kelownaelections.ca

Laura Thurnheer

Candidate for Councillor

Background

Laura Thurnheer, MBA, CPHR, was born and raised in Kelowna and is a longtime business leader, educator, and governance professional.

She is the owner of Turn Here Solutions, an HR and strategic planning firm serving businesses locally and nationally, and co-owner of Swiss Skid Steer Solutions, a family business operating in the greater Kelowna area for more than 18 years.

Thurnheer currently serves as General Manager of the British Columbia Wine Authority. (Kelowna Capital News, Aug 18 2026 — https://kelownacapnews.com/2026/08/18/former-oc-faculty-member-throws-name-into-kelowna-council-ring) BCWA's About page lists her as "Interim General Manager" (https://bcvqa.ca/about), while her BCWA team-member page lists "General Manager" without the "Interim" qualifier (https://bcvqa.ca/team-member/laura-thurnheer). The two BCWA pages are internally inconsistent; the title cannot be confirmed definitively from available sources.

She serves as Chair of the BC Chamber of Commerce (2026–27 board), confirmed via the BC Chamber board-of-directors page and her own LinkedIn post noting she was "sworn in as the next Chair of the BC Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors."

Thurnheer spent 18 years at Okanagan College as a business faculty member, Chair, and Associate Dean overseeing Business and Science & Technology portfolios, departing in 2025.

Her earlier career included roles as HR/OD consultant at UBC Okanagan (2005–07), self-employment manager at the Community Futures Development Corporation of the Central Okanagan (1999–2005, supporting nearly 600 business start-ups), and running Above and Beyond Training and Consulting for five years. She also taught Tourism BC's SuperHost program and was awarded JCI Senator status in 2002.

Her board and community roles include: Director, Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) Foundation; BC Executive Member (Okanagan Branch), Institute of Corporate Directors; past president, Kelowna Chamber of Commerce (board 2000–2009; now honourary member); past chair, KCR Community Resources; past member, Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission Advisory Council; past director, Tourism Kelowna; CPHR BC & Yukon board (six years); and 2024 Kelowna Chamber "Volunteer of the Year."

She served on the Mayor's Task Force on Crime and Safety (2023/24) and the Mayor's Task Force on Economic Prosperity (2025/26).

Her education includes a Bachelor of Commerce (marketing) and MBA (strategic management), CPHR designation, SHRM-SCP, ICD NFP Governance Essentials, and EQ-i/EQ 360, MBTI, Personality Dimensions, and True Colors certifications.

Thurnheer previously ran for Kelowna City Council in 2014, finishing 10th with 7,816 votes (4.31%).

2026 Campaign

Thurnheer announced her candidacy on August 18, 2026. (Castanet, Aug 18 2026 — https://www.castanet.net/news/Kelowna/628384/Kelowna-business-woman-and-former-associate-dean-at-OC-running-for-a-seat-on-city-council) She stated: "I have spent the past three decades preparing myself for this position and the time is right... I couldn't be more excited and energized about the opportunity to take my community contribution to the next level. Our community is experiencing extensive growth, facing both challenges and opportunities, and we need the right city council to effectively and collaboratively steer the community forward." (Kelowna Capital News, Aug 18 2026 — https://kelownacapnews.com/2026/08/18/former-oc-faculty-member-throws-name-into-kelowna-council-ring) She did not hold an announcement event "due to the surrounding wildfires." (Kelowna Capital News, Aug 18 2026)

She offers a "balanced approach to city council" combining business experience with "an understanding of the social issue facing the community and a deep understanding of the not-for-profit sector."

Her campaign tagline is "Working for our community. Building for our future." (campaign site, 2026 — https://www.lauraforkelowna.ca/) The campaign site highlights executive business leadership, governance expertise, education leadership, community volunteer leadership, business and not-for-profit experience, and a "track record of bringing diverse perspectives together."

No specific policy planks had been published on the campaign site as of September 7, 2026. (campaign site, 2026)

In an undated ForChange Kelowna candidate questionnaire, Thurnheer published her policy positions. On managed growth, she said growth should not be stopped but must be planned so it does not outpace infrastructure, services and planning, and she would review long-term plans, consult residents, and study best practices from other Canadian cities. On crime and safety, she framed her approach as building "safe and inclusive communities," supporting expanded police, fire and bylaw resources alongside compassionate support for people experiencing homelessness, and continuing the ten recommendations of the Mayor's Task Force on Crime and Safety, on which she served. On fiscal responsibility, she said it means spending public money deliberately where it achieves the greatest benefit, expanding revenues beyond taxes, and balancing cost management against strategic investment.

At the first Castanet election forum (Revelry Kelowna, September 16, 2026), Thurnheer named traffic and infrastructure, citizen safety, and quality of life as her priorities, and spoke in favour of a performing-arts centre, a convention centre, a second crossing, and a shared not-for-profit facility. She opposed the previous council's handling of the former police-station site — which she described as a 99-year lease to a developer — arguing the lakeside property should instead host a performing-arts or convention centre. On policing, she said she supports a study of alternatives to the RCMP, including a Kelowna municipal police force.

In a written response published by the Capital News on October 9, 2026, Thurnheer named crime and safety her top priority and called for expanded police, fire, and bylaw support alongside compassionate homelessness support. She stated: "we should be lobbying for immediate care detox beds for both youth and adults, lobbying for a voluntary care facility like RedFish in the Lower Mainland, and a mandatory care facility for those that cannot help themselves."

Campaign site: https://www.lauraforkelowna.ca

Social media:

Endorsements

ForChange Kelowna recommends Laura Thurnheer 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).

