Basran rebuts attack by Dyas on leadership

Mayor says city thriving economically, with unemployment low and value of building permits at all-time high

Last fall, they were partying together in New York City. This fall, they’re running against each other to be mayor of Kelowna.

The incumbent, Colin Basran, says he never thought he’d be campaigning to keep his job against a challenge from his friend, Tom Dyas.

“It’s certainly surprising that a close friend would run against me,” Basran said Wednesday.

“But, at the end of the day, I welcome the opportunity to have a good discussion of the issues facing our city and what we’re doing to address them,” Basran said.

In his kickoff press conference, Dyas sought repeatedly to frame the central issue as being one of leadership, suggesting Basran has not been a strong mayor.

It’s a suggestion, unsurprisingly, that Basran firmly rejects.

“Under my leadership, the city is thriving on a number of fronts,” Basran said.

Economically, the value of building permits issued by the city in 2017 was the highest it’s ever been, and this year is trending higher still, Basran said.

Kelowna has one of the country’s lowest unemployment rates, Basran said, and the Canadian Federation of Business has lauded the city as a good place to be an entrepreneur.

The same organization has given the City of Kelowna some of its highest marks for any Canadian municipality in terms of its responsible use of tax dollars, Basran said.

“I’m proud of the leadership I’m providing in terms of a strong economy,” Basran said.

Likely foreshadowing other accomplishments he will cite on the campaign trail, Basran mentioned:

— the city’s ability to get a provincial grant of $60 million to begin the integration of the region’s water systems

— approving the construction of 3,000 new rental housing units since 2015, by far the highest number for any council term

— developing the Journey Home anti-homelessness strategy, which aims to provide secure accommodation for hundreds of street people. “It’s a unique homelessness plan which is being held up as a model across the country as the way forward,” Basran said.

— significantly increasing funding for RCMP, the bylaw department and contracted security to address street crime.

Basran, who is of mixed ethnicity, said he has also worked to make Kelowna a more diverse and inclusive community.

Basran turned 40 last year and went with a group of friends, including Dyas, to celebrate the occasion in New York. Dyas told Basran a few weeks ago that he would run against him for mayor.

File photo The paths of Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran, left, and former chamber of commerce president Tom Dyas, right, have crossed frequently over the past four years. Above, they’re shown with Martine Hickman and Peter McPherson at a chamber event in 2017. Dyas announced Wednesday he would challenge Basran for mayor in next month’s civic election.