kelownaelections.ca

Indy Dhial

Candidate for Councillor

Background

Indy Dhial is a Kelowna-raised business owner, community leader, and second-time council candidate. He has lived in Kelowna for more than 40 years.

Dhial spent 15 years with Shaw Communications, where he rose to Regional Sales Manager. He subsequently became an Early Childhood Educator and founded TGP Kids Early Learning Centres, where he serves as Founder & CEO. He is also president of the OKGN Apna Sports and Cultural Society.

Dhial describes himself as "a community leader, father, husband, small business [owner]."

2026 Campaign

Dhial announced his candidacy on July 15, 2026. His campaign slogan is "BUILDING KELOWNA'S FUTURE TOGETHER" / "Putting Kelowna First."

His stated priorities include: supporting responsible growth while protecting neighbourhood character; improving public safety and community well-being; increasing access to childcare and family services; working with local businesses to build a stronger economy; investing in parks, recreation, and youth opportunities; and building a more connected and inclusive Kelowna.

Dhial previously ran for council in 2022, receiving 5,020 votes (14.40% of ballots cast) but not winning a seat. He stated: "I want to earn the trust of residents by showing up, listening carefully and working hard every single day to represent the entire community."

In an undated ForChange Kelowna candidate questionnaire, Dhial reiterated his platform and added specifics. He cited figures that Kelowna added 33 RCMP members since 2023 and that bylaw staffing grew from 17 officers in 2017 to 42, while "many residents still do not feel safer." He also cited a 9.3% unemployment rate representing more than 13,100 people. These figures are his own statements and have not been independently verified. On economic development, he proposed using Kelowna's departure from the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission to target aerospace, digital technology, software, and agricultural technology jobs.

In an undated Strong Towns Kelowna candidate questionnaire, Dhial added further specifics. He called for beginning with better use of existing homes and vacant storefronts through infill and redevelopment before extending expensive infrastructure. On homelessness, addiction and mental health, he proposed a centralized intake system — a single point of contact that assesses each person's needs, connects them to the right treatment and support programs, and helps secure housing after recovery — describing it as a way to coordinate existing providers rather than duplicate services.

At the first Castanet election forum (Revelry Kelowna, September 16, 2026), Dhial set "accountability and presence" as his public-safety standard, praising the Uptown Rutland Business Association's revived street team and saying he would know the city is safer when his children "can run around barefoot" at Rutland's Lion's Park — a park he described as currently affected by discarded needles and human waste.

Campaign site: https://www.indydhial4kelowna.com/ Social media: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/indydhial4kelowna; Instagram @indydhial (https://www.instagram.com/indydhial).

2022 Campaign Finance

Dhial's 2022 election disclosure statement, filed with Elections BC, reports $13,555.27 in campaign contributions from the candidate (Form 4311) — more than five times the $2,500 limit that applied to a candidate's own contributions in the 2022 cycle (the $1,250 individual limit plus a $1,250 self-contribution allowance, per Elections BC). The same statement reports $11,371.00 in total contributions and does not list the candidate among its itemized contributors of $100 or more, so the two figures do not reconcile on the face of the filing. Elections BC reviews filed statements for compliance and has issued no determination on this filing.

Questionnaire responses

Answers to the standardized Kelowna Elections questionnaire, sent in identical form to every councillor candidate. Published verbatim; received 2026-09-21.

1. Housing affordability

Kelowna needs more housing, but approving every unit that comes across the table will not solve affordability. I would speed up approvals for projects that follow the Official Community Plan, allow more housing along major corridors and near services, support secondary suites and infill housing, and partner on affordable rental, co-op and workforce housing.

I am prepared to accept greater density and appropriate building height where roads, water, power and transit can support it. Parking requirements should reflect the location and actual need, not follow one city-wide formula. Parking is a real issue the effects tourism and local resents when accessing our cities most important areas. I would also review Development Cost Charges, particularly for affordable and non-market housing, but growth must still contribute its fair share toward the infrastructure it requires.

2. Public safety

I support the public safety levy because police, fire, and bylaw services must keep pace with Kelowna’s growth. Enforcement matters, especially for violence, theft, open drug use and repeated behavior that threatens residents, workers and businesses.

