Banks project key in election

The verdict is in. The people of Summerland are happy. In what Okanagan Weekend picked as the second-closest race to watch in the valley, Toni Boot was elected mayor with 57.4 per cent of the vote. This compared with 43.6 per cent for challenger Janet Peake.

Both were one-term councillors in Summerland. Boot grew up in Summerland, compared with Peake, who moved here only a few years ago. Politically, Peake served as a councillor and mayor of Muskoka, Ont., bringing with her a wealth of political experience.

Their platforms were similar. The only major difference was The Lark Group’s proposal for a large development on Banks Crescent. Boot was adamantly opposed, Peake (along with Mayor Peter Waterman) in favour. It was the most contentious issue of the past four years.

Obviously, more people were opposed to the development than in favour, hence Boot’s victory.

And, perhaps that’s why Waterman failed in his bid for the school board. Banks Crescent was this election’s Stop the Swap.

Summerland politics have always been divided by pro-development versus leaving things the way they are.

We’re confident Boot will be a good mayor. Although true to her environmental roots, she was also a successful businesswoman for many years. She’s soft spoken and therefore many people don’t realize how tough she is.

The NDP’s loss was Summerland’s gain as some may remember Boot ran unsuccessfully for the party nomination in 2016 against Tarik Sayeed.

It’s unfortunate Peake went for a “winner take all,” because she’s now off council. The citizens of Summerland, we’re sure, appreciate her contributions over the past four years. If there was an event in town — Janet Peake attended.

As for the council, all four incumbents were reelected. Doug Holmes jumped from sixth-spot in 2014 to topping the polls, a testament to his commitment to social causes and his ability to listen and converse.

The two Erins — Trainer and Carlson — were second and third. Richard Barkwill also survived, finishing fifth. He would have done better, perhaps, had he prepared for the all-candidates’ forum.

New is Doug Patan, who has a lot to offer as a retired planner with the City of Kelowna. And, back after a four-year absence, is Marty Van Alphen, who was a pretty good councillor, but was washed out to sea in the “Stop the Swap” wave.

As for the school board, Dave Stathers topped the polls. No surprise there. Marty’s wife, Linda, was 600 votes behind, but safely finished in second spot. Julie Planiden, who moved to Oliver in 2017, was last and the only Summerland incumbent to lose, Saturday.

So there you go, 29 days and one election later, not much has changed in Summerland. And, maybe that’s a good thing.