Statement from Mayor Milsom on decision not to seek re-election

Date of Issue: Monday, Nov. 17, 2025

The City of West Kelowna has been advised by Mayor Gord Milsom that he has decided not to seek re-election in the B.C. municipal election slated for Oct. 17, 2026. The City of West Kelowna’s administration expresses sincere gratitude to Mayor Milsom for his steadfast dedication to public service in one of the most beautiful and rapidly growing communities in British Columbia.

Mayor Milsom has issued the following statement on his decision not to seek re-election:

“I have made the tough decision not to seek re-election in the next British Columbia municipal election on October 17, 2026. I have always received tremendous support from my family while serving our community. Our family has grown over the past few years with the happy addition of three grandchildren, and I look forward to the opportunity to spend more time with both my family and friends. I will deeply miss the meaningful work and the outstanding people but will continue supporting the success of our great community through volunteer contributions following the end of this Council Term.

“It has been an honour and privilege to have served West Kelowna as Mayor since 2018 and as a City Councillor from 2007 to 2014. I would like to thank our outstanding residents and business community who have helped shape our beautiful city, and those who will continue to make West Kelowna the place to be. I would also like to sincerely thank all past and present members of West Kelowna Council and staff who I have had the privilege of working with in what will be my 15 years of service. Together, we achieved an unprecedented number of ‘firsts’ in our city by establishing and maintaining new facilities, programs and services that will benefit our community for generations.

“Between now and the end of the current Council Term on Nov. 3, 2026, I remain fully committed to fulfilling my responsibilities as Mayor of our beautiful city. There is much more work to be done prior to the end of the term as Council continues its Strategic Priorities. I am making this announcement now in order to give ample notice to anyone who may wish to seek the Mayor’s position at next year’s election.

“Over the past few years, we have completed many key pieces of municipal infrastructure, including the multi-sport dome, the Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant, the City Hall/Library Building, the centralized operations yard, Fire House 30 and the new Fire Station 32, and major road and intersection upgrades. In addition, the provincial government opened the West Kelowna urgent and primary care centre. And our Council also established the City’s first Economic Development Corporation that will increase the prosperity of our community for years to come. There are too many initiatives to mention during my 15-year tenure on Council, but you can see how Council’s vital investments have helped develop our young and vibrant city.

“West Kelowna is a thriving and successful community because of the trust, hard work, inclusivity, and mutual support that our residents and businesses live by. I am so proud of how our community faced unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastating McDougall Creek wildfire. Our Council, community and staff showed tremendous resolve and resilience, which helped define who we are and helped position us firmly for continued success.

“I also appreciate the positive relationships that our City has with our good neighbours Westbank First Nation, the Regional District, other local municipal governments, and with the Provincial Government. Collaboration with other governments and organizations is instrumental to the success of our community.

“It has been an incredible journey, and it remains my honour to serve our West Kelowna community. I will continue to remain fully engaged until the end of the Council Term with full steam ahead as we deliver on key priorities important to our community. As West Kelowna continues to grow, our City will continue to face opportunities and challenges, and I am fully confident that our future will remain bright and successful.

“In closing, I have been grateful for the opportunity to be of service to our community. Thank you to everyone for your trust and confidence in me and I look forward to the continued success in the beautiful City of West Kelowna.”