However, we cannot expect RCMP and bylaw officers to solve mental illness, addiction and homelessness by themselves. I would also advocate for treatment, recovery, supportive housing and a coordinated intake system that assesses a person once and connects them to the appropriate service. Public safety requires both firm enforcement and meaningful help that is coordinated, outcomes that are measured, and repeat offenders that face consequences.

3. Homelessness & the supervised consumption site

I would not support renewing the supervised consumption site in its current form. A health service cannot be judged only by what happens inside its doors; its effect on surrounding residents, businesses and public spaces must also be considered. The current model has not provided enough accountability for those wider impacts.

My broader approach would combine enforcement against open drug use and criminal behavior with a centralized intake system connecting people to treatment, mental-health care, housing and financial supports. Recovery also requires safe housing after treatment, so people are not returned to the environment that contributed to their addiction. The city cannot deliver this alone, but it can convene the agencies, advocate for funding and demand measurable results.

4. Taxes & budget

A 4.37% increase is significant for households and businesses already struggling with affordability. I recognize that the 1% public-safety levy funds essential police, fire and bylaw positions, but exceeding a billion dollars should lead to greater scrutiny of every department and project — not become a new normal.

I would protect core services, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, parks and recreation. I would review administrative growth, consulting costs and projects that are not delivering measurable value. I would also support service based budgeting, regular internal audits and clearer public reporting. Any proposed increase should explain what residents are receiving, what alternatives were examined and what measurable result the spending is expected to produce.

5. Growth & infrastructure funding

Growth should contribute to growth, but existing taxpayers cannot carry the entire cost, and development charges cannot be raised indefinitely without affecting housing prices. Kelowna needs a balanced approach using Development Cost Charges, utility fees, provincial and federal funding, partnerships and carefully planned borrowing for extended life infrastructure.

My highest infrastructure priority would be advancing Kelowna’s new Transit Operations and Maintenance Centre. The existing facility limits our ability to add buses and service hours. A larger facility would support more frequent and reliable transit across Kelowna, accommodate future fleet growth and position the City to secure significant provincial and federal funding.

Before approving major growth, Council must also confirm that roads, water, sewer, electricity and emergency services can realistically support it.

6. Transit & getting around

My top priority would be reliable transit service along the routes people actually depend on. A bus system is not useful if residents cannot rely on it to reach work, school or appointments. That means more frequent service during the day and evening, stronger connections between Rutland, UBCO, downtown and major employment areas, and better coordination with regional partners.

We must also address road bottlenecks because most residents still rely on vehicles. Walking and cycling improvements should fill practical network gaps and be designed with traffic flow, businesses, accessibility and winter maintenance in mind. This is not about choosing one form of transportation, it is about giving residents realistic and dependable choices.

7. Downtown & the local economy

Downtown businesses need customers, employees, and visitors to feel safe. I would support consistent foot patrols, coordinated RCMP and bylaw deployment, clean public spaces, faster responses to repeat problems and clear enforcement against open drug use, theft, and threatening behavior. I would also strengthen partnerships with community-based services such as Downtown On Call, the URBA Community Safety Team, and street outreach and cleanup programs.

My approach would not stop downtown. Rutland, Pandosy and our other town centers also need safe streets, thriving businesses, and activities that bring people together. I would support year-round events, improved access, simplify City processes for businesses, and invest in neighborhood centers across Kelowna. A stronger local economy requires vibrant communities throughout the city, attainable housing for workers, and a focused strategy to attract stable, well-paying jobs.

Endorsements

ForChange Kelowna recommends Indy Dhial as one of eight candidates for Kelowna city council in the 2026 election. ForChange Kelowna is a Kelowna volunteer group that reviewed candidates' questionnaire responses, held structured interviews and attended forums; it lists its eight recommendations alphabetically rather than by ranking. The group describes itself as independent and not affiliated with any political party, slate or business organization, and is registered with Elections BC as a third-party advertising sponsor (principal official Francis Braam).

Registered campaign links

From the official candidate registration record; presence here is not an endorsement.

Financial agent: Jaspal Dhial

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