Byelection forums set

Photo: Contributed

A pair of all-candidates forums have been announced for the upcoming Kelowna West byelection.

The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce and Greater Westside Board of Trade will co-host one of the forums Wednesday, Jan. 31 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. p.m. at the Westbank Community Hall on Mail Street in West Kelowna.

“We are all looking forward to hearing the views of the candidates. We have waited nearly six months for this opportunity to see the Legislature return to full size, and for Kelowna-West to once have representation," said Kelowna Chamber of Commerce president Tom Dyas.

Candidates in the byelection will present their platforms and answer questions within pre-set time frames.

A second all-candidates forum has been set for Friday, Feb. 2 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Okanagan Innovation Centre Theatre on Ellis Street.

That forum will be hosted by the Okanagan Young Professionals Collective.

Each candidate will have a chance to make an opening statement followed by a question period until 1 p.m.

Questions can be submitted in advance to [email protected]

Tickets to the event will be available beginning Friday through eventbrite.

Former MLA Ben Stewart (BC Liberals), Shelley Cook (NDP), Robert Stupka (Green), Kyle Geronazzo (Libertarian), and Mark Thompson (Progressive Conservatives) are vying for the seat left vacant by the resignation of Christy Clark in August.

The byelection will be held Wednesday, Feb. 14.