Outgoing City Councillor sees continued momentum under Basran’s leadership

Kelowna, BC – Outgoing City Councillor Andre Blanleil has put his support behind Colin Basran’s bid for mayor. The two served together on Council for the past three years.

“Colin Basran is the best candidate for Mayor to continue the momentum built during this last term as a Council,” says Blanleil. “Council has worked well as a team these past three years and under Colin’s leadership Kelowna will continue in a positive direction.”

“Earning the support of your peers is a great compliment,” says Basran. “I am honoured that Andre believes in me and my ability to lead Kelowna into the future.”

Blanleil was first elected to council in 1993 and has been a popular councillor who was always willing to speak his mind. He announced in September he would not seek re-election for the upcoming term.

Of the seven councils on which he’s served, Blanleil says the current one has been among the most productive.

Its top accomplishments, he says, include revitalizing Bernard Avenue revitalization and improving the downtown waterfront, preparing for a new RCMP station, approving a downtown hotel on Queensway and moving forward on the Innovation Centre and Interior Health’s new major new office complex in downtown Kelowna.

“I’d like to thank Andre for his 21 years of dedication to our community,” says Basran. “Serving with him this term on a Council that has helped get Kelowna moving forward has been very rewarding.”

Blanleil also commented on Basran’s willingness to connect with others and be open to input from the community and City staff.

“Colin has great respect for staff, and together with the re-elected incumbents as well as some newcomers to Council, it will be a great team to keep Kelowna moving forward,” says Blanleil.

Photo: Andre Blanleil speaks at a Basran campaign fundraising event on June 26. Andre-Blanleil

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