Back to the basics for Coldstream.
Christopher Moore lives in Lavington, works at Willems Forest Products, and is asking for your vote for District of Coldstream Council on October 17, 2026. With two councillors stepping down this year, there is an opening for the next generation to step up and shape Coldstream's future.
Election day is Saturday, October 17, 2026.
Advance voting: October 7, 14 and 15. How to vote
About Christopher
Christopher lives on the far edge of Lavington, by Zelaney Farms and Noble Canyon, on ALR land. He works at Willems Forest Products and has worked at Zelaney's, Davison's and Sun Country Cycle. He mountain bikes at Kal Park, swims in Kal Lake, hikes Bluenose and skis Silver Star.
He is a member of the next generation, and believes the only way for the future to improve is for young people to get involved in the community around them. He brings a logic-based, pragmatic approach to the council table, with a focus on a stable local economy through the current recession.
Where he stands
The basics, done well, first
Water, sewer, roads, wildfire prevention, existing infrastructure and prior commitments come before anything that adds strain to a tight budget. Roads like Warren Road, and the water main hit there by a grader, need repair before something goes badly wrong and costs more. If the District isn't keeping up with maintenance, it shouldn't be building new infrastructure. Christopher will ask why things are done the way they are, then look for ways to spend tax dollars efficiently and get work done on time.
Stable taxes now, lower taxes over time
With a new council and carried-over obligations, the realistic best case next year is holding taxes steady. From there: have staff negotiate better contracts, bring business into existing commercial zones, privatize services that can be private, and scale back new projects. Any plan to lower property taxes in the long run has to encourage commerce.
Less red tape for people who build
Coldstream is known for the red tape around people's initiative. Christopher will advocate for residents doing renovations, adding outbuildings, starting small businesses and running side businesses from home. Working a steady job while building something on the side is how many people get ahead, and it's how the next generation gets a foothold here.
Keep what makes Coldstream, Coldstream
Kal Lake is Coldstream's hub and must stay clean and preserved. Coldstream is rural, and even as it grows, its farmers need to be kept in mind. The community plan should reflect the generational shift underway, with seniors downsizing and young people starting families, so Coldstream stays a safe place to raise children and for grandparents to stay active and connected.
“I believe we need to get council back to the basics of serving the community before any bigger projects are brought in.”
Straight answers
From Christopher's answers at the candidates' forum.
- Amalgamation with Vernon
- No. Vernon's government looks after a whole city, and Coldstream is the rural neighbour with a smaller population. The goals don't match, and Coldstream would get the short end of the stick. The two should keep working together, not merge.
- Buying waterfront and park land
- Hold off for now. Coldstream already has beautiful parks and a tight budget. Wait until opportunities line up with the resources available.
- Kalamalka Road path and Buchanan bike lanes
- Not a priority. Cyclists already have a good lane on Kal Lake Road, and Buchanan has light traffic. Paving Buchanan and other streets, and keeping the lines painted on Highway 6, matter more.
- 1% tax increase for communications
- No. Notices about nearby infrastructure work belong in the newsletter that's already mailed out, on Facebook and in local news. A homepage that shows current issues clearly is worth some investment, but not a tax increase.
- Consulting affected residents
- Yes, in principle. Too often a vocal few bring an issue forward and everyone else hears about the decision when it's too late to weigh in. Christopher wants to look at how to notify everyone affected.
- Kalamalka Lake water quality
- Keep it clean. Thousands drink from it and swim in it. Move septic systems away from the lake, keep beaches clean and fine littering, and support the experts already working on it.
- Climate and water
- Focus on water. Coldstream is among the cleanest places in Canada, and most climate initiatives cost far more than they're worth locally. Water is the real issue: research what has kept farming working in dry places like the prairies, and bring proposals to the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee on Coldstream's behalf.
- New dwellings on ALR land
- Case by case. Each request should have a clear and fairly fast path to approval. Development on ALR land often supports future farming rather than replacing it. No blanket rule without knowing more.
- District staff residency
- Yes, where possible. District staff should live in Coldstream, so they see issues as residents and share a stake in improving the community.
Let's talk
Many neighbours have already met Christopher in their homes, at Friesen's, at the Rail Trail Café, and he'd love to earn your vote too. Reach out using the campaign email and he would love to talk or answer your questions.
How to vote
- Election day
- Saturday, October 17, 2026, 8 am to 8 pm, at Coldstream Elementary School (10104 Kalamalka Road) or Lavington Elementary School (9715 School Road).
- Advance voting
- October 7, 14 and 15, 8 am to 8 pm, at District of Coldstream Council Chambers (9901 Kalamalka Road).
- Who can vote
- Canadian citizens, 18 or older on election day, who have lived in BC for the past six months. Resident electors must meet local residency rules; eligible non-resident property electors may also qualify.
- What to bring
- Two pieces of ID showing residency. Details at coldstream.ca/2026election.