accountable for the results. Residents should feel that their voices matter and that City Hall is working with them.” 2. Housing affordability and responsible growth Kelowna needs a broader range of attainable housing, but new development must be supported by appropriate roads, utilities, public services and community amenities. Sanderson supports growth that is carefully planned, financially sustainable and responsive to the character and needs of individual neighbourhoods. “We cannot stop Kelowna from growing, but we can make better decisions about how and where that growth occurs,” he said. “The goal must be to add housing while protecting quality of life and ensuring infrastructure keeps pace.” 3. Traffic, transportation and infrastructure Sanderson will advocate for practical measures to reduce congestion, improve traffic flow, strengthen public transit and ensure infrastructure investments are based on clearly established priorities. He believes Council must pursue improvements that can be delivered during its four-year term while continuing to advocate for long-term provincial investment in Highway 97 and the broader regional transportation network. 4. Homelessness, addiction and community safety Sanderson supports a balanced approach that combines compassionate assistance with accountability and the protection of public spaces. He believes the City must clearly distinguish between the responsibilities it can address directly and those requiring sustained provincial and federal action. “Residents, visitors and business owners have a right to feel safe in every part of our city,” Sanderson said. “At the same time, people experiencing homelessness, mental-health challenges and addiction need effective services that help them move toward stability. We must measure results and be honest about which approaches are working and which are not. One thing that I feel is important is that we can no longer support wet-housing.” 5. Taxes, spending and financial accountability Sanderson believes every municipal expenditure should be evaluated against clear priorities, measurable benefits and the taxpayer’s ability to pay. His financial background will allow him to bring informed scrutiny to City budgets, borrowing decisions and major capital projects. “Financial accountability does not mean refusing to invest in our community,” he said. “It means investing wisely, setting priorities and making sure taxpayers understand what they are paying for and what results they should expect.” Sanderson said his approach to Council would be collaborative, respectful and independent. “Kelowna’s challenges will not be solved by slogans or political divisions,” he said. “They will be solved by listening carefully, examining the facts and working constructively with residents, businesses, community organizations, City staff and other levels of government.” “My commitment is to bring an experienced, independent and financially responsible voice to Council—and to work every day to rebuild confidence and trust in the decisions being made at City Hall.” -30- Media contact: Todd Sanderson Candidate for Kelowna City Council [contact phone omitted] [contact email omitted] / [contact email omitted] Website: sites.google.com/view/toddsandersonforkelowna PUBLICATION AUTHORIZATION I am the candidate or an authorized campaign representative. I authorize OK, Let’s Vote / Gain Street to review and publish these answers with attribution. I have permission to share the supporting material and have identified any items for review only. My private contact email will not be published.