Questionnaire responses

Answers to the standardized Kelowna Elections questionnaire, sent in identical form to every councillor candidate. Published verbatim; received 2026-10-02.

1. Housing affordability

Housing affordability is one of Kelowna's most pressing challenges, and we need more housing options for the people who live and work here. I am prepared to support additional density and consider reasonable flexibility on height, parking, and development charges where it will meaningfully increase housing supply and is appropriate for the location. Growth should be carefully managed and guided by the Official Community Plan, which was developed through extensive public engagement and provides a community-supported framework for where growth should occur. Residents deserve confidence that when they help shape Kelowna's long-term vision, that vision matters. While variances may sometimes be necessary, I believe significant shifts in direction should happen through transparent community planning processes, not one development application at a time. That provides greater certainty for residents, developers, and the community.

2. Public safety

Public safety is one of the most important issues facing Kelowna. Through my participation on the Mayor's Task Force on Crime and Safety, I saw firsthand that crime, addiction, mental health, and housing are closely connected challenges that go beyond enforcement alone. I support ensuring the RCMP, fire, and bylaw services have the resources they need. At the same time, this is a significant operating expense, so Council should examine whether some situations could be handled more effectively through prevention, mental health supports, outreach, working with other stakeholders including the provincial and federal governments as many of these issues are not within civic control. While responsibility for these services is divided across different levels, residents and businesses experience the impacts all at once. Throughout my career, I've worked with complex organizations and different levels of government to bring people together around shared goals, and that's the approach I would continue to bring to public safety.

3. Homelessness & the supervised consumption site

I would base the 2027 decision on evidence. Before supporting renewal of the supervised consumption site, I would want to know whether it is improving health outcomes, connecting people with treatment and support, and effectively addressing impacts on nearby residents and businesses. More broadly, Kelowna needs housing, treatment, recovery, and mental-health services that help people move toward stability. I believe supporting vulnerable people and protecting neighbourhood quality of life must go hand in hand.

4. Taxes & budget

Kelowna's budget has grown with the city, but what concerns me most is the value residents receive from their tax dollars. I would not judge the 4.37 per cent increase on the percentage alone. I would want to understand the choices behind it and the results residents should expect. I would protect public safety, essential infrastructure, and the services residents rely on. I would also ask tough questions and make changes when programs, services, or organizational structures are not delivering. After more than 30 years leading organizations, I know budgets are about choices and results. Fiscal responsibility means spending deliberately, measuring performance, and showing residents what their investment is achieving.

5. Growth & infrastructure funding

My view is that growth needs to contribute fairly to the infrastructure it requires. Council needs to advocate for support from provincial and federal governments and explore partnerships where they provide clear long-term value. We need to avoid placing an unfair burden on existing taxpayers. A lesson I've learned from leading growing organizations is that growth can't continue to outpace capacity. That's why managed growth is one of my priorities. Housing, transportation, infrastructure, and community services need to be planned together so residents can continue to enjoy a high quality of life as Kelowna grows. If I had to identify one infrastructure priority, it would be improving Kelowna's transportation network. Whether residents are concerned about congestion, transit, neighbourhood connectivity, emergency response, or access to employment, transportation affects almost every aspect of daily life and is critical to supporting future growth.

6. Transit & getting around

My top priority is improving connections across Kelowna. Residents need transportation to reflect how they live: some depend on transit, some walk or cycle, and many need vehicles for work, equipment, or family responsibilities. I would support investments that improve transit frequency and reliability where demand supports it, complete practical walking and cycling connections, and address road network pressures affecting residents and businesses. Instead of favouring any one mode of transportation, my goal would be to reduce congestion and give people realistic choices.

7. Downtown & the local economy

Downtown is economic, cultural, and tourism heart of Kelowna. As a member of the Mayor's Task Force on Economic Prosperity, I worked with business and community leaders on recommendations, many of which are now moving forward. A successful downtown needs to be safe, welcoming, and active throughout the year. That means addressing public safety and supporting local businesses, and also investing in the experiences that draw people downtown, including arts, culture, parks, and public spaces. I support advancing a performing arts centre, a convention centre, and a shared non-profit centre, subject to sound business cases and funding plans. These projects could strengthen tourism, support community organizations, and bring more year-round activity downtown.

Follow-up responses

Answers to the Kelowna Elections follow-up questionnaire on three live community issues, sent in identical form to every councillor candidate. Published verbatim; received 2026-10-01.

1. Audible bird-scare devices ("bird cannons")

In principle I support the proposal for a bylaw. Damage to agricultural products by birds impacts the whole community, not only the growers. However, before supporting specifics regarding timings, etc, I would need to have more information. For instance, access to Abbotsford's bylaw will familiarize me with what is already in place and conversation with North Glenmore residents will help to modify it to suit local conditions there.

2. Prospera Place / MNP Place operator and transparency

I believe every civic public process has clear guidelines on determining what is disclosed in the tendering process. I would expect city staff to follow these guidelines in a timely manner.

3. Highway 97 right-of-way protection

I am not familiar with the status of any recent discussions on the subject of 'transit or other congestion measures', but I am of the opinion that although recent lane-widening measures have led to some improvements, such measures could be viewed as band-aid solutions to an ongoing problem which is only going to get worse in the future. Consequently, I would expect to see a return to detailed discussions on 'transit or other congestion measures' and their long-term effect, rather than merely more widening. I will remind everyone that Hwy #97 is a provincial roadway managed and controlled by the province but of course the City of Kelowna provides inputs and makes requests.

Registered campaign links

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

Financial agent: Ann-Marie Cederholm

← Back to all candidates