Ruth Hoyte enters race for Coldstream mayor

Sep 1, 2022 | 1:25 PM

Coldstream has its first candidate for mayor.

Incumbent councillor Ruth Hoyte has filed nomination papers to run for the top job on the district’s council.

Hoyte has a business and volunteer background in the community, and is a long-time Coldstream resident who is completing her first term on council.

Incumbent four-term mayor Jim Garlick has decided to not seek re-election as mayor and is instead running for councillor. As of time of publication, Garlick was one of five candidates seeking council positions.

Related News: Garlick not seeking mayoral seat

Possible firearm involved

One person apprehended in connection with suspicious activity in Coldstream

20h ago

Fatal Collision, Highway Closed

One person dead in crash near Revelstoke

21h ago

Salaries

Vernon Council to discuss lesser pay increases

23h ago

Hoyte said one of her priorities, if elected mayor, is the availability of housing options.

“We must be mindful of development to ensure it meets our needs and provides homes for families and those who wish to downsize or move to our community,” Hoyte said.

“Council has addressed this on several fronts, including zoning for multi-family units as well as carriage homes which can provide additional housing. However, council needs to do more to attract young families so the community can grow.”

Hoyte also recognizes that 60 per cent of Coldstream’s land base is in the Agricultural Land Reserve.

“Covid has highlighted the need for local food sources and the importance of providing support to farmers. I fully support the ability of farmers to earn a living and I want to preserve agriculture on productive land,” she said.

Candidates have until September 9 to submit their paperwork and get their name on the ballot.

Residents will go to the polls on October 15.

News release issued by Ruth Hoyte

Ruth Hoyte will put her name forward as a candidate for Coldstream mayor during the Oct. 15, 2022 civic election. Hoyte is a long time Coldstream resident and is currently completing her first term as a district councillor.

“I have the upmost respect for Mayor Garlick and my fellow councillors, and believe that with the support of Coldstream residents, I can give a fresh perspective to the position of mayor,” said Hoyte. “Coldstream council has moved forward with some great community projects, such as two childcare centres and a new community hall. Coldstream Station is nearly complete, and I can see potential of a farmers/artisan market operating on that site. Current initiatives include a citizen’s survey and looking for public input on the Head of the Lake master plan. I look forward to reviewing and listening to the input provided by our residents.”

A priority for Hoyte, if elected mayor, is the availability of housing options.

“We must be mindful of development to ensure it meets our needs and provides homes for families and those who wish to downsize or move to our community,” she said. “Council has addressed this on several fronts, including zoning for multi-family units as well as carriage homes which can provide additional housing. However, council needs to do more to attract young families so the community can grow.”

Hoyte also recognizes that 60 per cent of Coldstream’s land base is in the Agricultural Land Reserve.

As a Coldstream councillor, Hoyte has served as a director to the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee and the Regional Growth Advisory Committee at the Regional District of North Okanagan, and sits as an alternative Director at the Regional District of North Okanagan.

“If elected mayor, I look forward to working with our regional partners, including the City of Vernon, on issues of mutual interest, including water protection and supply, and recreation. I want to ensure that Coldstream’s perspective and needs are represented at the regional table,” said Hoyte.

Hoyte was raised in Coldstream and her family has been in the community since 1974. Hoyte and her husband, Dave have raised three children in the community and their grandchildren call the community home.

Hoyte’s background is in the insurance sector and has extensive experience as a volunteer, including the Vernon Winter Carnival and the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce as well as Elks Lodge #45.

“Volunteering goes back to my youth, working as Guide Captain for Coldstream #1 Guide pack, and having ties to the Coldstream Women’s Institute, It has always been about giving back” As mayor, I look to offer careful and thoughtful consideration for the future of Coldstream so that it can remain the shining jewel that it is. It would be an honor to serve the residents of Coldstream as mayor,” she said.

by Liam Verster

View Comments