Crowded ballot possible as Kelowna election interest grows

Kelowna’s municipal election could produce a crowded ballot this fall, with 60 people having already taken out nomination packages.

The city says the packages cover the mayor’s race, council and school trustee positions, although it has not released a breakdown. Candidates have until Sept. 11 to officially file, and more names are expected before then.

The field could be particularly competitive with three current councillors — Charlie Hodge, Luke Stack and Loyal Wooldridge — not running again, while Ron Cannan is seeking the mayor’s chair.

The most candidates ever to seek a Kelowna council seat was 40 in 2011. The final list of candidates is expected Sept. 18, with voting set for Oct. 17.